What Louisville restaurants are open Christmas Day? Here are 18+ dine-in and to-go options
Christmas is just around the corner and while most restaurants will be closed, there are a few that will be open to serve diners on the holiday. And for those who do not want to cook, you can order a specialty to-go meal at a variety of local restaurants and stores to make your holiday feast just a bit more special.
From a turkey to lobster and shrimp, spiral-sliced ham, pasta, BBQ, Chinese food staples, and all the holiday sides and desserts of your dreams, there's something for everyone's holiday fancy.
Happy holidays!
Restaurants open on Christmas Day in Louisville
Denny’s
WHAT: This nationwide "America's diner" is serving breakfast, lunch and dinner all day on Christmas.
WHERE: 434 Eastern Parkway, 4030 Dutchmans Lane, and 943 E. Lewis and Clark Parkway, Clarksville, Indiana
WHEN: Open 24 hours, 7 days a week, including Christmas Day
MORE INFORMATION: 502-636-2538; 502-896-2669; or 812-288-5189. dennys.com
Double Dragon
WHAT: Serving Asian cuisine, Asian Fusion, Chinese food, Szechuan-style food, curry, noodles, soup and more.
WHERE: 1255 Goss Ave.
WHEN: Dec. 25, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: 502-635-5656, doubledragonky.com
You may like: Need Christmas dinner or dessert ideas? Here's your guide to 45+ holiday recipes
First Wok
WHAT: Authentic Chinese staples with American fried wings, seafood and more.
WHERE: Southland Terrace Shopping Center, 3967 7th St. Road
WHEN: Dec. 25, noon to 8 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: 502-448-0588, firstwoklouisvilleky.com
IHOP
WHAT: Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Includes the new Holiday Menu with wonderland pancakes, cranberry vanilla pancakes and pumpkin spice pancakes, frozen hot chocolate milkshake and the junior winter wonderland meal. And for those who want carryout, the Holiday Celebrations Family Feast IHOP 'N Go. Includes four servings each of scrambled eggs and golden hash browns, eight hickory-smoked bacon strips or eight pork sausage links, and eight buttermilk pancakes. Comes with holiday decorations including vanilla bean mousse, cranberry topping, shimmering blue vanilla sauce and mini marshmallows.
WHERE: 1401 S. Hurstbourne Parkway, 502-618-2250; 1220 Veterans Parkway, Clarksville, Indiana, 812-85-1772
MORE INFORMATION: Family Feast serves four. Call for hours. Dine-in and curbside pickup. ihop.com.
You may like: 5 must-try Christmas cookie recipes to add a bit of sweetness to your holiday
Joe’s Crab Shack
WHAT: Steam pots, crab buckets, clams, mussels, shrimp, snow crab, salmon, lobster, chicken tenders, New York Strip and top sirloin steaks, grilled herb chicken, pasta Alfredo, crab cake sandwich, po’boys, gluten-friendly items and more.
WHERE: 131 River Road
WHEN: Dec. 25, 1-10 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: 502-568-1171, joescrabshack.com
Waffle House
WHAT: Serving breakfast (all day) also lunch and dinner that includes waffles (of course), burgers, Texas melts, lunch/dinner hash brown bowls and pork chop, chicken, ham or steak dinners.,
WHERE: 4150 Cane Run Road, 502-447-7203; 4706 Preston Highway, 502-968-7697; 2805 Fern Valley Road, 502-968-8090; 10563 Dixie Highway, 502-995-5644; 4320 Bishop Lane, 502-458-6434; 325 W Spring St, New Albany, Indiana, 812-944-3141.
WHEN: Christmas Eve and Day
MORE INFORMATION: Dine-in or carry out. For more locations: wafflehouse.com.
You may like: 'A Christmas spirit.' Every day is Christmas at this holiday-themed Louisville café
Wayside Christian Mission
WHAT: Wayside Christian Mission will serve free take-out meals to the public. Donations of unwrapped new toys, mittens, scarves, socks, and personal hygiene items needed.
WHERE: Hotel Louisville, 120 W. Broadway
WHEN: Dec. 25. Lunch, noon-2 p.m.; dinner, 5-6:30 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Due to COVID-19, meals are take-out only for the public and dine-in for clients. 502-584-3711. waysidechristianmission.org
Christmas Day meals-to-go in Louisville
Anoosh Bistro
WHAT: Holiday at home. Order various dishes and desserts to make up your festive feast including chateaubriand with Henry Baines and horseradish sauce, rack of lamb with mint jelly, braised beef short ribs, apple cider glazed roasted salmon; also hors d'oeuvres, sides and desserts.
WHERE: 4864 Brownsboro Center.
WHEN: Orders are needed 48 hours prior to desire pick up.
MORE INFORMATION: Orders must be placed by Dec. 21 and picked up by Dec. 24. Place your order by calling 502-690-6585 and schedule the pickup time that works best for you. anooshbistro.com. Call 502-690-6585 or email hannah.bistro@gmail.com.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill Family Bundles
WHAT: Bring homemade home for the holiday. Enjoy large-party portions of your favorite hand-prepared dishes including a selection of pasta specialties, chicken, side dishes, desserts and more. Build your own meal with create-your-own packages or popular bundles that serve 10 or more, while offering individually packaged meals. Carrabba’s family bundles feed up to five and come with fresh salad and bread.
WHERE: 617 S. Hurstbourne Parkway
WHEN: Pre-order for Christmas
MORE INFORMATION: Starting at $39.99, family Bundles include but are not limited to lasagna, chicken parmesan, salmon Saporito. Order and pay online, have it delivered, or pick-up meals at the restaurant via car side carryout. For more information, visit carrabbas.com.
Cracker Barrel
WHAT: Holiday Heat n' Serve Feast and Family Dinners. The feast serves eight-10 and the Family Dinner serves four to six. Both go from oven to table in about three hours. The menu includes sugar-cured ham, dressing, gravy, cranberry relish, two sides, yeast rolls, apple streusel and pecan pies (feast, $149). Sugar-cured ham, dressing, gravy, cranberry relish, one side, yeast rolls (dinner, $99.99). Prime rib, au jus, and horseradish, mashed potatoes and gravy, two sides, and yeast rolls (dinner, $124.99).
WHERE: 2701 Crittenden Drive, 10150 Brookridge Village Blvd.; 275 Brenton Way, Shepherdsville; 11000 Dixie Highway and 1401 Kentucky Mills Dr.
WHEN: Pick up between Dec. 21-28
MORE INFORMATION: Orders are needed 24 hours in advance. Payment is required at time of order. crackerbarrel.com.
You may like: Holiday hacks, tips and tricks to help you survive the Christmas season
Fresh Market
WHAT: Prepared holiday meals. The menu includes ham, turkey, turkey breast, white cheddar scalloped potatoes, butternut squash with pecans and cranberries, green bean medley, cranberry relish, stuffing, whipped potatoes, dinner rolls, turkey gravy, corn souffle and apple pie.
WHERE: 1805 Rudy Lane
WHEN: Orders are needed by 2 p.m. Dec. 21 and can be picked up in the store or curbside service Dec. 21-24.
MORE INFORMATION: Order online. Meals start at $69.99. thefreshmarket.com.
Home Cuisine
WHAT: Prepared ala carte Christmas Dinner. The menu includes lobster and shrimp pot pie (serves eight to 10), $165; beef bourguignon (serves six to eight), $145; Groganica Farms lettuce salad (serves six to eight), $35; old fashioned bourbon pecan pie (serves six to eight), $30; French chocolate almond torte (serves six to eight), $40; Christmas yeast dinner rolls (one dozen), $6.50.
WHERE: 309 R Wallace Ave.
WHEN: Orders are needed by Dec. 17.
MORE INFORMATION: Meals will be delivered or available for pickup on Dec. 22. Order by phone or online. 502-896-0666; homecuisineonline.com.
You may like: Get your shot of holiday fun at this Christmas-themed pop-up bar in Louisville
Kroger
WHAT: Let Kroger prepare your Christmas meal. The store has six different meal bundles. Prime rib, bone-in turkey, smoked turkey or ham, boneless Home Chef turkey or ham. Each bundle comes with green bean casserole, sweet potato soufflé, old-fashioned bread stuffing, mashed potatoes, turkey gravy, Kings Hawaiian Rolls (12), and a pumpkin pie. Also available a la carte proteins and sides.
WHEN: Orders must be made in advance.
MORE INFORMATION: Pickup and pay in-store through Dec. 24. Meals start at $60. Order meals at the deli; by phone, 877-894-3707 or online. kroger.com.
Metro Diner
WHAT: Heat and Serve Holiday Feasts To-Go featuring freshly baked ham or roasted turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy or sweet potato mash, steamed green beans or green bean casserole, cornbread stuffing or macaroni and cheese, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls (serves one, four, or eight). Whole pecan and apple pies, additional sides, and beverages are available.
WHERE: 4901 Outer Loop, #100
WHEN: Pre-orders now through Dec. 23.
MORE INFORMATION: Pickup Dec. 24. 502-357-0767; metrodiner.com/holiday-feast.
Home of the Week: Christmas year-round: This home is packed to the brim with holiday decor and themed rooms
Olive Garden
WHAT: Combination meals: chicken parmigiana (serves eight to 14) and includes two house salads, two dozen breadsticks, chicken parmigiana combo with eight chicken breast, spaghetti with marinara, choice of one five cheese ziti al forno or fettuccine Alfredo, ice tea, black tie mousse cake or Sicilian cheesecake, $175. Create your own pasta station: includes a selection of Olive Garden's most popular pastas, sauces and toppings (serves 10) includes two pastas, spaghetti and fettuccine; three sauces, Alfredo, meat sauce and marinara; three toppings, grilled chicken, meatballs and Italian sausage; salad and breadsticks, $125. Lasagna (serves eight to 14) and includes salad, two dozen breadsticks, lasagna, five cheese ziti al forno or fettuccine Alfredo, tea, black tie mousse cake, or Sicilian cheesecake, $175.
WHERE: 4811 R, Outer Loop; 1320 S Hurstbourne Parkway; 1230 Veterans Pkwy, Clarksville; 9730 Von Allmen Court.
WHEN: Order in advance
MORE INFORMATION: olivegarden.com.
Silly Axe Café
WHAT: Allergen and gluten-free restaurant. Order from the regular menu or from the December Holiday menu that includes: Beef tenderloin with red wine reduction au jus, garlic cheddar mashed potato bake, garlic roasted green beans with pomegranate; add a seasonal salad for an additional cost (DF option available, Meal is egg-free and soy-free). $160 for four; $100 for two; $60 single. The Christmas Story meal: Go nontraditional with a dinner of your favorite Chinese food. Choice of chicken fried rice or beef lo mein, one egg roll per person, choice of egg drop soup or traditional ginger salad. Beef Lo mein also comes with house-made lo mein noodles (soy-free option available egg-free option available with no soup dairy-free). Chicken fried rice dinner, $60 for four; $35 for two, $18 single. Beef Lo Mein dinner, $80 for four; $50 for two, $25 single.
WHERE: 2116 Dundee Road
WHEN: All orders must be placed by Dec. 20. Available for pickup Dec. 24.
MORE INFORMATION: Meals must be picked up on Dec. 24 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. If a different day is needed, contact the restaurant to see if that is possible. 502-290-7197; thesillyaxecafe.com.
You may like: Here are the top 5 kitchen utensils, gadgets to gift the foodie on your list this holiday
Smokey Bones
WHAT: Family Feast includes one pound of house-smoked pulled pork, one whole BBQ chicken, two pints of sides, garlic bread and BBQ sauce ($29). BBQ party pack includes your choice of three meats, two pounds each and two quarts of sides ($89.99). Brisket family feast one pound of Texas-style beef brisket, pulled pork, two pints of sides and garlic bread ($54.99). Family Rib Fest includes two racks of St. Louis ribs, one pound of pulled pork, two quarts of sides and garlic bread ($54.99).
WHERE: 2525 Hurstbourne Gem Lane
WHEN: Order in advance.
MORE INFORMATION: Curbside pick-up and carry out. 502-491-7570; smokeybones.com.
Varanese
WHAT: Let Varanese prepare the Turducken dinner and side dishes for Christmas. Turducken is a partially de-boned turkey stuffed with a de-boned duck that has been stuffed with a de-boned chicken. The Turducken is then filled with cornbread, sage, and sausage stuffing, and then roasted in the oven until golden brown. A variety of fresh sides are also available, including mashed sweet potatoes, sweet potato casserole, green beans, mashed potatoes, turducken gravy, and cranberry chutney.
WHERE: 2106 Frankfort Ave.
WHEN: Orders must be placed by Dec. 18.
MORE INFORMATION: To reserve your feast call, 502-899-9904; varanese.com.
You may like: Turducken? Louisville chef swears this is the holiday dish to impress
Wiltshire Pantry
WHAT: Pre-order your Christmas desserts and breads. The menu includes Buche de Noel (serves eight to 10), Black Forest Gateau (serves eight to 10), Eggnog Crème Brulee pie (serves six to eight), cranberry-orange pie (serves six to eight), gingerbread cheesecake (serves 12-16), orange Rosemary olive oil cornmeal cake (serves eight to 10), mini Christmas tree Croquembouche, holiday cookie box (24), holiday French macaron (six), chocolate panettone, stollen, crescent Challah, yeast rolls, cranberry pecan sourdough boule, mini pastry box (six), gingerbread cinnamon rolls (four), Brioche cinnamon rolls (four), everything sourdough bagels (six) and chocolate almond croissant bread pudding.
WHERE: 901 Barret Ave.
WHEN: Orders must be placed by 5 p.m. Dec. 16.
MORE INFORMATION: Orders can be picked up from 8 a.m. to noon on Dec. 24. 502-581-8561; wiltshirepantry.com.
Whole Foods
WHAT: A variety of meals:
Classic roast turkey breast dinner (serves four): classic roast turkey breast, green beans with roasted shallots, creamy mashed potatoes, herb stuffing, turkey gravy and cranberry-orange sauce, $74.99.
Classic whole turkey (serves four, eight and 12) and includes green beans with roasted shallots, creamy mashed potatoes, herb stuffing, turkey gravy and cranberry-orange sauce, $84.99 (serves four); $139 (serves eight), $189.99 (serves 12).
Apple-brined smoked bone-in turkey breast (serves four) and includes green bean casserole, candied yams, corn pudding, gravy and cranberry-orange sauce ($89.99).
Chef Chole Coscarelli's vegan meal (serves two) and includes cremini mushroom roast, miso creamed greens, coconut sweet potatoes, jalapeno cornbread dressing, mushroom gravy, pumpkin curry soup, $39.99.
WHERE: 4944 Shelbyville Road
WHEN: Meals must be ordered a minimum of 24 hours ahead of the pickup date and time for holiday selections and 48 hours for everyday selections.
MORE INFORMATION: Call 502-899-5545 or shop.wfm.com.
Reach news clerk Gege Reed at greed@courier-journal.com
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: What Louisville restaurants are open Christmas Day for dine-in, to-go
