Rumor has it that Santa was looking high and low for a restaurant on his way through Grand Forks. Most all of them were closed on Christmas and Christmas Eve. But they are reopening today and ready for New Year’s Eve.
If the friendly fat man in his red suit wants to stop in the Forks today, Santa will find most restaurants ready and waiting.
Jacob Guthmiller, kitchen manager at Texas Roadhouse, says there has been an increase in orders to go during the holidays. And prime rib roasts that can be cooked at home have been popular. He said customers can avoid contact by making pickups at the to-go window.
During the pandemic, the restaurant can seat 150 – half of its 300 capacity.
Like others, the restaurant was planning to be open this Saturday.
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Customers who look for meat and potatoes, pot roast and turkey at Perkins will find them Saturday and Sunday after the Christmas day closing. The bakery, which runs every night, turns out pies, cinnamon rolls, muffins and cookies.
Courtney Brandt, assistant manager, said the restaurant plans to close at 8 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.
Takeout specials
Downtown at Ely’s Ivy, 22 S. Third St., there have been Christmas takeout specials of Swedish meatballs and New York roasts. The restaurant has been taking reservations for a New Year’s Eve tasting event.
The full delivery menu at Ground Round Grill and Bar at 2800 32nd Ave. S., was busy during the pre-Christmas season. About half of the service was inside.
Walleye and scallops have been popular choices this season at Sky’s Fine Dining downtown on DeMers Avenue. Though the restaurant was closed over Christmas, it will be reopening on Tuesday, Dec. 29. Rich West, lounge manager, said the lounge opens at 4 p.m. with a 5 p.m. dining room opening.
At China Garden, 2550 32nd Ave. S., business has moved on with a 3 p.m. opening on Christmas and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. other times. The wide choice of dishes stays the same with rice, egg rolls, won ton, sweet and sour and General Tao chicken. Seating is arranged for COVID-19 requirements.
While it was closed for Christmas, Speedway restaurant, 805 N. 42nd St., will be offering its dine-in or carry-out foods this Saturday and beyond. The restaurant draws customers with hot homemade specials, such as tater tot hotdish, meatloaf and hamburger gravy.
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Reach Marilyn Hagerty at mhagerty@gra.midco.com or by telephone at (701) 772-1055.
