Last week, we checked out some spots where foodies could grab a bite on Christmas Eve, but there are also dining opportunities on Christmas Day. For folks who don’t celebrate the holiday or just don’t feel like cooking, there’s Mexican food, seasonal pancakes, seafood options and more to choose from.
When discussing dining, we also shouldn’t forget the people across Tarrant County experiencing food insecurity and struggling to feed their families. And hunger doesn’t end after New Year’s. You’ll find some resources at the end of this column for anyone needing food assistance, as well as opportunities for those who just want to lend a hand.
Surf and turf burritos, Nachos Libres at El Chingon
Foodies stopping by El Chingon at 8 p.m. Christmas Day can tuck into surf and turf burritos with shrimp, carne asada, rice, cheese and pico de gallo. Also on the table is their Nachos Libres, which brings together queso ahumado, jalapeno, avocado cream, Mexican citrus cream, pico de gallo and guacamole over tortilla chips, according to their menu.
If you’re looking for a post-holiday night out with cocktails and a movie, their Saturday holiday movie night Dec. 28 will show the 2022 Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds film “Spirited” at 7 p.m. and the 2005 movie “Just Friends” at 9 p.m. Their featured holiday cocktails are a cinnamon white Russian, the tequila-based Santa Colada, a white rum-centered Jack Frost Cocktail, and their You’re a Melon One, Mr. Grinch, which has coconut rum, melon liqueur, pineapple juice and a grenadine float.
2800 Bledsoe St., Suite 100, Fort Worth; 817-870-9997
Gingerbread pancakes, turkey and seafood at Emilia’s
Emilia’s is serving “decadent seasonal favorites” at its Christmas buffet, according to their website. There are some breakfast flavors — French toast, gingerbread pancakes, hash browns, scrambled eggs, and yogurt and granola parfaits, according to a PR email — as well as seafood via a shrimp cocktail and oyster bar.
Since turkey is a staple Christmas dish, the bird appears at the carving station along with gravy, as do prime rib with au jus and horseradish sauce, and leg of lamb with mint jelly. There will also be mini desserts.
The Crescent Hotel’s resident restaurant will seat diners at noon and 2 p.m. with adults dining for $115. Kids ages 2 to 12 eat for $60 each.
3300 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth; 817-661-1788
Christmas brunch at Toro Toro
The Worthington Renaissance Hotel in Fort Worth is home to Toro Toro, a pan-Latin eatery helmed by chef Richard Sandoval that is providing Yuletide brunch 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Cheese lovers might scope out the charcuterie offerings, while diners with a sweet tooth could opt for churro French toast or the honey cheesecake served among the desserts.
Meat and seafood options are also available, with smoked wagyu picanha, zarandeado snapper, yellow tail tuna tiradito, bison and pork belly arepas on offer. Omelets, chilaquiles, salads, yellow tail tuna tiradito and desserts will also be served.
Guests can snag a seat for $95 each.
200 Main St., Fort Worth; 817-975-9895
Beef Wellington at Cut & Bourbon
The Christmas Day dinner special at Live! by Loews Arlington’s steakhouse Cut & Bourbon sees executive chef Robert Carr present dishes of beef Wellington with whipped Yukon Gold potatoes, prime New York strip, king crab legs and salmon. The hotel’s bar, Bar Bourbon, is also serving $12 old fashioneds and their seasonal cocktail, the Naughty Texas Sour, throughout December.
Pricing is a la carte and dinner runs 5-10 p.m.
1592 E. Randol Mill Road, Arlington; 682-277-4950
Know someone who needs food assistance? Here are some resources:
Note: Holiday hours may vary and some pantries require appointments. Visit the websites below to find more information.
- FindHelp.org allows users to enter their zip code to locate nonprofit services from emergency food assistance, meal delivery and nutritional education to mental health, legal and housing services.
- When school is in session, Tarrant County College students can visit its Northeast, Northwest, South and Southeast campus food pantries. Their hours and schedules are available on TCC’s webpage.
We’d love to hear from you! Send your restaurant tips and hot takes to erin.ratigan@fortworthreport.org.
Erin Ratigan is a freelance journalist and writer specializing in narrative news features. You can find her on X @erinratigan.
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