Buffalo Rising Online

Dec 19th 2006, 12:04pm By Christa Glennie Seychew

As YUM! editor for Buffalo Rising Magazine, I thought it would be fun to do a feature on all of the great Buffalo restaurants that serve dinner on Christmas.

I made a million phone calls, asked everyone I knew, and even posted a piece asking BRO readers to fill us in on the fine establishments where they,Aeove had Christmas dinner. Here's what we discovered.

There are a number of really great Asian restaurants open on Christmas, but I was looking for places where guests could have classic Christmas fare.

Many of the bar/restaurants that have been mentioned to me used to be open on the holiday but have found it best to keep their bars open and their kitchens closed.

It seems that only a select number of restaurants are open on Christmas. Of the three we found, two of them have been on the Christmas dinner scene for a while, while the third is new to the game.

So, if you are interested in less work and more fun, cancel that trip to the grocery store and make a reservation.

Oliver's has always been open on Christmas. Many Buffalonians have made dinner at Oliver's part of their family tradition. With a special menu consisting of great holiday entrees like Surf and Turf, it's wise to make your reservation now. Oliver's, 2095 Delaware, 716.877.3662, www.oliverscuisine.com

Buffalo Chophouse never closes. They serve their fabulous steaks 365 days a year and their gorgeous dining room is a truly elegant and festive place to spend a special day. Buffalo Chophouse, 282 Franklin, 716.842.6900, www.buffalochophouse.com

Viking Lobster Company is the new kid on the block. This will be their first run at serving Christmas dinner. The buffet, at only $29.95, promises to be quite the spread. They will be offering whole lobster, NY strip steak, BBQ ribs, or crab legs, a choice of salads, veggies, desserts and beverages. With this feast, you're sure to leave satisfied. Viking Lobster Co., 366 Tonawanda, 716.873.1079

For those of you that aren't thrilled about preparing a meal on Christmas, but just cannot bear the thought of spending the day at a restaurant, The Coda offers you a simple and tasty alternative. With their "Christmas Takeaway" you simply place your order with them and arrange to pick it up the morning of the 23rd. A simple re-heat in the oven and your stunning Christmas meal is ready. If you're so inclined, you can even throw out all of the packages and containers (evidence) and pretend you made it yourself! The details of their delicious menu can be found on their website under the ,AeuChef's Food Journal,Aeu. The Coda, 350 Pennsylvania, 716.362.0435, www.the-coda.com