16 Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving Day (Plus 12 That Are Closed)

16 Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving Day (Plus 12 That Are Closed)

Closed for Thanksgiving

Miser / Blakelee Bartik

time in Turkey

For some, Thanksgiving is a day best spent cooking in the kitchen. But there are many families who would rather leave the cooking to someone else. According to a recent study, 42% of consumers will order takeout or eat turkey for dinner at a restaurant this year.

If you’re in that group, here are some of the chain restaurants and fast food joints that will be open for Thanksgiving on November 28th — and some that won’t be.

Note: We recommend calling your local restaurant to confirm opening hours.

Victorville, CA / USA - February 11, 2020: Cracker Barrel Old Country Store in Victorville, California, next to Interstate 15.Victorville, CA / USA - February 11, 2020: Cracker Barrel Old Country Store in Victorville, California, next to Interstate 15.

sanfel/istockphoto

1. Cracker Barrel

Cracker Barrels will be open regular hours on Thanksgiving. You can enjoy a turkey dinner at the restaurant or order a Thanksgiving meal to-go for the whole family if you don’t feel like cooking.

Skyhobo/istockphotoSkyhobo/istockphoto

Skyhobo/istockphoto

2. Denny’s

America’s favorite restaurant will most likely be open on Thanksgiving, but to be sure, it’s best to check with your local location for opening hours.

Ft. Wayne – circa June 2018: Golden Corral Buffet and Grill. Golden Corral serves many free meals to active military and Military Veterans IIFt. Wayne – circa June 2018: Golden Corral Buffet and Grill. Golden Corral serves many free meals to active military and Military Veterans II

jetcityimage/istockphoto

3. Golden Corral

Golden Corral is always open on Thanksgiving. If your family has a lot of picky eaters or different tastes, a buffet is a great option. The chain will also offer takeout meals.

Applebee'sApplebee's

Wikimedia Commons

4. Applebee’s

You’ll find that most Applebee’s in your area are open on Turkey Day, but sometimes they have shorter hours. So call ahead.

The capital grillThe capital grill

The capital grill

5. The Capital Grill

If you’re in the mood for a fancy dinner, The Capital Grille steakhouse is open on Thanksgiving. Special menus are offered for adults and children.

Ihop signIhop sign

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images CC

6. IHOP

IHOP is open 24 hours a day and Thanksgiving is no exception. So if you’re really craving a pancake breakfast or late night pancakes after an early dinner, the chain has you covered.

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RiverNorthPhotography/istockphoto

7. McDonald’s

Most McDonald’s locations were scheduled to be open on Thursday. However, as with all of these restaurants, it’s best to double-check opening hours before heading out for your McNuggets.

Jack In The BoxJack In The Box

Smith Collection/Gado/Getty

8. Jack in the Box

Jack in the Box is open depending on location. Sometimes you just have cravings after spending the whole day with your family, you know?

HonkHonk

Honk

9. Honk

Hooters probably isn’t the first restaurant you think of on Thanksgiving, but keep in mind there are a few football games going on there. Most locations are open from 4 p.m. to midnight, but some open earlier in cities where NFL teams play during the day.

Fogo de ChaoFogo de Chao

Fogo de Chao

10. Fogo de Chao

This Brazilian-style steakhouse is open on Thanksgiving from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Waiters walking around putting meat on your plate sounds like a great way to celebrate.

Fort Worth, Tx, USA - April 6, 2016: Restaurant of American fast food chain Whataburger in Fort Worth, Texas, USAFort Worth, Tx, USA - April 6, 2016: Restaurant of American fast food chain Whataburger in Fort Worth, Texas, USA

Taifunski/istockphoto

11. Whataburger

Whataburger, the Texas favorite, will be open on Thanksgiving. However, double-check your location’s hours before you go.

The outside of a restaurant in Buca di Beppo.The outside of a restaurant in Buca di Beppo.

gsheldon/istockphoto

12. Buca di Beppo

Although there aren’t many places left, Buca di Beppo is open on Thursdays for all your spaghetti needs. You can also order a takeaway family meal to go.

Maggiano's ThanksgivingMaggiano's Thanksgiving

Maggiano’s little Italy

13. Maggiano’s Little Italy

Grab an Italian feast for Thanksgiving, served family-style on large platters for a homey atmosphere. Options include turkey, salmon, pastas and salads.

Denver, USA - February 16, 2014: A Ruth's Chris Steak House in downtown Denver with people visible everywhere. Founded in New Orleans in 1965, Ruth's Chris Steak House is a chain of steakhouses with over 120 locations.Denver, USA - February 16, 2014: A Ruth's Chris Steak House in downtown Denver with people visible everywhere. Founded in New Orleans in 1965, Ruth's Chris Steak House is a chain of steakhouses with over 120 locations.

RiverNorthPhotography/istockphoto

14. Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse

Chris from Fancy Ruth is taking reservations for Turkey Day. They serve menus for adults and children.

Dayton – Circa November 2021: Waffle House, iconic Southern restaurant chain. Waffle House was founded in 1955.Dayton – Circa November 2021: Waffle House, iconic Southern restaurant chain. Waffle House was founded in 1955.

jetcityimage/istockphoto

15. Waffle House

We all know that Waffle House never closes (except during major hurricanes!), so of course it’s open on Thanksgiving too. For that seasonal flair, be sure to get a pecan waffle.

The Bob Evans Restaurant in Charleston, West Virginia. Founded in 1953 in Rio Grande, Ohio, Bob Evans is a chain of casual dining restaurants and food processing company with approximately 570 locations in the United StatesThe Bob Evans Restaurant in Charleston, West Virginia. Founded in 1953 in Rio Grande, Ohio, Bob Evans is a chain of casual dining restaurants and food processing company with approximately 570 locations in the United States

RiverNorthPhotography/istockphoto

16. Bob Evans

Down Home Restaurant Bob Evans will be open for dine-in and takeout, including breakfast, on Thanksgiving from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

andipantz/istockphotoandipantz/istockphoto

andipantz/istockphoto

Restaurants that may be open

Some restaurant chains leave it up to their franchisees whether or not to open on Thanksgiving. These are chains that may be open in your area, but you’ll need to check by phone first.

  • Starbucks

  • Arby’s

  • Burger King

  • Dairy Queen

  • Dominoes

  • Dunkin’

  • Panera

  • Pizza Hut

Chic-Fil-A exteriorChic-Fil-A exterior

Wolterk/istockphoto

Restaurants that are closed

There are many chain restaurants that are completely closed on Thanksgiving. You have to skip it if you want to have a bite to eat on Thursday.

  • Chick-Fil-A

  • Chipotle

  • In and out

  • Jersey Mike’s

  • Olive Garden

  • Taco Bell

  • Hardee’s/Carl’s Jr.

  • Outback Steakhouse

  • Chilies

  • Red lobster

  • Texas Roadhouse

  • First watch

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This article was originally published on Cheapism

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