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Are your Thanksgivings truly happy? Do you travel out to the suburbs to visit once-a-year family members? Has your turkey ever caught fire? Do you enter into a war of words with your opinionated uncle from Nebraska who fought in Vietnam  and used to have a drinking problem? Does your aunt make a health food stuffing made of soy and some sort of low calorie bread that somehow drains all of your mouth’s natural lubricant?

For those of us who don’t want to cook or who simply just want to break some insufferable family traditions, here are three great New York City restaurants that offer a special holiday menu. So give your aunt and uncle a hug and tell your family matriarch or patriarch that you have to get out of the house and relax this Thanksgiving. They will most likely want to join you.

1. Carmine’s

With locations in both the Theatre District and on the Upper West Side, Carmine’s is one of New York City’s most adored eateries, serving family-style patters in a warm and bustling atmosphere. Their plates cascade and abound with fresh vegetables, pasta, antipasta, and a variety fish and meats; they also boast one of the city’s best wine lists.

At Carmine’s, every meal is a celebration done in the spirit of traditional Italian weddings. But for Thanksgiving, Carmine’s is featuring an Americana menu that can be enjoyed either in the restaurant or brought straight to your home. It features an 18 pound roasted turkey with giblet gravy, sausage and sage stuffing, Brussel sprouts with caramelized onions and applewood smoked bacon, sautéed string beans with julienned red pepper and toasted hazelnuts, baby carrots with fresh dill, sweet potatoes topped with marshmallows and maple syrup, mashed potatoes, homemade cranberry sauce, and finally, your choice of a pumpkin, apple or pecan pie. For only $195, this orgiastic feast serves up to 8-10 people.

To make reservations or put in your order, go to http://www.carminesnyc.com/

2. Petite Abeille

Usually known for its diabolical combination of great mussels, robust glasses of Belgian beer and live jazz ensembles, Petite Abeille may not be the most American choice for a Thanksgiving feast, but it’s a special one indeed. With four locations across Manhattan, the Belgian mini-chain has become a staple for its European vibes and quality food at incomparably low prices.

Although you might be tempted to eat their famous moules y frites (mussels and fries) for Thanksgiving, Petite Abeille is also featuring a traditional family-style meal that has all the American fixings done with a Belgian twist. It includes a roast turkey with chestnut and sage stuffing, Belgian Brussels sprouts, sweet potato puree, cornbread and pumpkin pie for dessert. The meal serves a family of four for only $80, which might be one of the best deals you’ll find in the city this holiday.

For more information, please see http://www.petiteabeille.com/

3. Cara Bella

For those of us who don’t want to spend our Thanksgiving meal in the busy Manhattan borough, I recommend venturing to Astoria for a holiday feast Cara Bella style. This new Italian-style restaurant offers generous portions piled with fresh ingredients that go great with a bottle of red. For authentic Italian cuisine, Cara Bella is your home away from the homeland.

Featuring a five course dining experience, the Cara Bella Thanksgiving special includes pumpkin soup, orange salad in a citrus dressing, penne pomodoro or a cheese ravioli, turkey with sweet potatoes and broccoli, and napoleon or bread pudding for dessert. All of this for only $45 a person and $15 for children under twelve – the perfect deal for families with hungry children or people who simply want an excuse to eat great pasta for their Thanksgiving holiday.

For reservations, please call 718 956-1101 or visit www.carabellarestaurant.com