Christmas dinner in Chicago doesn't have to consist of a hot dog from the convenience store next to your hotel. A number of Chicago restaurants are open for Christmas Day and Christmas Eve, offering a wide array of options.
A Mano
A Mano's executive chef John Caputo is putting together a traditional Italian "Feast of the Seven Fishes" dinner on Christmas Eve, an Italian tradition featuring a menu with loads fresh seafood -- seven different preparations of "frutti di mare" to be precise, hence the name. A Mano will also be serving its regular dinner menu.- Address: 335 N. Dearborn St., Chicago
- Phone: 312-629-3500
- Christmas Eve Hours: 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
- Feast Cost: $65 per person, add $33 for course wine pairings
Lockwood
Lockwood, located in the Palmer House Hilton, is offering two options for Christmas. First, an upscale buffet between 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. with choices such as imported cheeses, caviar, a carving station, and entrees such as coq au vin and pan roasted Chilean sea bass. Second, a pre-fixe menu from 4 p.m. to close with selections like blue hill bay mussels, free range chicken, and "drunken" risotto.- Address: 17 E. Monroe St., (Palmer House Hilton), Chicago
- Phone: 312-917-3404
- Christmas Hours: Brunch 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Dinner 4 p.m. - 10 p.m.
- Buffet Cost: $65 adults, $50 seniors, $25 children (under 12)
- Pre-Fixe Dinner: $38 per person
McCormick & Schmick's Seafood
Besides McCormick & Schmick's regular seasonal seafood menu, their chef will also be creating traditional holiday sides and specials at their two downtown locations. The restaurants will be open on Christmas Eve as well.- Address: Gold Coast: 41 E. Chestnut St.; Loop: One E. Wacker Dr., Chicago
- Phone: Gold Coast: 312-397-9500; Loop: 312-923-7226
- Christmas Eve Hours: 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
- Christmas Day Hours: 12:00 p.m. - 9 p.m.
- Cost: ala carte menu, entrees range from $16 - $25
Mercat a la Planxa
Located in Chicago's Blackstone Hotel, Mercat a la Planxa has decided to go all out and will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, slinging their excellent array of tapas, steaks, seafood, cured meats, and cheeses. In addition to the regular menu, Chef Garces will be offering a special Holiday Feast tasting menu on Christmas Day.- Address: 638 S. Michigan Ave., Blackstone Hotel, Chicago
- Phone: 312-765-0524
- Christmas Eve/Christmas Day Hours: 6:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.
- Cost: a la carte menu, food cost per person averages $16 - $30
Signature Room
Soaring above Chicago on the 95th floor of the John Hancock building, the Signature Room is adding some special items to their regular a la carte menu for Christmas Eve, including fresh winter truffles and roasted goose.- Address: 875 N. Michigan Ave., 95th Floor, John Hancock building, Chicago
- Phone: 312-787-9596
- Christmas Eve Hours: 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
- Cost: a la carte menu, average entree $35
Zest
Zest, the Intercontinental Hotel's contemporary American restaurant, is in an ideal location on Michigan Avenue and offers diners a picturesque view of the Magnificent Mile. Zest is a great choice if you want to go a non-traditional Christmas dinner route, as their menu will offer five courses including Gingered Gravad Salmon Sashimi and Slow Roasted Colorado Rack of Lamb. Zest will offer the menu on Christmas Eve as well.- Address: 505 N. Michigan Ave., (Intercontinental Hotel), Chicago
- Phone: 312-321-8844
- Christmas Eve/Christmas Day Hours: 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
- Cost: $65 adults ($90 with wine pairings), $23 children
