Where to Eat on Christmas Day
Your last-minute guide to dining out on Christmas Day
Did the holidays sneak up on you? They did it to us, too. If you're not preparing a scratch meal for Christmas Day (we applaud you), there are plenty of options around Austin for a festive feast. Check out these diverse offerings for Christmas Day brunch, dinner and more.
24 Diner
This downtown hot spot is open all day and all night for holiday diners. In addition to its comfort classics, 24 Diner is serving up a special lamb shank dinner on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The dish of spiced lamb shanks braised in red wine with roasted winter vegetables, topped with herbed breadcrumbs and citrus zest is available for $24.
Chinatown
If you're craving weekday dim sum, you're in luck. Chinatown North and Chinatown Westlake will serve Christmas Day dim sum brunch from 11 am - 2:30 pm. Bonus: Check out the Westlake location for new vegetarian and gluten-free carts.
El Arroyo
Should you find yourself in need of margaritas and queso on Christmas Day (we won't judge), El Arroyo's West Fifth Street location has you covered. Head to "The Ditch" from 2-10 pm to feed your Tex-Mex cravings.
Goodall's Kitchen + Bar
This West Campus spot is serving up two Christmas Day buffets: brunch from 11 am - 3 pm and dinner from 4 pm - 8 pm. Go early for scrambled farm eggs, brioche French toast and sticky buns. At dinner, feast on salt and pepper rubbed prime rib, peasant bread and cippolini onion stuffing, shredded kale salad and more. Each costs $65 per adult, $25 per child.
South Congress' Snack Bar opens bright and early at 9 am on Christmas Day. Menu favorites will be served all day long, and a special holiday dinner featuring Niman Ranch prime rib and herbed organic tofu starts at 2 pm.
Classic Austin eatery Threadgill's is open all day on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Try the turkey and dressing entree for a traditional fix, or embrace your Southern roots with hearty chicken fried steak and cream gravy.
For an elegant dining experience, celebrate Christmas with TRACE's four-course dinner. The menu, available from 11:30 am - 9 pm, includes soup or salad, an appetizer, main course and dessert for $75.
Indulge in a decadent buffet at Trio at the Four Seasons. The menu is on the pricey side ($85 per adult), but the options are sure to satiate. Traditional Christmas fare like prime rib and lamb chop will be served alongside such dishes as lobster ravioli, flash-seared tuna and bacon-wrapped scallops.