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 during the holidays. Over Christmas, Austin becomes much like a ghost town. If you find yourself in search of sustenance on Dec. 25, here’s a list of places where you can eat, drink, and be merry.
1/ 24 Diner
If you live in Austin and haven’t tried 24 Diner’s chicken and waffles, now is your chance! Perfect for late night munchies, this local favorite will challenge your take on the word “diner.” Their menu boasts an exciting collection of comfort food ranging from country ham and swiss frittatas, to classic cheddar burgers, to chicken and dumplings. Plus they offer a host of gluten free options as well.
Regular menu
Open 24 hours
600 N. Lamar Blvd.
Website
2/ Cannon + Belle
You are cordially invited to savor Christmas dinner at Cannon + Belle. Guests can choose a three- or four-course meal with southern flair. Think chicken and dumplings, masa biscuits with pumpkin butter and pineapple jam, rib eye husk smoked with collard greens and mac and cheese, and a whole lot more. No Christmas dinner is complete without seasonal cocktails, so stop by to enjoy one—or two!
Three courses $59 per person, four courses $67 per person
2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
500 E. 4th St.
Website
3/ Chinatown
Chinatown’s Westlake location (Credit: Chinatown)
You can’t go wrong with Chinese food on Christmas, especially not at Chinatown. This revered Austin restaurant will be open this holiday, the perfect time to take advantage of the appetizing and well constructed menu.
11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. at 107 W. 5th St. (Downtown)
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
4/ Crown & Anchor Pub
Laid-back entertainment options at Crown & Anchor Pub (Credit: Eric Highland)
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 the pool tables, dartboards, and 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”
5/ The Driskill Hotel
The Driskill Hotel Christmas tree (Credit: Jim Nix/Nomadic Pursuits)
Austin’s Driskill Hotel (one of the oldest hotels in Texas) is known for more than its friendly ghosts. This gorgeously preserved historical landmark comes with a grill, upstairs bar, and more casual 1886 Café. All will be open on Christmas Day, though the Driskill Grill is already fully booked for the holiday.
1886 Café open 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Driskill Bar open 3 p.m. to 12 a.m.
604 Brazos St.
Website
6/ The Eleanor
For those looking to have a more non-traditional Christmas, jingle all the way to The Eleanor. This West Fifth Street bar will be hosting a Misfit Christmas Party complete with an all-you-can-eat Chinese food buffet. Christmas music and classic holiday movies will add to the ambiance. Don’t forget your ugly Christmas sweater, so you can, too.
Buffet $19.99 per person
8 p.m. – 2 p.m.
307 W. 5th St.
Website
7/ Estancia Churrascaria
Estancia Churrascaria at the Arboretum in Northwest Austin (Credit: Estancia Churrascaria)
If you’re looking for something different this year, then look no further. This 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!
10000 Research Blvd., Suite B
Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Website
8/ Goodall’s Kitchen
Goodall’s Kitchen at Hotel Ella is serving up the merriest of brunches on Christmas Day, so don’t miss it. This year, the American bistro invites you to “discover the joy of not cooking” while dining a la carte with the whole family. On the menu, you’ll find brunch classics such as coffee cake, shrimp cocktails, omelettes, shrimp and grits, and even Goodall’s irresistible bacon and onion marmalade cheeseburger.
A la carte pricing
7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
1900 Rio Grande
Website
9/ Mattie’s at Green Pastures
Mattie’s downstairs bar (Credit: Nick Simonite)
If milk punch (made with aged Kentucky bourbon and Jamaican rum) and Christmas cheer are what you’re after, then Mattie’s at Green Pastures has you covered. This Christmas Day, sip on the restaurant’s famous milk punch and feast on the equally famous holiday brunch made with farm fresh ingredients. After all, boozy drinks, southern-inspired cuisine, and a picturesque setting are the stuff Christmas dreams are made of.
Adults $85 (includes one alcoholic drink), $40 for children 6-12 years
Seatings at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Reservations required
811 W. Live Oak St.
Website
➡️ Keep reading: “Mattie’s Serves Local Fare With Global Flair Inside Iconic Austin Home”
11/ Threadgill’s
Threadgill’s has it all: southern-style cooking, a lively atmosphere, and plenty of Bloody Marys to go around. This year, they are offering a delicious holiday menu featuring everything from roast turkey, to fried oysters, to buttermilk pie.
Who wouldn’t want to enjoy the holidays at this classic restaurant? Not to mention Janis Joplin honed her talents here long before Hollywood noticed. No reservations available; seating is first come, first served.
10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
301 W Riverside Dr. and 6416 N. Lamar Blvd.
Website
12/ Wu Chow
This purveyor of authentic, farm-fresh cuisine will be open for dinner service on Christmas Day, just in case you want to skip the whole turkey and dressing routine and sink your chopsticks into something more exotic. On the menu, guests will find soup, rice, noodles, and other tasty entrees.
A la carte pricing
5-9 p.m.
Reservations recommended
1100 S. Lamar Blvd., 6555 Burnet Road, 1905 Aldrich St.
Website
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
From The Austinot family, Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you and yours!
@dollarsaenz 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.
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