Ten Boca Raton Restaurants Open For Christmas

It’s not impossible to get a decent dinner on Dec. 25.

The Big Rack is pork ribs basted in Guinness barbecue sauce and is one of many entrees available at the Tilted Kilt. Photo courtesy of Tilted Kilt Boca Raton’s Facebook page.

Brittany Ferrendi, Contributing Writer
December 22, 2015

It’s Christmas Day and you’re stuck in Boca Raton. There’s virtually no food in the fridge and leaving town isn’t an option, but you’re hungry. So what do you do?

Whether you’re a student athlete, international student or just left to yourself on campus, your food options on Dec. 25 are pretty limited. Luckily, not all restaurants are closed. If you’re looking for a meal this holiday season, check out these ten businesses that are open for Christmas:

Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery

Tilted Kilt’s menu includes over 10 different types of burgers. Photo courtesy of Tilted Kilt Boca Raton’s Facebook page.
Tilted Kilt’s menu includes over 10 different types of burgers. Photo courtesy of Tilted Kilt Boca Raton’s Facebook page.

This American-style sports bar and restaurant is open from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Christmas Day and provides extended happy hours. Located at 3320 Airport Road, the Tilted Kilt is six minutes away from campus by car.

“I like the staff and the atmosphere — they go out of their way to make you feel welcomed and happy,” said senior education major Jamie Kapp. “The waitresses and managers are all really nice, and the food is so good. They changed their menu a little while ago, but they offer tons of pub food, and classics with an Irish/Scottish twist on them.” Kapp said her favorite thing to get are the Irish Nachos — fresh potato chips, covered in cheese and ground beef — and the Irish Dip Sandwich.

Kyoto Rock

Other than their various types of sushi, Kyoto Rock offers a selection of shrimp and chicken meals. Photo courtesy of Kyoto Rock’s website.
Other than their various types of sushi, Kyoto Rock offers a selection of shrimp and chicken meals. Photo courtesy of Kyoto Rock’s website.

In the mood for some sushi? Kyoto Rock will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m, the same times as their typical store hours. You can find them on 2433 N. Federal Hwy and sit down for a meal, or order online and have it ready to pick up.

The Green Dragon is just one of many of Kyoto Rock’s specialty rolls. It is shrimp tempura with fish eggs and scallions with an avocado topper. Plus, if you check in on Yelp, you may receive one free sake.

Bogart’s Bar & Grill

Bogart’s Bar & Grille offers a veggie burger filled with quinoa, lentils, zucchini, mushrooms and more. Photo courtesy of Bogart’s Facebook page.
Bogart’s Bar & Grille offers a veggie burger filled with quinoa, lentils, zucchini, mushrooms and more. Photo courtesy of Bogart’s Facebook page.

Open from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m., you can find this bar and grill on the second floor of the Cinemark Palace 20 movie theater on 3200 Airport Road, right next to Tilted Kilt. You can order from their menu and even take it with you to see a movie.

Although known as having a traditional American menu, Bogart’s offers Italian, Mexican and Asian-styled appetizers and entrees as well. In addition to their pizzas and hamburgers are meatballs and tacos.

TAP 42

TAP 42’s own “The Prohibition” — a burger blend of applewood bacon, white cheddar, their secret sauce and more. Photo courtesy of TAP 42’s Facebook page.
TAP 42’s own “The Prohibition” — a burger blend of applewood bacon, white cheddar, their secret sauce and more. Photo courtesy of TAP 42’s Facebook page.

This gastropub opens at 5 p.m. and closes at 11 p.m. on Christmas Day. At 5050 Town Center Circle, you can drive nine minutes away from campus and get a wide range of salads and entrees.

“TAP 42 is actually a really nice joint,” Alec Solaski, junior management information systems major said. Solaski is a fan of the gastropub’s large patio, relaxed vibe and brunch menu. “[They offer] bottomless mimosas during brunch. Though a great deal, a word of caution as they are very quick to bring more champagne. If you’re not careful you may not remember much of your brunch the next day,” he added.

Patio Tapas and Beer

Sweet Chips are one of many potato-styled specialties available at Patio Tapas and Beer. It includes yogurt espuma and a passion fruit glaze. Photo courtesy of Patio Tapas and Beer’s Facebook Page.
Sweet Chips are one of many potato-styled specialties available at Patio Tapas and Beer. It includes yogurt espuma and a passion fruit glaze. Photo courtesy of Patio Tapas and Beer’s Facebook Page.

If you’ll be in the mood for savory Spanish and Mediterranean-style tapas on Dec. 25, check out Patio Tapas and Beer, which will be open during their normal hours — 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Their specialties include the Churrasco, Pulpo Salad, Gambas Al Ajillo and more. You can find them at 205 S.E. First Ave.

Yelp reviewers were most positive about the Sweet Chips, made up of potato chips and foam yogurt dip. Reviewers found the appetizer delicious and perfect for warm Florida days.

Brewzzi

All of Brewzzi’s burgers come with your choice of french fries, Copperstown potato salad, onion strings, cottage chips or fresh slaw as a side. Photo courtesy of Brewzzi’s website.
All of Brewzzi’s burgers come with your choice of french fries, Copperstown potato salad, onion strings, cottage chips or fresh slaw as a side. Photo courtesy of Brewzzi’s website.

This restaurant specializes in pizza and global cuisine and will be open from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Christmas Day. Found on 2222 Glades Road, Brewzzi is about seven minutes from campus by car.

Their specialty brick oven pizza is the Brewer’s Favorite. This pizza lets you top it your way, letting you pick and choose your favorite toppings like roasted red peppers, bacon bits and more.

Miller’s Boca East Ale House

Baby back ribs are one of Miller’s Ale House’s house favorites. Slow cooked with the restaurant’s secret recipe, these ribs are covered in Southern barbecue sauce with coleslaw and a side. Photo courtesy of Miller’s Ale House’s website.
Baby back ribs are one of Miller’s Ale House’s house favorites. Slow cooked with the restaurant’s secret recipe, these ribs are covered in Southern barbecue sauce with coleslaw and a side. Photo courtesy of Miller’s Ale House’s website.

On 1200 Yamato Road, Miller’s Ale House is another option to satisfy your hunger on Christmas Day. They will be open from 3 p.m. until 12 a.m and provide a large variety of beers and traditional American food.

“I thought the food was pretty good but I mainly went there for happy hour which is half off drinks,” senior accounting major Brandon Hofman said. On Dec. 25, happy hour will run from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Bombay Cafe

Right across the street from FAU stands Bombay Cafe, an Indian restaurant that is open during this holiday season. You can find them on 628 Glades Road in the CVS plaza. They will be open from 11:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., and then again from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

With their lunch special you can get a meat and veggie entree or two veggie entrees, either accompanied by rice, naan and a small dessert cup.

Magical Rice

If Chinese food is a must-have this holiday break, try Magical Rice. The former location of the Pine Garden, this Chinese restaurant is open at normal hours on Christmas from 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. They are located at 1668 N. Federal Hwy, just a few blocks from campus.

Traditional Chinese restaurants often put chicken stock in vegetarian meals, which can be tricky for veggie-eaters. Fortunately, Magical Rice is well-known for having truly vegetarian meals and a vegetarian-only version of their menu.

Rafina Greek Taverna

Rafina’s Greek Taverna offers a 9ox center cut filet mignon with seasoned vegetables and lemon-roasted potatoes Photo courtesy of Rafina’s Greek Taverna’s Facebook page.
Rafina’s Greek Taverna offers a 9oz center cut filet mignon with seasoned vegetables and lemon-roasted potatoes Photo courtesy of Rafina’s Greek Taverna’s Facebook page.

From 2 p.m. until 11 p.m., you can enjoy Greek, seafood and Mediterranean meals at this restaurant. It’s just 15 minutes away from campus at 6877 S.W. 18th St. Great for lunch or dinner, Rafina Greek Taverna provides both dine-in and takeout.

The Lamb Shank is one of their house favorites. It is a large shank baked with a fresh tomato sauce and comes with orzo on the side and your choice of soup or greek salad.

Brittany Ferrendi is a contributing writer for the University Press. If you would like to contact her regarding this or other articles, email her at http://[email protected].