Usually, Christmas dinner at my house is one of two or three meals each year that I cook and give my talented husband a break. But I recognize that not everyone wants to make a big meal, or even has the energy to do it. Sometimes there aren’t the people to cook for coming to the house. Or your family may not celebrate Christmas.
It has even happened to me. There was a year when I visited my husband’s family in California that we all had Christmas Dinner on Christmas Eve and were left needing a restaurant on Christmas Day. We were hard-pressed to find one open.
I didn’t want that to happen to our readers of The Citizen in Fayette and Coweta, so I crowd-sourced through local Facebook groups then followed up by calling or texting all the restaurants mentioned.
I checked in with some of my favorite fine dining restaurants, like The Beirut and Georgia Shrimp Co. You’ll be able to reference this list for New Year’s, too, and some of them are doing some fun things—particularly check out Pascal’s Bistro, Due South and Enzo for New Year’s Eve parties.
If you’re wondering who is open and where to go, there are some standbys for Christmas Day—the hotel conference centers in Peachtree City are open and serving on all holiday dates. You might want a reservation.
And the Asian restaurants in town are without fail a good bet for Christmas Day. You can get breakfast at IHOP on all the holidays, and Waffle House will never let you down.
Here’s my list:
Georgia Shrimp Co. If you’ve a hankering for some delicious fish, maybe a malva pudding cake, GA Shrimp Co is open 11:30a.m. – 9 p.m. on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, Not openChristmas Day or New Year’s Day.
Pascal’s Bistro Open Christmas Eve, Open New Year’s Eve for dinner from 5-9 and with a an after dinner party that includes Live Jazz Music, Dancing and a Great Gatsby Theme at no additional charge.
The Beirut, Closed Christmas Eve and Day. Open New Year’s Eve for usual dinner hours and menu, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Due South, Closed Christmas Eve and Day. Open New Year’s Eve with a limited menu and some specials including Surf and Turf from 5-10 p.m., Reservations required, DJ and dancing start at 9 p.m. Champagne Toast and party favors at midnight included. 770-629-5847.
Elliott’s. Not open Christmas Eve, Day or New Year’s Day. Open New Year’s Eve 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Enzo, Open Christmas Eve 3:30-9:30 p.m., highlighting the Seven Fishes Celebration, Special Holiday Menu available to view online. Closed Christmas Day. 5 p.m.-Midnight New Year’s Eve, 10 p.m.-Midnight DJ on the Patio. Closed New Year’s Day.
Il Porto di Venezia, They have some delicious meatballs here that I like served over zucchini noodles for a lower carb, healthier option. Christmas Eve noon-9 p.m. Closed Christmas Day. Open New Year’s Eve Noon-9 p.m.
Draft Room, This newer restaurant in Senoia is open 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Christmas Eve with specials including starters eggplant rollatini and seafood stuffed mushrooms. For entrée special they’ll have zuppa de pesce with clams, mussels, shrimp, cod and squid over fresh housemade pasta. Closed Christmas Day. 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
If you want a burger or some wings?
Palmer’s, Closed Christmas Eve/Day. Closing early New Year’s Eve at 8 or 9, Closed New Year’s Day.
Taco Mac This is my husband’s favorite bar. He’s a happy camper if he can get an IPA on draft. Peachtree City, Open Christmas Eve until 7 p.m., Regular Hours for New Year’s Eve and Day, 11 a.m. – Midnight. $1000 gift card gets you $100 bonus, or $100 gift card gets a $10 bonus.
The Asian restaurants will really come through for you on the holidays. Every one I was able to reach was open for the holidays.
9292 Korean BBQ, This new restaurant at the Avenue in Peachtree City would be a fun place to start a new tradition with your family. Both times I went, I really enjoyed my food. It’s a whole experience. 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Cranberry Moscow Mule, and White Chocolate Martini—two holiday drinks. December gift card special $10 gift card bonus for $100. Or $20 for $200 or more in gift cards. Will take reservations at 770-703-4477.
Royal Stix (Fayetteville), Open Christmas Day
Kobe Japanese Steakhouse, MacDuff, Christmas Eve 11:15 a.m. -2:30 p.m., 4:30-10 p.m. (Dinner menu all day), Christmas Day 11:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. (no lunch break, dinner menu all day), New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day 11:30 a.m.-Close (no lunch break, No lunch menu). Taking reservations for more than 6 people. Under 6 people, walk in, 770-631-8889
Green Ginger Asian Fusion, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. $5 Margaritas, $8 Pomegranate Martinis. Do take reservations 404-373-2788.
Asian Cook, (near South Publix off 74) 11 a.m.- 9 p.m., Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, All walk-ins.
Chopsticks China Bistro, Christmas Eve 10:30-9 (Limited menu), May close early on Christmas, 10:30-9 Christmas Day (Limited menu). Normal business hours on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
What about the Chain Restaurants?
Golden Corral (Newnan) Voicemail doesn’t work, but everyone on social media assures me that they are open on Christmas. You can try your luck at this buffet.
Cracker Barrel (Newnan) Closed at 2 p.m. Christmas Eve, Closed through Christmas Day. New Year’s Eve/Day normal business hours 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
IHOP Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 6 a.m.-3 p.m., New Year’s Eve and Day 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Could be a bargain to eat at IHOP with a $6 menu available.
Waffle House You can always count on Waffle House to be open first in case of natural disaster, and staying open to celebrate all the holidays with you. So go get those eggs, sausage and waffles. Or maybe some hashbrowns, scattered, smothered and covered.
And the Local Hotel/Conference Center Venues?
Crowne Plaza, 201 Restaurant and Bar, Open Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Breakfast 6 a.m.-10 a.m., Lunch 11:30-2 p.m. Dinner 5-9 p.m. Taking reservations 770-487-2666.
Hilton Peachtree City Atlanta Hotel and Conference Center, 6-10 a.m. Breakfast, 12-2 p.m. Lunch, 5-10 Dinner, Christmas Eve and Day, New Year’s Eve and Day. 770-487-2000.
