Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving 2025: Dine-In, Takeout & Delivery

Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving: Where to Dine Out or Take Away in 2025

Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and indulgent feasts — but not everyone wants to spend hours cooking. Whether you’re seeking a traditional turkey dinner, a casual gathering with friends, or just a quick bite during the holiday, many restaurants stay open on Thanksgiving Day, offering options from dine-in elegance to convenient takeout and delivery. This comprehensive guide provides an updated roundup of chains, local favorites, fast food spots, and pizza places open on Thanksgiving 2025. We cover who’s serving, what you can expect, and tips for making the most of your holiday meal out.

Major Dine-In Chains Open on Thanksgiving

If you crave a comforting, traditional meal without the prep, several beloved chains serve classic Thanksgiving fare or their regular extensive menus. Here are popular national names you’ll find open:

• Cracker Barrel: Famous for its warm, family-style atmosphere, Cracker Barrel offers a special menu featuring roast turkey, sweet potato casserole, gravy, stuffing, cranberry relish, and seasonal pies. Thanksgiving Heat n’ Serve meals are available to-go as well.
• Bob Evans: Enjoy old-fashioned, home-cooked style dinners with options to dine in or take out. Choose from full turkey & dressing meals, ham dinners, or their regular breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus. Family-sized feasts can be pre-ordered for pickup.
• Boston Market: Known for rotisserie chicken, Boston Market also provides classic turkey dinners, seasonal sides, and pumpkin pie. They offer individual plates, catering packages, heat-and-serve options, and pies for pickup or delivery.
• Denny’s: This classic diner keeps its doors open 24/7, and on Thanksgiving, you can enjoy breakfast, burgers, or their seasonal turkey and dressing dinners. No reservations needed.
• IHOP: The International House of Pancakes serves its regular menu (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and may offer seasonal specials like pumpkin pancakes or turkey dinners.
• Golden Corral: This family buffet is a hit for groups craving variety. On Thanksgiving, enjoy an all-you-can-eat spread including roast turkey, glazed ham, mashed potatoes, stuffing, mac and cheese, and classic fixings. They provide holiday family meals to-go for 6–8 people, including a whole pie.
• Waffle House: For a casual meal or late-night bite, Waffle House’s breakfast and diner menu is available 24/7, even on holidays. Many locations are open for sit-down service or takeout.
• TGI Fridays: Known for its laid-back setting and comfort food — from appetizers and burgers to cocktails — Fridays often remains open, but hours may vary. Check for possible holiday drink specials or prix-fixe menus.

Casual Dining & Fast Food Restaurants Open

Craving something different, or just need to grab food on the go? A range of casual chains and fast food outlets are open on Thanksgiving Day, though most operate with limited hours and not all locations will be serving:

• Applebee’s: Enjoy classic American fare — from burgers and salads to steak and ribs. Select locations are open; expect the regular menu, and some may feature holiday entrees.
• Ruby Tuesday: This chain offers its regular menu of salads, burgers, steak, and seafood. Check your local Ruby Tuesday for Thanksgiving hours.
• Buffalo Wild Wings: Perfect for those wanting to catch Thanksgiving football games with friends. Expect wings, beer, and a lively atmosphere. Most locations are open all day.
• Arby’s: If you fancy roast beef, curly fries, or chicken sandwiches, Arby’s is an option. Opening hours and service (dine-in or drive-through) may vary.
• Popeyes: Try their spicy fried chicken and Southern-style sides. Popeyes even offers a pre-ordered, Cajun-style whole turkey for pickup — a unique twist on the holiday meal.
• Burger King: Grab classics like Whoppers, fries, and shakes for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Most drive-throughs and dining rooms are open, but check local hours.
• McDonald’s: Satisfy your craving for breakfast sandwiches, fries, or burgers. Select locations (often in busy or high-traffic areas) are open with drive-through, takeout, and sometimes delivery.
• Wendy’s: Like most major fast food chains, Wendy’s opens select locations, so you can get burgers, chicken, and signature sides if needed.
• Sonic Drive-In: For those on the move, Sonic offers burgers, chili dogs, tots, and shakes on Thanksgiving Day at open locations.
• Starbucks: Many cafes, especially those near airports or travel corridors, stay open to serve coffee, espresso drinks, pastries, and breakfast items. Hours are often shortened.
• Dunkin’: Need your morning coffee, donuts, or bagel fix? Many Dunkin’ locations are open on Thanksgiving, but hours vary.
• Krispy Kreme: Pick up a box of classic glazed donuts or try seasonal specials (like pumpkin spice) at open stores on Thanksgiving morning.
• White Castle: Craving iconic sliders? Both dine-in and drive-thru are usually open on the holiday.
• Panda Express: Select locations serve their popular Chinese-American classics for lunch or dinner.
• Qdoba: Grab Mexican-style burritos, bowls, and tacos at open outlets.

Remember, fast food restaurants often keep only select locations open, especially those in busy transit or city center areas, and may operate on reduced schedules.

Pizza Places Open on Thanksgiving

Not everyone craves turkey and potatoes! If pizza is what you want on Thanksgiving Day, several large chains have you covered for carry-out or delivery:

• Domino’s Pizza: Most Domino’s nationwide continue service for pickup or delivery, with full regular menu — perfect for family gatherings or a snack after the main meal.
• Pizza Hut: Pizza Hut outlets in many locations take Thanksgiving orders, with available delivery and carry-out. Menu includes pizza, wings, breadsticks, desserts, and more.
• Little Caesars: Swing by for Hot-N-Ready pizzas at participating stores on the holiday.
• Papa John’s: Satisfy your pizza cravings with their standard menu at open locations. Delivery times may vary due to the holiday.
• MOD Pizza: Enjoy build-your-own pizza options at MOD stores open on the day.

Pizzas make a great, hassle-free alternative or complement to holiday meals. Always check websites or call ahead to verify specific-location hours and to avoid disappointment!

Elegant & Steakhouse Dining for Thanksgiving

If you prefer an upscale experience, want to treat family or guests, or are seeking a more formal holiday setting, these steakhouses and fine dining spots offer special Thanksgiving menus or their usual high-end fare:

• The Capital Grille: Known for impeccable service and prime steaks, The Capital Grille often serves special three-course Thanksgiving dinners (turkey, stuffing, sides, and dessert) alongside their acclaimed regular menu. Reservations recommended.
• Ruth’s Chris Steak House: Popular for its classic steakhouse ambiance. Special holiday prix-fixe menus feature roast turkey with trimmings and signature Thanksgiving sides such as sweet potato casserole and green beans.
• Smith & Wollensky: Continues to offer prime cuts, seafood, and a curated selection of holiday dishes in an upscale atmosphere.
• Del Frisco’s Grille: Highlighting chef-driven comfort classics and well-crafted cocktails, Del Frisco’s provides both dine-in feasts and prepared to-go Thanksgiving meals.
• Buca di Beppo: This festive Italian chain creates a fun, family-style Thanksgiving with large shareable platters of turkey, traditional sides, and classic Italian dishes — perfect for larger gatherings.
• Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: Featuring a Thanksgiving three-course meal with choice of starter, herb-roasted turkey or steak, and dessert.
• Chart House, McCormick & Schmick’s, Morton’s The Steakhouse, Cooper’s Hawk, Ted’s Montana Grill: Check holiday menus and reservation policies for each brand, as most offer classic turkey or regional twists on holiday plates.

Tips for Dining Out or Taking Away on Thanksgiving

• Reserve Early: Thanksgiving is the busiest day of the year for restaurants offering seasonal menus or special holiday plates. Book your table, order takeout, or reserve to-go meals as early as possible.
• Check Local Hours: Not all restaurant locations stay open, and many use special hours. Always check your nearest location’s website or call to confirm availability, opening times, and menu offerings.
• Consider Group Size and Needs: Some restaurants are better for large groups or families, others are ideal for couples or solo diners. Many offer kids’ meals and take allergies or food sensitivities into account during holiday periods.
• Takeout & Delivery: If you want to avoid holiday crowds or eat at home, order your Thanksgiving meal in advance for pickup or have it delivered. Major chains offer carry-out and contactless delivery options.
• Dietary Flexibility: Restaurants increasingly cater to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets. Check menus ahead to ensure options suit everyone in your party.

Table: Popular Restaurant Chains Open on Thanksgiving

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which restaurants are open on Thanksgiving?

Many major chains such as Cracker Barrel, Bob Evans, Boston Market, Denny’s, IHOP, Golden Corral, and numerous steakhouses and fast food outlets stay open on Thanksgiving. Always check local listings for specific hours and participation.

Do I need to make reservations for Thanksgiving Day?

For sit-down restaurants or buffets — especially fine dining, popular chains, or places with special menus — reservations are highly recommended. Some fast food and counter-service spots do not take reservations.

Are takeout and delivery options available on Thanksgiving?

Yes, most major restaurants offer takeout, and many (including Boston Market, Bob Evans, Cracker Barrel, Golden Corral, and steakhouses) feature pre-ordered holiday meal packages. Pizza chains and many fast food restaurants provide delivery and pickup as well.

Will every location of a chain be open?

No. Thanksgiving hours and participation vary by location, with many franchises or individually owned stores choosing whether to open. Always check with your local restaurant before heading out.

What kind of food can I expect?

Depending on the restaurant, you’ll find options such as classic roast turkey with gravy and sides, ham, chicken, beef, vegetarian entrees, traditional pies and desserts, and regular menu items. Buffets and some chains offer both holiday and standard menus.

Are there vegetarian or allergy-friendly meals on Thanksgiving?

Many chains now include vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free menu options, but check ahead for availability and discuss any allergies or special requirements when booking or ordering.

Are restaurants open for breakfast on Thanksgiving?

Yes — places such as IHOP, Denny’s, Waffle House, and many fast food outlets open early or operate 24/7, so breakfast is widely available on Thanksgiving morning.

Plan Your Thanksgiving Meal Out — Or In

Your Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be spent in the kitchen. With everything from traditional turkey dinners, buffets, and holiday pie to quick burgers, coffee, or pizza, these restaurants open on Thanksgiving 2025 offer solutions for every eater and every situation. For a stress-free celebration, plan ahead, check hours, reserve when possible, and enjoy your holiday meal just the way you want.