IE Christmas Dining Deals & Restaurant To-Go Specials 2021

INLAND EMPIRE, CA — Christmas nears — falling this year on Saturday, Dec. 25 — meaning time is ticking to make your dining plans. Whether you wish to eat out, or choose to dodge the kitchen fuss, and opt for a takeout feast for Christmas Eve or Day, plans are of the essence.

And restaurant chefs throughout the Inland Empire are at the ready, prepping Dec. 24-25 feasts for on-site diners, plus for patrons who select to-go options to enjoy at home with family and friends.

Peruse our annual Patch holiday dining guide to brunches, dinners and fun, seasonal treats — with choices for all tastes and price ranges — to find what appeals to your family.

Do note, many establishments require advance notice for to-go orders. And for restaurant dining, reservations typically are recommended.

And to all of our readers, Merry Christmas, from Patch!

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APPLEBEE'S: Festive $5 cocktails, Sleigh Bell Sips, are on menu through Jan. 2. "Tipsy Reindeer" blends vodka, cranberry juice, cherry & lemonade. And "Strawberry Merry Swirl" is a frozen, swirled margarita with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s Teremana Blanco Tequila, melon liqueur, strawberry & lime. Enjoy! Locations here.
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BASKIN-ROBBINS: Jazz up your holiday table with "Brrr the Snowman™ Cake"— festive dessert with melting “snow,” icing carrot nose & tree branch arms, buttons & fudge smile. Customizable with cake & ice cream flavors. Plus, December's Flavor of the Month is Gingerbread House, gingerbread-flavored ice cream with gingersnap cookie bites, peppermint pieces & confetti icing drizzle. Ordering info here.

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BLACK ANGUS STEAKHOUSE: Filet mignon or prime rib, both with lobster tail & sides, are offered for dine-in or takeout on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, and New Year's Eve, Dec. 31. Locations closed Christmas Day. For dine-in ($36.99 per person), follow link to reserve, or walk-ins accepted. Guests also can order "Santa’s Cookies," which come with special QR code to track Santa’s journey! For takeout, orders must be placed 24 hours in advance, and come in varying serving sizes. Locations listed here.

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BOSTON MARKET: Celebrate around the family table with take-out, heat-and serve holiday meals, that serve four to six or up to 12, plus sides and whole pies. Options include turkey, prime rib, ham or ham-turkey combo. Side vary with mashed potatoes, gravy, rolls, stuffing or vegetables and apple or pumpkin pies. Order in advance for pick-up. Ordering info here. Location finder here.

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CLAIM JUMPER STEAKHOUSE: Celebrate at home with three-course, takeout feast for six to eight. Entree options are turkey ($135), ham ($135) or combo ($145). Sides include bread, salad, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet mashed potatoes, veggies, orange-cranberry relish & apple or pumpkin pie. See details here. Contact local Claim Jumper to order. Restaurants in Rancho Cucamonga and San Bernardino.

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CRACKER BARREL: For to-go dining, the "Holiday Heat n’ Serve Feast," for eight-10, starts at $149.99, "Holiday Heat n’ Serve Family Dinner," for four to six, starts at $99.99, or new "Heat n’ Serve Prime Rib Family Dinner," for four to six, starts at $124.99. Dishes go "from oven to table in three hours." Available for pick up Dec. 21-28, while supplies last. Restaurants in Rialto and Victorville. Website here.

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DEL TACO: Back for the holiday season are authentic Mexican tamales — hand-wrapped with real corn husks. Available through Dec. 31 at participating locations. Options: Red & Green Smothered Tamales, with red & green sauces, sour cream & cilantro; Chili Cheese Smothered Tamales, shredded pork with beef chili, cheddar cheese &d sour cream; Del Taco’s 2 for $4 Tamales: two shredded pork tamales $4; Tamales 4 Pack with four pork tamales; and Tamales Fiesta Pack, 12 tamales, salsa & utensils. DoorDash DashPass members can receive $3 off any order over $15 through Dec. 31. Info here. California location finder here.

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DICKEY'S BARBECUE PIT: Keep meal prep easy with Christmas takeout options: Complete Feast; Dinner Feast and Holiday Big Yellow Box. Starting at $115, Complete Feast feeds 10 to 12 with choice of ham, turkey, Cajun-fried turkey, peppercorn garlic prime rib or traditional prime rib, dressing, gravy, potato casserole, green beans, rolls & dessert. Dinner Feast starts at $92, serves eight to 10, with same protein choices, dressing, gravy, rolls & dessert. Holiday Big Yellow Box, starts at $125 and feeds up to 12 with 4 pounds of turkey & large sides, plus rolls. Locations throughout California. Order here.

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DISNEYLAND & DISNEY CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE: The parks come through again for the 2021 holidays with cleverly crafted candies, sweets, festive churros, beverages, winter entrees, and even pork pozole & Mexican hot chocolate. Items can be found through Jan. 9 inside the parks, in Downtown Disney and at resort hotels. See details & guide to holiday candy here, and Foodie Guide to Holidays at Disneyland here.

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DUNKIN': Limited-time, holiday menu features Peppermint Mocha Signature Latte, Toasted White Chocolate Signature Latte, White Mocha Hot Chocolate & Holiday Blend Coffee. California DD Perks members receive free medium hot or iced coffee each Monday, one per customer & valid on all blends, including seasonal holiday blend, through Dec. 28. Also offered this month: pancake minis & classic chocolate, vanilla & strawberry frosted doughnuts with Holly Berry sprinkles. Info here.

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EL POLLO LOCO: Celebrate through Dec. 26 with such seasonal deals as: "Holiday Familia Dinner " (10 pieces of chicken, two large sides & tortillas for $20); Chicken Pozole Verde ; Mexican Hot Chocolate; or tamales ( a la carte or family bundles of six or 12.) Details. And check out El Pollo Loco’s first-ever, in-app game, Merry Matches — available to Loco Rewards members. Scratch & match game for chances to win exclusive rewards. Info here. Restaurant location finder here.
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EUREKA!: For the holidays through Jan. 4, enjoy a Gingerbread Man Old Fashioned — a seasonal favorite with Old Overholt Rye Whiskey, house-made Gingerbread Syrup, Douglas Fir Liqueur, chocolate bitters, herbal bitters & candied ginger. Locations statewide.

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EUROPA VILLAGE: Celebrate with such festive options as Holiday Brunch Buffet (Sundays 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. through Dec. 26), Christmas Eve Family-Style Dinner (4 p.m. - 9 p.m. Dec. 24) or "Midnight in Paris New Year's Eve Soiree" (7:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. Dec. 31). Holiday Sunday brunch includes seafood, salads, plus pastry, omelette, waffle & carving stations, priced at adults $59/ages 5-11 at $29/4 & under free. Christmas Eve dinner with prime rib, Caesar salad, shrimp & more: adults $70, children, 5-11, $35 & 4/under free. New Year's Eve: Tickets: $169 / Members: $152.10. VIP Table: $2,000 / Members: $1,800. At 41150 Via Europa, Temecula. Info & booking details here.
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GELSON'S MARKETS: Last day to pre-order your Christmas no-fuss, takeout feast is Dec.22, for pick-up Dec. 21-24. Among options: turkey; ham; prime rib; or brisket, with serving sizes from two, to eight, to 12. Included are such sides as mashed potatoes, gravy, cornbread stuffing, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, rolls & pies. Follow link to order. Location in Rancho Mirage.

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HARRAH'S RESORT SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA: Celebrate Christmas at one of three restaurants: The Café, serving "Merry Turkey Dinner," with turkey, sweet potatoes, green beans & gravy ($22); ‘ritas Cantina, serving classic holiday Chile Relleno En Nogada with roasted poblano chile & beef birria ($18.99); or Fiore, featuring Wagyu beef filet mignon, creamed spinach, duck fat potatoes & bernaise ($90). Info here. At 777 Harrah's Rincon Way in Funner.

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HOLY SMOKE & GRILL: The popular, RivCo BBQ pop-up is taking orders for its holiday favorites like smoked ham, fried turkey, brisket, tri-tip & ribs. Pre-order online soon for Dec. 24-25 pick-up in Southwest Riverside. Info here.

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IHOP: Don't miss limited-time, holiday menu. Among selections: Winter Wonderland Pancakes with vanilla swirl, marshmallows & powdered sugar snow; Cranberry Vanilla Pancakes with cranberry topping; Pumpkin Spice Pancakes, made with real pumpkin; Frozen Hot Chocolate Milkshake; Cali Roasted Turkey Melt; Winter Wonderland Kids Combo, pancake with bacon, sausage & scrambled egg; plus Holiday Celebrations Family Feast - four-serving meal with eggs, hash browns, bacon or sausage & pancakes. Menu info.
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IKE'S LOVE & SANDWICHES: Score free sandwich voucher through Dec. 31 with purchase of an Ike’s T-shirt at eatery's holiday pop-up shops. The pop-ups are selling four varieties of T-shirts & a hoodie. Location in Chino. Info here.

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KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN: The limited-time, KFC 11 Herbs & Spices Firelog by Enviro-Log, which creates fried-chicken aroma wafting from the fireplace, is for sale at Walmart.com for $15.88. And new this year is contest for KFC-themed vacation with three-day, two-night stay for up to eight in three-story luxury log cabin surrounded by nature reserve in Kentucky. Enter by purchasing firelog, scan QR code on packaging to go to webpage where you enter for chance to win. Or download official KFC U.S. App before Dec. 31 to receive message with link to enter. Free entry available. Find info here.

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KURA SUSHI: Enjoy Holiday Takeout Special, starting at $29 for takeout & delivery only, beginning Dec. 20, while supplies last. Pre-order options include assorted sushi rolls & assorted nigiri. Location in Rancho Cucamonga. Details here.

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LAZY DOG RESTAURANTS: Holiday offering for limited time includes old-school "Roasted Turkey TV Dinner," with turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet corn, stuffing & salted caramel pumpkin cheesecake. "Made in-house, frozen in retro-style trays, and ready to pop in the oven when you need them." Order up here. Lazy Dog locales in Corona, Rancho Cucamonga and Temecula.
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LOGAN'S ROADHOUSE: Pick up "Holiday Roadhouse Feast," serving six to eight, starting at $89.99. Available through Jan. 2, 2022, while supplies last, with hot-and-ready or take-and-bake options. Order online at logansroadhouse.com, via Logan’s Rewards app or call your local Logan’s. Locale in Fontana.

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MACARONI GRILL: Celebrate on the homefront with a $30 "Feast for Five." The to-go deal includes an entree, Caesar salad, two loaves of Rosemary Peasant Bread & six chocolate chip cookies. A "Premium Feast for Five" ($55) comes with premium entree choice. Available for pick-up or delivery. Locations in Corona, Redlands & Temecula. Website here.

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MARIE CALLENDER'S: Select from take-home feasts with prime rib, ham or turkey. (Serving four to six or six to eight, with prices from $129.99-$224.99.) Sides vary with options for mashed potatoes, salad, stuffing, gravy, five-cheese macaroni, veggies, cornbread, cranberry sauce and whole apple or pumpkin pies. Individual Christmas dinners to-go also offered for adults & kids. See info here. Find your nearest Marie Callender's here.

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MIGUEL'S JR.: Mary's famous, handmade holiday tamales and homemade pozole are back for limited time. Tamales, with Chile Rojo Pork or California Chili, available a la carte or by the dozen. The hearty pozole has chile base, hominy, choice of protein & served with cabbage, onions & lemon wedge. Order online. Locales in Orange, Riverside & San Bernardino counties.

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MOOYAH BURGERS, FRIES & SHAKES: The "better-burger" restaurant closes out 2021 with two limited-time, holiday shakes — Pecan Pie Shake & White Chocolate Peppermint Shake. And coupon for free burger via MOOYAH Rewards App offered for every $25 gift card purchased. Promo runs through Dec. 31. Info here. Locale in Upland.

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MORTON'S THE STEAKHOUSE: A chateaubriand for-two feast is offered Christmas Eve & Day for on-site dining or takeout. $179 & serves two. Included: winter salad, chateaubriand, baked corn soufflé, sour cream mashed potatoes, creamed spinach & white chocolate & pecan bread pudding or bruléed cheesecake with cherry compote for dessert. Info here. Location in Palm Desert.

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NORMS: A $59.99 Holiday Family Meal, that serves four or more, can be ordered for takeout or delivery. Included: turkey; mashed potatoes; gravy; stuffing; cranberry sauce; gumbo; salad; and whole apple or pumpkin pie. See website here. Order info here. Find NORMS locations here throughout Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino & Riverside counties.

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ON THE BORDER: The Mexican chain will donate 10 cents to No Kid Hungry for every Border Blast frozen drink purchased through Jan. 31, 2022. Locale in Mira Loma/Eastvale. Info here.

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P.F. CHANG'S: Chef-curated menu, rooted in Asian tradition, offered through Jan. 18 for dine-in or takeout. Limited-time offers include: Dim Sum, pan-fried Wagyu dumplings; Fire-Braised Short Ribs with pineapple fried rice; Short Rib Fried Rice; Chang's Apple Crunch, version of apple pie with vanilla ice cream; and "The Ornament" vodka & saké cocktail. Prix-fixe menu ($50 per person) with appetizer, soup, entrée & dessert, also offered. Location finder here.

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PECHANGA RESORT CASINO: Back for Christmas 2021 is the "Holiday To Go" takeout feast (serves six. $210.) with prime rib, mashed potatoes, roasted baby carrots, Brussels sprouts, au jus, creamy horseradish, rolls & apple or pecan pie. Info. Orders due Dec. 17 by calling (951) 770-2307 for Dec. 25 curbside pick-up. Restaurants also open for on-site dining. Reservations here. Located at 45000 Pechanga Pkwy., Temecula.

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RAISING CANE'S CHICKEN FINGERS: On Wednesdays through Dec. 31, Caniac Club members can score free Cane's Sauce, a proprietary blend with a bit of spice. No purchase necessary; must present Caniac Club Card. One free Cane’s Sauce will be loaded to card each Wednesday in December. Club info here. Freebie offer info here. Sites throughout California.

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RED LOBSTER: Treat friends & family to show-stopping seafood spread, a mix-and-match holiday “Create Your Own Sea-cuterie” takeout platter. Select from Parrot Isle Jumbo Coconut Shrimp Platter, Crunchy Popcorn Shrimp Platter, Bar Harbor Lobster Bake, plus such add-ons as Garlic Shrimp Skewers, Bacon-Wrapped Sea Scallops, Snow Crab Legs & Cheddar Bay Biscuits®. Get simple, step-by-step instructions to recreate the Sea-cuterwreath & ordering links here. Location finder here.

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RUBIO'S: Share your taco love with limited-edition, “Spreading Taco Cheer” holiday gift boxes, available online for $49.99 with free shipping. Orders due Dec. 20 for delivery before Dec. 25. Included: campfire-style mug; fleece blanket; notebook; knit beanie; Rubio's meal cards ($30 value); and "exclusive' recipe card for sweet treat created by Rubio’s culinary team. Order info here.

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RUTH'S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE: Dine at home Christmas Eve, Day or New Year's Eve with takeout "Celebration Feast" for four ($195, but price may vary by location). Includes: beef tenderloin; salad; garlic mashed potatoes; creamed spinach; & Four Chocolate Sin Cakes. Sides to-go also an option. To-go orders require 48-hour notice. Or dine in with prix-fixe meal, including starter, entrée, side & dessert. Menu, ordering & reservation details here. In Palm Desert.

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SIZZLER: A special $84.99 deal runs through Dec. 31 for a to-go Holiday Heat & Eat Dinner, serving up to six. Included: tri-tip sirloin, bourbon peppercorn gravy, mac & cheese, green beans with sliced almonds & mashed potatoes. See details. Orders require 24-hour notice. Locations listed here.

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SOUTH COAST WINERY: The Vineyard Rose Restaurant is hosting an "À La Carte Christmas Feast" Dec. 24- 25, with winter-inspired meal by Executive Chef José Esparza & culinary team. Among options: shrimp cocktail; roasted Brussels sprouts; soup and salads; grilled filet mignon; Jidori chicken; Skuna Bay salmon; lobster ravioli; prime rib; roasted turkey & more, including desserts. Reservations at OpenTable or at (951) 719-8356. Details here. Located at 34843 Rancho California Road, Temecula.

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THE GAMBLING COWBOY CHOPHOUSE & SALOON: Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, will include dine-in option and to-go menu. Takeout orders due Dec. 20 for pick-up Dec. 23 afternoon, with choices of turkey dinner with sides, rolls & pie (serves four to six for $190) or prime rib (for four to six - $290), also with several sides, rolls & dessert. Info & reservations here. At 42072 5th St., Temecula.
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THORNTON WINERY: Christmas Day feast will be served on-site 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., with first course choice of butternut squash-Granny Smith soup or Café Champagne salad, entree selection of ham, salmon, pasta or ribeye, plus sides & dessert. $69.95 per person/12 & under 21.95/under 5 free. Reservations at 951-699-0099. At 32575 Rancho California Road, Temecula. See info here.
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UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD: New holiday food items available at Universal City theme park through Jan. 9. Among options: Hot Holiday Turkey Sandwich; Max 22” Hot Dog; Turkey Waffle Stack; Turkey Leg Feast; & English Holiday Meal. Festive drinks & such sweet treats as Holiday Cake Jars, Pinwheel Cookies, Gingerbread Cupcakes & Chocolate Peppermint Cereal Treats also on tap. For limited-time at venues & carts throughout park. Website here. See New Year's Eve fest & fireworks info here.

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Know of other neighborhood, holiday hot spots? Share with readers in the comments section.

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ALSO SEE: Holiday Ice Skating Rinks: 2021 Guide To Best In Inland Empire & SoCal