We love Thanksgiving for its delicious food, time spent with family, and opportunity to share our blessings. But we don't always love the stress that the holiday brings: we're talking trips to the grocery store, preparing the Thanksgiving menu, and cleaning our house from top to bottom before guests arrive. This year, pass on the stress and head to a restaurant open on Thanksgiving. You can always go the Thanksgiving takeout route, but then you still have to do all of those dishes.
There are lots of options on November 24, depending on what your family likes. If you want to put on your finest Thanksgiving outfit, then head to a steakhouse, but we have plenty of casual choices too. We've compiled a list of restaurants from the fancy to the fast, all open on Thanksgiving so you can head out on the road with some peace of mind. We've also included a few that are going to be closed, so you know not even to check. (Check out these stores open on Thanksgiving and fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving too!) To be safe, we recommend calling in advance to check on hours and always make a reservation when available, especially if you have a larger group.
Open: Golden Corral
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Not only is Golden Corral open, but each year they put together a full Thanksgiving spread with turkey, pie, and all the trimmings, which you can also get to go.
Open: Waffle House
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Waffles? On Thanksgiving? It may sound too good to be true, but that's exactly what Waffle House will be serving up. The chain is open 365 days a year.
Open: T.G.I. Friday's
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Well, T.G. for this news! Most T.G.I. Friday's will be open on Turkey Day—but check ahead to make sure.
Open: Tony Roma's
Tony Roma's
In the mood for ribs instead of turkey? While you should still check your local Tony Roma's holiday hours, most of the chain's restaurants will be open on Thanksgiving Day, serving up their signature dishes.
Open: Fogo de Chão
Kevin Marple
For those who prefer steak over turkey on Thanksgiving, you're in luck. The Brazilian steakhouse will be open from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. with new and traditional offerings like roasted turkey au jus, sweet potato casserole, Brazilian sausage, and apple dressing. Don't miss the new winter hummus topped with roasted butternut squash, pomegranate, and feta. Be sure to make a reservation in advance (kids 6 and under eat free!).
Open: Ruby Tuesday
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Downing mozzarella sticks and devouring spinach artichoke dip sounds like an excellent way to spend Thanksgiving. At Ruby Tuesday, you can make it happen; most locations will be open on Thanksgiving Day for both dine-in and to-go orders. Be sure to call ahead and/or make reservations if you can!
Open: The Capital Grille
The Capital Grille
Place an order or make a reservation for a special chef-prepared dinner of Turkey with Brioche stuffing, French green beans with Marcona almonds, cranberry-pear chutney and mashed potatoes. Don't forget the Pumpkin Cheesecake!
Open: Popeyes
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If you've tried their legendary chicken sandwich, you're aware this New Orleans-based chain knows their way around a bird. And if you're a fan, then not only can you eat there on Thanksgiving, but you can get a whole cajun-flavored turkey as well! It's pre-cooked, but you'll need to heat it up again in your own oven. Just give your nearest location a call ahead of time (or order online to have one shipped) to place the order—but don't wait. They do sell out.
Open: Subway
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No, they won't have your traditional Thanksgiving fare...but you can snag some sliced turkey in your sub, at least! Be sure to check your local store; not all Subways will be open on Thanksgiving, but some will be.
Open: Buffalo Wild Wings
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Many—but not all—Buffalo Wild Wings locations around the country will be open on Thanksgiving Day. You'll want to check with the closest one near you to confirm their particular hours. You'll be able to tune in to the big game while you're there!
Open: Metro Diner
Metro Diner
Metro Diner has you covered whether you want to dine in or take it to go. Choose from specials like the Stuffing Waffle with Turkey, the Sausage & Gravy Chicken Tenders Waffle, or a more traditional holiday dinner. Locations are open until 2:30 on Thanksgiving Day.
Open: Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses
Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses
Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses have locations throughout the U.S., and their buffets will be open with roasted turkey, baked ham, fried chicken, meatloaf, shrimp, mac-and-cheese, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, fresh baked rolls, and dessert. They also offer to-go platters starting at $12. Check the restaurant locator to find hours and locations.
Open: Del Frisco's
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If you're looking for a very fine wine-and-steak experience, Del Frisco's can deliver. Check their site—indoor dining is only available in certain locations. Then make your reservations, get your suit dry cleaned, and get ready for a culinary experience.
Open: Buca di Beppo
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The celebrity-friendly Italian restaurant will have a special Thanksgiving menu. Make reservations on their website ahead of time.
Open: Marie Callender's
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Hoping to enjoy all your Thanksgiving favorites without so much as lifting a finger—let alone turning on the oven? Head to Marie Callender's in Nevada or California, where you can pre-order and pick up a "Thanksgiving feast" complete with mains, sides, and dessert.
Open: STK Steakhouse
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STK Steakhouses nationwide will be open on Thanksgiving, delighting guests with their steaks, hearty sides, and more. Now, how to score a reservation?
Open: Applebee's
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Select Applebee's restaurants will be open on Thanksgiving and will serve a special holiday menu. Others will have limited hours. You should call ahead to your local restaurant to be absolutely certain that they're open on the day-of!
Open: Ruth's Chris Steakhouse
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Check locations to find which are open, but the famous steak house will have a special holiday feast on offer, along with their traditional menu.
Open: Sonic
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Need a quick bite to eat? You can head over to Sonic and grab a burger and fries on your way to Grandma's. Just check your local location for their specific hours.
Open: IHOP
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If you have a craving for pancakes on Thanksgiving morning, you might just be in luck. Treat yourself to one of the new holiday menu items, like cranberry-vanilla pancakes or a frozen hot chocolate milkshake. According to a spokesperson for IHOP, franchises will be open, but customers should call their local store to check its hours first.
Open: Bob Evans
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In the mood for some classic comfort food? Head on over to your local Bob Evans—they're keeping their doors open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner on November 24. Go for a Holiday Celebration platter of slow-roasted turkey or hickory-smoked ham. Can't decide? Breakfast is served all day on Thanksgiving too!
Open: Starbucks
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Grab a Pumpkin Spice Latte on Thanksgiving morning! Starbucks will be open on Thanksgiving, though locations and hours may vary.
Open: Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Enjoy a steak at Fleming's on Turkey Day. All restaurants will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. There will be a three-course menu offered, with a choice of turkey breast or filet mignon as the main course. Rather dine at home? You can pick it up or have it delivered too. (A children's Thanksgiving menu is available too!)
Open: Cracker Barrel
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Thanksgiving is Cracker Barrel's busiest day of the year. On Thanksgiving Day, every location is open during regular hours (6 a.m. to 10 p.m.) preparing dine-in meals as well as several carryout options. Try the Homestyle Turkey n' Dressing Meal, or mix it up and go for the Country-Fried Turkey and Loaded Mashed Potatoes.
Open: Sizzler
Courtesy Sizzler Restaurants
The beloved West Coast chain will be open and serving a special holiday menu this year.
Open: Boston Market
Boston Market
You might as well call this restaurant chain "Thanksgiving Market," because it's pulling out all the holiday stops. Nearly all locations will be open and serving up a full Thanksgiving meal, though menu selections and hours may vary.
Open: Seasons 52
Seasons 52
The menu at Seasons 52 focuses on peak-season ingredients and includes oven-roasted turkey, cranberry relish, mashed butternut squash, and a mini pumpkin pie dessert, among other sides. They also offer a Green Box dinner that serves four to six if you'd rather stay at home.
Open: Denny's
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Here's a restaurant you can always count on. Denny's is open all day, every day of the year, so you can get breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Thanksgiving Day.
Open: Eddie V's
Eddie V's
For a luxe Thanksgiving dinner experience, make reservations at Eddie V's. Their impressive menu includes slow-roasted turkey, roasted butternut squash, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie tartlet.
Closed: The Cheesecake Factory
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Although all locations will be closed on turkey day, you can still enjoy the restaurant's famous dessert in the comfort of your own home. All you have to do is pre-order your favorite cheesecake and pick it up before November 24. The seasonal offerings, which are pumpkin cheesecake and pecan cheesecake, are available as of September 1.
Closed: Ted's Montana Grill
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Ted's locations closed for the first time on Thanksgiving Day 2021. This year, CEO and co-founder George McKerrow said, “We recognize the importance of spending quality time with loved ones. The holidays are all about giving back and making memories with the people who matter the most.”
Closed: Chili's
Robert Alexander
Alas, according to their website, Chili's will be closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas days. They are open on New Year's Day, however.
Closed: Red Lobster
Justin Sullivan
Sorry, seafood lovers—you'll have to get your fish fix somewhere else. All Red Lobster restaurants will be closed for the holiday.
Closed: Olive Garden
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In the mood for Italian? You'll have to find a different spot. Olive Garden will be closed on Thanksgiving, so you better get your fill of endless soup, salad, and breadsticks ahead of time.
Closed: Outback Steakhouse
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We're very bummed there won't be any Bloomin' Onions on our dinner table. All Outback Steakhouse locations will be closed.
Closed: Carrabba's Italian Grill
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Choose another time to eat at Carrabba's. The Italian Grill will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.
Closed: Noodles & Company
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Slurp down noodles another day. This fast-casual eatery won't be open on Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Closed: Bonefish Grill
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The seafood restaurant is closed on Thanksgiving.
Closed: Texas Roadhouse
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The American chain is open all holidays except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.