Christmas Dining Recommendations
Believe it or not there are folks who don’t cook Christmas dinner at home. Well, here’s a list of places your family or friends might enjoy for Christmas Day dining out if you are so inclined.
The best brunch in town seems to ramp it up even more for holidays. Thanksgiving brunch was spectacular and Christmas promises to be more of the same. Very pricey but what the heck. Elmar Prambs and his crew rock!
Dinner at the W at Trace has always been enjoyable. Christmas dining should be no exception. Trace serves what hotels used to wish they could serve 25 years ago!
The Driskill Hotel has always had very tasty and accommodating Holiday brunches. Even though David Bull is long gone, what he started carries on.
The Liberty Tavern at the Downtown Hilton
This place is sometimes overlooked and shouldn’t be. The food is always thoughtful and priced so that families can take advantage. Breakfasts are terrific there.
Dine is The legendary David Garrido’s (Jeffrey’s) contribution to the the Radisson. I have eaten there twice and was most impressed. Garrido has a light but commanding touch, and his dishes will put a Christmas twinkle on the most demanding palates.
Estancia Churrascaria at the Arboretum
Owned by a long-time Fogo de Chao associate, Estancia has taken the Arboretum area by storm. The espeto de comido green flag means keep the skewers of grilled meats coming and come they do. Huge salad bar as well.
Chinese food for Christmas? If it’s from Ronald Cheng’s kitchen you bet. Christmas Day will feature Cheng’s remarkable Dim Sum feast from 11-2. One of the best around.
This neat Chinese-Vietnamese spot on Far West is packed every Christmas so be prepared for a wait. But this is a wait that is absolutely worth every second. The Shrimp Pho is amazing.
This great little joint is open 24 hours on Christmas. So you can tailor your cuisine choices to the times you choose to dine. I had the amazing Sweet Potato Hash last time. Perhaps not traditionally Christmassy but damned good. And they have an expansive menu.
Better known as The Ditch on W 5th they will be open Christmas Day from 11am to 11pm in a tradition started for former owner Clay McPhail. Serving from their highly popular regular menu.
A traditional Christmas dining spot, this might be a tough reservation but certainly worth a try. 11-1:45. Peacocks are a lovely sight.
This classic Lakeway restaurant features both Authentic-style Chinese cuisine along with more traditional American styles. They’ll be open from 12-9pm.
This is Florian Prelog’s Christmas gift to Austin. A special preparation pre fixe will be available from 12-9pm all day. I may well eat our traditional dinner early and then head to Prelog’s late for a double dip. It’s that good.
The Southwest Bistro will be open from 6am-3pm. The Hyatt had always had interesting and affordable restaurants and the Bistro continues that tradition.
This delightful little Italian spot on 8th between Congress and Brazos makes pasta so good that you’ll want to get an accordion and sing about it. Did I mention the pizzas are a delight?
C.K. Chin’s new downtown Chinese/Dim Sum palace on W 5th will be open Christmas night from 5-10 pm. Reservations still available. Nice to know, huh?
Hill Country Dining Room at Barton Creek Resort
This always been a popular spot for us as they have a full buffet from 5-9 pm on Christmas. Exec Phil Bouza began a great tradition here and all is well. 512-329-4000
So Merry Christmas fellow foodies and may your next meal be your best meal!!
Rob
