For the sake of those planning holiday meals, we're looking ahead. Waffle House and IHOP will always be ready to give rest to the weary, but there are plenty of other options to choose from. Here's a roundup of Northwest Arkansas restaurants who will cook for you on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or New Year's Eve. (UPDATE: Some of venues listed here may no longer be taking reservations or orders for the holidays. Make sure to call ahead as soon as possible to save your spot.)
Ella's Table in Fayetteville will prepare a dinner buffet for guests on Christmas Eve. A carving station, a large variety of sides and desserts will be available from 4 to 8 p.m. The cost is $59 for adults, $15 for children ages 4 to 12 and free for kids 3 and younger. The restaurant is also taking reservations for a five-course dinner on New Year's Eve. The meal will cost $120 per person and be accompanied by wine pairings. Call 313-8458 to sign up for either occasion. Check out their Instragram account, @eatatellas, to see the event menus.
Fred's Hickory Inn will welcome guests on Christmas Eve for lunch and dinner. The Bentonville restaurant is taking reservations for the hours from noon to 8 p.m. on Dec. 24. Take-home turkeys are also available. Call 479-273-3303 or visit fredshickoryinn.co/christmas to make a reservation.
Mirabella's Table in Rogers is offering a take-home meal that feeds four people. The price of $97 includes crostini, Italian bread and olive oil, salad, a choice of entree and tiramisu for dessert. Call 899-6190.
Modoko Asian Kitchen will be open for dinner on Christmas Eve. The menu features prime rib, mashed potatoes, salad, green beans, rolls, dessert, wine pairings and more. Reservations are available at the Rogers eatery for a cost of $50. Kids can eat for $25. Call 268-6871 or visit OpenTable.com to save your spot.
Local health food restaurant Snack Lab is taking orders for a Christmas family dinner, which features prime rib, choice of two sides, gluten-free rolls and a choice of dessert. Made for groups of four to six people, the meal costs $150. Visit snacklabnwa.com or the stores in Fayetteville or Bentonville to see the menu and sign up.
Table on 6th is offering family platters for pick-up on Christmas Eve. The meal, which feeds four people, includes smoked beef tenderloin, slow roasted turkey, cedar plank salmon, salad, roasted carrots and parsnips, mac and cheese, cranberry relish, dinner rolls and a yule log. The cost is $115. Call 479-273-0553 for to place an order.
Tusk and Trotter in Bentonville is cooking holiday dinners that take "a High South twist on Christmas favorites." The feast for eight people will cost $150 and be available for pickup on Christmas Eve. The menu includes slow-smoked ham, potatoes, parsnips and carrots, cornbread, butternut squash soup and fudge. Visit highsouthcatering.com/s/order to make a reservation. Tusk and Trotter is also hosting a free community brunch for those in need. The Christmas Eve brunch is planned for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 110 S.E. A St.
Other restaurants, coffeeshops, breweries and bars that will be open on Christmas Eve include:
Crisis Brewing Co., Fayetteville (4 p.m. to 8 a.m.)
Ivory Bill Brewing Co., Siloam Springs (4 to 9 p.m.)
The Meteor, Bentonville (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
Penguin Ed's, Fayetteville (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Wood Stone Craft Pizza + Bar, Fayetteville (11 a.m. to close)
There are other options for those hoping to eat at home on Christmas Day. Cracker Barrel is offering several family-sized meal options to take home. Whole Foods has tons of available meals, appetizers and desserts, including vegan dishes.
It's also not too early to make plans to celebrate the New Year. Barcleeta in downtown Bentonville is hosting a five-course dinner. Reservations cost $88 per person. Wine pairings are available for $65. Visit barcleeta.com to save your seat.
Eclectic Kitchen in Fayetteville will host dinner with a five-course tasting menu on New Year's Eve. The cost is $85 per person. Make a reservation by calling 935-3027.
The Hive at downtown Bentonville's 21c Museum Hotel will offer a special New Year's Eve menu from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Drinks will be available at the lounge through midnight. Visit OpenTable.com to make a reservation.
Sassafras Springs Vineyard & Winery in Springdale is hosting a New Year's Eve bash from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. There will be live entertainment, a champagne toast and a midnight balloon drop. Tickets are $50. Learn more at sassafras-springs-vineyard-804880.square.site.
Downtown Bentonville cocktail bar Scotch & Soda and its accompanying restaurant, Berretto, is throwing a New Year's Eve party complete with a three-course dinner and cocktail and wine pairings. The cost is $100. Reservations are required. The dinner will begin at 6 p.m. and the venue will open to the public at 8 p.m. Call 319-6874 or 278-1522 for more information.
Theo's will feature a specialty menu in addition to the full dinner menu on New Year's Eve. Both Rogers and Fayetteville locations are taking reservations for the occasion at resy.com. Guests can also call 527-0086 to save their seats at the Fayetteville restaurant.
Other restaurants that will be open on New Year's Eve include:
Mermaids, Fayetteville (5 to 9 p.m.)
Penguin Ed's, Fayetteville (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Vetro 1925, Fayetteville (5 p.m. to close)
Of course, this is not a comprehensive list for the region. Is your restaurant missing from the list? Email [email protected] with its address, holiday hours, any specials and phone number.