Whether they’ve been naughty or nice, diners can cross a delicious, stress-free meal off their Christmas wish list. Many area restaurants, both chains with multiple area locations and independents, will be open Christmas Day for dine-in service. Here are some low-cost and moderate-price options (with a few of the fancy schmantzy spots in case you are in the mood to splurge).
We will continue to update this list so check here for the latest additions. If you know of any we have missed, send an email to info@milehighonthecheap.com and we’ll do our best to add to the list.
As always, we strongly suggest you call ahead to confirm hours of operation for restaurants that do not require reservations.
Chain Restaurants
Denny’s
Christmas is actually the diner chain’s busiest day of the year. Serves breakfast, lunch and dinner all 24-hours of Christmas Day. Offers a traditional Turkey & Dressing dinner featuring tender carved turkey breast, savory stuffing, turkey gravy, cranberry sauce, two additional sides and fresh bread for dine-in or takeout.
Dunkin’
Dunkin’ of Denver will be open on Christmas Day. However, store hours will vary by location, depending on the franchisee. You can check your local Dunkin’s hours on Christmas Day through the mobile app.
IHOP
Open all day (24-hours restaurants will keep to schedule, hours may vary at other locations).
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
Denver, Longmont and Loveland locations open at 8 a.m. on Christmas Day.
Starbucks
Select locations open. Limited hours.
TGI Fridays
All three area locations including Denver (Northfield), Thornton and Longmont open at 3 p.m.
Village Inn
Open all day (though hours may vary by location). Be sure to get a slice of Candy Cane pie.
Waffle House
Open all day. Regular menu.
Individual Restaurants
Source: Depositphotos
Azitra
Open for dinner. Serving contemporary Indian cuisine. Reservations suggested. 535 Zang St. Suite C, Broomfield, 303-465-4444.
Bar Louie
Opens for “relative relief” at 4 p.m. on Christmas Day (until 2 a.m. on Dec. 26). Serving regular menu plus bar specials. Locations in Belmar (7111 W. Alaska Dr., Lakewood, 720-677-7500) and Northfield (8332 E. Northfield Blvd., Denver, 720-677-6600).
Benihana
Open for dinner at both locations Broomfield (515 Zang St., 303-410-0482) and Denver (3295 S. Tamarac Dr., 303-750-0200). Reservations suggested.
Brick House Tavern & Tap
Serving a special plated, holiday ham feast with traditional sides including red-skinned mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, cranberry sauce and a slice of pumpkin pie. Adults: $18.99, children (ages 12 and under) $8.99. Diners can also watch Christmas Day games on the various screens. Limited seating available. 19320 Cottonwood Dr., Parker, 303840-2285.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurant
Open 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. 1437 California St., Denver, 303-623-4867.
Cafe Mercato
Open 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Regular menu. Reservations strongly suggested. 7561 E. Academy Blvd, Denver, 303-366-1315.
The Chart House
Open 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Serving a three-course, all inclusive Christmas Dinner for $55 per person. Reservations required. 25908 Genessee Trail Rd., Golden. 303-526-9813.
Citizen Rail
Open hours 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Special 3-course Christmas Prix Fixe menu for $75 per person. Reservations strongly suggested. 1899 16th St., Denver, 303-323-0017.
Corinne Restaurant
Open 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Special Christmas menu featuring a choice of entrees (scallops, prime rib or cauliflower steak) for $74 per person. Reservations strongly recommended. 1455 California St., Denver, 720-996-1555.
Crave Mediterranean Grill
Open for dine-in and take-out. Regular menu. 1000 S. Colorado Blvd., Ste. 103 (adjacent to Barnes & Noble), Glendale, 720-379-8465.
Crossroads Tavern & Grille at The Summit
Open for dining with its regular menu. Also enjoy bowling, laser tag and arcade games. 580 E 144th Ave., Thornton, 303-254-8888.
Del Frisco’s Cherry Creek
Open 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Regular menu. Reservations strongly suggested. 100 St. Paul St., Denver, 303-320-8529.
Downtown Aquarium
Open noon to 8 p.m. Special holiday 3-course dinner. Regular menu featuring seafood and steak. Reservations strongly suggested. 700 Water St., Denver. 303-561-4450.
EDGE
Three-course prix fixe Christmas dinner ($95 per person) Open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Regular menu also available. Reservations strongly suggested. Inside Four Seasons Denver, 1111 14th St., Denver, 303-389-3050.
Fire at the ART, a hotel
Serves Christmas brunch from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dinner service from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., featuring a four-course prix fixe menu. Free valet parking. Reservations strongly suggested. 1201 Broadway, Denver, 303-572-8000.
Fogo de Chao
Open 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Dinner prices all day. Reservations suggested. 1513 Wynkoop St., Denver or 8419 Park Meadows Center Dr., Lone Tree, 303-481-4001.
Frank’s Chophouse Boulder
Open 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Full menu and holiday specials including Beef Wellington. Reservations a must. 921 Walnut St., Boulder.
Golden Shanghai
Open noon to 9 p.m. Limited menu. 1412 S. Parker Rd., A-134, Denver, 303-743-7666.
Great Scotts Eatery
Denver location (1295 Cortez St., Denver, 303-428-3558) open Christmas Eve all night through Christmas Day at 3 p.m. Broomfield location (7510 U.S. Hwy 287, Broomfield, 303-469-5291) open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
Open 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Regular menu, plus special holiday menu. 1998 18th St. (near Union Station), Denver, 720-726-4068.
Hard Rock Cafe
Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. 500 16th St., Denver, 303-623-3191.
Henry’s Tavern
Open noon to 8 p.m. Regular menu. 500 16th St., Unit 184B, Denver, 720-399-8466.
Hotel Boulderado’s Mezzanine
Serves a sumptuous Christmas Buffet with prime rib, leg of lamb, salmon, shrimp and crab cocktails and more ($75 per adult, $36 per child) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Reservations required. Inside the Hotel Boulderado, 2115 13th St. Boulder.
Jerusalem Restaurant
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 8 a.m. to 4 a.m. (that’s not a typo, it is a.m.) Near DU campus. 1890 Evans, Denver, 303-777-8828.
Kachina Cantina
Open Noon to 8 p.m. Regular menu, plus special Holiday Dinner. Reservations suggested. 1890 Wazee St., Denver, 720-460-2728.
Kona Grill
Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Deck The Halls with Surf & Turf specials, featuring steak, sushi and Kona Signature Sweets. Full menu also available. Reservations suggested. 3000 E. 1st Ave. (in the Cherry Creek Shopping Center), Denver, 720-974-1300.
Little Ollie’s
Open 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Limited menu. 2364 E. 3rd Ave., Denver, 303-316-8888.
Locanda del Borgo
Open 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Regular menu. Reservations strongly suggested. 5575 E. 3rd Ave., Denver, 303-388-0282.
Source: Depositphotos
Macaroni Grill
Open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Regular menu. Reservations suggested. 10411 Town Center Dr., Westminster, 303-439-9333.
Narrative
Serving brunch from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dinner from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Regular dinner menu with holiday specials. Reservations strongly suggested. 222 Milwaukee St., Denver, 720-571-8080.
New York Deli News
Open 364 days a year including Christmas Day, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 7105 E. Hampden Ave., Denver, 303-759-4741.
Quality Italian Steakhouse
Open 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Regular menu with a special holiday plate. Reservations strongly suggested. 241 Columbine St., Denver, 303-532-8888.
Simms Steakhouse
Open 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. serves steaks and seafood. Reservations required. 11911 W. 6th Ave., Lakewood, 303-237-0465.
SOL Mexican Cocina
Open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Regular menu. Reservations strongly recommended. 200 Columbine St., Unit 110, Denver, 303-953-2208.
Spruce Farm & Fish
Brunch served from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dinner from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Full menu and holiday specials. Inside the Hotel Boulderado. 2115 13th St. Boulder.
STK-Denver
Open 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Special holiday menu. Regular brunch and dinner menu also available. Reservations strongly suggested. 1550 Market St., Denver, 720-597-8010.
Table Mountain Grill & Cantina
Serves a Santa Fe Feast on Christmas Day. Limited menu and holiday specials. Reservations recommended. Brunch is 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dinner is from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. 1310 Washington Ave., Golden, 303-216-8040.
The Corner Office Restaurant
Dine in-restaurant from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Daily Grind Brunch. From noon to 7 p.m., they serve a family style prix-fixe menu ($60 for adults, $25 for children) or single plate option ($22 per person). There will also be a regular happy hour from 3 p p.m. to 7 p.m. 1401 Curtis St., Denver,
The Original – Denver
Open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Brunch and regular menu available. Special Christmas menu from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. features Prime Rib Roast served with loaded hasselback potato, horseradish cream, au jus and onion rings or Braised Lamb Shank accompanied by creamy polenta, braised kale, chevre and tomato jus. Reservations strongly recommended. 1600 20th St., Denver, 720-769-1414.
Toro Latin Kitchen
Open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Regular menu, plus special Christmas menu. Reservations strongly suggested. 150 Clayton Lane, in the JW Marriott, Denver, 303-253-3000.
Urban Farmer
Open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Denver steakhouse offers a prix fixe holiday menu. Reservations strongly suggested. 1659 Wazee St (adjacent to The Oxford Hotel)., Denver, 303-262-6070.
Venice Ristorante
Open from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Plated special for $20 includes spiral sliced ham, garlic whipped mashed potatoes, green beans, arugula & dried cherry salad. Reservations strongly suggested. 1700 Wynkoop, Denver, 303-534-2222.
ViewHouse Ballpark
Open for lunch and dinner. Plated special for $20 includes spiral sliced ham, garlic whipped mashed potatoes, green beans, arugula & dried cherry salad. Normal business hours. Full menu available. 2015 Market St., Denver, 720-878-2015.
ViewHouse Centennial
Open for brunch and dinner. Plated special for $20 includes spiral sliced ham, garlic whipped mashed potatoes, green beans, arugula & dried cherry salad. Normal business hours. Full menu available. 7101 S. Clinton St., Centennial.
ViewHouse Littleton
Open for lunch and dinner. Normal business hours. Full menu available. 2680 W. Main St., Littleton, 303-797-4829.
Zaidy’s Deli
This Denver institution (now in a new location) is expected to be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 600 S. Holly St., Denver, 303-333-5336.
A number of other restaurants will also be open on Christmas Day. The easiest way to check availability is to use OpenTable. Type in December 25, the time you want to dine, and the site will pull up a list of available restaurants and allow you to make a reservation.
