Holiday meals without the hassle

Indulge in bold flavors this holiday season at the House of Nanking. Photo courtesy of House of Nanking. 

This holiday season, let someone else do the cooking. Whether you’re looking to dine in or take away, there are plenty of fantastic options near BART to make your Christmas or Hanukkah extra special. From elegant restaurants to festive buffets and casual to-go eateries, we’ve rounded up some of the best BARTable spots to enjoy a holiday feast. Don’t forget your Clipper card!

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Visit Brenda's Soul Food this holiday season in San Francisco or the East Bay. Photo courtesy of Brenda's Soul Food. 

Brenda’s Soul Food | Civic Center/UN Plaza, MacArthur

For a cozy atmosphere and generous portions this holiday season, head to Brenda’s Soul Food. Their cuisine, a mixture of Southern, Creole and French flavors, is comforting and delicious. Plus, they offer a special holiday menu full of flavorful food, like crawfish beignets, seafood gumbo and pumpkin bread pudding. Brenda’s Soul Food is open on Dec. 25, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dine-in or takeaway is available. Reservations are recommended. Brenda’s Soul Food is 0.5 miles from Civic Center/UN Plaza (at 652 Polk St.) in San Francisco, and 0.6 miles from MacArthur (at 4045 Broadway) in Oakland.
 

Enjoy Christmas brunch with loved ones at Villon. Photo courtesy of Villon. 

Villon at The San Francisco Proper Hotel | Civic Center/UN Plaza

Christmas day brunch in the Villon dining room is quite the treat. The atmosphere is festive and elegant. Sip craft cocktails, enjoy exceptional service and choose items from the seasonal Christmas menu, which includes the chef’s interpretation of Bao Buns and Peking Squab. Take BART to Powell St for a luxurious Christmas morning just steps away at 1100 Market St. 

Treat yourself at the House of Nanking in San Francisco's Chinatown this December. Photo courtesy of House of Nanking. 

House of Nanking | Montgomery St

Open on Christmas Day, House of Nanking is known for its creative spin on traditional Chinese dishes. The food is tasty, hearty and served family-style. Tip: the best way to order here is to let your server do it for you. Tell them what you like or don’t like, and be pleasantly surprised. If you prefer ordering yourself, don’t skip the house noodles. This Chinatown institution since 1980 is 0.5 miles from Montgomery St at 919 Kearny St. 
 

This famous eatery in San Francisco is an excellent place to dine on holidays. Photo courtesy of John's Grill. 

John’s Grill | Powell St

John’s Grill has hosted hungry patrons for over 100 years. The historic restaurant is famously tied to “The Maltese Falcon,” where the main character, Detective Sam Spade, dines on the “chops, baked potato and sliced tomatoes.” On Dec. 25, John’s Grill’s special holiday menu offers a wide variety of appetizers, soups, salads, steaks, chops and specialties. There’s also a $95 pre-fix meal of lobster bisque, filet mignon, lobster tail and Brioche bread pudding. Take BART to Powell St for nostalgia and fabulous food just 400 feet from Powell St. 
 

Celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah (or both!) at One Market. Photo courtesy of One Market. 

One Market | Embarcadero

One Market is an excellent choice whether you're celebrating Hanukkah or Christmas. Here, you can celebrate the Hanukkah season throughout December with nine “loaded” latkes ranging from traditional to smoked sturgeon. Their special Christmas Eve menu offers three courses of tasty dishes to enjoy with loved ones. Take BART to Embarcadero for latkes and Christmas Eve dinner 0.1 miles away at 1 Market St. 
 

Savor fresh, seasonal dishes at Revival Bar & Kitchen this holiday season. Photo courtesy of Revival Bar & Kitchen. 

Revival Bar & Kitchen | Downtown Berkeley

The seasonal-themed menu at Revival Bar & Kitchen is known for its organic and sustainably sourced ingredients. The Hanukkah Dinner Takeout is available to pre-order for pickup on Dec. 27. It includes the restaurant’s famous latkes with lox, sour cream, applesauce, caviar and 24-hour slow-braised brisket. Get farm-to-table dining at home 0.1 miles from Downtown Berkeley at 2102 Shattuck Ave.
 

Indulge in the ultimate Christmas buffet near BART. Photo courtesy of Hotel Shattuck Plaza. 

Zino | Downtown Berkeley

This Mediterranean restaurant is inside the Hotel Shattuck Plaza. This year, it’s offering a lavish buffet featuring citrus and thyme-brined ham, prime rib, roasted salmon, chilled seafood, fresh salads and decadent desserts. Open Dec. 25 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., this festive feast is priced at $90 per adult and $45 per child (5 and under free). Enjoy the buffet 0.1 miles from Downtown Berkeley at 2086 Allston Way.
 

Pick up Hanukkah dinner this year at Wise Sons Jewish Delicatessen. Photo courtesy of Wise Sons Jewish Delicatessen. 

Wise Sons Jewish Delicatessen | 24th St Mission, MacArthur

Two BARTable locations will stay open this Christmas and Hanukkah — the Mission District shop in San Francisco and the Temescal Oakland spot in the East Bay. Head to either for Hanukkah basics, pastries, and, of course, their famous bagels. Check out the full Hanukkah catering menu, and pre-order for pickup from Dec. 22 to Jan. 2. Wise Sons Jewish Delicatessen is 0.2 miles from 24th St Mission (3150 24th St.) and 0.2 miles from MacArthur (3838 Telegraph Ave.)

Celebrate the season with a feast at La Sen Bistro. Photo courtesy of La Sen Bistro. 

La Sen Bistro | Walnut Creek 

For French cuisine with a California twist, head to La Sen Bistro this Christmas or Hanukkah. Here, you’ll find dishes influenced by the French, Vietnamese and the diversity of the Bay Area. The menu, including red and white wine options, is extensive. Take BART to Walnut Creek Station for a decadent holiday dinner 0.5 miles away at 1606 N Main St. 

What is your favorite BARTable holiday dinner? 

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