McDonough’s keeps doors open on Christmas, serves holiday meals

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - For 38 years, McDonough’s Bar and Restaurant has opened its doors on Christmas, offering a hot buffet, drinks and a place to belong for people who aren’t spending the holiday at home.

The longtime neighborhood bar keeps its doors open and serves a full holiday meal, including turkey, at a price meant to welcome anyone who walks in, according to bartender Christian Schley. Champagne pops and the sound of cans opening are common as regulars and newcomers gather at the bar.

“I think that a lot of places started to open up on the holidays, but we used to be the only ones,” Schley said. “So everybody’s like, ‘We’ve been looking all day for somewhere to have a Christmas meal and thank God we found you guys.’ People keep coming back every year. They love it.”

An estimated 14 million Americans are expected to spend Christmas alone this year, making places such as McDonough’s especially meaningful, patrons and staff say.

While Christmas Eve tends to be quieter, staff members said Christmas Day is one of the busiest times the bar sees all year, second only to Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

“Regulars are going to come because this is just what they do,” Schley said. “Then we get some stragglers. And those are the best, because they didn’t know what they were going to do. They come in trying to find something, and then they’re like, ‘Yes. This is it.’”

For regulars such as Cassie, McDonough’s is a place for anyone who may not be spending the day at home. “Come one, come all. You can be whoever here. So everyone should be able to feel welcomed here,” she said. “McDonough’s just feels like family.”

McDonough’s will be serving their Christmas buffet from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Christmas day. The bar will remain open until they close at 3 a.m.