Rachael NarinsNo matter what tradition you subscribe to, you still might want to eat out on December 25th. But, you know the drill, the stores are closed and you might not want what's in the fridge or on the table or at your mothers house and aren't planning a feast.
The streets will be magically empty, so the city is yours to eat your way across.
Options may seem limitless if you're heading to the San Gabriel Valley in particular, but keep in mind, Christmas is on a Tuesday this year, and many restaurants in the area are always closed on Tuesdays. Plan accordingly.
If neither of those were your plan anyway, we found 10 spots that open for you to choose from. While not the first places people might think to head to, they are all pretty great in their own way. Just please remember, while this is your day off, everyone there is working hard, so make sure to tip extra generously and maybe even take that extra step and ask the manager to get your tip to the kitchen staff as well.
10. The Churchill:
Another tidy gastropub with a wide assortment of charcuterie and beers for your holiday cheer. Their Christmas Day dinner is three courses for $35 per person. The menu, which is available in addition to the usual menu, will have carrot-ginger soup; leg of lamb; glazed ham and for dessert, their fuyu persimmon cake. Sit back, enjoy and have one of their fantastic beers as you while away the evening. 8384 West 3rd St., West Hollywood; (323) 655-8384.
9. Junior's:
What kind of list would this be without a nice Jewish deli? Along with its brethren Canter's and Fromins, Juniors will be serving up their delicious bagels and lox platters, chicken-in-a-pot and all the classics they're known for during regular business hours, from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. 2379 Westwood Blvd., Los Angeles; (310) 475-5771.
8. Electric Karma:
On what will otherwise be a pretty deserted strip, the excellently hipster Indian spot Electric Karma will be open and at your service tempting you with chicken korma and rogan josh. If not eating turkey or ham on a holiday gets you down, Electric Karma has a funky-fun vibe that has a way of changing your attitude for the better. Parking should be easy — for once — and the samosas are waiting. 8222 West 3rd Street, Los Angeles; (323) 653-2121.
Kanom Jeep at Cholada; Credit: Sarah Gim/The Delicious Life
7. Cholada Thai:
What's not to love about a little Thai food beach shack in Malibu? Cheap as chips with a million dollar view. Take a stroll on what is sure to be the deserted beach. (The beach in December! One of Southern California's finest perks.) Then order up some prik king or curry powder shrimp. Can't think of a nicer way to spend the day. There is ample parking in their lot.18763 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu; (310) 317-002.
The perfect mish-mash of Korean pub food — with a full bar, we might add — and American diner food. Open 24 hours, you could really come here for any holiday. Grilled cheese sandwiches with kimchi for everyone! 222 North Western Avenue, Los Angeles; (323) 465-7701.
There is absolutely going to be a wait, so bring a paper or a book or that new iPad you scored earlier in the day. Settle in and order some of their great chili or a burger. No reason you should't enjoy the day with a bottomless cup of joe. 6145 Franklin Avenue, Hollywood; (323) 467-1175.
If you want to get out and enjoy the day — which we optimistically predict will be 72 and sunny — there is no better spot than Geoffreys. Make a reservation or just show up and enjoy the sunshine while you wait for a table with one of the best views around. Splurge a little; it's the holidays! 27400 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu; (310) 457-1519.
Mac and Cheese at Magnolia; Credit: One More Bite via Flickr
3. Magnolia:
Both Magnolia locations will be open for dinner service on the 25th. Like many other places on this list, the full bar will be open to keep you in a happy mood. Order up and get your mac-and-cheese on. Then toast Santa on a job well done and dig in. 825 West 9th Street, Los Angeles; (213) 362-0880.
Most restaurants in hotels are open on holidays and Public Kitchen and Bar is no exception. Get a roast turkey sandwich, or spiced duck breast with cranberry. While you're there, don't deny yourself one of their perfect cocktails. We suggest the “It's all good.” And it is. 7000 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood; (323) 769-8888.
Charcuterie at Fig; Credit: Fig Restaurant
1. Fig Santa Monica:
For those of you looking for a more Wonderful Life-type traditional Christmas dinner, we recommend the $69 per person, ($35 for children) family-style meal at Fig. Start with their charcuterie platter and a seasonal salad, then move on to tamales, porchetta, stuffed quail and fruit cake trifle. You can make reservations on line. Dinner is served from noon until 8 p.m. 101 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica; (310) 319-3111.
And in related news:
10 Great Restaurants Open on Christmas Eve
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