SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — For those who don’t want to bang the pots and pans this holiday, multiple restaurants are open to make Christmas dinner an easier feat.
Below is a list of eateries that will be serving lunch or dinner on Dec. 25. Be sure to call ahead if reservations are accepted.
Big Thai
The Landfall Shopping Center restaurant (1319 Military Cutoff Road) will be open Christmas Day from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., serving its regular menu.
Dave and Buster’s
The popular American restaurant chain and arcade in Mayfaire opens its doors at 5 p.m. With a bar serving full cocktails, beer and wine, the food menu consists of wings and burgers, Philly cheesesteaks, fish and chips, and more. Dave and Busters is located at 953 Town Center Dr Suite #D150 and will stay open until 12 a.m.
The Dive
Carolina Beach’s hot spot for locals will open at 3 p.m. on Christmas Day and serve its late-night menu, featuring burgers, nachos, chips, and more, until 10 p.m. or so. The Dive bar and restaurant is located at 6-C N. Lake Park Blvd.
The Harp
South Third Street’s authentic Irish pub will open its doors on Christmas from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and the bar will be open till midnight. It will serve from the regular menu and will have a hot turkey sandwich special. The Harp is located at 1423 S. Third St., 910-763-1607.
Hibachi Grill and Buffet
There are more than 200 different food items available Hibachi Grill and Buffet, including Chinese and hibachi cuisine, sushi, seafood and more. Made-to-order dishes are also available on the Teppanyak-style grill. Hibachi Grill and Buffet is located at 1039 S. College Road and open Christmas Day from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
IHOP
The International House of Pancakes is best known for their varied stacks, topped with fruits, chocolate chips, whipped cream, syrup and more. They also have seasonal specials like pumpkin spice and coffee cake pancakes, plus a full menu of breakfast, lunch and dinner specials. The Wilmington restaurants — 5355 Market St. and 5628 Carolina Beach Rd. — is open from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Christmas Day.
Indochine / Indochine Express, Oleander Drive
One of Wilmington’s most popular Asian restaurants on 7 Wayne Drive will open 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Christmas Day. Indochine serves authentic Thai and Vietnamese cuisine, including curries, pad Thai, sushi and more. Of the numerous Indochine Express locations, only the one on Oleander Drive will open for Christmas, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Joe’s Oasis
With its roots in Pittsburgh, Joe’s Oasis is well-known for its elevated bar food, but especially items like homemade pierogi and Islay’s Chipped Ham. The restaurant, located at 6400 Carolina Beach Rd., opens from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Nigori Gourmet and Sushi
In operation at 2549 Castle Hayne Dr., Nigori is opening from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Christmas Day. The restaurant serves varied Asian cuisine, including curries, Thai and Chinese food, as well as sushi and sashimi specialties.
Nikki Hibachi Steakhouse and Sushi Bar
At 1055 Military Cutoff Rd., Nikki’s Hibachi Steakhouse and Sushi Bar opens from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Dec. 25. Open since 2003, Nikki’s serves tempura-fried and teriyaki entrees, as well as noodles, sushi, sashimi and of course hibachi.
Nori Asian Fusion and Sushi Bar
Now with two restaurants open, Nori will be operating beginning at 2 p.m. on Christmas Day and closing at 10 p.m. The restaurant has a fusion of Asian flavors, from varied entrees, sushi and sashimi. The Barclay Place location is at 1412-1006 Barclay Pointe Blvd. and Marsh Oaks in Porters Neck at 7972-300 Market St.
The Rift Baryard and Pizza
Located in Cargo District East at 2144 Wrightsville Ave. is The Rift — Wilmington’s trippiest bar, themed around portals. Last month, The Rift also opened a pizza spot, serving traditional and one-of-a-kind pies, as well as apps like nachos and pizza rolls, located in the back of the bar. The Rift operates normal hours on Christmas Day — 3 p.m. to midnight.
Solstice Kitchen and Cocktails
The restaurant, located in Lumina Holiday Inn Resort at 1706 N. Lumina Ave., opens Christmas Day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. with a limited menu.
Mr. Sushi Japanese Cuisine
Formerly knowns as Yoshi Sushi, Mr. Sushi Japanese Cuisine opened in its stead on Racine Drive recently. The restaurant serves hibachi and teriyaki entrees, Chinese cuisine, fried rice and noodles, as well as sushi and sashimi. It opens from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Christmas Day.
Uncle Lim’s Kitchen
One of Wilmington’s most revered Chinese restaurants will open on Christmas Day. Uncle Lim’s, in the Food Lion shopping center at 3905 Independence Blvd., opens 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. The restaurant has traditional take-out Chinese cuisine but also boasts a lengthy vegetarian menu.
Waffle House
Open 365 days a year, Waffle House will serve up their famed waffles (pecan, please!) and hashbrowns — smothered, covered, diced, chunked, peppered, capped, topped or go for the country. The Southern fast-and-casual diner is known for the 24/7 operations, with locations on S. College Road, Market Street and Carolina Beach Road.
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