With festive décor found in front yards and presents piling up beneath the tree, it is clear that Christmas is right around the corner. This year, the holiday falls on Thursday, Dec. 25.
For many, it is a time to gather with loved ones, give thoughtful gifts and indulge in good food. Your holiday meal doesn’t have to be homecooked, however. More than a dozen restaurants and bars will be open in the Peoria area.
So whether dining out is a holiday tradition or you are simply looking to scratch one thing off your to-do list, here is a look at where you can dine on Christmas Day.
Have a restaurant or bar to add to the list? Send an email to CWaigand@gannett.com.
Asia Grill
The regular menu – without lunch or dinner combos – will be offered.
Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Connect: 5832 Knoxville Ave., Suite J, Peoria; (309) 689-8880, https://www.asiagrillpeoriail.com/
Carrigan’s Pub
While the kitchen is closed, the bar will be open.
Hours: Opens at 3 p.m.
Connect: 5506 N. Main St., East Peoria; (309) 698-1020, https://www.facebook.com/people/Carrigans-Pub/100046605805894/
City Heat
Hours: Noon to 1 a.m.
Connect: 2248 W. Glen Ave., Peoria; (309) 691-7444, https://www.facebook.com/CityHeatPeoria/
Country Saloon
While the kitchen is closed, a free Christmas buffet will be served at around 1 p.m. Visitors will find traditional holiday fare like turkey and mashed potatoes.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Connect: 3415 Meadow Ave., East Peoria; (309) 694-9142, http://www.thecountrysaloon.com/
Crusens War Memorial
The regular menu will be available.
Hours: 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Connect: 426 E War Memorial Drive, Peoria; (309) 686-3890, https://crusenspeoria.com/
Fox & Ford
Along with the regular menu, a Christmas Duo Platter with ham, turkey, sides and dessert will be available for $31.99. Reservations are recommended and can be made through OpenTable.
Hours: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Connect: 501 Main St., Peoria; (309) 637-6500, https://foxandfordpeoria.com/
Golden Kitchen
The restaurant’s regular menu, along with various combos, will be available.
Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Connect: 3311 N. Sterling Ave., Peoria; (309) 271-0871, https://www.goldenkitchenrestaurant.com/
Hokkaido Restaurant
The regular menu will be available. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling the restaurant.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Connect: 3311 N. University St., Peoria; (309) 966-0931, https://www.hokkaidores.com/
Holy Crab
The regular menu will be available.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Connect: 205 River Road, East Peoria; (309) 966-1145, https://www.holycrabeastpeoria168.com/
Jerusalem Restaurant
The restaurant expects to offer lamb along with its regular menu.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Connect: 2027 W. Farmington Road, Suite B, Peoria; (309) 863-2186, https://www.facebook.com/JerusalemRestaurantPeoria/
Jimmy’s Bar
Hours: Opens at 6 p.m.
Connect: 2801 W. Farmington Road, West Peoria; (309) 676-4021, https://www.facebook.com/jimmysbarwestpeoria
Lin Buffet
Lin Buffet will charge an all-day dinner price of $14.99 for its buffet.
Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Connect: 756 W. Jackson St., Morton; (309) 263-4747, https://linbuffet.com/
Ming Shee
Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Connect: 3510 N. University St., Suite A, Peoria; (309) 688-0418, https://www.mingshee.com/
Nelson’s Deli
Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Connect: 21 Blackjack Blvd, East Peoria; (309) 699-7711, https://paradice.boydgaming.com/dine/nelsons-deli
The Neon Bison
The kitchen is not expected to be in operation on Christmas Day, but the bar will be open.
Hours: Opens at 5 p.m.
Connect: 617 Main St., Peoria; (309) 674-5005, https://www.theneonbison.com/
Osaka Hibachi & Sushi Bar
The restaurant’s dinner menu will be available.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Connect: 5201 W. War Memorial Drive, Suite 502, Peoria; (309) 691-9888, https://www.peoria-osaka.com/
Peacock’s Pub
Hours: The kitchen and bar will open at 5 p.m.
Connect: 5603 S. Adams St., Bartonville; (309) 697-2240, http://www.peacockspub.com/
Russley’s Watering Hole
Butch’s Pizza and drinks will be available.
Hours: Opens at 5 p.m.
Connect: 17 N. 4th St., Pekin; (309) 347-0414, https://www.facebook.com/p/Russleys-Watering-Hole-100086256334213/
Shogun Japanese Restaurant
The restaurant’s dinner menu will be available.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Connect: 1000 Riverside Drive, East Peoria; (309) 981-5841, http://www.shogunpeoria.com/
Skwurt Inn
While the kitchen will be closed, the bar will be open.
Hours: Opens at 3 p.m.
Connect: 3201 NE Adams St., Peoria; (309) 839-2720, https://www.facebook.com/SkwurtInn/
Suite Fire Bar and Grille
Suite Fire Bar and Grille will be open for breakfast on Christmas Day.
Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Connect: 7601 N. Orange Prairie Road, Peoria; (309) 683-3399, https://suitefire.com/
Tartan Inn
Butch’s Pizza will be available. The establishment will host live music featuring KuhnTree Jerry.
Hours: Opens at 5 p.m.
Connect: 428 N. Waverly Ave., West Peoria; (309) 966-2444, https://www.facebook.com/tartaninn
Tin Lizard Bar & Grill
Hours: 2 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Connect: 21 Blackjack Blvd, East Peoria; (309) 694-5823, https://paradice.boydgaming.com/dine/tin-lizard-bar-and-grill
Washington Family Restaurant
A special holiday menu with breakfast, along with a few lunch and dinner dishes, will be served.
Hours: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Connect: 1269 Peoria St., #2352, Washington; (309) 444-1690, https://www.facebook.com/p/Washington-Family-Restaurant-100047774870904/
Yatta Hibachi & Sushi
The regular menu will be available.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Connect: 1105 Peoria St., Washington; (309) 641-1438, https://www.facebook.com/people/Yatta-Hibachi-Sushi-Washington-IL/61552814231945/
Yen Ching
The regular menu will be available.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Connect: 6936 N. University St., Peoria; (309) 692-9227, https://yenchingiltogo.com/
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This article originally appeared on Journal Star: What restaurants are open on Christmas Day in the Peoria area?
Reporting by Cassidy Waigand, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
