By Geena Monahan—For the North Star Reporter
As the holiday season unfolds, local restaurants across North Attleborough and Plainville are bringing comfort, creativity and tradition to the table, offering everything from festive cocktails to family-style meals designed to make the season more memorable.
Box Seats – 500 E. Washington St., North Attleborough
https://www.boxseatsna.com/
North Star Reporter: What holiday offerings or seasonal specials are you featuring this year?
Charlie Tgibedes, owner: Daily specials will continue to run as usual, and holiday parties can be accommodated in both the back and front dining spaces of the restaurant.
NSR: Does your restaurant partake in any holiday traditions?
Tgibedes: We always look forward to sponsoring the Downtown Associates of North Attleborough’s Santa Parade, which we were proud to support again this year.
NSR: What makes being a part of the North Attleborough community special?
Tgibedes: The big thing for me is this is where I live and where our business is located, so being involved is important to us. We support Little League sports and local clubs and try to be the kind of business that consistently sponsors and donates when we can.
NSR: If you could describe the holiday season at your restaurant in three words, what would they be?
Tgibedes: Joyful, pleasant, merry.
Cucina 38 – 38 S. Washington St., North Attleborough
North Star Reporter: What holiday offerings or seasonal specials are you featuring this year?
Kimberly Moreau, manager: Cucina 38 is offering its winter menu alongside seasonal specials. Guests can enjoy cocktails like the Mistletoe Martini, Fezzifig Old Fashioned and Sugar Cookie Martini. The restaurant will be open on New Year’s Eve with three dinner seatings, but will be closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Dec. 26 so our employees can enjoy the holidays with their families. Reservations can be made through our website.
NSR: Does your restaurant partake in any holiday traditions?
Moreau: Chef Kevin’s favorite time of year is Christmas. Growing up in an Italian family his grandmother would celebrate the holiday with the Feast of the Seven Fishes, or La Vigilia – a tradition he continues today with his own family.
NSR: What makes being a part of the North Attleborough community special?
Moreau: We strive to create a festive, fun atmosphere for family and friends, from our carefully curated Christmas playlist – music is a big part of the experience at Cucina 38 – to the specialty cocktails, holiday decor and fabulous dinners.
NSR: If you could describe the holiday season at your restaurant in three words, what would they be?
Moreau: Fun, festive, family-centric
The Purple Rooster Cafe – 473 E. Washington St., North Attleborough
https://www.facebook.com/thepurpleroostercafe/
North Star Reporter: What holiday offerings or seasonal specials are you featuring this year?
Diana Martinez, owner: We offer preorders for full family meals or individual dishes for all major holidays, including Christmas. This year’s menu includes gluten-free mac and cheese, ham, gnocchi with chicken, and vegan options such as vegan chicken parmesan and mac and cheese, along with sides.
New this year is a pop-up style bakery. In the following days, we’ll offer a build-your-own dessert box featuring bite-sized desserts like gluten-free brownies, cupcakes, cookie squares and whoopie pies.
NSR: Does your restaurant partake in any holiday traditions?
Martinez: I taught myself how to bake just so I could offer my customers gluten-free items. For years, I’ve made a Nutella cheesecake brownie that my kids love. My mom always made warm apples growing up, and my apple crisp pie is inspired by that.
NSR: What makes being a part of the North Attleborough community special?
Martinez: I think back to relocating my business to North Attleborough during the COVID-19 pandemic after 11 years in Plainville. The support I received from customers and town officials really stuck with me – people checked in on me, brought gift cards and helped make the transition easier.
NSR: If you could describe the holiday season at your restaurant in three words, what would they be?
Martinez: All-inclusive, stress-free, enjoyable.
Stone Ridge Grill and Bar, 60 Man-Mar Dr., Plainville
https://stoneridgegrillandbar.com/
North Star Reporter: What holiday offerings or seasonal specials are you featuring this year?
Angela Danesi, bar manager: Stone Ridge leans into holiday flavors throughout the season. We feature a “drink of the week,” shared on social media, along with a Christmas martini list. Seasonal favorites include eggnog, the Christmas Cookie martini and a pomegranate mojito.
NSR: Does your restaurant partake in any holiday traditions?
Danesi: Rather than focusing on one specific holiday dish, we offer weekly rotating specials – soups, starters, entrees, dessert and drinks – something our regular customers look forward to all year.
This season is busy, but staff appreciation is always important. Instead of a holiday event, we host a Labor Day outing each year so the team can relax and celebrate together.
NSR: What makes being a part of the Plainville community special?
Danesi: Stone Ridge has become a gathering spot where families return year after year. I love watching customers, and staff, grow up and share meals across generations. Our family-friendly menu lets kids enjoy their favorites while parents have a great dinner and drinks.
NSR: If you could describe the holiday season at your restaurant in three words, what would they be?
Danesi: Festive, energetic, cozy.