By now you've read our roundups of Christmas dining options throughout the city, but if you're spending the holidays in the suburbs, you may think you're stuck at your crazy aunt's house. Not so -- read on for an array of restaurants that will serve you a feast -- not grief -- this Christmas.
With locations in Schaumburg, Skokie, Rosemont and Oak Brook (as well as the Loop and Gold Coast for you city slickers), McCormick & Schmick's is a convenient option for suburbanites. The popular seafood chain will be offering special holiday dishes in addition to the regular menu, as well as festive seasonal cocktails such as an apple cider mojito with housemade apple-mint syrup, on both Christmas Eve and Day. The suburban locations will be open 11:30AM-9PM on Christmas Eve and 2-8PM on Christmas Day.
Last-minute shoppers will appreciate D.O.C. Wine Bar's lunch and cocktail specials on Christmas Eve. Located in Lombard across from the sure-to-be-hectic Yorktown Center, D.O.C. is offering a sandwich, side salad and a glass of wine from 11AM-4PM for $10, as well as a "holiday stress relief" special from 11AM-9PM, which is basically $6 martinis to help take the edge off.
At the elegant Carlos' Restaurant in Highland Park, you and yours can enjoy a gourmet holiday repast of contemporary French cuisine. The restaurant will be open on Christmas Eve for a four-course degustation lunch for $42.50 or $82.50 with wine pairings (11:30AM-2:30PM). Carlos' will also serve a grand Christmas Eve dinner ($100 per person, $155 with wine pairings).
The 10 Rosebud restaurant locations throughout the suburbs and city (including Highland Park, Naperville and Schaumburg) will be open for both lunch and dinner on Christmas Eve serving up hearty Italian dishes for your entourage. The Highland Park location (as well as Rosebud on Rush in the Gold Coast) will also open its doors on Christmas Day from 1-9PM.
The perennially popular Shaw's Crab House (both the Schaumburg location and the original in River North) will feature a special holiday menu on Christmas Eve. Shaw's Oyster Bar in Schaumburg will be open for lunch and dinner from 11:30AM-9PM, and the main dining room will be serving from 4-9PM.
And now for something completely different: If you're craving Chinese food or sushi over the holidays, you're in luck. The stylish Koi in Evanston will be open for all of your Asian dining (maki rolls!) and drinking (sake!!) needs on both Christmas Eve and Day from 4:30-10:30PM.
