Many of us choose to stay home on Christmas Day, but that's not the case for hundreds of chefs, servers and other restaurant staff who will come to work and prepare meals for us.
Once was, it was just a handful of restaurants that opened on Dec. 25, but every year more are added as Chattanooga's restaurant scene expands.
Here's a list of those that will open their doors after you've opened all your presents and need to get out for a while. Keep in mind that it's wise to call ahead before you go since restaurant hours may be different on Christmas Day. Most will serve from their regular menus, but there are a couple that offer festive meals for the entire family.
* The Chattanoogan, 1201 Broad St. Christmas Day ushers in a buffet in the ballroom at The Chattanoogan. The salad bar will be filled with seafood, cheeses and greens, while the carving station will feature Roasted Garlic-Dijon-Crusted Prime Rib and Smoked Paprika-Rubbed Pork Steamship. Sides, too numerous to mention all, will include Roasted New Potatoes with House-Cured Bacon; Chorizo and Caramelized Onion Bread Pudding; and Lobster Ravioli with Roasted Corn Cream. For dessert? Assorted flavors of Clumpies ice cream, Peppermint Bark Cheesecake and White Chocolate Cheesecake with Pistachio Crust. The popular chocolate waterfall with assorted sweets for dipping, as well as a host of pies, tarts and cakes. Cost: $38.95 adults, $18.95 children 6-12, under 6 free. Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Reservations: 424-3700.
* Back Inn Cafe, 411 E. Second St. Visiting the Bluff View Art District all decked out in its holiday finery during the yuletide season is a treat in itself, but add brunch on Christmas Day and you have a Christmas to remember. Feast on turkey with all the trimmings, plus Dijon-Crusted Prime Rib, Asian Chicken Salad, Brioche French Toast, assorted sushis, quiche, fresh fruit, salads and plenty of house-made desserts. Cost: $34.95 per adult and $17.95 for children 12 and under. Brunch hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Reservations 423-265-5033, ext. 4.
Other restaurants open for Christmas are serving off their regular menus. They include:
* Beast + Barrel, 16 Frazier Ave., 3-11 p.m. 805-4599.
* Big River Grille, 222 Broad St. location only, 4-10 p.m. 267-2739.
* Buffet King, 5230 Highway 153, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 877-8816.
* Chef Lin, 5084 South Terrace, 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. 510-1998.
* China Rose, 9203 Lee Highway, Ooltewah, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Cash only. 238-1268.
* City Cafe Diner, 901 Carter St., 634-9191; and 7641 Lee Highway, 485-8222, both 24 hours.
* Hair of the Dog Pub, 334 Market St., 6 p.m.-3 a.m. 265-4615.
* Honest Pint, 35 Patten Parkway, 5 p.m.-2 a.m. 468-4192.
* Huddle House, all locations, 24 hours.
* IHOP, 5814 Brainerd Road, 490-0559; 5113 Highway 153, 877-4732; both open at noon, then 24 hours a day.
* New China Buffet and Grill, 3450 Cummings Highway, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. 821-6988.
* Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, 2321 Lifestyle Way, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; dinner menu served all day, 602-5900.
* Sweet Basil Thai, 5845 Brainerd Road, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. 485-8836.
* The Big Chill, 103 Cherokee Blvd., 4 p.m.-3 a.m. 267-2445.
* Waffle House, all locations, 24 hours.
* Fuji Steakhouse, 5437 Highway 153, noon-10 p.m. 531-3183.
* New China, 8530 Hixson Pike, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 843-0586.
And a very merry and delicious Christmas to you all!
Contact Anne Braly at abraly@timesfreepress.com.