Thanksgiving Chill Zones

I stupidly took my life in my hands last Sunday night when I made the mistake of going to the grocery store. Lost in some kind of holiday denying bubble, I was caught unawares by the cart pushing frenzy happening inside. Suddenly hunting and gathering felt dangerous again- like cave man times. Food was flying off the shelves. It was fight or flight, people! We who cringe during holiday mania need escape hatches. Thinking not too far outside the box of home and hearth,  below are places that feel like a comfortable little house party without the labor intensive in-laws rearranging your cupboards in alphabetical order. All are open on or around Thanksgiving day.

Our first little hideaway is the Galaxy Hut on Wilson Blvd. where you'll find 28 taps of craft beer crammed behind the bar.  Most of the brews are local products with names like "Atlas Silent Neighbor Stout" and "Monocacy Riot Rye." All are potently delicious and not one contains the words "light" or "bud." All ages (over 21) hang out here, and there is the comfort of tater tots or a grilled cheese if you need sustenance with your beverage. (The Hut is traditionally open by 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving night, but could not get confirmation by press time. )

Also in Virginia,  JV's Restaurant is like a big ole living room with a festively lit dance floor, and, thanks to the dedication of the tireless proprietor, Lorraine Campbell, there's live music EVERY DAY of the year.  Every day. Talk about labor intensive. Thank you, Lorraine!

This Wednesday look for Jimi Smooth and the Hit Time bringing a funked up soul vibe to Thanksgiving eve. (Wouldn't it be fun to play holiday hooky with these cats ?)

And don't worry about cooking because  turkey dinners are being served both Wednesday and Thursday with ax master Dave Chappell ably at the helm on Thanksgiving night.

Finally there's Hank Dietle's Tavern on Rockville Pike. Think man cave. There's nothing on the menu except for wine and plenty of cold beer in the fridge, featuring the usual domestic types along the lines of PBR and the lone Dogfish product. The biggest table here is for playing pool, but if there's a band playing, it's shoved aside so everyone can dance. Charlie Owen and Pocket Change play this Saturday, but Hank's will be open Thanksgiving day.

Check DC ROCKS' calendar for musical options through out the weekend and hope you have a  peaceful and wondrous holiday.