If you are not planning on a home-cooked meal on Christmas Eve or Chrstmas Day, consider these moderately-priced national chains which are open and serving.
If there is a tip bucket, tip generously, because the staff is giving up their holiday for you.
Call ahead to confirm that your preferred location is open, and its hours, since some independently-operated franchises may be closed or limit their hours.
Also, look to your neighborhood family-owned restaurants. Many Chinese, Middle Eastern and Indian spots are open on Christmas for lunch and/or dinner.
These national chains are listed alphabetically, because that’s the only fair way:
Boston Market:
Select locations are open for dine-in and take-out.
If you’re bringing food home, you can choose individual Christmas Meals (choice of hand-carved ham, roasted turkey breast or half signature roasted chicken) with two sides, dinner roll and a slice of apple pie for $13.99.
The Market Feast for 3 (ham, turkey or chicken with three large sides, three dinner rolls and a whole apple or pumpkin pie) is $39.99.
Hours are typically 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., but call for specific opening times.
Buca di Beppo:
Open at 11 a.m. for dine-in or to-go
Denny’s:
Christmas is actually the diner chain’s busiest day of the year.
They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner all 24 hours of Christmas Day, with all their usual dishes as well as a turkey and dressing plate for $10.49.
Huddle House:
Often their busiest day of the year. Opens at 6 a.m. on Christmas Day.
IHOP:
Open all day (24-hours restaurants will keep to schedule, hours may vary at other locations).
Call your favorite location for details.
Luby’s:
Most locations open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Christmas Day Special includes your choice of entrée with two sides and bread: Prime Rib for $15.99 or Blackened Chicken Breast with Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp for $13.99. Dessert and drinks are extra.
McDonald’s:
Some participating locations are open. Call ahead to confirm.
Panda Express:
Open Christmas Day. They aren’t doing dine-in, but will be offering take-out and delivery.
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery:
Not all locations will be open on Christmas Day. Call your city’s restaurant location to see if they will be open, and if they have special holiday hours.
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse:
Their 11 locations will be open on Christmas Day. Check the hours here. Reservations necessary and can be made online.
Shari’s:
Open all day for dine-in or take-out. They’ll feature holiday menu items with traditional favorites.
Shoney’s:
Most locations are open December 25. Contact your nearest location to verify.
Starbucks:
Most free-standing locations are open.
Village Inn:
Some locations will be open all day (though hours may vary by location), but check with your local franchise. Be sure to get a slice of Candy Cane pie.
Waffle House:
Open all day.
Also –
Looking for a more formal dining experience? Check OpenTable to search by city. The online restaurant reservations site lists upscale restaurants (the kind that take reservations) open on Christmas Day.
Thanks to the restaurant trade publication Restaurant News and sister site Living on the Cheap for contributing to this research.
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