Thanksgiving out, (still) under $35 a head

Last year, our annual list of turkey-day dinners for the kitchen-averse started on a solemn note: The price of dinner with all the trimmings was up a whopping $10 from the year before. So this year, we were flat-out scared when we set out to check the lay of the Thanksgiving prix-fixe land. But we needn’t have feared, because it turns out, here in 2011, $35 (and less) is still alive and well. Now, while you could get stuck on what this says about the economy and all, we’d rather not. Instead… we’ll just go and eat like it’s 2010. Here’s this year’s Thanksgiving prix-fixe list. If we missed a place, let us know.

All prices are per person, all spots offer turkey, stuffing & the fixings unless otherwise noted.

Manhattan Three Decker Diner, 695 Manhattan Ave. at Norman Ave., Greenpoint, 718-389-6565
Cost: $17.95
This year’s winner for cheapest meal (a diner, naturally) includes roast turkey, stuffing, sweet potato, cup of soup, salad, dessert and a drink (coffee, soda or wine).

Vegas Diner, 1619 86th St. between 16th Ave. and Bay 13th St., Bath Beach/Dyker Heights, 718-331-2221
Cost: $20.95
This place is huge with some fantastic diner decor. It won’t give you a cozy, homey feel, but it will provide all the old-school classics.

Mill Basin Deli, 5823 Avenue T at E. 59th St., Mill Basin, 718-241-4910
Cost: $24.95
This Kosher place offers four courses with great options like split pea soup, apple strudel and, of course, turkey (with stuffing, candied yams and veggie). There’s also unlimited coleslaw.

Buckley’s Tavern, 2926 Avenue S at Nostrand Ave., Sheepshead Bay, 718-998-4222
Cost: $26.95
A 40-year-old family-run catering hall/restaurant/bar, Buckley’s offers the whole standard deal, including tea or coffee.

Okeanos, 314 Seventh Ave. at 8th St., Park Slope, 347-725-4162
Cost: $29.99
For a Hellenic-Mediterranean Thanksgiving in Park Slope, Okeanos is probably it. Your four courses here start with watercress radicchio salad and finish off with apple pudding in cardamom caramel syrup.

Picket Fence, 1310 Cortelyou Rd. at Argyle Rd., Ditmas Park, 718-282-6661
Cost: $30
Picket’s one of the senior members of the new Cortelyou Rd guard. Three courses here, with a solid dose of homey.

Pane & Vino, 174 Smith St. between Wyckoff and Warren Sts., Cobble Hill, 718-501-1010
Cost: $35
Again, the standard fare, but with some nice touches like split-pea and asparagus soup, plus a free glass of Prosecco.

The Green House, 7717 Third Ave. between 77th and 78th Sts., Bay Ridge, 718-833-8200
Cost: $35
If you’re south-bound in Brooklyn, see here for Maryland Turkey with sausage-bagel stuffing, duckling in a blood orange cognac glaze, broiled salmon and steak, and appetizer and desserts.

Fornino, 256 Fifth Ave. between Carroll St. and Garfield Pl., Park Slope, 718-399-8600
Cost: $35
The original in Williamsburg is taking the day off, but the Slope spot is open for business with three courses, mixing Italian apps and the day’s standard mains.

Marco Polo, 345 Court St. at Union St., Carroll Gardens, 718-852-5015
Cost: $36.95 (ok, almost $35)
You can opt for the traditional States-side Thanksgiving meal in three courses, or go for old-world choices like Tilapia Oreganata, Suprema di Pollo al Grand Marnier or Bistecca Grigliata.

FOR THE HOMEBODIES

Foodswings, 295 Grand St. between Havemeyer and Roebling Sts., Williamsburg, 718-388-1919
Cost: $15 ($60, feeding four people)
Foodswings is the only vegetarian option in our list, but it won’t be open on Thanksgiving. They are, however, selling meat-free Thanksgiving meals for pick-up the night before. So if you and your veggie friends want to chow down on chick’n style seitan, mashed potatoes, biscuits and lots of vegetable sides, order now and have that party at home.

Luscious Food, 59 Fifth Ave. between Bergen St. and St. Mark’s Ave, Park Slope, 718-398-5800
Cost: $19 ($38 for two people)
Luscious’s bread & butter is delivering “homemade” food, so that should work for turkey day. Dinner for two includes the main stuff, two sides and a “sweet treat.” And there are plenty of cost-effective options for the larger crowds too. ORDER DEADLINE: Sunday, Nov. 20, 6 p.m.

Seersucker, 329 Smith St. between President and Carroll Sts., Carroll Gardens, 718-422-0444
Cost: $30
Southern comfort food’s the inspiration here, and that’s reflected in the Thanksgiving dinner to go. But the deadline’s TODAY (Nov. 16), so… choose your three sides now.

And once you’ve feasted on the fruits of someone else’s labor, you could pass on the Thanksgiving spirit. Nonprofits like FoodBank NYC and CAMBA always need food for their pantries, and Brokelyn has a list of other volunteer opportunities and ways to donate.

Some descriptions courtesy of the last two years of Thanksgiving prix-fixe lists.

Follow Jonathan: @jbberk.