Between all the shopping, wrapping, cooking, Hallmark movie watching, partying and making Santa his cookies, there's a lot that goes into making Christmas special. Just ask Santa.
So if you don't want to cook the Christmas goose, make the plum pudding and all the other traditions on the Christmas table, you're forgiven. It's totally understandable if you want to leave the cooking to someone else.
Here's a list of eateries around the city filled with Santa's helpers waiting to welcome you through their doors on Christmas Day.
- The Big Chill, 103 Cherokee Blvd., 4-11 p.m., 423-267-2445.
- Bridgeman's Chophouse in the Read House, 107 W. M.L. King Blvd., 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Reservations: 423-643-1240.
- Buffet King, 5230 Highway 153, 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m., 423-877-8816.
- Chef Lin, 5084 South Terrace, 11 a.m.-10 p.m., 423-510-1998.
- China Rose, 9203 Lee Highway, Ooltewah, 11 a.m.- 9:30 p.m. (cash only), 423-238-1268.
- City Cafe Diner. Three locations: 901 Carter St., open 24 hours, 423-634-9191; 7641 Lee Highway, 9 a.m.-10 p.m., 423-485-8222; and 919 25th St., Cleveland, Tenn., 9 a.m.-10 p.m., 423-790-7460.
- Dorato at The Westin, 801 Pine St., 11 a.m.-11 p.m., 423-531-4653.
- Fuji Steakhouse, 5437 Highway 153, noon-10 p.m., 423-531-3183.
- Hair of the Dog Pub, 334 Market St., 1 p.m.-2:30 a.m. (last call), 423-265-4615.
- The Honest Pint, 35 Patten Parkway, 5 p.m.-3 a.m., 423-468-4192.
- IHOP. Two locations: 5814 Brainerd Road, opens at noon then 24 hours, 423-490-0559; 5113 Highway 153, noon-10 p.m., 423-877-4732.
- New China Buffet and Grill, 3450 Cummings Highway, 11 a.m.- 9 p.m., 423-821-6988.
- Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, 2321 Lifestyle Way, noon-10:30 p.m.; dinner menu served all day. Reservations: 423-602-5900.
- Sweet Basil Thai, 5845 Brainerd Road, 11 a.m.-10 p.m., 423-485-8836.
- Whitebird at The Edwin, 102 Walnut St., brunch buffet 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Reservations: 423-713-5900.
Contact Anne Braly at abraly@timesfreepress.com or annebraly.com.
Anne Braly