Because we sometimes need a reasonable excuse to wear sunglasses while we eat.

● Bistro Campagne (Lincoln Square) - Allow the gated side patio -- with its fountain, trees, and lush flowers -- to transport you to France in this predominantly German neighborhood.
● ZED 451 (River North) - Share apps as you mingle across this rooftop deck's various lounge areas -- from the bar and swank lounge furniture to the honest-to-God patch of grass -- and gaze up at the shimmering condo towers of River North if you need a break from your chatty crew.
● Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! (Lincoln Park) - The back patio is not only a reprieve from the claustrophobic effect brought on by the constant crowd, but the stunning artwork and flowers make the small plates somehow bigger.

So you (or Mom) don't have to clean up the mess ...

1. Sixteen (River North) - Give thanks Trump-style by noshing on organic farm-raised maple roasted turkey, Yukon gold mashed potatoes, and, of course, the raw bar.
2. NoMI (North Side) - The Thanksgiving brunch buffet runs into the dinner hours of 7 p.m., but forget all that and focus on the roasted duck, traditional sides, and carved turkey just like Ma aspires to make.
3. The Goddess and Grocer (Bucktown/Wicker Park) - Place a catering order before the 24th to get your butternut squash ravioli, pumpkin risotto cakes with sage cream and balsamic syrup, and festive Thanksgiving cookies.