When it comes to Christmas Day in Northbrook, we hope you're prepared, because there won't be a lot that'll be open. Even the best of our local restaurants need a well earned break now and then.

Luckily, there are a few places in operation that are open and serving. If you're planning on having Christmas out this year, or you need a backup plan when everything suddenly goes wrong with that Christmas goose, we have you covered.

Please note: unless otherwise specifically stated, the restaurants listed below are not open on Christmas Day. In most cases, reservations are recommended. Lastly, please call, as holiday schedules may change.

Prairie Grass Cafe

Local celeb chef Sarah Stegner serves up the simple, fresh American dishes that made her a household name. The restaurant is open Christmas Eve from 4-7 p.m. and will be offering the regular menu as well as specials.

Allguaer's

Allguaer's on the Riverfront at the Hilton is open both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. On Christmas Eve they offer their regular hours and the seafood buffet they always serve on Friday nights. On Christmas Day from noon to 5 p.m., they take reservations for a buffet of classic Christmas foods like turkey and all the trimmings, prime rib and lamb. $36.95 per person and includes dessert bar.

Christmas Eve: regular, seafood buffet day: 12 - 5 buffet $36.95 per person, turkey, prime rib, lamb, dessert

Di Pescara

Many of the shops will be closed, but this upscale seafood eatery remains open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Christmas Eve they'll be serving during their regular hours of 11:15 a.m.-9 p.m., and Christmas Day they'll be open from 1-8 p.m., serving a fixed price menu that has yet to be determined. The price will be $34.95 per person.

Pinstripes

The combination American eatery and bowling alley/bocce ball court is open on Christmas Eve only. The kitchen serves til 3 p.m., but they let you finish your game: bocce and bowling run until 5 p.m.

Simply Thai

Sick of all the poultry? Have some Thai delivered. On both Christmas Eve and Day, Simply Thai does regular hours, carryout and delivery only.

Seoul Kitchen

If a bit of spicy Korean is needed to reawaken your sugary tastebuds after all that Christmas cheer, Seoul Kitchen has you covered and is open on Christmas Eve until 9 p.m., Christmas Day until 7 p.m.

Marcellos

You know that somewhere, someone on Christmas is going to want pizza. That's where Marcello's comes in. Grab on pie on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, dine in from 4-9 p.m.

Stir Crazy

Doing the Christmas Day Chinese food thing? You can at Stir Crazy. Open both Christmas Eve from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and Christmas Day from 4 p.m.-9 p.m .

The following restaurants are open on Christmas Eve only, feature their regular menus, and, in some cases, modified hours.

PF Chang's

Christmas Eve: 11 a.m.-11 p.m., regular menu

Max & Benny's

Christmas Eve: until 3 p.m., regular menu

J. Alexander's

Christmas Eve: regular hours, regular menu

Morton's

Christmas Eve: regular hours, regular menu

Francesca's

Christmas Eve: Regular menu, regular hours

Ruth Chris Steak House

Christmas Eve: 4-9 p.m., regular menu

Kamehachi

Christmas Eve: Until 9 p.m., regular menu

Barnaby's

Christmas Eve: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m., regular menu

Zapatista

Christmas Eve: until 8:30 p.m., regular menu

Claim Company

Christmas Eve: until 9 p.m., regular menu