Picture this: It's Christmas morning, you're swimming in pools of gifts (or maybe ponds, considering our current economic crisis), and the entire family's itching to get out of the house. Or maybe you're the lone Jew in a sea of candy-cane suckers, always at a loss for "joy" on this supposed "holy day." If cooking whatever you've got in the cabinet or warming those questionable leftovers just doesn't sound appealing, we've got news: There are more than a handful of restaurants open on Christmas (and Christmas Eve). And no matter what your views on the holiday, make sure to tip your server with something more than good cheer.
Have a Middle Eastern Christmas at Reza's (Andersonville and River North) or Andies (Andersonville and Lincoln Square)
Ask a group of Andersonville residents where to eat Middle Eastern food in their neighborhood, and you'll likely spark a spirited debate regarding these two competing spots. The choice doesn't get any easier on Christmas day, as they'll both be open for business. Many go for the family-style menu at Reza's, which includes your choice of three appetizers and three entrees (e.g. broiled salmon, sea scallops, boneless chicken breast kabobs) for under $30 a person; a typical entree will set you back $15-$18. Andie's prices are slightly lower; chicken and kefta kabobs ring in at only $10.50. You decide which is merrier.
Dine with the Chanukah reindeer at Bagel (Lakeview and Old Orchard)
Do you own multiple menorahs, a Chanukah bush or a reindeer that wears a yarmulke? Then you've probably been to Chicago's quintessentially yenta restaurant. Gaze at old movie posters as you wait for homemade matzo ball soup ($4/pint or $8/quart) or sweet and sour cabbage borscht (a steal at $3.50/pint or $7/quart). And who could forget the lox-and-bagel and the corned beef sandwiches? Kids who want other snacks can get a hot dog or a grilled cheese sandwich. Just don't forget to finish the meal with raspberry, apricot or cinnamon rugelach. Take that, Santa!
Go meatless at Soul Vegetarian East
Spread cheer to your vegan and soul food-lovin' friends at this South Side standby. If you live up north, it's worth the hike. And because it's run by African Hebrew Israelites of Jerusalem, they're open Christmas day. Break away from your meaty traditions with appetizers like battered cauliflower or hearty brown lentil soup. Try the wheat gluten Garvey Burger, named after Marcus Garvey, the founder of the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League (UNIA-ACL). If it's available, don't miss the vegan sweet potato pie for dessert.
Choose this Chinese restaurant: Phoenix Restaurant
Overwhelmed by the amount of Chinese restaurants open on Christmas? Here's a solution: Go wild with dim sum, which actually comes to tables on the traditional silver carts, at this popular Chinatown standby. Each of the two red-carpeted dining rooms offer a southern view of the majestic Chicago Loop. Dim sum options include barbecue pork-filled buns, steamed shrimp dumplings, fried sesame-seed balls, seaweed shrimp rolls, steamed pork dumplings and even chicken feet. Take your pick.
It's just another business day at Indian Garden (Streeterville and Devon)
When asked if Indian Garden was open on Christmas, the hostess replied, "we're open 365 days a year." The North India-influenced cuisine includes meaty options like chicken tikka masala (chicken blended with yogurt and spices that's served with a creamy tomato sauce). Satisfy vegetarians with pea-and-potato-filled samosas, chana masala (chickpeas cooked with a blend of Indian spices). Go for the vegetarian-friendly lunch buffet, which is a true steal for under $12.
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