This year, start a new tradition: no cooking on Christmas.
Perhaps you shopped until you dropped, decked your house with holiday ornaments, wrapped lots of presents and cooked for the annual office potluck party. If that's you, you've got options.
The following nine restaurants will be open for brunch and/or dinner Dec. 25, so you and your family and friends can eat, drink and be merry without cooking or worrying who will get the last slice of Grandma’s rum poundcake. With time spent out of the kitchen, you’ll be able to do things like talk (not text), play board games, watch basketball games or just sit silently to count blessings of no dishpan hands or finding the right lid for containers (because someone always wants to take a to-go plate after eating a full meal, right?).
Livingston Restaurant + Bar: Celebrate the spirit of giving by gathering with your favorite people for a brunch buffet with peach-flavored brioche French toast, green beans with crispy onions and prosciutto, biscuits with sausage gravy and more from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Brunch will be $25 and $12.50 for children 12 and under; meals for children 3 and under will be complimentary.
A portion of the proceeds will benefit Give Kids the World, a nonprofit resort in Central Florida that provides cost-free vacations to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.
659 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 1-866-845-7551, livingstonatlanta.com.
Four Seasons Hotel — Atlanta: Culinary connoisseurs of all ages will enjoy an elaborate brunch buffet with multiple serving stations in Park 75. Seatings will be available at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.; reservations recommended. Bring your family; a seat at the table will be $115; $50 for children ages 6-12; and complimentary for children 5 and under.
75 14th St. NE, Atlanta. 404-881-5913, fourseasons.com/atlanta.
Einstein's: A three-course menu with entree options such as baked ham, lobster risotto and vegetarian Parmesan linguine will be available from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. for $45. No reservations required.
1077 Juniper St. NE, Atlanta. 404-876-7925, einsteinsatlanta.com.
Southern Art: The ability to visit several food stations ranging from omelets to artisanal ham and cheese as well as seafood to steak may make your mouth water with delight. For these options plus stations filled with pastries, soups, salads and a special kid's corner, head to this Buckhead restaurant's robust brunch from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The cost will be $89; $45 for children ages 5-10; and complimentary for children under 5.
Southern Art at Intercontinental Buckhead Atlanta, 3315 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta. 404-946-9070, southernart.com.
Hudson Grille: Keep things casual with a meal at this chain sports bar. While watching one or several NBA games on Christmas Day, guests will be able to score big on dinner from noon-midnight. Whether patrons arrive early or late, the menu selection will be the same: a salad; entree choice of glazed ham or roasted turkey; side items like macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce; and dessert. Dinner will be $24.95; $7.95 for children 10 and under.
Various locations, hudsongrille.com.
The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta: If you're planning to wake up early for gifts and good food, the merry and bright holiday brunch with dessert selections may be your best bet since it will be offered from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. for $125; $45 for children ages 5-12. For people with dinner desires, opt for a four-course meal from 5:30-10 p.m. Reservations are strongly recommended for dinner, which is $75 or $100 with wine pairings. Complimentary valet will be included for both the brunch and dinner service.
181 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-659-0400, ritzcarlton.com.
Morton's The Steakhouse: This popular steakhouse will offer its regular menu of prime steaks as well as a special steak and lobster tail combination for $56 from 2-9 p.m.
303 Peachtree Center Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-577-4366, mortons.com.
Twelve Hotel: Celebrate Italian flavors in Atlanta during a holiday brunch with creative twists like crab and goat cheese omelets, ricotta-stuffed cinnamon French toast, vegetable lasagna, breakfast pizzas and shrimp and grits from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Allora in the hotel's Midtown location. All items will be offered a la carte. For dinner, dive into an early family-style menu at Room, an on-site restaurant in the downtown location, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Here, hungry diners will indulge in a salad; choice of two entrees including prime rib, roasted turkey, glazed ham and roasted salmon; plus side and dessert options. A seat at the dinner table will be $45; $19.50 per child; and complimentary for children under 5.
Allora, 361 17th St. NW, Atlanta. 404-961-7370, alloraatl.com.
Room, 400 W. Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-418-1250, roomattwelve.com.
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