For many people, Thanksgiving is a time to gather around the dining room table, joined by family and friends, to reflect on what we are most thankful for each year.

But there are also many who would rather go out to eat with loved ones at a local restaurant. Those who wish to take the latter route have several options in and around the Essex-Middle River area.

Here are a few of those options. In each case, reservations are recommended:

1. The Williamsburg Inn

Address: 11131 Pulaski Highway, White Marsh

Deal: The restaurant will offer a selected Thanksgiving menu that will include such main entrée items like turkey, prime rib and roast pork loin along with sides like mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce.

Hours: Noon to 8 p.m.

Price: Starting at $17.95.

2. Long Beach Restaurant and Tavern

Address: 818 Bowleys Quarters Road, Middle River

Deal: There will be a buffet that will offer, among other items, sliced turkey and ham at a carving station, polish sausage, corn, mashed potatoes and green beans.

Hours: 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Price: $21.95 for adults; $10.95 for children 10-and-under

3. River Watch Restaurant & Marina

Address: 207 Nanticoke Road, Essex

Deal: The restaurant will offer a special holiday menu that will include traditional turkey and ham meals, along with several seafood entrees such as stuffed rockfish. A choice of two sides, soup or appetizer and dessert is included in the meals.

Hours: 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Price: $15-$27

4. Jad’s CaddyShack

Address: 137 Back River Neck Road, Essex

Deal: Get all of the traditional holiday trimmings at this buffet. Among the items being served will be ham, roast pork, prime rib and turkey.

Hours: Noon to 8 p.m.

Price: $19.99

5. Hazelwood Inn

 Address: 4937 Hazelwood Ave., Golden Ring

Deal: Several holiday meal options are available, including roast turkey and roast ham with all of the traditional side dishes.

Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Price: Starting at $13.95