The holidays are the perfect time to plan cozy gatherings with family and friends. But all of those things take time and effort.

That’s why the holidays are the perfect time to consider leaving the cooking to someone else. Even better, you can support local restaurants at the same time.

Here is a list of locally owned and operated restaurants offering something special for the holidays. 

I will be updating the list as needed throughout the season. If your restaurant has a special menu or takeout offering on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve or New Year's Day, please email me at lori@onmilwaukee.com.

Christmas/holiday offerings

ARIA at Saint Kate
139 E. Kilbourn Ave., (414) 270-4422
ariaatsaintkate.com
ARIA will be taking reservations for Christmas Eve dinner on Dec. 24 from 2 to 9 p.m. and Christmas Day dinner on Dec. 25 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Their special prix fixe menu will feature garlic and herb-crusted prime rib, pork tamales, honey-glazed heirloom carrots, chocolate silk pie and more. Dinners are $79 for adults and $35 for children (plus tax and grautity). For reservations, guests can call (414) 270-4422 or visit OpenTable.com. For parties of six or more, guests should email their reservation request to MaxNazabal@saintkatearts.com.

Buckatabon Tavern & Supper Club
7700 Harwood Ave, Wauwatosa, (414) 271-7700
thebuckatabon.com
Buckatabon will be open for Christmas Eve brunch on Dec. 24 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. They will also offer a special brunch on Boxing Day, Dec. 26 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  

Prefer to celebrate the holidays early? Attend Buckatabon’s holiday cocktail dinner on Tuesday, Dec. 19. The event will feature four bespoke courses created by Lowlands chefs paired with six cocktails made with local spirits. Guests will also experience stories and insights from the founders of three Wisconsin distilleries: Evan Hughes and Pat McQuillan of Central Standard Distillery; Tom and Nick Maas of Dancing Goat Distillery; and Guy Rehorst of Great Lakes Distillery. Tickets are available for purchase online.

Café Benelux
346 N. Broadway, (414) 501-2500
cafebenelux.com
Cafe Benelux will be open for Christmas Eve brunch on Dec. 24 until 3 p.m. They will also offer a special brunch on Boxing Day, Dec. 26 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Café Hollander 
2608 N. Downer Ave., (414) 963-6366
20150 Union St., Brookfield (262) 785-4490
5900 W. Mequon Rd., Mequon, (262) 236-0107
7677 W. State St., Wauwatosa, (414) 475-6771
701 Hilldale Way, Madison, (608) 237-3168
cafehollander.com
Cafe Hollanders will be open for Christmas Eve brunch on Dec. 24 until 3 p.m. They will also offer a special brunch on Boxing Day, Dec. 26 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Centraal Grand Café & Tappery:
2305 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., (414) 755-0378
cafecentraal.com
Cafe Benelux will be open for Christmas Eve brunch on Dec. 24 until 3 p.m. They will also offer a special brunch on Boxing Day, Dec. 26 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Central Standard Crafthouse & Kitchen
320 E. Clybourn St., (414) 455-8870
thecentralstandard.com
Central Standard will be offering customizable party cocktail kits and platters. Cocktail options include a Holiday Spritz, Cranberry Mule, Holiday Brandy Cider, spiked Double Chocolate Hot Cocoa and Winter Spiced Old Fashioned. Pricing is $98-$112 for packages that accommodate 16 guests. Orders for cocktail kits can be placed online; all orders must be submitted at least 48 hours in advance.

Meanwhile, holiday appetizer platters include items like cold and hot spreads; shrimp cocktail with charred lemons and Central Standard Guided Trail gin cocktail sauce; and Wisco Sushi, featuring ham, cream cheese and dill pickle rolls, Silver Moon smoked trout maki and Filet au Poivre nigiri. Options are $56-$68 per tray. Orders for appetizer platters can be placed online; all orders must be submitted at least 48 hours in advance.

Lupi & Iris
777 N. Van Buren St.,  (414) 293-9090
lupiandiris.com 
Lupi & Iris will host Christmas Eve brunch on Dec. 24 from 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Their full brunch menu will be available. Reservations are required and can be made online.

Mason Street Grill
425 E. Mason St., (414) 298-3131
masonstreetgrill.com
Mason Street Grill will be offering Christmas dinner on Dec. 25 from 1 to 8 p.m. Guests can order from the regular menu or take part in Christmas specials like beef wellington, whipped potatoes, haricot verts almandine and more. Private dining rooms are also available for family gatherings, big or small.  Reservations are required and can be made online or by phone.

The Pfister Hotel
424 E. Wisconsin Ave., (414) 273-8222
thepfisterhotel.com
The Pfister will be offering Christmas Brunch in its newly renovated ballroom on Dec. 25 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Features include a complimentary mimosa or bloody mary followed by a spectacular buffet featuring fresh seafood, Wisconsin’s finest cheeses, carved meats, made-to-order omelets, specially made pastas, holiday salads and starters, a vast array of mouth-watering entrees and decadent desserts. Cost is $85 for adults, $30 for children 3-10 years-old and free for children 2 years-old and under (tax and gratuity will be added to all reservations). Reservations (with full pre-payment) are required and can be made online or by phone.  Reservations are refundable if canceled 72 hours prior to the event.

Pilot Project Brewing 
1130 N. 9th St.,  (414) 988-1551
pilotprojectbrewing.com
Pilot Project will be hosting a very special holiday beer dinner on Thursday, Dec. 21 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The dinner will feature Pilot Project seasonal brews paired with a five-course meal presented by Chef Ryan Gill. Tickets are $85 per person (tax and tip are included) and can be purchased online.

On the menu, guests will find “Hog Island SweetWater” Oysters with Crispy Guanciale (paired with “Belgian for the Beach” Hoppy Saison, 5.2%); XO Spiced Acorn Squash with Winter Greens and Maple Gochujang Brown Butter Vinaigrette (paired with “Cran I Kick it?” Cranberry Berliner Weisse, 3.7%); Miso Marinated Black Cod with Ratatouille en Papillote (paired with “Kaldur” Cold IPA, 8.2%); Pistachio Crusted Lamb Chops with Beer Braised “Farrotto” (paired with “Obelix” French Pale Ale, 6.5%); and Gingerbread Trifle (paired with “Kadak” Mumbai Cutting Chai Stout, 8%).

Sanford
1547 N. Jackson St., (414) 276-9608
sanfordrestaurant.com
Sanford will be offering holiday meals for $250 plus tax (feeds four) that can be reheated and enjoyed at home.  The meal will include Slow–Roasted Prime Rib with garlic and thyme (garnished with saffron poached pears, figs and golden raisins); Red Wine Fig Reduction; Roasted Market Root Vegetables; Duck Fat Potatoes with duck confit topped with parmesan bread crumbs; Rolls and butter; Holiday Fruit Cake with white chocolate and brandied cherries.

Meals can be preordered by phone through Dec. 20 with pick-up on Saturday, Dec. 23 between noon and 3 p.m.  

Simple Eats 
simpleeatsmke.com
(414) 640-2639
Simple Eats is offering pre-ordering for a variety of holiday sides, sweet treats and more.  Options include charcuterie wreaths, wild rice, stuffing, spinach salad, scalloped potatoes, roasted vegetables, quiche, cinnamon rolls and cookies. View the full menu of offerings and pre-order online.  Order before Dec. 19 for free delivery on Dec. 23.  Catering is also available for holiday parties.

Smoke Shack
332 N. Milwaukee St., (414) 431-1119
smoke-shack.com
Smoke Shack will be offering a menu of smoked meats, sides and desserts to pre-order and pick up for the holidays. Meat options include whole smoked chickens or hams, plus pulled pork, chicken, brisket, jackfruit, ribs and sausages by the pound. Sides include potatoes au gratin, cornbread, roasted vegetables and biscuits. View the full menu online.  Orders can be placed online (click on holiday pre-orders) through Dec. 18 with pick-up available on Dec. 21, Dec. 22 or Dec. 23.

Tre Rivali
200 N Broadway | 414-291-3971
trerivalirestaurant.com
Tre Rivali will be offering its holiday buffet on Dec. 25 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Cost is $65 for adults and $35 for children. Reservations are required and can be made online.

New Year's Eve/Day offerings

AJ Bombers
1247 N. Water St., (414) 221-9999
www.ajbombers.com
AJ Bombers will be open on New Year’s Eve until 9 p.m. offering specials like a Prosseco Float cocktail and two holiday burgers. Fancy will include two 1⁄4 lb patties, truffle aioli, gruyere cheese, bacon jam and arugula on a brioche roll ($14)  and Surf and Turf  will include two 1⁄4 lb patties, American cheese, caramelized onions and lobster mac and cheese on a brioche roll ($24).

ARIA at Saint Kate
139 E. Kilbourn Ave., (414) 270-4422
ariaatsaintkate.com
ARIA will be offering a five-course specialty prix fixe menu on New Year’s Eve from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Cost is $145 per person for the five-course menu (tax and gratuity are not included). Reservations are required and can be made online. For parties of six or more, email MaxNazabal@saintkatearts.com. 

Ardent
1751 N. Farwell Ave., (414) 897-7022
ardentmke.com
Ardent will offer a 10-course New Year tasting menu in their newly renovated Tasting Room on both Dec. 30 and Dec. 31 with seatings at 5 p.m. or 8 p.m.  Cost is $225 per person with optional beverage pairings for an additional $165 per person (price does not include tax or gratuity). Reservations are required and can be made online.

Avli
1818 N. Hubbard St., (414) 395-1300
avli.us 
Avli will be open for regular dinner service on Dec. 31 from 5 to 7 p.m. Reservations are required and can be made online.
However, guest can also make reservations for a special four-course New Year's Eve dinner at 9 p.m. on Dec. 31.

The menu includes Chestnut Veloute (toasted baguette crostini, pine nuts, roasted mushrooms); Tuna Tataki (smoked eggplant cream, tomato confit and pickled pearl onions) OR Skopelitiki Cheese and Herb Pie; Pan Fried Lamb (artichoke cream, cracked potato crisps, grilled asparagus and lamb jus) OR Mushroom Moussaka; Desserts (Greek Ekmek, a custard dessert; Melomakarona and Kourabiedes cookies). The dinner is $100 per person and includes four courses, a complimentary champagne toast at midnight and festive party favors and decor. Reservations are required and can be made online.

Blue Bat Kitchen & Tequilaria
249 N Water St., (414) 431-1133
bluebatkitchen.com
Blue Bat will be open on New Year’s Eve from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., offering specials like an Aleppo Pepper Pork Chop entrée and a Classic Tequila Sour specialty cocktail. Reservations are required. Make yours online.

Birch
459 E. Pleasant St., (414) 323-7372
birchonpleasant.com
Birch will offer a celebratory chef's tasting menu on Dec. 31 to ring in the new year. The menu will include Canapés (farm egg crepe with smoked oyster aioli and caviar; fried oyster with beef tartar and sorrel sauce); Steelhead Trout (winter citrus and kohlrabi); Coal-roasted Koginut Squash Wedge (charred cabbage romesco); Grilled Scallop  (salt-toasted celery root, apples and chermoula); Hearth smoked duck filled pasta (wild mushrooms, sunchokes and black truffle); Stone Bank Farm Lamb (Jerry's carrots and honey and Lucknow fennel); Chocolate Cake and Mousse (parsnip ice cream). Cost is $145 per person Reservations are required and can be made online for parties of up to 10 guests.

The Bridgewater Modern Grill
2011 S. 1st St., (414) 299-6556
bridgewatermke.com
The Bridgewater will observe extended hours on New Year’s Eve from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m., offering drink specials, live music and a specialty three-course dinner. Guests will be able to choose from lobster bisque or duck rillettes, grilled filet mignon and lobster tail, Australian lamb rack or seared scallops, and flourless chocolate cake or pumpkin cheesecake. Reservations are required. Make yours online.

Buckatabon Tavern & Supper Club7700 Harwood Ave, Wauwatosa, (414) 271-7700
thebuckatabon.com
At Buckatabon, brunch will be served on Dec. 31 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Dinner will be offered beginning at 3 p.m. with specials like Fried Cornmeal Oysters (cornmeal batter, caper-lemon aioli, high-life mignonette), Duck Quarter with Rice (confit duck leg, aromatic rice with mushrooms and chopped oysters, roasted Brussels butternut blend, and port wine reduction) and Mile High Butterscotch Pie (salted cracker crust, butterscotch custard, red-eye coffee whip). The restaurant will be open until midnight to ring in the New Year. A midnight toast will be observed for all in attendance with complimentary bubbles for guests.

Brunch will also be served on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Café Benelux
346 N. Broadway, (414) 501-2500
cafebenelux.com
At Benelux, brunch will be served on Dec. 31 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. with specials like a Croissant Sandwich (smoked salmon, herb cheese, chive scrambled eggs, red onion, caper aioli, breakfast potatoes). Dinner will begin at 2 p.m. featuring specials like Short Rib Carbonnade (Tandem Dubbel and onion braised short ribs, garlic mashed potatoes, broccoli, bacon, cranberry salad). The restaurant will remain open until midnight to ring in the New Year. A midnight toast will be observed for all in attendance with complimentary bubbles for guests.

Brunch will also be served on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1 and Jan. 2 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Café Hollander 
2608 N. Downer Ave., (414) 963-6366
20150 Union St., Brookfield (262) 785-4490
5900 W. Mequon Rd., Mequon, (262) 236-0107
7677 W. State St., Wauwatosa, (414) 475-6771
701 Hilldale Way, Madison, (608) 237-3168
cafehollander.com
Cafe Hollanders will be open for brunch on Dec. 31 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Note: Mequon brunch hours begin at 9 a.m.) with dinner specials, including Lobster and Wild Mushroom Mac (rotini pasta, 5 cheese sauce, butter-cooked lobster meat, wild mushrooms, crispy leeks) beginning at 2 p.m. Hollander will be open until midnight to ring in the New Year. A midnight toast will be observed for all in attendance with complimentary bubbles for guests.

Brunch will also be served on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Mequon brunch hours begin at 9 a.m.) with specials like Breakfast Focaccia (crumbled breakfast sausage, cheddar cheese, roasted peppers, hollandaise and sunny side egg served with breakfast potatoes).

Carnevor Steakhouse Moderne
718 N. Milwaukee St., (414) 223-2200
carnevor.com
Carnevor will be open for dinner on New Year's Eve featuring their full menu of steaks, seafood, craft cocktails and notable wine offerings. Reservations are required and can be made online. A $50 deposit per person is required; the deposit will be applied to your bill on Dec. 31.

Centraal Grand Café & Tappery:
2305 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., (414) 755-0378
cafecentraal.com
At Centraal, brunch will be served on Dec. 31 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. with specials like a Bacon Egg & Brie Croissant (scrambled eggs, bacon, brie, hollandaise, breakfast potatoes). Dinner will begin at 2 p.m. featuring specials like Proscuitto-wrapped Shrimp and Risotto (saffron risotto, sweet peppers, delicata squash, basil ginger agrodolce). The restaurant will remain open until midnight to ring in the New Year. A midnight toast will be observed for all in attendance with complimentary bubbles for guests.

Brunch will also be served on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1 and Jan. 2 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Edison
322 N. Broadway, (414) 269-6306
edisonmke.com
The Edison will be offering a special three-course dinner on New Year’s Eve. Guests can choose between lobster bisque, a house salad or Caesar salad; Salmon Oscar, tenderloin medallions, pasta or roasted half chicken; and flourless chocolate cake or NY cheesecake. The restaurant will close at midnight, ending the evening with a complimentary champagne toast. Cost is $55 per person or $90 for two. Reservations are required. Make yours online.

Giggly Champagne & Wine Bar at Saint Kate
139 E. Kilbourn Ave., (414) 291-4424
saintkatearts.com/dining/giggly
Giggly will be offering New Year’s Day brunch on Jan. 1 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Features include endless mimosas and bloody marys, a buffet of brunch favorites or a choice of plated menu items like goat cheese biscuits and gravy, ham and cheese croffle, shrimp and grits and more. Reservations are required and can be made online.

Lupi & Iris
777 N. Van Buren St.,  (414) 293-9090
lupiandiris.com 
Lupi & Iris will be hosting both New Year’s Eve brunch and New Year's Eve dinner. Brunch will take place on Dec. 31 from 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Reservations are required and can be made online.  

New Year's Eve dinner will take place on Dec. 31 with reservations beginning at 5 p.m. Guests can enjoy Chef Adam Siegel's special four-course New Year's Eve menu for $135 per person, plus tax & gratuity. Reservations are required and can be made online. 

Mason Street Grill
425 E. Mason St., (414) 298-3131
masonstreetgrill.com
Mason Street Grill will be offering New Year’s Eve dinner at the bar from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the  chef’s counter or in a private room with family and friends from 5 to 10 p.m. The full menu, along with options from the bar will be available. Mason Street Grill will also be open on New Year’s Day with seatings from 4 to 9 p.m. Reservations are required and can be made online or by calling the restaurant.

Morel 
430 S 2nd St., (414) 897-0747
morelmke.com
Morel will be open for dinner service on New Year's Eve with reservations beginning at 5 p.m. Accomodations are available for groups up to 12 persons. Make your reservation online. A$25 deposit per person is required.

Onesto
221 N. Broadway, (414) 308-1600
onestomke.com
Onesto will be open on New Year’s Eve from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., offering specials including Lobster Campanile and a Limoncello Parfait dessert. Cocktail specials will also be on offer including a 1920’s Old Fashioned and Tiramusi Marini. Reservations are required. Make yours online.

Smoke Shack
332 N. Milwaukee St., (414) 431-1119
smoke-shack.com
Smoke Shack will be open on New Year’s Eve until 9 p.m., offering specials like a 20-ounce smoked prime rib meal ($60 for two), Elijah Craig Private Barrel Pick Old Fashioneds ($20) and $5 off all bourbon flights. Reservations are available. Make yours online.