7 Places to Have That Special Christmas Meal

Whether you don't want to cook, have a family tradition of dining out on Christmas Eve, or don't celebrate the holiday and get take-out instead, here are your Babylon Village options this Christmas when it comes to good food.

Perennial favorite Argyle Grill & Tavern is closed for Christmas Day, but is offering a reservations-only special Christmas Eve menu.  New items, such as an appetizer of a trio of seseame-seared tuna, fried, calamari and sea scallops ($12.95) and entrees such as a pistachio and goat cheese-encrusted rack of lamb ($26.95) will be on offer, along with favorites from the standard dinner menu. Check the for more information on the restaurant.  90 Deer Park Ave., 631-321-4900.

Across the street, Barrique Kitchen and Wine Bar is already taking reservations for a candlelit Christmas Eve dinner.  They will be serving their standard menu, which has several seasonal options for a holiday meal, including the popular Braised Short Ribs ($12).  Pair with wine while you catch up on some real last-minute shopping: Barrique is also offering a special on gift cards.  If you purchase a $100 gift card, you receive $20 free, from now through December 24th.  The same special is also being offered at Argyle Grill.  69 Deer Park Ave., 631-321-1175.

Gemelli Ristorante will be featuring a special a la carte menu for Virgilia di Natale, otherwise known as Christmas Eve.  The menu features the traditional Italian holiday dish of Baccala in Cassuola ($28), a hot appetizer for two dish with grilled herb marinated shrimps, baked clams, grilled artichokes, and fried calamari ($24), as well as pasta, chicken, and steak dishes. Check out the for more restaurant information. 175 East Main Street, 631-321-6392.

For a Christmas Eve dinner on the bay, The Hook is open and offering their regular menu.  Their Pan Roasted Atlantic Salmon ($21) comes with fresh corn polenta, shitake mushrooms, and a lemon beurre blanc sauce.  The Hook serves a variety of festive martinis, such as the Apples to Oranges Martini and a Chocolate Martini.  16 East Court, 631-669-1869.

Newcomer Blue Chill will be open on Christmas Eve, serving their casual seafood cuisine until 8 pm. Fish Market Cioppino ($18) is a take on the classic Italian seafood stew.  Some unique appetizers on offer include Ocean Nachos ($10) with bay scallops, shrimp, and corn tortillas in a Jalapeno sauce, and Ipswich Fried Clam Bellies (market price). 117 Deer Park Ave., 631-983-8888.

Another option for Christmas Eve dinner is to get a huge sushi platter and dine at home.  Sakura, 111 Deer Park Ave. 631-893-8038, has party platters of mixed sushi rolls starting at $55 for a small platter of 9 sushi rolls, up to $75 for a large platter of 13 rolls.  You can also can order sushi, sashimi, and cooked entrees from their standard menu. Check out the for more information on the restaurant.

If you're looking for take-out on Christmas Day, Good Taste Chinese on Deer Park Avenue will be open.  They are under new management and offer  free delivery.   Chef's specials and combination platters ($8.50 to $14) include standards such as Crispy Garlic Spare Ribs and Chicken or Roast Pork Chow Mein. 74 Deer Park Ave., 631-321-7778. Check out for more information about the restaurant.