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.