Austin

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Drink

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Nation

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Travel

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Boston

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Lifestyle

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Philadelphia

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Miami

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New York

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New Orleans

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United States

Villa Azur

Take a backseat on cooking this holiday season because these top-notch restaurants in Dallas will be open on Christmas Day, December 25. 

Dallas

Hotel Crescent Court

Gone are the days depicted in <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/nation/a-christmas-story-movie-when-to-watch">A Christmas Story</a> where one lone restaurant was open on December 25 to serve those poor souls whose holiday turkeys were eaten by neighborhood dogs. <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/travel/dallas/best-holiday-road-trip-destinations-across-texas">Christmas</a> Day dining can now be found in every neighborhood across North Texas with a variety of cuisines to choose from, including classics such as prime rib, rack of lamb, and holiday ham. Or opt for the less-traditional route with a merry meal of <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/dallas/best-fried-chicken-in-dallas">fried chicken</a>, juicy <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/dallas/best-steakhouses-in-dallas">steaks</a>, <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/best-nachos-in-america-near-me">nachos</a>, and enchiladas, California rolls, or a big plate of linguini. In total, we have 15 different destinations for holiday feasts to satisfy nearly any craving.

Gone are the days depicted in <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/nation/a-christmas-story-movie-when-to-watch">A Christmas Story</a> where one lone restaurant was open on December 25 to serve those poor souls whose holiday turkeys were eaten by neighborhood dogs. <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/travel/dallas/best-holiday-road-trip-destinations-across-texas">Christmas</a> Day dining can now be found in every neighborhood across North Texas with a variety of cuisines to choose from, including classics such as prime rib, rack of lamb, and holiday ham. Or opt for the less-traditional route with a merry meal of <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/dallas/best-fried-chicken-in-dallas">fried chicken</a>, juicy <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/dallas/best-steakhouses-in-dallas">steaks</a>, <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/best-nachos-in-america-near-me">nachos</a>, and enchiladas, California rolls, or a big plate of linguini. In total, we have 15 different destinations for holiday feasts to satisfy nearly any craving.

If Santa didn’t leave lobster mac and cheese in your stocking, quit your crying. You can get your fill (along with duck breast, Berkshire pork chops, dry-aged steaks, Delicata squash, and apple pie) on the a la carte menu at Wicked Butcher near Sundance Square in downtown Fort Worth. Cost: Main courses run $18 - $165 a la carte. How to book: Call 682-231-8214

Wicked Butcher

Wicked Butcher at The Sinclair Hotel

Breakfast and brunch will be the Christmas gifts Elm &amp; Good bestows upon its guests this year with Duck Tamales, Eggs Benedict, housemade pasta, and Bloody Marys on Santa’s nice list. Live music accompanies brunch, beginning at 11 am. Cost: Main courses run $12 - $25. How to book: Call 469-498-2525

Photo by Dani Mathews

Elm & Good

One of the newest steakhouses in the city has debuted and they staff here ready, willing, and able to help you and your beloved friends and family make new memories over a Christmas meal. Choose the prix-fixe menu of roasted prime rib with confit fingerling potatoes, green beans, port wine shallots, and black truffle Madeira sauce, or order anything from the regular menu from caviar to king crab. Cost: $79 for the prime rib special; main courses run $50 - $160 a la carte. How to book: call 972-842-9450

A special Christmas Day <a href="https://www.elliesdallas.com/menus/#christmas-day-dining" target="_blank">menu</a> will be available on December 25 for lunch or dinner with flavorful options including Festive Porcini Mushroom Soup, Beef Wellington, Pan Crisped Diver Scallops, Maple Farms Crispy Duck Breast, and Burnt Meyer Lemon Zabaglione Tarte for dessert. Cost: Main courses run $27 - $49.

Arts Hotel

Ellie's Restaurant & Lounge

Even if you’re planning to cook a big Christmas dinner, take a break early in the day for a celebratory brunch. The full regular menu will be available, from the blue corn pancakes (one of our all-time faves) to the hearty Brunch Burger, served alongside creative cocktails and bottles of bubbly if you want to make it a real party. Cost: Brunch dishes range from $5 - $27 a la carte. How to book: Call 469-620-3644

Photo by Kathy Tran

Encina

Weather permitting, you can spend your December 25 at a picnic table with live music from Kendi Jean. Take part in a Rustic tradition of eating tamales and enjoying cold beers as guests “Drink the Tree,” a custom beer bottle Christmas tree loaded with choices.&nbsp; Cost: Drink the Tree beers are $5 from 5 - 9 pm; queso and tamales are $12.95 - $13.95. How to book: Call 214-730-0596 for reservations or show up for first come, first served seating.

The Rustic

Located inside The Adolphus, the charming City Hall Bistro will offer a prix-fixe menu for Christmas Day with mains of honey-baked ham and pan-seared salmon, sides ranging from cornbread dressing to candied yams, as well as classic pumpkin pie and Texas Praline Crunch Brownies. Cost: $70 per person How to book: Call 214-651-3686

City Hall Bistro

Instead of board games in front of the fireplace, opt for bowling and burgers. In addition to $5 beers, Bowl &amp; Barrel will offer an evening of strikes and gutter balls accompanied by snacks, sandwiches, and pizzas, as well as funnel cakes and cotton candy. Cost: Bowling is $56 per hour for your group; a la carte food ranges from $6 - 26. How to book: Call 214-363-2695

Bowl & Barrel

Brunch it up with a yuletide-worthy three-course, prix-fixe menu that you can enjoy in the restaurant’s seasonally appropriate Polar Bear section. Add on champagne or other festive drinks to amplify the good times. Cost: $68 per person. How to book: Make reservations via <a href="https://www.sevenrooms.com/reservations/mercatbistro/?venues=saintanndallas%2Ctedeseo%2Cmercatbistro%2Celephanteast%2Cdolceriviera" target="_blank">SevenRooms</a>.

Mercat Bistro

Uptown’s Primo’s location will be closed, but not the one at The Statler hotel downtown. There, you can get your fajita fix, nosh on nachos, or indulge in enchiladas with a frosty margarita. Or check out the hotel’s other F&amp;B venues (<a href="http://overeasydallas.com" target="_blank">Overeasy</a>, <a href="http://sfereco.com" target="_blank">Sfereco</a>, <a href="http://waterproofdallas.com" target="_blank">Waterproof</a>, <a href="http://bourbonandbanterdallas.com" target="_blank">Bourbon &amp; Banter</a>) for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cocktail options galore. Cost: All venues will be serving their regular menus, pricing varies per location.

Primo’s MX Kitchen & Lounge

Primo's MX Kitchen Downtown

In addition to its regular menu, this downtown bistro inside The Joule will offer an array of holiday specials, including duck confit with beet spaetzle, braised beef cheek, sticky toffee pudding, and cocktails such as Ol’ Kentucky Christmas, Sleigh Queen, and The Grinch Sour. Cost: Main courses run $18 - $95.

CBD Provisions

Take the whole gang for a sushi feast this year. Choose from rolls including the Angry Hulk and the Chuck Norris or leave the decisions to the chef with combo platters serving from one to two people all the way up to 12 - 15. The full non-sushi menu will also be available for the non-seafood types. Cost: Main courses run $17 - $42. Individual rolls run $10 - $32. How to book: Call 972-833-1608

Sushi Marquee

Christmas Eve kicks off Yardbird’s Nine Days of Brunch, so you and your friends can celebrate the season over mimosas and platters of chicken and waffles. On Christmas Day, enjoy a special menu featuring baked oysters on the half shell, skillet seared jumbo scallops, herb crusted prime rib, and cinnamon roll bread pudding. Cost: Christmas Day special entrees run $62 - $65. Brunch entrees run $14 - $76.

Yardbird Dallas

Yardbird

Chef Dean Fearing’s always-elegant holiday spread returns this year with a luncheon feast that includes upscale items like Chateaubriand with truffle and mushroom ragout and down-home family favorites like fried chicken with lemon, thyme, and Texas honey. Cost: Christmas lunch is $150 for adults ($90 vegetarian).

Fearing's

This South of France inspired restaurant is offering a fun Christmas Day brunch with its full menu available. Lobster cobb salad, shrimp deviled eggs, pancakes, and Popover Benedict are among the delicious options you can put on your wish list. Cost: Brunch entrees run $19 - $170. How to book: Call 214-389-2602

<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/authors/steven-lindsey" target="_blank">Steven Lindsey</a>is a Thrillist contributor.

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Gone are the days depicted in A Christmas Story where one lone restaurant was open on December 25 to serve those poor souls whose holiday turkeys were eaten by neighborhood dogs.

Dig into fresh fish, king crab, lobster rolls, crab cake, crab claws, raw bar, shrimp cocktail, and red snapper, at Dallas best seafood spots.

Ocean Prime


Being land-locked no longer means bad seafood. In fact, the once-detrimental geographical situation forever changed once Dallas restaurants started flying in their fish and shellfish. It’s so common now that just last weekend we were stuck in the middle seat on <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/topics/southwest" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Southwest Airlines</a> between an emotional support octopus and a crate of lobsters getting rowdy on in-flight <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/drink/nation/ranch-water-texas-cocktail-sweeping-the-nation" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">ranch waters</a>. You can buddy up to equally fresh seafood at our city’s <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/dallas/best-sushi-spots-in-dallas" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">best sushi spots</a>, but you’ll find a boatload of superb seafood at places ranging from casual fish shacks and charming bistros to elegant steakhouses and fine-dining establishments all across North Texas. So, next time your food cravings lean toward the deep blue depths, head to one of these 16 spots with bounties that would make Poseidon jealous.

Being land-locked no longer means bad seafood. In fact, the once-detrimental geographical situation forever changed once Dallas restaurants started flying in their fish and shellfish. It’s so common now that just last weekend we were stuck in the middle seat on <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/topics/southwest" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Southwest Airlines</a> between an emotional support octopus and a crate of lobsters getting rowdy on in-flight <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/drink/nation/ranch-water-texas-cocktail-sweeping-the-nation" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">ranch waters</a>. You can buddy up to equally fresh seafood at our city’s <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/dallas/best-sushi-spots-in-dallas" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">best sushi spots</a>, but you’ll find a boatload of superb seafood at places ranging from casual fish shacks and charming bistros to elegant steakhouses and fine-dining establishments all across North Texas. So, next time your food cravings lean toward the deep blue depths, head to one of these 16 spots with bounties that would make Poseidon jealous.

If a vacation to the breathtaking <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/french-riviera-vacations-best-places-to-visit-cote-d-azur" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">La Côte d'Azur</a> region along the Mediterranean coast isn’t in the cards this summer, experience the next-best thing at this gorgeous Victory Park restaurant that skillfully captures the French Riviera vibe. Start with dishes such as Apple Crab Louis, Crispy Smoked Salmon, and Seared Octopus before moving on to elegant preparations ranging from Dover Sole Meunière to a Whole Branzino prepared tableside.

Villa Azur Dallas


The dinner vibe completely changes to a party atmosphere the moment your server unleashes a big messy mound of seasoned crab, shrimp, or crawfish with corn and potatoes onto a platter. Shell Shack’s signature seafood boils come with your choice of seafood and spice level (try Diablo if you’re daring) and even though this is a really casual joint, you can go “Uptown” and have all the crustaceans de-shelled for you.

Shell Shack


Though they do indeed offer a vast selection of high-quality steaks at this edge-of-Deep-Ellum hotspot, the seafood options are equally impressive and bountiful (pan seared diver scallops with citrus beurre blanc shouldn’t be missed). Bring a group and indulge in the gorgeous seafood tower loaded with black tiger shrimp, salmon sashimi, king crab, snow crab claws, oysters, P.E.I. mussels, clams, crab dip, and tuna tartare. Best of all, if you show up on Seafood Sundays, you can get this menu item for half-price.

Harper's Steakhouse


Harper’s

Seafood doesn’t have to be an expensive meal out—or a stuffy experience. Walk up to the counter at one of several locations of this fast-casual eatery for fried seafood baskets with less-common proteins such as alligator and frog legs. You can practically create your own favorite po’boys, jambalaya, gumbo, and grilled options aplenty from the large selection of seafood. (Pro tip: Show up on Wednesdays for all-you-can-eat catfish or Sundays for dollar oysters and you can really get bang on a budget.) How to book: Stop in for first come, first served seating.

Flying Fish


Fresh, never frozen Florida stone crab claws at this small chain of upscale seafood restaurants have always been the big draw. You can feel better about dining here, too, because they always follow Ocean Conservancy guidelines. So, you’ll never be eating overfished species while enjoying the freshest catches possible. And when you’re ready to think outside the crab trap, they serve up a delectable Miso Glazed Sea Bass, Mediterranean Branzino with olives and capers, and Blackened Texas Red Fish topped with blue crab and New Orleans-style BBQ sauce.

Truluck's

Depending on which city you’re in, the name of the restaurant could be Half Shells or Fish City Grill, but they all offer the same quality seafood and friendly vibes no matter what you call them. For more than 25 years, the husband-and-wife team of Bill and Lovett Bayne have been serving scratch-made dishes, including shrimp and crab stuffed flounder, beer battered cod, and lump crab cakes in a casual, full-service setting. (Another pro tip: Click on the “<a href="https://fishcitygrill.com/locations/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">daily specials</a>” tab for any location and view the live webcam footage of the chalkboard and that neighborhood’s chef-created features.)

Fish City Grill


Half Shells Oyster Bar & Grill

Inspired by the picturesque locales of Nantucket and Boston, Urban Seafood brings the New England vibe to both its muted blue interiors and onto every plate. On the menu, find specialties ranging from lobster rolls to wood-grilled fish and housemade pastas. The fresh oyster bar is one of the best around with East Coast and other varieties shucked bar-side to enjoy with a craft cocktail or tall glass of sparkling wine. How to book: Stop by for first come first served seating or join the online <a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/urban-seafood-company-plano-2" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">waitlist</a>.

Urban Seafood Company


Urban Seafood

Urban seafood

For more than three decades, TJ’s Seafood Market has been a family-owned business with a reputation for sourcing the freshest seafood in town, whether you’re dining in, taking food to-go, or selecting seafood from the market to prepare at home. Service is fast and friendly, but it’s also an easy place to linger with a bottle of wine and a multi-course spread filled with Maryland Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, Hot Connecticut Lobster Rolls, and TJ’s Fish Tacos (try the coconut-fried version).

TJ's Fresh Seafood Market & Grill


Tj's Fresh Seafood Market

TJ's Seafood Market

Even if this high-end seafood chain weren’t located in Uptown, you’d be assured a truly “uptown” experience complete with white tablecloths and an intuitive waitstaff. The lobster bisque absolutely can’t be missed (it features a huge amount of expertly cooked crustacean). For main courses, divert your attention toward either the Ahi Tuna with mango, cashews, avocado and spicy sesame-soy glaze or the Crab Cakes, which come with Brussels sprouts, corn, tomatoes, fingerling potatoes, and a mustard cream sauce worth ordering extra.

Ocean Prime

When you make the trek to the long-awaited first-in-the-metroplex location of <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/san-antonio/things-you-didnt-know-about-h-e-b" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">beloved Texas grocery chain H-E-B</a>, fuel up for your butter tortilla shopping excursion at Sea Breeze, three minutes down the street. Famous for their lobster rolls (both Maine and Connecticut style) and New England clam chowder, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu because it’s all so fresh. You’ll also want to bring an ice chest to shop at Sea Breeze’s full-service fish market. You know, for something to put in those H-E-B tortillas.

Sea Breeze Fish Market & Grill


The gold standard of poke in the city, this charming bistro utilizes a high-tech face-recognition ordering system, so if you’re a regular you can get your favorite bowls created almost immediately upon arrival. All fish is sashimi-grade, sauces are made from scratch, and fruits, herbs, and veggies are sourced from local farms as much as possible. You can’t go wrong with the classic tuna or other chef-created selections, but feel free to go wild and create your own while sipping on a frosé.

Malibu Poke


Located on Main Street in historic downtown Grapevine, Winewood Grill makes the most of its winery-town setting with perfect pairings to go with any dish. In addition to the best-quality steaks and chops, the culinary team also turns out some truly delightful seafood options, including Texas Redfish Pontchartrain that’s crowned with crawfish tails, shrimp, and crab in a creamy Cajun lobster sauce. Jalapeño-onion crusted Chilean Sea Bass is also a memorable selection served with saffron risotto for some Mexican-meets-Italian action on your palate.

Winewood Grill


Chef/owner Victor Villarreal’s River East District restaurant in Fort Worth focuses on dry-aged seafood and live-fire cooking over hot mesquite coals in a custom Santa Maria grill. Signature dishes include ceviches with both South American and Mexican spins, as well as a Shark-cuterie Board with a special selection of jarred smoked fish in olive oil, pickles, housemade chile rojo gravlax, smoked fish dip, and caviar. How to book: Stop in for first come, first served seating.

La Onda


La Onda Seafood & Grill

Snider Plaza’s home for exquisite seasonal seafood and dishes prepared with organic ingredients, DIVE Coastal Cuisine infuses flavors of the ocean into everything from salads to sandwiches. For something lighter for summer, look to the Cajun Curry Shrimp Salad, Seared Ahi Tuna Wrap, the Crab BLT, or the Del Mar Taco Trio with choices that include crispy cod, spicy shrimp, grilled mahi, or blackened salmon.

Dive Coastal Cuisine


Keeping the tradition alive of steakhouses that have equally mastered seafood, Perry’s Steakhouse locations excel in a variety of foods from the depths of the world’s oceans. Pan Seared Sea Bass, Crispy Skin Wild Red Snapper, and Cedar Plank-Fired Redfish are among the specialities, but even if you’re craving steak for a main, you should definitely kick off the meal with a build-your-own seafood tower ensuring that you’re treated to all your favorites.

Perry's Steakhouse & Grille


Local dining institution Al Biernat’s is a case study in elegance and sophisticated service, so in addition to beefy options you’ll find some impeccable seafood. The Osetra Caviar service is among the best in the city (add a shot of chilled vodka for the true experience) and a cooked-seafood appetizer platter that rivals its chilled seafood tower. For the best of everything, try the Air, Land, &amp; Sea entrée featuring Texas quail, buffalo filet, tiger prawns, and diver scallops.

Al Biernat's Oak Lawn


Al Biernat's Prime Steak & Seafood

Steven Lindsey is an enthusiastic eater who’s never turned down a craft cocktail, glass of wine, or cold beer. He thinks dogs are the greatest creation ever and anxiously awaits his Covid hair growing long enough to finally donate to a children’s charity. But when it comes to travel, he prefers people leave their kids at home and that’s why he founded&nbsp;<a href="https://www.travellikeanadult.com/" target="_blank">Travel Like An Adult</a>.

Where to Find the Best Seafood in Dallas-Fort Worth

Best Seafood Restaurants in Dallas: Top Seafood Spots in Dallas

The 16 Best Seafood Restaurants in Dallas-Fort Worth

Being land-locked no longer means bad seafood.

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