Whether it be the hour long TSA lines (only stressing how important it is to fly private), the crazy mother-in-law or terrible work schedule, sometimes we all can’t make it home for Thanksgiving.  It’s a bit last minute but now you can’t brine the turkey the night before or order the Alba truffles from Dean & Deluca.  Despite the procrastination or an unfortunate turn of events which leaves you stranded, do not relegate yourself to getting some kind of mystery meat delivery or subjecting your family to Chinese food take out.

After hearing many “we’re fully committeds” from the traditional places like Big 4, Haute living San Francisco has found that these following top notch places are serving their Thanksgiving menus at their bar/lounge areas where a reservation is not required or still available.

Luce
888 Howard Street
(415)616-6656

Located inside the InterContinental Hotel,  Luce is offering their Thanksgiving three course menu to patrons of the adjacent Bar 888, which requires no reservations.   The $65 three course meal includes starters like a veloute of squash with lobster knuckles and truffles or seared foie gras, and the entrees include a turkey boudin blanc or rack of lamb with glazed baby turnips and carrots and finish off with a refined but festive dessert such as caramelized squash with gingerbread.

Michael Mina
252 California Street
(415) 397-9222

Hosting a $125 four course prix fix Thanksgiving dinner where diners have the option to chose from delights like foie gras and ham hock terrine and the traditional heritage roast turkey with cranberries and chestnut puree, it’s no surprise Michael Mina quickly became fully committed.  However, thankfully, they are offering their Thanksgiving menu to patrons of the bar and lounge area where no reservations are required.  Hopefully you and your loved ones can come by early, grab a seat and par-take in some last minute Thanksgiving fine dining.

Auberge du Soleil
180 Rutherford Hill, Rutherford California
1-800-348-5406

If you’re willing to risk it, the Auberge will be serving it’s Thanksgiving menu to its bar patrons as well.  Its bar is no reservations required but extremely small, about 5 bar stools and 3-4 tables for 2 people.   Perhaps it’s worth taking that risk because the four courses include items like crispy duck confit salad, fairy tale pumpkin soup, Willie Free-pasture Turkey with Quince stuffing and a sweet potato parfait.

The Fairmount – Laurel Court Restaurant
50 Mason Street
(415) 772-5260

With some availability left for earlier in the evening (think 6-6:45), enjoy an excellent and traditional Thanksgiving dining experience at one of the most historic hotels in San Francisco.   They are offering a four course dinner complete with juicy turkey breast and all the trimmings.