Christmas 2021: Milwaukee-area restaurants open or offering takeout
It's not too early to plan for Dec. 24 or 25. Restaurants are ready to take your reservation for tables or for takeaway meals for Christmas. Note that in most cases, even takeout orders must be reserved well in advance. (Prices are before tax and tip unless noted otherwise.)
MILWAUKEE COUNTY
Alioto’s Restaurant — Dine in from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. or pick up carryout dinners from noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 25. Entrees, which include soup or salad, potato and dessert, include turkey ($26) and 14-ounce portion of prime rib ($39). Children's menu available Reservations required for dine in and carryout; call (414) 476-6900. 3041 N. Mayfair Road, Wauwatosa. aliotos.net.
Antigua Latin Inspired Kitchen — Serving the regular menu from 4 to 9 p.m. Dec. 24. Reservations at exploretock.com. 6207 W. National Ave., West Allis. (414) 321-5775. antiguamilwaukee.com
Aria — Specials and the regular finer-dining-meets-comfort-food menu served 2 to 8 p.m. Dec. 24 and 25. For reservations, call (414) 270-4422 or book on OpenTable.com. For parties of six or more, email BradyPankow@saintkatearts.com. In the Saint Kate hotel, 139 E. Kilbourn Ave. saintkatearts.com
Blackwood Brothers — Serving the regular menu from 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 24; no reservations. 3001 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. (414) 312-8116. blackwoodbrothersmke.com
Blue's Egg — Desserts and rolls for pickup: Christmas cookie boxes from Black Shoe Bakery ($24, 12 cookies) in chocolate, retro and nut options. Apple, pecan, Key lime pies ($20-$22), brown butter spice, Red Velvet and German chocolate cakes (6 inches, $24), rolls ($6 for six, $12 a dozen), cinnamon rolls (four for $18). Order at bluesegg.com starting Dec. 13. Curbside pickup 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 16 to 23 behind Blue's Egg, 320 N. 77th St.
Capital Grille — Serving dinner until 10 p.m. Dec. 24. Reserve tables online. 310 W. Wisconsin Ave.
(414) 223-0600. thecapitolgrille.com
Caterina’s Ristorante — Open for dining in and takeout from 4 to 9 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Order from the regular menu or nightly specials. 9104 W. Oklahoma Ave., West Allis. (414) 541-4200. caterinasristorante.com
Cavas — Open 4:30 to 9 p.m. Christmas Eve, serving the regular menu and a holiday special: confit roasted beef and potatoes, sauteed red cabbage and apples, salad, dessert and a bottle of wine ($130 for two, $70 for one). Call for reservations, (414) 930-9088. 401 E. Erie St. cavasmke.com
C-viche — Order from the regular menu of Peruvian and Latin American specialties for dinner 3 to 8 p.m. Dec. 24. Reserve tables at exploretock.com/cviche. 2165 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. (414) 800-7329. c-viche.com
Coach's Pub 'n' Grill — The kitchen is open for dine-in and carryout with curbside pickup from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 24 (last orders at 5:30) and from 3 to 9 p.m. Dec. 25 (last orders at 8:30). The bar is open 11 a.m. until 2 a.m. both days. 5356 S. 13th St. (414) 281-8175.
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Dandan — Peking duck dinner for two to heat at home ($82): duck soup with duck dumplings; duck breast with scallion pancakes; duck leg chow fun with house-made rice noodles and duck egg. Order at exploretock.com/dandan by Dec. 15; pick up 1-2:30 p.m. Dec. 23. 360 E. Erie St.
Eldr + Rime — Open for dining from 2 to 8 p.m. Christmas Eve. Takeout customers can order online in advance the "Holiday Spread To-Go" package for pickup that day between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. The take-and-heat dinner for four ($140) includes a choice of beef short ribs with bone marrow bordelaise, roast turkey breast with gravy or seared salmon in birch syrup glaze; sides of celery root-potato gratin; crisped brussels sprouts with bacon; butternut, sweet potato and Yukon Gold hash; house potato rolls with butter; and chocolate mint pie. Appetizers can be added, such as a dozen oysters on the halfshell with smoked tomato cocktail sauce and beet mignonette ($36). 2300 N. Mayfair Road, Wauwatosa, at the Renaissance hotel. (414) 867-9200. eldrandrime.com; online orders start the week of Dec. 12.
Emerald City Catering — Dinner to heat ($24.95 a person). Choose 2: roast beef, ham, Swedish meatballs, Polish sausage, turkey, stuffed chicken breast; a side of garlic-dill new potatoes, mashed potatoes with gravy, cheesy scalloped potatoes; includes corn, mixed vegetables, rolls, dessert tray. Additional quantities a la carte; menu online. Order by Dec. 20: call (414) 672-3434 or email oz@emeraldcitycatering.com. Pick up 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 24. 3555 S. 13th St. emeraldcitycatering.com
EsterEv — Caviar to go ($75 for 1 ounce of sustainably raised kaluga sturgeon from Rare Tea Cellars) with crème fraîche tots, brown butter egg salad, shallots and chives; order by Dec. 21 to pick up 5 to 6 p.m. Dec. 23 (also available for New Year's). Order at exploretock.com/esterev by Dec. 17; pick up 2 to 5 p.m. Dec. 23 at Dandan, 360 E. Erie St.
Fire Pit Sports Bar & Grill — Takeout-only special Dec. 24 and 25 that's hot and ready to eat from 11 a.m. to midnight, or while supplies last. The dinner ($25) includes creamy broccoli soup with croutons, pineapple-glazed ham, mashed potatoes with gravy, dressing, candied carrot hash, cranberry sauce, rolls, apple pie. Order at the restaurant on the day of pickup; allow time for the meal to be assembled after ordering. In Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, 1721 W. Canal St.
Iron Grate BBQ Co. — Reserve hickory-smoked boneless holiday hams, $70 for 5 pounds or $140 for 10 pounds; glaze and heating instructions included. Sides such as baked beans and sweet potatoes available ($3 to $50, from single serving to full tray). Order online; pickup is Dec. 18 to 23. 4125 S. Howell Ave. irongratebbq.com
Iron Horse Hotel — The regular menu will be served until 10 p.m. in Branded bar and from 5 to 10 p.m. by reservation only in Ash restaurant on Christmas Eve. On Dec. 25, the Library is open for breakfast from 7 to 10 a.m.; the regular a la carte menu will be served in Ash and the lobby (with the addition of prime rib and eggs, bottomless mimosas and the bloody mary cart) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and Branded will serve its regular menu 3 to 9 p.m. Reserve at OpenTable.com. 500 W. Florida St. (414) 374-4766. theironhorsehotel.com
Lazy Susan — The restaurant is offering the Quebec meat pie tourtiere to bake at home. Made with pork and potato, spiced with cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg and served with cranberry mustard. The butter crust can be made gluten free or with traditional flour, and pies can be ordered frozen to take and bake or freshly parbaked to reheat. Each tourtiere is $28. Call Lazy Susan or stop in during regular hours (5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday) to order by Dec. 18, or until capacity is reached; pickup will be Dec. 23. 2378 S. Howell Ave. (414) 988-7086. lazysusanmke.com
Le Reve — Items include charcuterie platters with cured meats, house pate and liver mouse ($42), frozen croissants to bake (six for $20), French onion soup to bake ($15 serving two) and a dessert platter of petite sweets such as cranberry apple almond tarts, brown-butter pecan tarts and macarons. Order by Dec. 17 at lerevecafe.com/holiday, pick up Dec. 23. 7610 Harwood Ave., Wauwatosa.
Mader's — The German restaurant that will turn 120 years old in 2022 is open until 8 p.m. Dec. 24, serving its regular menu. On Christmas Day, the brunch buffet ($41.95) takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the dinner buffet ($42.95) is 3 to 7 p.m. Call the restaurant to reserve a table, (414) 271-3377. 1041 N. King Drive. madersrestaurant.com
Maharaja — Open from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 24 and 25. The annual Christmas Day buffet special will be available ($30, or $12 for children), including the fried spinach fritters palak pakora and chicken dum biryani. A take-home special ($70, serves four) can be ordered by Dec. 24 for pickup on Christmas Day that includes samosa and palak pakora appetizers, tikka masala, saag paneer, aloo gobhi and tandoori chicken as main dishes (all prepared mild; vegetarian option available), plus rice, naan and garlic naan, and gulab jamun and cranberry kheer for dessert. Beer and wine can be purchased at pickup. To order, call (414) 791-9504 between noon and 8 p.m. Wednesday through Monday. Pickup is 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 25. For in-person reservations, call (414) 276-2250. 1550 N. Farwell Ave. maharajarestaurants.com
Mason Street Grill — Specials and the regular steakhouse menu will be served 1 to 7 p.m. Dec. 25. Private dining rooms are available for family gatherings. To reserve: (414) 298-3131 or OpenTable.com. 425 E. Mason St. (414) 298-3131. masonstreetgrill.com
Miss Katie's Diner — Hot breakfast to go for four ($65) is new this year: scrambled eggs with cheddar and cream, breakfast potatoes, 20 pieces of bacon or 10 links of Italian sausage, fresh blueberry muffins with butter, and fresh fruit. Must be ordered in advance to pick up between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Dec. 25. For dinner, two options, and both can be picked up hot and ready to eat from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 24 and 25: American holiday dinner for four of sliced roast turkey breast, baked ham with pineapple-raisin sauce, dressing, mashed potatoes, turkey gravy, macaroni and cheese, fresh green beans with butter, bacon bits and almonds, cranberry relish, dinner rolls ($30 a person, minimum four people; for $40 a person, substitute Black Angus tenderloin for ham). Italian-style dinner for four: 16-piece shrimp cocktail, antipasto platter, six Italian Christmas sausages and 6six meatballs in tomato sauce, 2-pound meat lasagna, Italian red potato salad, Italian bread with seasoned oil and butter ($30 a person, minimum four people). Call Peter to order the breakfast or dinner packages in advance, (414) 630-4497. 1900 W. Clybourn St. misskatiesdiner.com
Miss Molly’s Cafe — Heat-at-home Christmas dinner kits for two ($120) or four ($240): pork tenderloin, carrots, brussels sprouts salad, scalloped potatoes, rolls with garlic-herb butter. Also, desserts such as eggnog cheesecake in gingersnap crust ($40), chocolate peppermint mousse pie ($32), caramel apple almond galette ($35). Order at missmollyscafe.com/holidays to pick up 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 23. 9201 W. Center St. (414) 249-5665.
Odd Duck — Open for dinner Dec. 24, with seatings from 5 to 9:45 p.m. 2352 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.; reserve online at oddduckrestaurant.com, through Resy.
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Oggie's Kitchen and Bar — Serving dinner 4 to 10 p.m. Dec. 24; reserve tables online. 411 E. Mason St., in Hotel Metro. oggiesmke.com.
Old Town Serbian Gourmet Restaurant — Open for dinner on Dec. 24 and 25 from 5 to 9 p.m., with live dinner music both nights. Christmas specials to include roast goose shanks, as well as the full regular menu. Reservations required; make them by phone. 522 W. Lincoln Ave.; (414) 672-0206; oldtownserbian.com
The Packing House — The supper club's full menu will be served 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 24 and noon to 7 p.m. Dec. 25. Call to reserve. 900 E. Layton Ave.; (414) 483-5054; packinghousemke.com.
The Pfister Hotel — Christmas brunch in the ballroom will be 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 25. The buffet includes seafood, state cheeses, carved meats, omelets, pastas, holiday salads, entrees and desserts. Brunch includes mimosa or bloody mary at $69 for adults ($27 for children 3 to 10 years old). Reservations required with a credit card; make them by calling (877) 704-5340 or (414) 935-5950. 424 E. Wisconsin Ave. thepfisterhotel.com
Rare Steakhouse — Serving dinner starting at 5 p.m. Dec. 24. Tables can be reserved online. 833 E. Michigan St. (414) 273-7273. raresteaks.com
Sanford — Heat-at-home dinner to pick up in advance of the holiday. 1547 N. Jackson St.; (414) 276-9608. sanfordrestaurant.com
The Social American Tavern — The restaurant in the Hilton Garden Inn will be open its regular hours Christmas Eve — 6 to 10 a.m. for breakfast and 5 to 10 p.m. for dinner — and the bar will be open 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. It's also open for breakfast from 6 to 10 a.m. Christmas Day. Tables can be reserved online. 611 N. Broadway. (414) 271-6611. thesocialmke.com
Steny's Tavern — Closed Christmas Eve but open Christmas Day. The kitchen is cooking from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m., serving brunch until 1:30 p.m. Shuttles to the Bucks game start at noon; the Packers game at 3:30 will have the sound on. 800 S. Second St. (414) 672-7139. stenystavern.com
Story Hill BKC — Take-and-heat 2-pound Angus beef pot roast for two, with green bean casserole, roasted brussels sprouts, mac and cheese, and sweet potato, Hasselback style ($100). Mushroom lasagna ($25), and desserts and Christmas cookies from Black Shoe Bakery can be added. To order, call (414) 539-4424 by Dec. 16. Pick up 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Dec. 23. 5100 W. Blue Mound Road.
Tall Guy and a Grill — Meals to heat ($70 for two, $145 for four, $250 for eight). Includes choice of turkey breast, smoked turkey, smoked ham or grilled pork loin; salad, pretzel rolls and choice of three sides, such as maple carrots and pimento mac and cheese. Appetizers, desserts and more a la carte. Full menu online. Order by Dec. 15; call, or email support@tallguyandagrill.com, or at tallguyandagrill.com/catering. Pick up 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 23. 6735 W. Lincoln Ave., West Allis; (414) 777-0770.
Texas de Brazil — The Brazilian steakhouse and buffet is open from 11 a.m. Dec. 24 and 25. Reserve tables online, or call for parties of 15 or larger. 2550 N. Mayfair Road, Wauwatosa, outside Mayfair Mall. (414) 501-7100. texasdebrazil.com/locations/milwaukee.
Ward’s House of Prime — Taking reservations for tables from 4 to 8 p.m. Christmas Eve. Also, hot dinners to go on Dec. 24 and 25: Prime rib dinner (from $100 for two to $525 for 9 to 12) includes horseradish cream, salad, corn, mushrooms, mashed potatoes. A la carte prime rib from quarter to whole, sides, desserts. Call or email jennifer@wardshouseofprime.com in advance; pick up 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 24, noon to 1 p.m. Dec. 25. 540 E. Mason; (414) 223-0135; wardshouseofprime.com
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WAUKESHA COUNTY
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse — Open for dinner at 4 p.m. Christmas Eve, serving in the dining room and offering takeout. 15665 W. Blue Mound Road, Brookfield. (262) 782-9463. flemingssteakhouse.com
Red Circle Inn — Call by 4 p.m. Dec. 17 to order family-style dinner to heat at home ($45 a person; capacity might be reached before the deadline). The meal includes sliced beef tenderloin with red wine sauce, sliced pork loin with cherry sauce, sides such as roasted root vegetables and "stuffed" whipped potatoes, salads (shrimp Louis, Waldorf, pasta), vanilla-strawberry and chocolate-mocha yule logs. Cocktail kits, including spiked eggnog and old fashioneds are available. Curbside pickup 8 a.m.-noon Dec. 24. N44-W33013 Watertown Plank Road, Nashotah. (262) 367-4883. redcircleinn.com
WALWORTH COUNTY
Grand Geneva Resort — Geneva ChopHouse: four-course brunch ($75, or $35 ages 3 to 12) with seatings from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. First two courses of snacks, biscuits, salad and soup served family style at the table; third course is prime rib and ham at carving stations as well as salmon en croute, and sides brought to the table. Dessert station includes eggnog cheesecake, trifles, chocolate bark and cookies. Dinner (a Christmas special and the full menu) is from 5 to 10 p.m. Ristorante Brissago: The Christmas dinner special and full menu are served 5 to 10 p.m. Grand Cafe: The Christmas dinner special and full menu are served 4 to 9 p.m. Prices for the Christmas dinner special at all restaurants is $35, or $20 for ages 3 to 12 years. Reservations are required with a credit card; call (262) 245-7620. Because table capacity is six persons, larger groups will be seated at separate tables. 7036 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva. grandgeneva.com
Lake Lawn Resort — Seating for the Christmas Eve dinner buffet will be from 4 to 9 p.m. Dishes will include Duroc ham and wild rice, fried chicken, prime rib, pan-fried walleye, roasted broccolini and Black Forest Yule log. The Christmas Day Champagne brunch will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; the buffet will include danish, omelets, waffles, cherry pancakes, chilled shrimp, prime rib, mac and cheese, and ham. Reservations required for the buffets; make them online or by phone. The buffets will be in the Geneva Ballroom of the resort's conference center. Prices for the buffets ($60, or $22 for ages 4 to 12 years) include tax and tip. 2400 Geneva St., Delavan. (262) 728-7950. lakelawnresort.com/events
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Restaurants, would you like to be added to this list? Contact dining critic Carol Deptolla at carol.deptolla@jrn.com.
You can follow Carol on Twitter at @mkediner or Instagram at @mke_diner.
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Christmas 2021: Milwaukee-area restaurants open or offering takeout
