10 Places Open on Christmas Day

It's Christmas Day. You're baking the ham and whipping up some mashed potatoes when something goes horribly awry, like a missing ingredient or your dinner suddenly turning into a charred and smoking nightmare. Where do you go for emergency provisions, dinner out or escape?

For a strong cup of Joe, the on San Pablo Avenue near will be open three hours from 7 to 10 a.m. You can also buy a last-minute gift, such as a pound of Christmas Blend or a sustainable festive coffee mug.

If kids start begging for fluffy buttermilk pancakes covered with strawberry syrup, you can go to the in El Cerrito. Located near and this restaurant has a smorgasbord of options for even the most picky of eaters and will be open from 7am – 10pm on Christmas Day.

Don't want to break the bank? s has a popular menu with value breakfast, lunch and dinner options ranging from $2 to $8. Normally open 24 hours a day they will be closed this year at 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve but will reopen Christmas morning to serve eggs, bacon, pork chops, southern fried chicken and pies to hungry patrons.

What about a vital kitchen supply like milk, eggs or some soda for the afternoon caffeine slump? Travel down to . This local convenience store never closes, not even on Christmas. In addition cigarettes and liquor, the store on the east end of Stockton Avenue carries staple groceries at affordable prices. Be sure to wish the staff a Merry Christmas for all of their hard work year round!

What if you don't want Denny's or IHOP but you do want a large booth at a local chain serving prime rib and steak at economical prices? Located directly near the entrance to Interstate 80 westbound on Potrero Avenue, has a range of options from breakfast enchiladas to steak and grilled shrimp dinners that won't break the bank.

Say you're not in the mood for American-style diner food. You could always try . This family owned Chinese-food restaurant has been a staple for many patrons since 1993. Choose from crab rangoon, won ton soup and honey prawns among other entrees.

If you just need a break from shopping, cooking, and planning, visit the . You can watch the psychologically riveting and critically acclaimed film Black Swan, directed by Darron Aronofsky, or even opt to see the Coen Brothers much-anticipated rendition of True Grit – an old John Wayne Classic. The theatre will have matinees from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m. on Christmas Day so that you can sit on a cozy sofa, order some sausage pizza and relax.

Need a heating pad, some Alka-Seltzer and an Epsom salt bath for that cold/cough combo that is threatening to keep you company all winter long? Try . The large store carries everything from coloring books for your visiting grandkids to over-the-counter and herbal remedies for most ailments and will be open from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Christmas Day.

How about buying Grandpa a cigar to smoke out on the back porch when he's wandering aimless about the house teasing all the grandkids and riling up the puppy? will be open during their regular business hours of 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. for candy, lottery tickets, liquor and other sundries.

And last, but not least,  – a local bar serving up brews and cocktails in the area since World War II – will be open from 6 p.m. until 2 a.m. for anyone needing a nightcap and a round of karaoke to chase away lingering Christmas humbug. Be sure to admire the raised velvet wallpaper which dates back to 1969.

Note: This is not intended to be a complete list. Other businesses — like and supermarkets — will be open part of Christmas Day. Be sure to check with any of those you might like to visit.