Restaurants Open On Christmas Day St Louis

Okay, so Christmas Day in St. Louis. You forgot to pre-plan dinner? Maybe you're visiting family? Or maybe you just want to skip the kitchen chaos entirely. No judgment here — we've all been there.

The good news? St. Louis doesn't shut down entirely just because Santa is making his rounds. A surprising number of restaurants actually keep their doors open on Christmas Day. And honestly? Some of them serve way better food than whatever your uncle's "famous" casserole turns out to be.

Why Bother Going Out?

Look, I get it. Staying in sounds cozy. But cooking for a crowd? Exhausting. Washing a million dishes afterward? Even worse. Sometimes the best gift you can give yourself is letting someone else handle the cooking.

Plus, Christmas Day dining has this weirdly magical vibe. The lights are twinkling, everyone's a little more generous with the small talk, and nobody's in a rush. It's delicious and relaxing — what more could you want?

Classic Spots That Always Deliver

First up, there's The Grand Center area — some of the fancier restaurants around there open up with special Christmas menus. We're talking prix fixe courses, fancy plating, and wine pairings. Because why not treat yourself like you actually belong in a five-star movie?

The Hill — ya know, St. Louis' legendary Italian neighborhood — also has some gems that stay open. Italian food on Christmas? Yes, please. It's basically a group hug for your taste buds.

Downtown hotels often host buffets that are absolutely overflowing. Think carved meats, seafood stations, desserts that slap the tinsel right off your tree. It's the kind of spread where you leave thinking, "I need a small nap now."

St Louis Restaurants Open On Christmas Day 2020 | Christmas Day

The Hotel Restaurant Trick

Here's a little secret nobody talks about enough: hotel restaurants love Christmas. They're already open for guests, so they add a dining room experience for locals too. You get great food, valet parking, and the option to look fancy without actually owning fancy clothes.

Some of the bigger chains around the St. Louis area — think places near Lambert Airport or along the I-44 corridor — also tend to open. Simple? Sure. But sometimes you just need a reliable plate of food without the drama.

Unexpected Options on the Day

Surprisingly, a handful of Asian restaurants around St. Louis open on Christmas too. Hot pot, ramen, sushi — you name it. Nothing says "I made a whole new tradition" like slurping noodles while everyone else is unwrapping socks.

Speaking of traditions, a few Brasserie-style spots in neighborhoods like the Central West End whip up special menus. French flair with a St. Louis accent? That's a combination I can absolutely support.

And don't sleep on brunch. Some places do a killer Christmas brunch that leans into eggs, pancakes, mimosas, and enough bacon to make your doctor sigh. It's the meal that says, "I woke up and chose happiness."

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Tips from Your Barista-Friend

Call ahead. Always. Restaurants sometimes change their holiday hours with absolutely zero warning. One minute they're open; the next minute, it's just you standing outside a locked door holding your coat. Awkward.

Also, reservations are your best friend. Christmas Day tables fill up faster than pumpkin pie in October. Booking early means you show up relaxed instead of giving the hostess a look of pure desperation.

Pro tip: try don't over think it. Pick a place that sounds good, show up hungry, and let the food do the talking. Life's too short to agonize over the perfect Christmas meal.

Some Things to Keep in Mind

Prices might be a little higher on Christmas Day. Restaurants know you're in a generous mood — and by that, I mean desperate. It's the holiday tax, basically.

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Hours are also usually shorter than usual. Think lunch and early dinner service rather than your typical 10 PM cutoff. Get there on time, or risk missing the feast entirely.

And honestly? Some places only announce their Christmas plans a week or two before. Still annoying, but manageable if you're willing to check in at the last minute. Set a reminder on your phone — future you will be thrilled.

The Bottom Line

St. Louis has plenty of options if you'd rather let the professionals handle Christmas dinner this year. Fancy buffets, cozy Italian spots, brunch that absolutely destroys the morning — it's all available if you know where to look.

So whether you're a local or just passing through, don't stress about the holiday meal. Put on your comfiest sweater, grab the people you love (or a good book), and treat yourself to something memorable. After all, the best gifts are the ones you don't have to cook yourself.

Cheers to eating well and slacking off — I mean, celebrating responsibly this Christmas in St. Louis. 🎄