Thanksgiving is right around the corner and you know what that means… too much turkey and cranberry sauce shoved in your face and wine poured down your gullet while you attempt to avoid being asked the inevitable probing questions like when you’re going to get hitched, have a family, go back to school, trim that beard, lose weight, gain weight, or if you think you can fix Great Aunt Margaret’s PC from circa 1995.

Or maybe, you just can’t get home for Thanksgiving to express the necessary gratitude for not having family members that would interrogate you, but you want to enjoy the holiday anyway. Either way…

Most bars around town often open around 5 or so, after their staff has had time to enjoy the holiday, but here are a few places where you can show your thanks that you can get your drink on nearly all day on Thanksgiving.

Waterfront Kitchen: Pop into this swanky hotspot on the edge of Fells Point for one of the best waterfront views in Baltimore. They have a small bar where you can enjoy some cocktails, beer or a fine wine selection, or go whole hog (or turkey?) and partake in the three course prix-fixe menu from 2-7 PM for $64, or $89 with wine pairings. (1417 Thames St.; 410-864-0215)

Blue Hill Tavern: This classy spot in Brewer’s Hill (or the edge of Canton, arguably) has an expansive downstairs bar and a smaller upstairs one as well. Reservations are recommended if you want to join in their three course prix-fixe meal for $39.99. Have a kiddie with you? Children’s menus are available. Seatings for dinner are at noon, 2:30, and 5. (938 S Conkling St.; 443-388-9363)

Capital Grille: Throw tradition out the window and show your thanks with some dirty martinis and a perfectly cooked steak. Or, you know, enjoy a fancy Thanksgiving dinner with turkey, stuffing, green beans and chutney all elevated in Cap Grille style, paired with one of their many fine wine selections between noon and 9 PM. Either way, this is a classy way to do Thanksgiving, hons. (500 E Pratt; 443-703-4064)

Regi’s American Bistro: With cocktails like the Pumpkin Patch Tini (Stoli Vanil, pumpkin liqueur and Rumchata with a graham cracker rim) and Cranberry Bog (Cranberry infused Breckenridge Vodka, splash of club soda, and lime) why wouldn’t you head to Regi’s to get drinkity drunk with gratitude on Thanksgiving? We’re a little partial to the cleverly named “Fig-ehht-about It” with fig infused Breckenridge vodka, St. Germain liqueur and fresh brewed tea, because? That name. And we also feel classy drinking a tea cocktail. But fill up on the food too, with turkey, lamb and ham on the menu as well as seasonal soups, apps, and sides. Start early and stay late: they open at 10 AM. (1002 Light St.; 410-539-7344)

Mt. Washington Tavern: Who needs oyster stuffing? Get to Mt. Washington Tavern on Thanksgiving and throw back some oyster shooters instead. With an extensive selection of beer and a hearty collection of wine, with no shortage of quality liquor, this is the place to hunker down and watch some Turkey Day football in the bar. Hungry? Dine on the regular menu or their special holiday options from noon to 2 AM. (5700 Newbury St.; 410-367-6903)

Wit and Wisdom: You don’t have to be an out of town visitor to scoot into the Four Seasons and enjoy Thanksgiving at Wit and Wisdom’s bar, or grab a table (though you may want a reservation for the latter). Some of the best craft cocktails come from the esteemed bartenders here, and the three course prix-fixe menu ($35, children; $74, adult) from locally celebrated chef, Zack Mills, can be paired with wine for an additional $35. (200 International Dr.; 410-576-5800)

Victoria Gastro Pub: In the suburbs and feeling like getting out for the holiday? One of the top gastro pubs in the region sounds like a fine place to raise a glass to the holiday. Go standard and get some turkey or even duck breast. Or throw tradition to the wind and grab a burger, or better yet, the extraordinarily hard to find poutine. This is a holiday menu to be grateful for, friends. We’re pretty sure poutine and seriously good draft beer beat out Aunt Esther’s jello mold and Uncle Billy’s questionable moonshine. Or you can split your holiday and have both, because Victoria’s is open from 11 AM until 10 PM for Thanksgiving fun. Thanksgiving poutine beer brunch, anyone? (8201 Snowden River Pkwy.; 410-750-1880)

Photo via Flickr