Although most of us associate Thanksgiving with home-cooked meals, a significant number of Americans choose to celebrate over a meal cooked by a professional. I can see the appeal.

At a restaurant, you can usually get all of your favorite Thanksgiving foods, but you don't need to clean out your fridge to make room for a turkey or do 10 times your normal amount of dishes when you'd rather just collapse on the couch.

In fact, dining out on Thanksgiving in Pittsburgh is so popular that demand seems to outstrip supply. Managers at the following restaurants told me that in past years, they've been fully booked well before the holiday and have to turn down many people hoping to find a place at the last minute.

If you want to eat out for Thanksgiving, make a reservation as soon as possible. Most restaurants will require a credit card number to confirm your reservation. This is standard for holidays, as most of these restaurants require reservations and consequently need to strongly discourage no-shows.

Due to the high demand, here are a few tips from a previous column that you'll want to keep in mind.

• Eat earlier in the day -- it's like flying around the holidays: the earlier the reservation, the less likely it is that things will back up.

• Mentally (and physically) prepare. If you have young children with you, take portable activities to keep them busy while waiting. If someone in your party has difficulty standing for long periods and you cannot easily secure a seat for him or her, immediately demand to see a manager. A restaurant has no excuse for being unable to provide a chair for someone who needs to sit down.

• Finally, be as patient and polite as possible. Most of the staff with whom you have contact in a restaurant are not responsible for setting policy. They are likely to be as frustrated as you are, and ultimately their day is going to be much harder than any customer's.

The Hyeholde

The Hyeholde restaurant, which was recognized as one of 21 legendary American restaurants in the October issue of Gourmet Magazine, will be preparing its traditional Thanksgiving buffet including turkey, prime rib, smoked salmon, dozens of side dishes and an endless parade of desserts, including classics such as pumpkin pie and more creative offerings such as maple-pecan roulade and calvados cheesecake. The restaurant will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The meal is free for children four and under, $18.50 for children 5 to 12 and $37 for guests older than 12. Reservations are required.

Moon, 412-264-3116, www.hyeholde.com.

Grand Concourse

This classic Pittsburgh restaurant certainly offers a grander setting for a Thanksgiving dinner than the average dining room. The buffet dinner at the Grand Concourse also focuses on traditional Thanksgiving offerings, and a special wine list presents bottles selected to pair well with the buffet. Reservations are not required but are strongly recommended, and the restaurant is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Meals are free for children under 4; $12.99 for children 4 to 12; and $28.99 for those older than 12.

Station Square, 412-261-1717, www.muer.com.

The Olive Press at the Hyatt Regency, Pittsburgh International Airport

Although most people probably don't think about eating at the airport, those with guests flying in or out on Thanksgiving Day may find this restaurant remarkably convenient. Seatings are available between 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., and the buffet features a carving station with prime rib and turkey; seafood offerings such as peel-and-eat shrimp and crab legs; and the wide array of desserts includes a chocolate fountain with sliced fresh fruit. The meal is free for children 5 and under; $16.95 for children 6 to 12, and $34.95 for those older than 12. Reservations are required. The restaurant will have regular dinner service from 7 to 10:30 p.m.

Pittsburgh International Airport, Findlay, 724-899-6050, www.pittsburghairport.hyatt.com.

Le Pommier

This lovely French bistro is open every year for Thanksgiving, and every year it's thrilled by the enthusiastic response of guests. Seatings are available between 3:30 and 8 p.m., with a gently imposed two-hour limit, in order to make sure that all guests can be promptly seated. The four-course menu is $55, and a special children's menu is $25 per child. View the full four-course menu on the Web.

South Side, 412-431-1901, lepommier.blog.com.

UUBU6

Although the menu is still in the planning stages, prospective diners can expect to see traditional Thanksgiving offerings as well as selections from the regular a la carte menu. The cost is $29.99 per person (for prices for younger children, call), and reservations are required.

South Side, 412-381-7695, www.uubu6.com

McCormick & Schmick's

Seafood lovers may want to check out the offerings at this popular restaurant, which will offer its regular menu alongside a special Thanksgiving menu. The Downtown location will be open from noon to 8 p.m., and the South Side location will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Reservations are strongly recommended.

Downtown, 412-201-6992; South Side, 412-432-3260; www.mccormickandschmicks.com.

Alfano's at the Quail

Chef Mark Alfano will be fresh from a five-week stage (internship) at the French Laundry in Yountville when he prepares this year's Thanksgiving dinner. The restaurant will be open from 12:30 to 6 p.m., and reservations are required. The cost is $27.95 for adults and $10 for children 10 years of age and younger. The traditional menu of Thanksgiving favorites will be served family style at each table. Alfano's at the Quail is able to accommodate large parties and will also take advance to-go orders.

Washington, Pa.; 724-229-2777, www.alfanosatthequail.com.

Marriott City Center Steelhead Brasserie

Chef Brian Pekarcik is still ironing out the details of this year's Thanksgiving menu, but it will include a turkey dinner as well as a limited selection of regular entrees. The restaurant is taking reservations on the half hour between noon and 4 p.m., and reservations are strongly recommended.

Downtown, 412-394-3474, www.thesteelhead.com.

Opus, Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel

Opus is a wonderful choice for people who enjoy divvying up the turkey on Thanksgiving, because each group receives its own turkey, carved tableside. The restaurant will be open from noon to 6 p.m. The meal is free for children 3 and under, $20 for children 4 to 12 and $49 for those older than 12. Reservations are required.

Downtown, 412-992-2005, www.dineatopus.com.

Omni William Penn Terrace Room

This opulent hotel is a lovely setting for a special meal, and each table can enjoy its own turkey. The meal is $45; free for children 6 and under; $22.50 for children 12 and under.

Downtown, 412-281-7100, www.omnihotels.com.

Some people seek out nontraditional food on Thanksgiving, either because other restaurants are full or because they simply prefer to celebrate the holiday with something other than turkey. But while Asian restaurants may have a reputation for being open on Thanksgiving, most in Pittsburgh are closed. Orient Kitchen in Shadyside will be open from noon through 10 p.m. (412-683-3300).