(Image by Sam Edwards/J.Saccenti)
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Seeking a meal on Christmas Day that's special, but don't want to cook...or stay home? Well, here are options around Staten Island that might be of interest. This list is also handy for discovering new places to eat and drink in the New Year.
If you wish for your restaurant to be included in our round-up, kindly email me at silvestri@siadvance.com.
(Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)
SHOP & EAT/LEBANESE RESTAURANT
1686 Forest Ave., Port Richmond
718-556-5556
When it comes to Christmas Day, there's no hesitation for Tarek Wazzan and his family to open the shop to guests. His style of Lebanese fare includes handmade meat pies, kibbe filled with ground lamb and delightful seasonings, kebabs, rotisserie chicken and sandwiches that can be made with halal cold cuts. The eatery is connected to a small grocery store with Middle Eastern goods and there is a section with several tables to enjoy a meal. Soft drinks are available for purchase. Wazzan also delivers his catering city-wide and to Long Island.
(Staten Island Advance File Photo)
REAL MADRID
2075 Forest Ave., Mariners Harbor
718-447-7885
Real Madrid via Whereyoueat.com
The Spanish restaurant features its full repertoire of seafood dishes and ala carte menu from 12 to 8 p.m.
(Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)
FLAMING GRILL & HIBACHI
1501 Forest Ave., Port Richmond
718-447-6888
Christmas is a big day at the flaming, 365 day-a-year feast, first come, first serve for small parties, although kindly make reservations for parties of 10 or more at $17.99 per adult guest. Kids eat for $10 each. Tax, tip and beverages are additional.
The buffet features sushi, baked clams, crab legs, Jell-O, cookies, cake, fruit and about 40 other continually replenished options as well as food from a hibachi. There are also special dishes for the holiday. Hours are from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
(Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)
RIVER DOCK CAFE
1 Richmond Terr., St. George (in the Ferry terminal itself)
718-273-0809
The River Dock is open until 7 p.m. on the 25th for its full dinner menu replete with burgers, soups, steamed seafood "hot pots," steak options including surf 'n' turf plus assorted raw shellfish and shrimp cocktail. Reservations aren't necessary. There is a bar and full service dining room.
Pamela Silvestri silvestri@siadvance.com
JAC MAO
1771 Hylan Blvd., Dongan Hills
718-979-6100
The standard menu is available to patrons. And regulars will appreciate the other regulars making the bar scene later in the evening.
And new to the menu: Jac's brand of sushi.
ANNADALE TERRACE
801 Annadale Rd., Annadale
718-967-5900
Brunch and the regular menu will be served. Hours of service will be determined soon. Last year, to use as a guide, the diner served from 7 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Reservations are not necessary.
ITALIANISSIMO
107 McClean Ave., South Beach
718-442-4442
The upscale Italian restaurant offers its regular ala carte menu and serves from noon to 7 p.m. Reservations are recommended.
(Courtesy of Denny's)
BREAKFAST ALL DAY AND MORE
For patrons with particular diets or fussy palates, there are the many diners of Staten Island that are serving. Here are a handful of options:
DENNY'S
4370 Amboy Rd., Eltingville
929-284-4346
The restaurant is open 24/7 and reservations are highly recommended.
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KINGS ARMS
500 Forest Ave., West Brighton;
718-448-0326
The staff welcomes all to the regular menu plus holiday specials such as turkey. The restaurant offers wine, beer and cocktails.
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NEW DAKOTA DINER
921 Richmond Ave., Graniteville
718-983-9286
The full menu is offered and the restaurant serves wine, beer and cocktails. It is open from 7 a.m. to midnight.
APPLEBEE'S
Meals are on a first-come, first-serve basis. No reservations accepted. The regular menu is offered at each location.
2655 Richmond Ave., 718-370-3761, New Springville
Breakfast starts at 9 a.m. and food service continues through 10 p.m. on Christmas.
430 New Dorp Lane, 718-980-7800, New Dorp
Lunch and dinner are served from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
1451 Richmond Ave., 718-477-1300, Bulls Head
Hours are noon until 10 p.m.
2720 Veteran's Rd. West, 718-943-1200, Charleston
Hours are noon until 10 p.m.
125 Bricktown Way, 718-943-1200; Charleston
Hours are noon until 10 p.m.
THE STONE HOUSE AT CLOVE LAKES PARK
1150 Clove Rd., Clove Lakes Park
718-442-3600
Seatings start at noon and run through 7:30 p.m. Reservations are a must. Adults are $69.95 and children are $34.95 for options on appetizers, salads, entrees and desserts.
Note that the restaurant is wheelchair accessible by ramp although there may be a bit of negotiating by vehicle getting close to the restaurant. If handicapped access is an issue, call ahead to the restaurant for advisement.
VIOLETTE'S CELLAR
2271 Hylan Blvd., Grant City
Dinner is served family style from noon to 7:30 p.m. by reservation only. Adults eat for $69.95 and children's meals are $34.95.
Note the restaurant requires descent/ascent via a two-section staircase and is not wheelchair accessible.
(Courtesy of Chris Lacey)
LACEY'S BRIDGE TAVERN
75 Innis St., Elm Park
718-273-7514
The restaurant is closed on the 25th but Chris Lacey's catering can be picked up on the 24th. A popular dish for home consumption, says Chris, is Lobster Tails Francaise with a half pan for $125 and a full pan for $240.
BARIO'S
446 Nome Ave., New Springville
718-370-0100
Heat and serve catered food on Christmas Day. Food and the catering set up can be delivered or picked up on the 24th. Bario's also handles vegan, gluten-free and low-carb items for a variety of diets.
BOSTON MARKET
2530 Hylan Blvd., New Dorp; 718-980-4300
The eatery is open from noon to 6 p.m. and can do home delivery.
(Staten Island Advance File Photo)
THE BARS
Some bars on Staten Island will open later in the day.
Bootleg Mannings -- 2645 Forest Ave., Mariners Harbor; 718- 981-4988 -- will be open at 8 p.m. and the kitchen is open until 3:30 a.m.
Hop Shoppe -- 372 Van Duzer St., Stapleton -- and Play Sports Bar -- 2 Sneden Lane -- both open at 7 p.m. until closing. No food.
Liberty Tavern -- 384 Forest Ave., West Brighton; 718-442-8121 -- will open at 7 p.m. No food.
Kettle Black -- 415 Forest Ave., West Brighton; 718-420-0173 -- will open at 8 p.m. and feature DJ Mike Egan starting at 9 p.m. No food.
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