What Restaurants Are Open on Thanksgiving
Where to Eat When You Don’t Want to Cook
Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel and eating-out days of the year. While many families enjoy a big home-cooked feast, not everyone wants to cook or host. If you’re searching for what restaurants are open on Thanksgiving, this guide helps you find places offering food whether as a Thanksgiving-specific meal or from their regular menu.
Because many restaurants choose to close on Thanksgiving so employees can spend time with family, availability often varies by chain, location, and franchisee. It’s always wise to call ahead or check with your local restaurant before heading out.
Holiday Dining Options – Classics and Sit-Down Restaurants
Several sit-down restaurant chains stay open on Thanksgiving and even offer special holiday menus that include turkey dinners and seasonal sides:
- Cracker Barrel — Offers Thanksgiving dinner service at many locations starting around midday.
- Golden Corral — Known for buffet-style dining and seasonal Thanksgiving offerings.
- Fogo de Chão — Selected locations remain open with holiday service; hours vary.
- Maggiano’s Little Italy — Open with a special Thanksgiving menu at many locations.
- BRIO Tuscan Grille and Buca di Beppo — Sit-down Italian restaurants frequently open with holiday menus or prix-fixe options.
- Boston Market — Often open and offering Thanksgiving platters for dine-in or pickup.
- Del Frisco’s Grille, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Morton’s Steakhouse — Selected steakhouse locations may remain open with holiday menus.
- Applebee’s — Selected restaurants may be open with holiday hours and menus.
Many of these restaurants don’t open nationwide at every location, so it’s important to confirm local hours and make reservations if possible.
Fast Food and Quick Bites
For quicker, casual dining or last-minute meals, many fast-food and quick-service restaurants will be open on Thanksgiving, although hours can vary by franchise:
- McDonald’s — Many locations open; hours vary by franchise.
- Burger King — Most outlets plan to operate, but check local hours.
- Wendy’s — Many restaurants stay open with regular or reduced hours.
- Arby’s and Popeyes — Often open for drive-thru and dine-in depending on location.
- Whataburger and White Castle — Widely listed as staying open on Thanksgiving.
- Waffle House — Known for being open every day of the year, including Thanksgiving.
- IHOP and Denny’s — Breakfast and diner chains that traditionally open on major holidays.
- Starbucks and Dunkin’ — Coffee chains typically keep most stores open, but hours vary.
- Krispy Kreme and Baskin-Robbins — Often open with limited or reduced hours.
Fast-food and casual chains are reliable backup options if traditional restaurants are closed or fully booked. Checking hours first is recommended because many franchises decide independently.
Specialty and Local Restaurants
Beyond chains, many local and independent restaurants stay open on Thanksgiving, especially in large metropolitan areas:
- Regional American restaurants often serve special Thanksgiving prix-fixe or themed menus.
- International restaurants — Chinese, Indian, Mexican, Thai, and other cuisines — are frequently open even on holidays. Many such establishments decide individually whether to open.
- Diners, cafés, and hotel restaurants often operate on holidays and may offer both regular menu items and seasonal specials.
Tips for Dining Out on Thanksgiving
Check ahead: Hours vary widely by location, so calling before you go will save time and disappointment.
Reservations: For sit-down restaurants offering holiday meals, reserve early. Spots like Cracker Barrel, steakhouses, or Italian restaurants fill up quickly.
Plan for specials: Many restaurants offer fixed-price Thanksgiving menus or take-home dinners that you can order ahead.
Consider off-peak times: Lunch service often begins early and ends before the dinner rush, so you might have better luck dining earlier.
Think local: Neighborhood restaurants and smaller establishments sometimes stay open when national chains close. Exploring local options adds variety and can lead to a great meal.
Searching for what restaurants are open on Thanksgiving reveals a mix of casual, fast-food, and sit-down options. While some big chains choose to close for the holiday, many others welcome diners with regular menus or festive Thanksgiving meals. Confirming hours with your nearest location is essential because restaurant policies and franchise decisions vary.
Whether you want a classic Thanksgiving dinner out, a quick burger, breakfast in the morning, or international cuisine, there are multiple restaurants open on Thanksgiving ready to serve you this holiday season.