Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, you probably don’t want to cook on Christmas Day. If you want to eat out, many national chains are open on December 25th with affordable choices and special holiday menus.
As always, we urge you to call ahead and confirm, as some independently-operated franchises opt to close on Christmas or limit their hours.
As always, we are including national chains with no outlets in New York City or the Tri-State area, because we have followers throughout the USA, and because some New Yorkers are visiting family or friends in cities where these national chains do have outposts.
SEE ALSO NYC restaurants open Christmas and New Year’s
Denny’s: Christmas is actually the diner chain’s busiest day of the year. Serves breakfast, lunch and dinner all 24-hours of Christmas Day.
Country Buffet, Old Country Buffet, Hometown Buffet and Ryan’s: Open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at most locations. Traditional holiday menu with turkey, ham, roast beef and sides.
Village Inn: Open all day (though hours may vary by location). Be sure to get a slice of Candy Cane pie.
Shoney’s: Serves a Christmas Day “All-You-Can-Eat” Buffet for $11.99 ($5.99 for kids 5 to 10). Children 4 and younger get a FREE buffet with purchase of an adult meal. Buffet features turkey, ham, fried chicken and sides.
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery: Most locations open at 6 a.m. on Christmas Day.
IHOP: Open all day (24-hours restaurants will keep to schedule, hours may vary at other locations).
Waffle House: Open all day.
Huddle House: Often their busiest day of the year. Opens at 6 a.m. on Christmas Day.
Luby’s: Most locations open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Here’s a downloadable list.
Boston Market: Select locations open for dine-in and take-out. Call your nearest restaurant for hours.
Golden Corral: Some locations are open but varies by restaurant. Call ahead to confirm.
Buca di Beppo: Open at 11 a.m. for dine-in or to-go.
Sizzler: Select locations open, mostly in Arizona and California. Hours vary.
Chevys Fresh Mex will be open at most locations on Christmas Day its regular menu.
Legal Sea Foods is open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Hours vary by location. Reservations recommended.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House opens 2pm Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Steak ‘n’ Shake open but hours vary by location.
Thanks to Restaurant News and sister website Living on the Cheap for putting this list together.
NYC on the Cheap is a member of
What do you think about this? We welcome your comments.