This holiday, you might want to spend less time in the kitchen and more time relaxing with family and friends. While many chain restaurants stay open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, these locally-owned Madison restaurants will also open their doors. Wherever and whatever you eat, have a great holiday!
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
The Indian restaurant in Monona will be open both days, with an extensive menu of curries, appetizers and tandoor-oven baked breads.
If you’ve got a taste for barbecue this holiday season, this Oregon restaurant will be open both days with a casual menu of pulled pork sandwiches, burgers and appetizers.
The Monona landmark makes sure to stay open every day of the year, so it will be serving its full menu of burgers and wraps.
Christmas diners have come to rely on this family restaurant just off Fish Hatchery Road and the Beltline to stay open during the holidays, with a full menu that includes senior favorites and a kids’ menu.
Taigu just opened its second location (and now only dine-in location) on Old Middleton Road, and will be serving favorites like Dan Dan noodles and sweet & sour chicken both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
This Indian restaurant has become an annual Christmas tradition for many Madison diners, especially those looking for an extensive vegetarian menu.
Christmas Eve only
Celebrating 30 years in business this year, all four locations of the Great Dane will be serving craft beer and a full menu during the lunch hours on Christmas Eve. That West African peanut stew is perfect on a cold day.
Lucille will cap off its Miracle on King Street pop-up theme in high style on Christmas Eve, with specialty cocktails and wood-fired pizzas.
Not to be outdone by Lucille up the street, Merchant launched its own spooky “Nightmare Before Christmas” pop-up theme this year, with seasonal cocktails and special menu items.
Nostalgia is a big part of celebrating the holidays, so head to this iconic retro diner on the east side for breakfast all day (or until 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve), as well as the full Monty’s menu.
While several other fine dining establishments like Cento and The Statehouse were all full up for Christmas Eve, Johnny Delmonico’s still had a few spots left as of this writing for diners to enjoy their elegant surf & turf options.
The Hilldale restaurant will be serving a Danish-style brunch on Christmas Eve, including Olliebollen doughnut-style treats and open-faced sandwiches.
