It can be a struggle to find an open restaurant on Dec. 25, the only religious holiday that is also a federal holiday. This year, Hanukkah also starts on Dec. 25.
With Christmas Eve being a Tuesday, it's tough to determine if your favorite restaurant or diner will be open and serving on that day as well, so we've included some Dec. 24 dining options in our list this year.
Whether you don't celebrate Christmas or you just don't want to deal with cooking next week, here are some ideas for dining in or grabbing a carryout over the holidays.
Dine-in options for Dec. 24-25
WAYNE COUNTY
Bravo! Italian Kitchen: There are three Michigan locations of this national Italian restaurant, which is open for dine-in service every day, including Dec. 24 and 25 and Jan. 1. Specializing in steaks, seafood and pastas, Bravo! Italian Kitchen also does carryout packages to feed 10 or 20 people. Find locations in Lansing, Rochester Hills and Livonia. Visit bravoitalian.com for details on catering packages, or to make reservations for the holidays.
Joe Muer Seafood: Both the Bloomfield Hills location and the Joe Muer in the Renaissance Center are open and serving on Dec. 24. Bloomfield is open 3-8 p.m. while the Detroit location serves 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. 39475 Woodward, Bloomfield Hills. 400 Renaissance Center, Ste. 1404, Detroit. https://joemuer.com/ for reservations.
Presley's: A polished, new hotel restaurant on the ground floor of the Hotel David Whitney in downtown Detroit is open every day. The restaurant will serve a special, four-course Christmas Eve dinner for $70 per person and a Christmas Day brunch buffet for $45 per person. 1 Park Ave., Detroit. (313) 887-4044. Book through the OpenTable app.
Red Lobster: Make it a Cheddar Bay Christmas by dining at this casual seafood chain, which is open on Dec. 24 and 25. Visit redlobster.com for locations or book through the OpenTable app.
San Morello: This upscale and hospitality forward Italian restaurant from New York City-based chef Andrew Carmellini is open every day, including Dec. 24 and 25. Located on the ground floor of the Shinola Hotel in downtown Detroit, San Morello will serve their regular al la carte menu as well as holiday specials like Dover sole piccata, linguine with clams and a cannoli yule log. 1400 Woodward, Detroit. Visit sanmorello.com/christmas/ to make reservations.
Sullivan’s Steakhouse: This upscale steakhouse chain has a location on the ground floor of the historic Book Cadillac. It’s open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Christmas Eve and noon-8 p.m. Christmas Day. Reservations are strongly recommended. 1128 Washington Blvd., Detroit. (313) 591-2495. sullivanssteakhouse.com/detroit.
Texas de Brazil: A Brazilian-style steakhouse with continuous service and a deluxe salad bar, Texas de Brazil is open every day including 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on Dec. 24 and 25. 1000 Woodward, Detroit. (313) 960-8110. texasdebrazil.com/locations/detroit. The Texas de Brazil in Ann Arbor is also open.
OAKLAND COUNTY
Benihana: A longstanding Japanese restaurant chain, Benihana in Troy, Northville and Dearborn are all taking reservations for Dec. 24 and 25. Visit benihana.com or reserve through the OpenTable app.
Beverly Hills Grill: A special brunch with Santa Claus is planned 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 24 at this neighborhood favorite. Santa will visit each table for a visit and one keepsake photo to take home. 31471 Southfield, Beverly Hills. Visit beverlyhillsgrill.com to make a reservation.
Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant: This upscale wine-centric restaurant chain is open on Christmas Eve with seasonal chef recommendations and wine tastings. 151 E. Big Beaver, Troy. (248) 781-8811. Chwinery.com. Find additional locations in Clinton Township, Lansing and Kentwood.
Daxton Hotel: Upscale restaurant Madam, the more casual Cafe? Dax and lobby lounge Geode Bar will be open and operating as normal on Dec. 24 and 25. 298 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham. Reserve via the OpenTable app.
Eddie Merlot’s Prime Aged Beef & Seafood: Open Dec. 24 and 25 with a special holiday menu featuring surf and turf, veal osso buco, braised short ribs and more. Open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Dec. 24 and noon- 8 p.m. Dec. 25. 37000 Woodward, Bloomfield Hills. (248) 712-4095. eddiemerlots.com/bloomfield-hills.
Fogo de Chao: Brazilian steakhouse chain with continuous service and deluxe salad bar, it’s open 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. on Dec. 24 and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Dec. 25 (as well as Dec. 30 and Jan. 1). 301 W. Big Beaver, Troy. (248) 817-1800. Visit fogodechao.com/location/troy for reservations.
Kona Grill: Upscale chain with elevated bar food, sushi, a full bar and more is open for dine-in or carryout every day, including Dec. 24 and 25. Kona Grill has Christmas-themed food and drink specials like roasted turkey with cranberry stuffing, prime rib dinners, pumpkin pie and holiday martinis. 30 E. Big Beaver, Troy. (248) 619-9060. konagrill.com.
Rudy’s Prime Steakhouse: Start a new tradition by having Christmas Eve dinner at this posh newly opened steakhouse. It’s open 4-10 p.m. for dinner service on Dec. 24. 9 S. Main, Clarkston. (248) 625-3033. Rudysprimesteakhouse.com. Make reservations on the OpenTable app.
Uno Pizzeria & Grill: Located inside the Delta Hotel, this Chicago-style pizzeria and bar is open 11 a.m.-11 p.m. on Dec. 24 and 25. 37529 Grand River, Farmington Hills. (248) 653-6067. restaurants.unos.com/locations/Farmington-Hills/MI/9302.
Zao Jun: This Pan-Asian restaurant with an artful dining room is a popular spot for sushi, Japanese, Thai and Chinese cuisine on Christmas Day. 6608 Telegraph, Bloomfield Hills. (248) 949-9999. Zaojunnewasian.com.
MACOMB COUNTY
Andiamo Pasta & Chops: While closed on Christmas Day, the newest destination from the Joe Vicari Restaurant Group is open for dine-in service 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on Dec. 24 at the Mall at Partridge Creek. 17430 Hall, Clinton Township. (586) 532-8800. andiamopastachops.com. Make a reservation through the OpenTable app. All of the area Andiamo restaurants across Metro Detroit are also open for dine-in service on Dec. 24. Visit andiamoitalia.com for details.
Bar Louie: This casual chain bar and grill at the Mall at Partridge Creek is open 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Dec. 24 and 4 p.m.-1 a.m. on Dec. 25 with seasonal cocktails, pub grub, burgers, flatbreads, salads, a kids menu and more. 17460 Hall Road, Clinton Township. (586) 464-3000. Barlouie.com. The Livonia location is also open Dec. 24-25, the Dearborn Bar Louie is open Dec. 24 only and the Royal Oak restaurant is closed Dec. 24-25.
Harbor House: Enjoy the regular menu including some all-you-can-eat options or enjoy a traditional Christmas meal for $24.99 with turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, stuffing, sweet potatoes and more. Open noon-10 p.m. Dec. 24 and 25. 34250 Groesbeck, Clinton Township. (586) 791-6070.
Wong's Garden: No reservations needed at this neighborhood Chinese staple, which is open and serving during their regular hours on Dec. 24, 25 and 31 as well as Jan. 1. 24851 Harper, St. Clair Shores. (586) 777-9596.
BEYOND THE TRI-COUNTY
Bavarian Inn Lodge: Dig into a German-American holiday buffet with chicken, buttered noodles, sides, desserts and more 4:30-9 p.m. Dec. 24 and 25. The cost is $32.50 for adults, $14.99 ages 8-12 and $12.99 ages 3-7. 713 S. Main, Frankenmuth. (800) 228-2742. Bavarianinn.com.
Zehnders of Frankenmuth: The main floor dining room is open 11 a.m.-8 p.m. on Christmas Day, along with other attractions at this Michigan destination. 730 S. Main, Frankenmuth. (844) 207-7309. Zehnders.com.
Carry out ideas and more
Buddy’s Pizza: On Dec. 24 all locations except the Conant restaurant will be open until 8 p.m. The Grosse Pointe Buddy’s will be open until 7 p.m. All Buddy’s Pizza locations are closed Dec. 25. buddyspizza.com.
Carlo’s Dodge Park: Open for carryout 1-7 p.m. Dec. 25. Advance orders are accepted ahead of time. 11516 15 Mile, Sterling Heights. (586) 983-8470. Carlosdodgepark.com.
Hazel’s: This popular Birmingham restaurant is offering Christmas appetizers, morning treats and take-and-bake pot pies to make the holidays easier. Order by Friday for pick up on Dec. 24. The restaurant is open for dine in 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 24 but closed Dec. 25. 1 Peabody, Birmingham. Eatathazels.com.
Ike's Restaurant: Christmas to-go dinners for five, 10 or 15 people can be ordered for hot or cold pick up on Dec. 24. Packages start at $125 for your choice of chicken piccata or chicken marsala, plus Italian sausage, garden salad, mostaccioli, green bean almandine, potatoes and rolls. Add a cherry or apple pie for $20. 38550 Van Dyke, Sterling Heights. (586) 979-4460. ikesrestaurant.com.
New York Bagel: Open for carryout orders of bagels, bagel sandwiches, lox, smoked whitefish and more 6 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 24 and 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 25. 23316 Woodward, Ferndale. (248) 548-2580. newyorkbagel-detroit.com.
Noble Pig: This east-side Thai spot will be open for carryout orders 12:30-6:30 p.m. on Dec. 25. The menu has rice, noddle and curry dishes, plus appetizers like crispy tofu and tom kha gai soup. 19222 Mack, Grosse Pointe Farms. (313) 640-4115. Thenoblepig.com.
Zingerman’s Roadhouse: This Ann Arbor mainstay has a variety of holiday meal packages for carryout at various sizes and price points. For example, the classic feast is $160 and serves four with your choice of a whole Amish pit-smoked chicken or Nueske’s applewood-smoked ham, plus sides. You can also order sides on their own. Pre-order now for pick up on Dec. 23 or 24. The restaurant is also open for dine-in service 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Dec. 24, but closed Dec. 25. 2501 Jackson, Ann Arbor. (734) 663-3663. zingermansroadhouse.com.
Melody Baetens