Whether you hate cooking, don't celebrate Christmas, or simply have no desire to spend an entire day at Aunt Mildred's, we've got news for you: Not every restaurant closes on the jolliest day of the year. We scouted out five diverse spots throughout the city and slapped 'em together in this handy guide. You'll never go hungry on X-mas again.
Vegan Christmas alternatives at Soul Vegetarian East
African Hebrew Israelites of Jerusalem run this ground-level, casual spot, so you can bet Christmas isn't on the list of "closed" days. Located on the Southeast side, this hidden gem is worth the trip, not only to get some soul food without the "I'm going to explode after eating it" feeling, but also to spread some cheer to your vegan friends. Meat substitutes flood the menu, and often times you won't even notice the difference. Appetizers, like the fried tofu sticks with vegan tartar sauce, brown lentil soup and the Garvey Burger (made with wheat gluten) are just a few of the healthy veggie alternatives. And since "soul" is in this place's name, expect vegan mac and cheese, among other hearty eats.
Travel to the 'burbs for gourmet eats at Osteria di Tramonto
How far would you drive for food? Let's keep in mind that it'll be Christmas, and the roads will probably be empty. So rev up the engine and travel west to Wheeling, where Gale Gand and Rick Tramonto's rustic Italian eatery awaits hungry holiday visitors. There's an a la carte breakfast (that includes pizza!), but we suggest stopping in at lunch or dinner for some antipasto, wood-oven baked pizzas, traditional Italian eats, like veal saltimbocca, and some more contemporary Italian renditions. Though you won't be spending Christmas in Italy, it might feel like it: The main dining room's red velvet drapes, thick brown-leather chairs and wooden tables give off a rustic Tuscan feel.
Get your meat fix at Weber Grill
All the Christmas carols remind us that warm days are long gone (winter wonderland, hah!), but that doesn't mean you have to say goodbye to grilling. Located inside the Hilton Garden Inn Chicago, this spot offers handsome stone fireplaces, a huge dining capacity of around 350 people, and—you guessed it—lots of meat! Snag a seat in one of the slightly quieter dining rooms and check out the menu. At breakfast, go wild with the continental breakfast bar that includes free refills of Lavazza coffee. Come lunch, get right to the point with a Wisconsin Burger ($10.50), topped with applewood smoked bacon and cheddar cheese. Slap on a skirt steak with dinner, and you'll forget that grill season ended months ago.
Indulge in dim sum at Phoenix Restaurant
It's a dim sum Christmas at this popular Chinatown restaurant where you can usually expect out-the-door lines. And how can you blame them when the dim sum is this good? When your name is finally called, walk up to the second-floor dining area and you'll be seated in one of the two large, carpeted rooms with giant windows providing a nice view of the Loop. Servers scurry by pushing silver carts loaded with food. Expect small servings of eats like barbecue pork-filled buns, steamed shrimp dumplings, fried sesame-seed balls, seaweed shrimp rolls, steamed pork dumplings and even chicken feet.
Make it an Indian food-filled Christmas at Indian Garden (Devon)
With three locations, this Indian spot with an open-on-Christmas menu will be feeding hungry revelers around the city. Go to the bright, yellow-walled Devon Avenue locale for cuisine largely influenced by North India. The vegetarians in your family will relish the pea-and-potato-filled samosas and chana masala (chickpeas cooked with a blend of Indian spices). Smiling meat-eaters will feast on chicken tikka masala (chicken blended with yogurt and spices that's served with a creamy tomato sauce), and the vegetarian-friendly lunch buffet is at steal at less than $10.
More places to make merry
Bin 36
Stop by this wine bar and contemporary eatery if you haven't had your fill of vino for the day.
Dine
This restaurant's all about dressed-up comfort food, the kind of eats perfect for warming your belly on a cold day.
Pump Room
Make it a classy Christmas at this glitzy spot, where you'll drop upwards of $25 for an entree.
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