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Best Restaurants In Sacramento Open On Christmas Day 2016

By Valerie Heimerich

The holiday season is delightful, heartwarming and full of traditions, and it tends to be very hectic as well. When Christmas Day finally arrives, it might be a real treat to spend the day doing something other than slaving away in the kitchen. So, get together with the family, sip eggnog with friends and watch the kids squeal with delight when they find that gift they always wanted under the tree. Then head to one of these Sacramento restaurants that are open on Christmas Day. Bear in mind thought that seating is extremely limited, so it is essential to make reservations as soon as possible.

Dawson's Steakhouse
1209 L St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 321-3600
www.dawsonssteakhouse.com

Located directly across from the state capitol in the luxurious Hyatt Regency, Dawson's is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The hotel will hold a brunch buffet from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Christmas Day, then Dawson's will be open 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. for elegant holiday dining. Chef Michael Grande will be serving a special 3-course prix fixe dinner for the evening, and regular menu items will be available as well. Grande says he enjoys highlighting fresh, local ingredients, such as using "hearty, seasonal vegetables to create unique, upscale dishes."

Rudy's Hideaway
12303 Folsom Blvd.
Rancho Cordova, CA, 95742
(916) 351-0606
www.rudyshideaway.com

Stop the sleigh at Rudy's to enjoy a festive holiday spread on the big day. The restaurant is open from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., offering a special menu that includes a traditional turkey dinner with all the fixings and pumpkin pie. Additional savory delights include lobster pot stickers, prime rib, crab-stuffed salmon New York steak, live Maine lobster and a fisherman's platter with prawns, clams, scallops, cod and calamari.

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Sammy's Restaurant
2021 Del Paso Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95815
(916) 925-6747
www.facebook.com/Sammys-Restaurant

For an informal breakfast or lunch, visit Sammy's between 6 a.m. until mid-afternoon on Christmas Day. The casual, old-school diner is a mainstay for locals and the rather quirky, small-town atmosphere is part of what has drawn people to Sammy's since it opened in 1944. A big breakfast or burgers with fries and a milkshake might just be the perfect holiday treat for the whole family.

The Porch Restaurant and Bar
1815 K St.
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 444-2423
www.theporchrestaurantandbar.com

The Porch uses farm-fresh local ingredients to create decidedly upscale California versions of  traditional southern fare. There will be several holiday meals offered on Santa's big day, with the guest's choice of glazed ham, succulent beef brisket or a savory vegan entrée. Co-owner John Lopez says there will be at least one special dessert, featuring seasonal favorites like gingerbread, egg nog or peppermint. Items on the regular menu will be available as well, including fried green tomatoes, bacon and bourbon collards, vegan Frito pie, gulf shrimp with creamy grits, jalapeno-pineapple slaw, beignets and Cajun fried beets with comeback sauce. The restaurant will be open 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Christmas Day.

New Canton Restaurant
2523 Broadway
Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 739-8888
newcantonca.com

New Canton is a casual eatery and will be open from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Christmas Day. Guests can choose from the full menu, which includes Chinese seafood specialties and many varieties of dim sum. Delivery is also available to some nearby areas. The dining area is large and is comfortable for families of nearly any size.

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