By Joshua Duvauchelle
Visitors needing a place to eat Christmas Day are in luck in Houston.
is found on the southeast edge of Texas and is Texas' largest urban center. It also is the fourth most populous city in the
United States. Thanks in part to its sprawling size, there are several restaurants serving meals on Christmas Day. Whether you're a resident who wants a break from cooking or a tourist traveling through Texas during the holidays, discover the best restaurants in Houston that are open for business on December 25.
Cleburne Cafeteria
Ever since it was featured in a two-page spread in the "New York Times," Cleburne Cafeteria's popularity has stretched far beyond Houston. The restaurant was founded in 1941 and has never strayed from its principles, promising to use only the freshest, purest ingredients. For example, all of its herbs come from local farmers and its meat is locally produced and never frozen. Many of its vegetables also come from nearby farmers' markets. Try its famous baked goods, which are baked every half hour.
Cleburne Cafeteria
3606 Bissonnet Street
Houston, Texas 77005-2120
(713) 667-2386
cleburnecafeteria.com
Aka Sushi House
Dine beyond the traditional holiday bird and mix things up with some authentic Japanese sushi on Christmas Day. Aka Sushi House sells budget-friendly sushi that's freshly made. You can eat typical sushi like California rolls or go the adventurous route and try some eel sushi.
Aka Sushi House (two locations)
1460 Eldridge Pkwy. #130
Houston, Texas 77077
(281) 558-8900
2390 West Alabama Street
Houston, Texas 77098-2204
(713) 807-7875
akasushi.net
Bodegas Taco Shop
Found smack-dab in the middle of Houston's famed museum district, get your fill on authentic Mexican fajitas, enchiladas and tacos that are fully customizable. For example, you can choose from more than 10 different types of salsa, including exotic ones such as papaya habanero. Its popular margaritas, made with premium spirits, will definitely add some Christmas cheer to your day.
Bodegas Taco Shop
1200 Binz Street
Houston, Texas 77004-6900
(713) 528-6102
bodegastacoshop.com
Cafe Byblos
If you're looking for a fine-dining, upscale restaurant serving Lebanese cuisine, Cafe Byblos is your best bet. In fact, it's one of the only upscale Mediterranean restaurants in the city. The chefs use authentic, imported ingredients and classical cooking techniques. Try dishes like kebbeh nayeh, a lamb tartare with cracked wheat. Their poultry dishes are also popular, such as whole seasoned quail that's grilled with Lebanese spices. The average dinner entree starts at $15.
Cafe Byblos
6134 Richmond Ave.
Houston, Texas 77057
(832) 251-0505
cafebybloshouston.com
Empire Turkish Grill
The Empire Turkish Grill restaurant has delighted residents for years with its flame-broiled entrees fashioned with traditional Turkish seasonings and ingredients. There often is free live entertainment. Start any meal with the tart yogurt cheese dip mixed with fresh dill, as well as hot Turkish bread fresh from the oven. Practicing Muslims will be happy to know that all of the restaurant's meat is 100 percent halal, meaning the animals have been slaughtered and processed according to Islamic requirements.
Empire Turkish Grill
12448 Memorial Drive
Houston, Texas 77024
(713) 827-7475
empiretrgrill.com
Resources
About the Author:
Joshua Duvauchelle is an editor and journalist who has been writing since 2000. His work has appeared in various national and international magazines, including "Honolulu Magazine." Duvauchelle graduated with honors from Trinity Western University, holding a Bachelor of Arts in professional communications, and earned a certificate in applied leadership and public affairs from the Laurentian Leadership Centre.
Photo Credits:
houston skyscraper image by Paul Wolf from
Fotolia.com
