If you’re looking to leave the holiday meal prep (and cleanup) in someone else’s hands this year, you’re in luck. These 16 Louisville-area restaurants are open on Christmas Day! For spots accepting reservations, you should inquire as soon as possible, as they are likely to book up quickly.

*Listed in alphabetical order

Bravo Italian Kitchen

Neighborhood: St. Matthews
More Info + Holiday Hours: bravoitalian.com

Whether you’re in the mood for steak, seafood, or made-to-order pasta, Bravo Italian Kitchen has you covered on Christmas Day. Try the popular Pasta Woozie, Lobster and Shrimp Fettuccine, or chargrilled filet mignon. Reservations are recommended.

The Brown Hotel

Neighborhood: Downtown
More Info + Holiday Hours: brownhotel.com

Enjoy a Christmas brunch buffet at The Brown Hotel’s Crystal Ballroom from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Offerings include everything from a meat carving station to soups, salads, and desserts. Or, dig into dinner dishes from the regular menu — plus a few Christmas specials — at The Lobby Bar & Grill from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Reservations are strongly encouraged.

inside of old-fashioned, opulent restaurantPin
Dine on Christmas dinner inside The Brown Hotel’s gorgeous Lobby Bar & Grill. Image: The Brown Hotel

Buca di Beppo

City: Jeffersontown
More Info + Holiday Hours: dineatbuca.com

Buca di Beppo celebrates the hearty cooking of Southern Italy daily — and that includes Christmas Day. Bring the whole family to share bountiful portions of classics like chicken parmesan, lasagna, and spaghetti with giant meatballs. Reservations are recommended.

Double Dragon

Neighborhood: Germantown
More Info + Holiday Hours: doubledragonky.com

Get in the holiday spirit at Double Dragon! The popular Chinese restaurant serves Asian fusion, traditional Chinese fare, tasty Szechuan-style dishes, and more. Its casual atmosphere makes it perfect for the whole family, and no reservations are required.

Double Dragon 9

City: Jeffersontown
More Info + Holiday Hours: doubledragonnine.com 

Dine on authentic Chinese cuisine for lunch or dinner, including kung pao chicken, Szechuan shrimp, curry beef, and chop suey pork. No reservations are required.

First Wok

Neighborhood: South Louisville
More Info + Holiday Hours: firstwoklouisvilleky.com

Enjoy authentic and delicious Chinese cuisine this holiday season! The entire family is guaranteed to enjoy an Asian-infused Christmas meal with tasty menu items like egg rolls, fried rice, lo mein, and more.

IHOP

City: Clarksville
More Info + Holiday Hours: ihop.com

Hop over the bridge for a holiday breakfast, lunch, or dinner. While you’re there, try the new fully loaded French toast in three flavors: The Great Circle of Cinnamon, Secret Cookie Butter, and Berry’d Treasure. For those who’d rather dine at home, the Holiday French Toast Family Feast IHOP ‘N Go includes four servings each of thick n’ fluffy French toast, scrambled eggs, and golden hash browns, plus a choice of eight hickory-smoked bacon strips or pork sausage links, plus four seasonal toppings.

Joe’s Crab Shack

Neighborhood: Downtown
More Info + Holiday Hours: joescrabshack.com

Christmas dinner at Joe’s Crab Shack includes roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Guests can also make selections from the regular menu or get takeout for large parties via a catering order.

Joy Luck

Neighborhood: Highlands + East Louisville
More Info + Holiday Hours: thejoyluck.com

Guests can get cozy at Joy Luck, with an Asian-fusion menu that offers everything from wonton soup and Szechuan shrimp to pork dumplings and bourbon chicken. Don’t forget to check out the selection of craft cocktails, too.

Morton’s The Steakhouse

Neighborhood: Downtown
More Info + Holiday Hours: mortons.com

It’s business as usual at Morton’s, where you can look forward to the regular menu from noon until 8 p.m. on Christmas Day. Enjoy a classic Morton’s dining experience and choose from the extensive wine list as you dine on prime-aged beef, succulent seafood, signature steakhouse sides, and decadent desserts. Reservations are suggested.

Plated lobster tails with greens and dipping saucePin
Indulge in both land and sea at Morton’s. Image: Morton’s

Neighborhood Services

Neighborhood: Downtown
More Info + Holiday Hours: omnihotels.com

Located on the first floor of the Omni Louisville, Neighborhood Services Bar + Restaurant features chef Nick Badovinus’ signature, self-described fare: “honest food and drink in the American tradition.” Reservations are suggested.

Oriental House

Neighborhood: St. Matthews
More Info + Holiday Hours: orientalhouseky.com 

This Louisville staple is known for its modern interpretation of classic dishes made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The dining room will be closed on Christmas Day, but guests can pop in or order online for carryout.

Red Lobster

Neighborhoods: Multiple
More Info + Holiday Hours: redlobster.com

On Christmas Day, Red Lobster locations in St. Matthews, Clarksville, and Downtown Louisville will be open for seafood, pasta, or steaks. Guests can also order meals to go. Choose from a couple of pre-set feasts or build your own. Each offers four servings of mains, sides, and biscuits.

Sapporo Grill & Sushi

Neighborhood: Deer Park
More Info + Holiday Hours: sapporolouisville.com

Join the folks at Sapporo Grill & Sushi this Christmas in a relaxed atmosphere that showcases the traditions of pristine quality fish and family-style Japanese fare. Reservations are recommended.

Pair of chopsticks holding sushi.Pin
Dine on fresh and unique sushi this Christmas. Image: Sapporo Grill & Sushi

Waffle House

Neighborhoods: Multiple
More Info + Holiday Hours: locations.wafflehouse.com

Waffle House is known for serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner all day — and that doesn’t change when it comes to Christmas. Everything from waffles and burgers to hash brown bowls and steak dinners will be available for dine-in or carryout.

Walker’s Exchange

Neighborhood: Downtown
More Info + Holiday Hours: walkerslouisville.com

Walker’s Exchange will serve Christmas breakfast from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m. Enjoy made-to-order waffles, omelets, biscuits and gravy, grits, and more.

Have a happy, healthy, and satisfying holiday season!

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Author: Lennie Omalza
About the Author
Lennie Omalza

Lennie is a Southern-based freelance writer. Originally from Hawaii, she is a yoga-loving foodie who travels as often as she can.