If spending your holiday doing dishes doesn’t sound appealing (raises hand), head to a local restaurant on Christmas Day instead. While many Atlanta restaurants will be closed in observance, not to mention time-off for staff, these spots will be open and ready to serve, whether it’s a casual no-frills bite or a multi-course brunch with Santa. Just be sure to get your reservations in early.
The Farmhouse - 10950 Hutchesons Ferry Rd, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268
The Farmhouse at Serenbe, at the namesake community south of the city, will hold its annual Christmas Day prix fixe dinner, which often books up ahead of time. The multi-course meal starts at 4 p.m. and includes Chef Nicolas Bour’s dishes made with produce from the onsite garden. Make a staycation out of dinner by staying at The Inn for an extra dose of holiday cheer.
Red’s Beer Garden - 1328 Boulevard SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
If it’s a laid-back beer and bites you’re after, following plenty of holiday indulgence and enough family time, Red’s Beer Garden in Benteen Park is the perfect escape. The restaurant is open on Christmas Day from noon to 6 p.m. Bundle up on the patio with a hot dog and a local beer.
Tiny Lou’s - 789 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
The Michelin-recommended Tiny Lou’s at the Hotel Clermont on Ponce de Leon Avenue will be open for Christmas Day. The restaurant is a great spot for non-alcoholic cocktails, including a zero-proof “phony Negroni,” and house-made desserts. The dinner menu will include butternut squash soup and beef Wellington. Reservations highly encouraged.
Brick Store Pub - 125 E Court Square, Decatur, GA 30030
The beloved Decatur beer bar will be open again this year starting at 4 p.m. on Christmas Day. Cozy up with a brew, including the cask selections and hard-to-find options from Belgium. Order the steaming chicken pot pie, with no grocery trip or cleanup required.
Bar Margot - 75 14th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Tucked inside the Four Seasons Hotel in Midtown, Bar Margot is a favorite of both hotel guests and locals for its cocktail menu created by the top bar professionals in town. Come by for Christmas Day brunch, which will be held in the bar, the brasserie, and the atrium bridge starting at 11 a.m. Reservations are required.
Divan Restaurant & Bar - 87 15th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Spend Christmas Day at The Castle in Midtown, home to longtime Persian restaurant Divan. Share a spread of the menu highlights like hummus with tabbouleh and crab risotto croquettes. Reservations are recommended and there is a suggested dress code, so leave the Christmas jammies at home.