To cook or not to cook? That is the Thanksgiving question.

Some of us are gluttons for the opportunity to prepare a glorious meal. Some families or friend groups have this pot-luck thing down.

But for those who can’t or won’t—for whatever reason—here are some restaurants and caterers in the southern half of Alabama that sell Thanksgiving takeout. (We also list options for the Birmingham area and the northern half of the state.)

Don’t delay ordering. Deadlines are as early as Thursday, November 18, and most establishments end orders the following weekend. Even if you don’t see a specific deadline, waiting any later than Monday, November 22, is risky.

For the most part, you’ll pick up the food at least a day in advance. On Thanksgiving, figure at least of couple hours of lead time to finish these heat-and-eat dishes.

From gourmet grottos to down-home chains, these places will do all the cooking you need, whether you’re feeding just the household or hosting a crowd. 

   

Bow and Arrow (Auburn)

Meat options at this Texas-style barbecue restaurant owned and operated by David Bancroft, three-time semi-finalist for a James Beard Award for Best Chef South, are smoked whole turkey ($70) and bone-on Boston butt with red sauce ($40). Side choices are a sheet-pan sized hash brown casserole ($40), macaroni and cheese ($30), and green bean casserole ($25). Whole pecan pies are $30. Order online and specify a pickup date. The takeout window is from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Monday, November 22; Tuesday, November 23; or Wednesday, November 24.

The Hound (Auburn)

The Thanksgiving package ($225), which feeds 4-6, includes an herb-roasted or smoked heritage turkey, giblet gravy, cornbread dressing with black pepper and sage sausage, sweet potato casserole with toasted marshmallows and candied pecans, lemon-thyme butter fingerling potatoes with roasted garlic and parmesan, Brussels sprouts cooked in ham fat with bacon lardons and roasted onion caramel, fancy green bean casserole, cracklin’ cornbread or biscuits, and choice of dessert. Individual items also are available a la carte. Order online. Pick up Thanksgiving Day from 10 a.m. until noon.

Cracker Barrel  (multiple locations)

Get that quintessential Cracker Barrel down-home cooking with packages that include roasted turkey breast, cornbread dressing, gravy, cranberry relish, sweet potato casserole with pecans, and yeast rolls. Family-size ($89.99) serves 4-6. Feast size ($139.99) serves 8-10, and includes pumpkin and pecan pies. All items also are available individually. Peg board game and CB signature rocking chair are sold separately. Order online. It’s available for pickup at the designated store from November 20-27, but the chain advises serving the food within 72 hours of pickup.

Gourmet Handmade Fine Foods (Dothan)

Sliced roasted turkey or baked ham is $16 for 3-4-serving containers, $60 for servings on platters that feed 7-10. Whole spiral-sliced ham (for 10-15 people) also is $60. Sides ($18 for medium, $32 for large) include dressing made with egg bread, sautéed organic green beans, and casseroles (squash, sweet potato, and broccoli with rice). Other essentials include gravy, cranberry-orange compote, strawberry-spinach salad, roasted red pepper soup, rolls, and candied rosemary pecans. Desserts are 17-layer chocolate cake ($50), pumpkin pie ($16), pecan pie ($18), and pecan pie cheesecake ($40). Order by phone, 334-479-0367, or by email, orderfromgourmet@gmail.com, by Friday, November 19. Pickup is Wednesday, November 24, from 11 a.m.–6 p.m. 

Martha’s Place Buffet and Catering (Montgomery)

Whole roasted turkeys (12-16 pounds) and baked hams (10-12 pounds) are $75 each. Sliced turkey also is available by the pound ($8.99), baked or fried chicken by the piece ($1.75), or roast beef by the half or whole pan ($60/$120). A variety of Southern-style sides, dressing and rice are sold by the quart ($25), half pan ($40), or whole pan ($75-$80). Salads, breads, and gravy round out the main meal. Ten dessert options include pies and cakes (9-inch and 12-inch). Cobblers and banana pudding are sold by the quart, half pan, or full pan. Order online by Thursday, November 18; advance payment is required. Martha’s will be open for pickup only on Tuesday, November 23 (10 a.m.–3 p.m.), and Wednesday, November 24 (10 a.m.-noon).

Moe’s Original BBQ (multiple locations)

Smoked meat choices include whole turkey (12-14 pounds) and spiral sliced ham (9 pounds), both $59.99. Sides like cornbread dressing, sweet potato casserole, and corn pudding, enough for up to 12 people, are $22 each. Order by phone at the store where you want to pick it up. Ordering deadline is Saturday, November 20. Pick up is Wednesday, November 24 until 4 p.m.

Orange Beach Concierge (Orange Beach)

The brined and roasted whole turkey and whole roasted tenderloin (each is market priced) at this upscale food-service company each serve 10-12. Sides—quarter pan serves 4-6 and half pans feed 10-12—are $24 and $42 for roasted garlic whipped potatoes, roasted sweet potato smash with brown sugar and candied pecans, olive-oil roasted Brussels sprouts, and herb dressing. Quarts of turkey gravy and cranberry relish are $25 each. Pie choices ($28 each) are pumpkin and French silk. Order by phone 251-228-6729 by noon on Friday, November 19. Credit card deposit is required. Pickup is at The Pantry at The Wharf.