Credit: Jim Nix/Nomadic Pursuits
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, 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, now is your chance! Perfect for late night munchies, this local favorite will challenge your take on the word “diner.”
Enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner on Christmas Day at 24 Diner
The 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
Smoked Corn + Tomato Chowder is one of the many items available from Cannon + Belle’s Christmas buffet
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
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 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 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 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”
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. The grill books up fast, so reserve your spot early!
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 non-traditional Christmas, jingle all the way to The Eleanor. This West 5th 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.
Spend Christmas Day at a Christmas-themed bar (Credit: Alex Miller)
With your drinks, you can order comfort food items like a grilled cheese sandwich, tomato bisque soup, and snickerdoodle cookies.
6 p.m. to 2 a.m.
307 W. 5th St.
Website
7/ Estancia Churrascaria
Estancia Churrascaria at the Arboretum in northwest Austin (Credit: 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!
$53.95 per person
Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
10000 Research Blvd., Suite B
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 crab benedict, buttermilk hotcakes, Goodall’s hash, and a few holiday specials.
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, 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”
10/ Geraldine’s
Spend Christmas at this beautiful rooftop restaurant
This restaurant and rooftop bar headed by Stephen Bonin is worth the hassle to find parking and the elevator ride to the fourth floor of the Van Zandt. Hopefully, you’ll feel the same if you choose to dine here on Christmas day. While Geraldine’s menu boasts contemporary fare like crab toast and crispy pork ribs, the masa pancakes are my all-time favorite!
605 Davis St.
Website
➡️ Keep reading: “Austin’s Top Chefs: Stephen Bonin of Geraldine’s”
11/ Ciclo
Have yourself a Latin-flavored Christmas at Ciclo (Credit: Galdones Photography)
Ciclo is hosting a Christmas day buffet unlike any other in the Four Season’s Ballroom. Guests can enjoy holiday dishes with a Latin flare. On the menu: pumpkin seed mole crusted lamb, Boursin mashed potatoes, build-your-own-paella, and chocolate-hazelnut crème brûlée.
$90 for adults/$40 for children ages 6-11
11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Reservations: 512-685-8300
98 San Jacinto Blvd.
Website
➡️ Keep reading: Ciclo Restaurant Dances With Latin Flavor Downtown
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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