After cooking Christmas breakfast, brunch or lunch, the thought of cooking another meal later on Christmas Day may sound daunting. So put those thoughts aside and visit one of Chattanooga’s restaurants that will be open on Dec. 25. Plenty of elves are whipping up some delicious meals for you. Keep in mind that most of these spots will seat on a first-come, first-served basis, so plan accordingly.
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In addition to all Chattanooga-area Waffle Houses, which will be open 24 hours on Christmas Day, these are some of the other restaurants where you can enjoy a Christmas meal.
— Alimentari Cucina e Bar at The Westin: 801 Pine St. Italian fare of pastas and seafood with notable wine list, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 423-531-4653.
— Big Chill & Grill: 103 Cherokee Blvd. Sandwiches, seafood and craft cocktails, 4-11 p.m. 423-267-2445.
— Bridgeman’s Chophouse at the Read House: 107 W. M.L. King Blvd. Classic chophouse with steaks and seafood and exceptional wine list, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Reservations: 423-643-1240.
— Buffet King: 5230 Highway 153. Chinese buffet, 11 a.m.- 9:30 p.m. 423-877-8816.
— Chattanooga Brewing Co.: 730 Chestnut St. Taproom and bar with snacks, shareables, pizzas and sandwiches, 2-10 p.m. 423-498-2739.
— Chef Lin: 5084 South Terrace. Chinese buffet, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. 423-510-1998.
— China Rose: 9203 Lee Highway, Ooltewah. Chinese favorites, 11 a.m.- 9:30 p.m. 423-238-1268.
— City Cafe Diner: 7641 Lee Highway and and 919 25th St. NW, Cleveland, Tenn. Classic diner favorites, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. in Chattanooga, 423-485-8222; 9 a.m.- 9 p.m. in Cleveland, 423-790-7460.
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— Formosa: 5425 Highway 153. Chinese favorites made to order, 11:30 a.m.- 4 p.m. for dine-in. 423-875–6953.
— Fuji Steakhouse: 5437 Highway 153. Asian cuisine and sushi menu, noon-9 p.m. 423-531-3183.
— Hair of the Dog Pub: 334 Market St. Creative pub fare and lengthy beer menu, 5 p.m.-3 a.m. 423-265-4615.
— IHOP: 5814 Brainerd Road and 5113 Highway 153. Pancakes and diner fare, noon-9 p.m. in Brainerd, 423-490-0559; noon-10 p.m. in Hixson, 423-877-4732.
— New China Buffet and Grill: 3536 Cummings Highway. Menu and extensive buffet, 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. 423-821-6988.
— Paloma Bar and Tapas at The Westin: 801 Pine St. Tapas and cocktails, 4-11 p.m. 423-531-4653.
— River Drifters: 1925 Suck Creek Road. Salads, smashburgers, sandwiches and seafood, noon-8 p.m. 423-805-2925.
— Rodizio Grill: 439 Broad St. Brazilian steakhouse, 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. 423-777-4999. (Downtown only; the Hamilton Place location is closed Christmas Day.)
— Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse: 2321 Lifestyle Way. Steakhouse with shareable sides, 11:30 a.m.- 9:30 p.m. (dinner menu served all day). Reservations: 423-602-5900.
— Sweet Basil Thai: 5855 Brainerd Road. Extensive menu of Thai favorites, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. 423-485-8836.
— Whitebird at The Edwin: 102 Walnut St. Brunch and breakfast specialties plus craft cocktails, 6:30-10 a.m. (breakfast option only). 423-269-8537.
— Whiskey Thief at The Edwin: 102 Walnut St. Rooftop bar overlooking Tennessee River with beer, craft cocktails, snacks and shareables, 4-9 p.m. 423-713-5900.
Restaurants not included may email information to be added to this list online.
Email Anne Braly at abraly@timesfreepress.com.