Where to Find a Great Meal During the Holidays

It’s amazing how fast time passes yet here we are again…just a week away from Christmas. And other winter holidays, including Hannuka, are already underway. Yet with the pandemic still a major issue and many restaurants operating under already-reduced days and hours (or sadly closed), where can one go for a good meal or get quality takeout? This can be especially tricky on Christmas Eve or on Christmas Day itself. Thus, I’ve put together a small list (and I’ve called all of these restaurants to make sure they will indeed be OPEN or accepting orders for pick-up!). So, if you’re in need of a great meal on the big day, or on its eve, well, see what you think here of these six options:

image showing a holiday meal

Don’t miss out on a good, holiday meal this year, despite the COVID-19 challenges! Photo by Jed Owen on Unsplash

  1. Jakes Famous Crawfish: Jakes is one of Portland’s oldest restaurants and the fact that it has survived so long is simply testament to its quality and consisitency. Set to be open for both indoor dining and takeout on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Jakes is a great spot to put down for a meal. That said, if you’re wanting to do takeout, Jakes has a great deal for you. If you can get your order in no later than December 20, for just $155 you can get a fantastic meal for a family of 4 consisting of: 3 pounds of prime rib, mixed greens, green beans, mashed potatoes and sourdough bread (I LOVE their bread). Here again, order by Dec 20 to make sure you’ll have your Christmas Eve or Christmas Day meal.

    Jakes Website
    Book on Open Table
    Open in Google Maps

  2. Bergerac: From the very well known to the lesser, Bergerac makes a name for itself by offering rich, full Christmas meals that are fully-cooked and prepped for home heating. If you’re into French food, well, this may just be your ticket. Priced at $50 per person, you can get a 100% gluten free meal that includes: a root vegetable soup, duck confit, creamy mushroom sauce, green beans w/ toasted almonds, cranberry sauce, potato gratin AND a choice of gingerbread creme brule or chocolate-orange pot de creme for dessert. Pre-ordered dinners can be picked up between 2 and 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Place your order through the Tock link below. Enjoy!

    Bergerac Website
    Order Through Tock
    Open in Google Maps

  3. Magna Kusina: In a partnership with pop-up restaurant Stabs, Magna Kusina is creating what it calls a “Noche Buena” menu, which is normally celebrated on Christmas Eve. No exceptions here! At $150, and set for four people, you’ll get a choice of smoked pork rib roast w/ lemongrass or a smoked tri-tip prepared in a soy-hoisin glaze. Can’t go wrong with either of these entrees! Each order then also comes with a Vietnamese / Filipino pacit w/ crab fat peanut sauce, the Filipino stewed greens dish laing and longganisa fried rice. You can add a dessert such s pandan cheesecake bites or ube brownies. NOTE: To place an order you need to email here: orders@magnapdx.com

    Magna Kusina Website
    Open in Google Maps

  4. Bullard: When I think of Bullard I think of “big.” Yes, it’s often said that it’s “Texas meets Portland” at this great establishment. If ordered ahead (and do this soon so you don’t miss out), you can pick up a Christmas Eve meal for (4) for $200. You will not be disappointed. With this meal comes smoked beef ribs w/ salsa verde (yum!), romaine salad w/ poblano pepper dressing, roasted delicata squash w/ candied pecans, hominy grits, and banana pudding w/ Nilla wafers (oh yeah!).

    Bullard Website
    Reserve Your Dinner Box(es) Online Here
    Open in Google Maps

  5. Elephant’s Delicatessen: So Elephant’s (as man call this place around town) makes wonderful food. In fact, funny story, I’ve gone into Elephant’s more than once to get a dish to bring to a family meal. Sometimes people forget to ask if I made it, and, well, my cred is amped as a cook! Of course I’d never intentionally hold back the true source if asked, but Elephant’s food does has that feel of “home cooking” so it’s more than worth considering for a source around the holidays. And Elephant’s makes it easy with many a la carte options that include traditional things like ham or turkey dinners, crab cakes, stuffed mushrooms, charcuterie boards, pies, and much more. You can also order brunch items including quiche and baked goods for the morning. Orders had to be in by Sunday December 12 (so too late now), but…I called and if you get a call in there today they may slot you in. I put Elephant’s on this list despite it being late simply because they are so good. It’s worth a shot!

    Elephant’s Delicatessen Website
    Open in Google Maps

  6. Yonder: Fancy having a great ham-centric meal for the holidays? Well, Southern restaurant Yonder is your ticket. For $250 you can get a “six-person ham feast” that will fill all your bellies and leave plenty in the fridge. What you’ll get is this: (1) spiral cut ham slathered with spiced pineapple and whiskey glaze, (12) par-baked sweet potato rolls w/ whipped, herbed and cultured butter, potato puree w/ country ham coffee jus, and creamed winter greens gratin w/ preserved lemon. Orders can be placed online with pickup set for December 24.

    Yonder Website
    Order Your Yonder Meal Online
    Open in Google Maps

Dan Meyers