The mere mention of Thanksgiving can make even the most seasoned (excuse the pun) chef cringe. The thought of awaking in the wee hours of the morn to prep the bird (assuming you’re planning a mid-afternoon meal) and spending the remainder of the day rotating dishes in and out of the oven can, indeed, be just as overwhelming as it is exciting.

In my house, even our 13-year-old serious carnivore will tell you that he would forego this annual feast all for one reason: He absolutely CANNOT STAND being rudely awoken by the smell of boiling giblets (courtesy of a family stuffing recipe that calls for the innards to be finely chopped).

Indeed, turkey day as is it often called, can be taxing on all involved. That, along with a desire for spending more quality time together during this appreciation-filled day, have led some of the Twin Cities’ best restaurants to remain open with prix fixe, multiple-course menus that are sure to tempt the most discerning of taste buds from foodie adults to youngsters alike.

But you’ll have to hurry. Reservations are filling up quickly. Here are some of our faves.

St. Paul Grill, St. Paul. Three-course prix fixe meal plus children’s menu available. 11am-7pm; Thanksgiving Day Buffet Brunch also served from 9am-3pm, $30.95.

Forepaugh’s, St. Paul. Traditional four course Thanksgiving feast. Adults $49.95, children under 12, $19.99.

Pazzaluna, St. Paul. Prix fixe Thanksgiving menu from 11am-1pm and 3pm-5pm with traditional and Italian favorites.

The Capital Grille, Minneapolis. $38 for adults, $15 for children. Traditional Thanksgiving fare ratcheted up a notch with near-famous Sam’s mashed potatoes to share. 11am-9pm.

Nicollet Island Inn, Minneapolis. Four-course feast, $75/guest that includes a To Go Box with a leftover, you guessed it, turkey sandwich. Free valet.

Normandy Kitchen & Bar, Minneapolis. Traditional family style dinner, $29.50 adults, children 11 and under $14. 11am-5pm.

Cosmos Restaurant, Minneapolis. Thanksgiving Three-Course Menu, $55 per adult; children up to age 12, $2 per year of their age excluding beverage, tax, and gratuity; Traditional family style Thanksgiving menu, $60 per adult; Children up to age 12: $2 per year of their age, Excludes beverage, tax, & gratuity.

Jax Cafe, Minneapolis. Traditional Thanksgiving diner. Adults $40.95; chidren 12 and under, $18.

Marin Bar & Retaurant, Minneapolis. Three-course dinner with complimentary glass of wine $45.

Kincaid’s, St. Paul & Bloomington. Traditional Turkey Dinner with all the Trimmings. $29 in addition to limited regular menus.

Wildfire, Eden Prairie. Family-style, four-course menu. Adults $44.95, children under 12, $19.99.