Restaurants Open On Christmas St Louis

Last Christmas Eve, my friend Jake showed up to his mom's house at 11 PM, starving, holding nothing but a stick of gum. Why? Because every single place he tried to order from had already closed. "It's Christmas, bro," his mom laughed. Yeah, Jake was not laughing.

I've been that person too, so trust me — you do NOT want to scrape the bottom of a fridge on Christmas with only mustard and leftover rolls. Trust me on this one.

So if you're in St. Louis and wondering which restaurants are actually open on Christmas, you've landed in the right spot. I did some digging so you don't end up like Jake.

Why St. Louis Is Actually a Great City for Christmas Dining

St. Louis doesn't mess around during the holidays. The city lights up with that classic European charm around the Old Courthouse and the Cathedral Basilica — it's the kind of vibe that makes food taste even better.

And you know what else? This is a food city. We're talking world-class BBQ, inventive fine dining, cozy Italian joints, and Asian kitchens that don't sleep. Whether you're French-pressing coffee at 7 AM or having crab legs at 10 PM, St. Louis has you covered.

Restaurants Open On Christmas Day

Okay, here's where it gets real. Some spots actually thrive on Christmas Day. Like, they plan for it. Others are just nice enough to open their doors for people who don't feel like cooking (no judgment — honestly, I respect that).

Seafood + Christmas = Surprisingly Common

Places like Joe's Crab Shack and Truffles Cafe have historically kept their doors open on the 25th. If you like the idea of cracking into a snow crab cluster while everyone else is tearing open presents, this is your lane.

St. Louis holiday pop-up bar guide 2023 | ksdk.com

I know, crab on Christmas sounds fancy, but honestly it's just a Tuesday dinner that happens to fall on a holiday. The point is — options exist.

Steakhouses That Never Sleep

The Ruth's Chris Steak House in St. Louis is another reliable bet. They open for Christmas day dinner service and they do it with that butter-drenched steak you keep dreaming about year-round.

Also consider The Boathouse at Forest Park — right on the water, lights everywhere, and a menu that makes you feel like royalty. Because you kind of are.

Asian Cuisine: The Unsung Heroes of Christmas Day

Let's talk about the fact that lots of Chinese and Thai restaurants in St. Louis are open on December 25th. It's almost a tradition — Jews, single folks, food enthusiasts, and anyone who just doesn't celebrate Christmas all converge on these spots.

Thai food on Christmas? Iconic. Chinese hotpot in the middle of December while snow is falling? That, my friend, is a core memory waiting to happen.

List: Holiday pop-up bars in St. Louis 2021 | ksdk.com

Large Groups? Think Buffets and Family Spots

If you've got a crew — maybe twelve people, maybe your entire in-laws side — a buffet is your best friend. Pottery Barn-style brunch spots and all-you-can-eat places tend to stay open and handle mass arrivals gracefully.

Buffets also mean nobody has to agree on a cuisine. Chinese fried rice? French onion soup? Tacos? Sure. The plate decides.

Call Before You Go (Seriously, Just Do It)

Here's where I channel my inner anxious restaurant enthusiast: always call ahead. Christmas hours change every year and what was open in 2023 might be closed in 2024.

A quick phone call saves you from a dreaded Google Maps drive to a dark, locked front door. Ask about their price fixe menus too — some places offer incredible holiday meal packages for a set price.

St. Louis holiday pop-up bar guide 2023 | ksdk.com

Some Quick Tips for Christmas Dining in St. Louis

Make reservations early. Exactly two weeks out is the sweet spot for most popular spots.

Check parking. Downtown St. Louis can still be tricky, even on a quiet holiday. Try garage spots near Bigelow's or use apps like ParkWhiz.

Tip generously. The people cooking your Christmas dinner gave up their holiday. Handle it.

Final Thoughts (And a Friendly Nudge)

Christmas in St. Louis doesn't have to mean beans and toast (though, honestly, if toast is involved, we're already winning). There are restaurants open, food to enjoy, and zero reason to suffer through an empty kitchen.

So go make that reservation. Invite your people. Order something you wouldn't normally order. Because life's too short to eat leftover gum in your pocket at 11 PM — just ask Jake.