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Plenty of Choices for Dining on Christmas Day

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Just because it's Christmas Day doesn't mean you have to suffer with a frozen dinner or Chinese take-out. Charleston offers a plethora of options for eating out on December 25. Selections run from super fancy spots with white-glove service to a dark dive bar. While everyone else is worrying about basting hams and turkeys, relax and let someone else do the work. Take a peek at the map to see what's open on the holiday.


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Alluette's Cafe

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The holidays are usually about pigging out, but Alluete's is a holistic soul food place. Chef Alluette Jones-Smalls cooks up healthier versions of Lowcountry favorites like an organic lima bean soup and fish stew.

Anson Restaurant

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Anson has old Charleston charm with a more modern menu. Yes, they have classics like she-crab soup, but they also serve a pork belly above a corn and cheddar waffle topped with hot pepper jelly.

Blossom

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If you miss traditional Christmas dinner, Blossom is serving up slow roasted turkey with all the fixings or a fig and orange glazed ham to fit the bill. There are non-traditional items offered as well, like pickled shrimp or a New York strip.

Blu Restaurant & Bar

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Spend the holiday on the beach and visit Blu Restaurant and Bar on Folly. The menu has a large focus on seafood, but there are plenty of meaty options as well. Surf's up for Santa.

Charleston Harbor Fish House

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The review from City Paper was less than stellar for the Charleston Harbor Fish House, but they've had plenty of time to improve. Besides, you're going for the stunning views of the water.

Charleston Grill

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Charleston Grill's general manager Mickey Bakst will make you feel like family as soon as you walk through the doors of this refined restaurant. The service is unparallelled, and the food is just the right amount of decadence.

Cypress

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Chef Craig Deihl makes magic with meat at Cypress—his charcuterie plate is a masterpiece. For Christmas, the restaurant will offer a few specials, like a Lady's Island oyster pan roast or smoked heritage turkey with shiitake-cornbread stuffing.

Hank's Seafood

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Treat yourself to a seafood tower for the holidays at Hank's. If you're spending December 25 alone, you can find a new family at the communal table or saddle up to the bar for some friendly service.

Peninsula Grill

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If you were dreaming of a white tablecloth Christmas, then the Peninsula Grill is for you. The flakes on the coconut cake make not replace the kind Bing Crosby sings about, but these are much more tasty.

Poogan's Porch

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Poogan's Porch is all about Lowcountry classics like shrimp and grits, fried alligator salad and she-crab soup. If you're looking for a Carolina Christmas, this is the place.

Social Wine Bar

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With wines on tap, thin crust pizza and innovative appetizers, Social has a hip holiday in store for their Christmas patrons. The vino list is extensive, but not overwhelming. Every dish has a recommended pairing, so you don't have to think about it.

The Recovery Room

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If you hate the holidays, then The Recovery Room might be the perfect place to hide with a PBR in hand. It's dark and you can choose your own non-carol music on the jukebox. You won't get a gourmet dinner, but the bar food menu does offer tater tot nachos and chicken wings to soak up all those beers you'll be throwing back.

Alluette's Cafe

The holidays are usually about pigging out, but Alluete's is a holistic soul food place. Chef Alluette Jones-Smalls cooks up healthier versions of Lowcountry favorites like an organic lima bean soup and fish stew.

Anson Restaurant

Anson has old Charleston charm with a more modern menu. Yes, they have classics like she-crab soup, but they also serve a pork belly above a corn and cheddar waffle topped with hot pepper jelly.

Blossom

If you miss traditional Christmas dinner, Blossom is serving up slow roasted turkey with all the fixings or a fig and orange glazed ham to fit the bill. There are non-traditional items offered as well, like pickled shrimp or a New York strip.

Blu Restaurant & Bar

Spend the holiday on the beach and visit Blu Restaurant and Bar on Folly. The menu has a large focus on seafood, but there are plenty of meaty options as well. Surf's up for Santa.

Charleston Harbor Fish House

The review from City Paper was less than stellar for the Charleston Harbor Fish House, but they've had plenty of time to improve. Besides, you're going for the stunning views of the water.

Charleston Grill

Charleston Grill's general manager Mickey Bakst will make you feel like family as soon as you walk through the doors of this refined restaurant. The service is unparallelled, and the food is just the right amount of decadence.

Cypress

Chef Craig Deihl makes magic with meat at Cypress—his charcuterie plate is a masterpiece. For Christmas, the restaurant will offer a few specials, like a Lady's Island oyster pan roast or smoked heritage turkey with shiitake-cornbread stuffing.

Hank's Seafood

Treat yourself to a seafood tower for the holidays at Hank's. If you're spending December 25 alone, you can find a new family at the communal table or saddle up to the bar for some friendly service.

Peninsula Grill

If you were dreaming of a white tablecloth Christmas, then the Peninsula Grill is for you. The flakes on the coconut cake make not replace the kind Bing Crosby sings about, but these are much more tasty.

Poogan's Porch

Poogan's Porch is all about Lowcountry classics like shrimp and grits, fried alligator salad and she-crab soup. If you're looking for a Carolina Christmas, this is the place.

Social Wine Bar

With wines on tap, thin crust pizza and innovative appetizers, Social has a hip holiday in store for their Christmas patrons. The vino list is extensive, but not overwhelming. Every dish has a recommended pairing, so you don't have to think about it.

The Recovery Room

If you hate the holidays, then The Recovery Room might be the perfect place to hide with a PBR in hand. It's dark and you can choose your own non-carol music on the jukebox. You won't get a gourmet dinner, but the bar food menu does offer tater tot nachos and chicken wings to soak up all those beers you'll be throwing back.

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