The only thing harder than finding someone who was born and raised in Austin is finding a good restaurant that’s open past midnight on the weekends, or at all on major holidays.
Over Christmas, Austin can feel like a ghost town. If you find yourself in search of sustenance on Dec. 25, then here’s a list of Austin restaurants open Christmas day. Eat, drink, and be merry!
1/ 24 Diner
If you live in Austin and haven’t tried 24 Diner’s chicken and waffles, then what better time than Christmas Day? Perfect for late night munchies, this local favorite will challenge your take on the word “diner.”
The regular menu boasts an exciting collection of comfort food ranging from country ham and Swiss frittatas, to classic cheddar burgers, to chicken and dumplings. The eatery offers a host of gluten-free options, as well.
Regular menu
Open 24 hours
600 N. Lamar Blvd.
Website
2/ Cannon + Belle
You’re cordially invited to Christmas Buffet at Cannon + Belle. On the menu? Soups, starters, breakfast treats, a carving station, and buffet entrees. And no Christmas buffet is complete without dessert, so stop by to enjoy one–or two–along with your meal!
Adults $64/children 6-12 $26/5 and under free
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
500 E. 4th St.
Website
3/ Caroline Restaurant
Maybe it’ll be too cold to head to Upstairs at Caroline’s to enjoy the quaint patio, but you’ll want to mosey over to the neighborhood restaurant downstairs for a true Texas-styled meal. The kitchen will be serving fried Brussels and braised brisket from the special Christmas menu. White chocolate cranberry bread pudding will also be there to finish off your meal with a bang.
11 a.m. to 12 a.m. (or until sold out)
621 Congress Ave. Suites 101 and 201
Website
4/ Chinatown
You can’t go wrong with Chinese food on Christmas, especially at Chinatown. This revered Austin restaurant will be open for the upcoming holiday, the perfect time to take advantage of an appetizing and well-constructed menu.
11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 3407 Greystone Dr. (North)
11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. at 2712 Bee Cave Road, Suite 124 (Westlake)
Website
5/ Ciclo
Ciclo is hosting a Christmas buffet unlike any other in the restaurant and Four Season’s Ballroom. Guests can enjoy holiday dishes with a Latin flare. On the menu: candied orange and pistachio-crusted lamb, Boursin mashed potatoes, Earl Grey pork tenderloin, and chocolate-dipped peppermint cheesecake.
$95 for adults/$45 for children ages 6-11
Seating in Ciclo: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Seating in the ballroom: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Reservations: 512-685-8300
98 San Jacinto Blvd.
Website
➡️ Keep reading: Ciclo Restaurant Dances With Latin Flavor Downtown
6/ Crown & Anchor Pub
A campus favorite, the award-winning Crown & Anchor Pub has been a local hotspot since opening in 1987. The relaxed and friendly feel comes courtesy of pool tables, dartboards, and a diverse selection of beer and wine.
The $5 basket of burger and fries is the best deal you’re going to find around, so do yourself a favor and get there fast.
11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
2911 San Jacinto Blvd.
Website
➡️ Keep reading: Search for the Best Burger Joint in Austin: Crown and Anchor Pub
7/ Estancia Churrascaria
Estancia Churrascaria steakhouse, located at The Arboretum, flawlessly incorporates the flavors of Southern Brazil into a fine dining experience. Chefs slice meat directly onto restaurant-goers’ plates, and every dish comes complete with refreshing golden fried bananas. A unique meal, to say the least!
Open 10:45 a.m. to 9 p.m.
10000 Research Blvd., Suite B
Website
8/ Geraldine’s
This restaurant and rooftop bar is well-worth finding parking and taking the elevator to the fourth floor of Hotel Van Zandt. Hopefully, you’ll feel the same if you choose to dine at Geraldine’s on Christmas Day!
While the menu boasts contemporary fare like crab toast and crispy pork ribs, the masa pancakes are an all-time favorite! This year, Jazz Brunch is 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. with music from Sarah Arenella from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dinner will be served from 5 to 10 p.m. Beloved local trumpeter Jeff Lofton will play 9 to 10:30 p.m.
605 Davis St.
8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Website
➡️ Keep reading: Austin’s Top Chefs: Stephen Bonin of Geraldine’s
9/ Miracle on 5th Street
For those looking to have a non-traditional Christmas, jingle all the way to Miracle on 5th Street at The Eleanor. This West Fifth Street bar will have its regular food and drink menu available. When it comes to the latter, you can choose between 13 cocktails and three shots, plus a selection of beer and wine.
With your drinks, you can order comfort food items like a grilled cheese sandwich, tomato bisque soup, and snickerdoodle cookies.
12 p.m. to 2 a.m.
307 W. 5th St.
Website
Second Bar + Kitchen Domain Northside
Second Bar + Kitchen’s north location at Domain Northside will be open on Christmas Day this year! The buffet special will put you in the holiday spirit with starters like jalapeño corn fritters with maple cream cheese and strawberry-rhubarb muffins.
Continue to the main course with black pepper and chive potato cakes, and smoke ham and cheddar mac and cheese. The carving station will hold espresso crusted rib roast. Don’t miss the grilled vegetable and hummus display, smoked salmon display, and an overwhelming assortment of holiday cookies, bars, bites, and confections!
11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
$65 for adults/$37 for children ages 6-12/free for 5 and under
Reservations: 737-300-4800
3121 Palm Way #101
Menu
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
From The Austinot family, Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you and yours!
@theAustinot wants to know:
Do you know of any other Austin restaurants open on Christmas Day? Leave a comment with their names, for those who are planning a holiday meal out.
The original version of this article was published Dec. 6, 2018.
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