Holiday Treats at Your Favorite Restaurants
Quick Service
Fast food and full-service chains have boosted their menus with sweets for the holidays, and there are more substantial limited-time items as well, including tortilla soup and tamales. Starbucks even has a turkey pastry.
Chicken tortilla soup and Frosted Coffee are on the menu at Chick-fil-A this holiday season.
- Chick-fil-A: Chicken tortilla soup and the Atlanta-based chain’s Peppermint Chip Milkshake are back for the season. The dessert lineup also includes Frosted Coffee, a blend of cold brew and Chick-fil-A’s Icedream soft-serve. chick-fil-a.com
Other quick-service options include:
- Cold Stone Creamery: Wintry treats include Winter White Raspberry Delight, Double Chocolate Malt Ice Cream, and a Choco-lotta Malt. coldstonecreamery.com
- Dunkin’: Seasonal items include an almond croissant and a Holiday Cookie Signature Latte. dunkindonuts.com
- Jack in the Box: The San Diego-based chain is tapping into the birria craze with its Tiny Tacos, which can be ordered with birria-flavored ranch dipping sauce. jackinthebox.com
- Krispy Kreme: A “Merry Grinchmas” collection includes the mean one smiling his sickly smile on a cookies-and-cream-filled doughnut. Also new this year is a Grinchy Claus Doughnut and a Cindy-Lou Who Merry Berry Tree Doughnut. krispykreme.com
- McDonald’s: Holiday Pie with custard filling is back. mcdonalds.com/us/en-us
- Miguel’s Jr.: Chile Rojo Pork and Spicy Chicken Tamales will be available through Dec. 31. A Chile Cheese Tamale will only be available through Dec. 10. miguelsjr.com
- Shake Shack: Apple Cider Donut, Christmas Cookie, and Chocolate Yule Log are the seasonal shakes. shakeshack.com
- Starbucks: New items include a Cran-Merry Refresher and Gingerbread Cream Cold Foam. Peppermint Mocha, the Cranberry Bliss Bar, and the Sugar Plum Cheese Danish are among returning favorites. But the new Turkey Sage Danish is likely the most unique offering. starbucks.com
Full Service
Restaurants are also offering unique and seasonal dishes for the holidays. Here are some options:
Acapulco Restaurant & Cantina, El Torito:
- Tamales to go are available through Jan. 1 at both chains. They are available in increments of six and cost $28 per dozen. Choices include chicken, carnitas, and sweet corn. Order 24 hours in advance. acapulcorestaurants.com, elTorito.com
Other full-service options include:
- Applebee’s: Holiday beverages such as a Tipsy Reindeer, made with vodka, cranberry juice, and a Santa Claus gummy for $5, and a Cranberry Lime Mocktail for $4. applebees.com
- California Pizza Kitchen: New items available through Jan. 6 include Blistered Shishito Peppers, Braised Short Rib Ragu, and a Mini Butter Cake Flight. Flavors include Dark Chocolate & Brownie Crumble, Spiced Apple & Cherries, and Smoked Bacon & Maple. www.cpk.com
- Cracker Barrel Country Store: Fried Apple French Toast Bake is new this year. Seasonal favorites include Cinnamon Roll Pie and Sugar Plum Tea. crackerbarrel.com
- Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: All locations will be open for lunch weekends beginning Black Friday. Two-course prix fixe meals start at $28 with choice of three entrees: Steak Frites, Cabernet Filet, and a Barbecue Salmon Fillet. flemingssteakhouse.com
- Outback Steakhouse: “Steakmas” is underway with such items as Bloomin’ French Onion Sirloin, Bourbon Onion Ribeye, and Three Cheese Steak Dip, served with tortilla chips. The Australia-themed chain has its own version of “Elf on the Shelf” called Koala on the Walla. outback.com
- Polly’s Pies: Fall specials include a turkey dinner, pumpkin pancakes, and pumpkin cookies. pollyspies.com
- Red Robin: Festive beverages include Tipsy Santa, made with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Baileys Chocolate Liqueur, and peppermint flavor, and an Oreo Cookie Magic Milkshake. redrobin.com
Conclusion
This holiday season, many restaurants are offering a wide range of sweet and savory options to suit different tastes and preferences. From classic holiday treats to unique and adventurous options, there’s something for everyone.
FAQs
Q: What are some popular holiday treats at quick-service restaurants?
A: Some popular holiday treats at quick-service restaurants include Chick-fil-A’s chicken tortilla soup and Frosted Coffee, Cold Stone Creamery’s Winter White Raspberry Delight, and Shake Shack’s Apple Cider Donut.
Q: What are some unique holiday offerings at full-service restaurants?
A: Some unique holiday offerings at full-service restaurants include Applebee’s Tipsy Reindeer, California Pizza Kitchen’s Blistered Shishito Peppers, and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar’s Steakmas menu.
Q: Can I order tamales to go from Acapulco Restaurant & Cantina, El Torito?
A: Yes, tamales to go are available through Jan. 1 at both chains. They are available in increments of six and cost $28 per dozen. Order 24 hours in advance.
