These days, we’re all thinking about turkey, pies and all the fixings. There’s no question that Turkey Day is one of the best (and most filling) holidays, but for those of us who prefer eating the feast vs. cooking it, we won’t blame you one bit if you want to skip the cooking entirely this year.
If you think you’ll have a hard time finding options out there, think again! The good news is whether you’re looking for dine-in or take-out options, these well-loved restaurants are open on Thanksgiving and offer an easy way to get your belly full of turkey, with many chains offering special menus and deals.
A word to the wise before you head out to any of these restaurants. Be sure to give these places a call to double-check their holiday hours, as they often vary by location. Also, some restaurants may offer curbside pickup and contactless delivery.
Related: All the Fast-Food Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving 2023
48 Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving 2023
Romano’s Macaroni Grill
You can enjoy Thanksgiving this year at Romano’s Macaroni Grill! Although they are an Italian restaurant, they may have some special traditional options for Thanksgiving. You can even schedule a private event with them if you have a lot of mouths to feed this holiday.
Applebee’s
If you want to eat good in your neighborhood on Turkey Day this year, head on over to your local Applebee’s this year to get your grub on! Make sure you call and double-check their holiday hours as most will be open. That being said, if you’re looking for a quick meal on Thanksgiving Eve, all locations will be open so you can go ahead and enjoy your turkey there!
Hard Rock Cafe
Hit up this iconic spot on Thanksgiving Day and you won’t be disappointed—because when you go to Hard Rock, they’re guaranteed to let the good times roll.
Boston Market
Looking for a classic T-Giving meal without all of the work? Boston Market has you covered. Nothing says “stress-free” than having mashed potatoes, gravy and a roasted turkey dropped right off at your doorstep!
Related: Stores That Will Be Open on Thanksgiving for Groceries and Supplies
Buffalo Wild Wings – (some locations closed)
If you rather watch the big game than get your belly full of turkey, why not head on over to Buffalo Wild Wings this Nov. 23? Since some of the locations will be closed, make sure to check their hours first, and then enjoy your bottomless wings!
Maggiano’s Little Italy
Bring a taste of Little Italy right to your doorstep this Thanksgiving! Maggiano’s Little Italy is offering three selections to choose from this holiday. You can either have them cater your Thanksgiving meal a la family style, a carryout package that feeds up to five people to pick up Thanksgiving Day, or a dine-in special.
Ruby Tuesday
Whether you want your turkey meal delivered, to-go or dine-in Ruby Tuesday has got your back! Most locations will have their expansive salad bars open and be serving their regular menus on Thanksgiving Day.
Smith & Wollensky
Smith & Wollensky will be open on Thanksgiving and it’s expected that there will be an option for a four-course turkey dinner, like last year. You can make a reservation at one of their six locations nationwide.
Bahama Breeze
Given all the worries we’ve been through the past couple of years, why not pretend you’re on a tropical vacation this Thanksgiving? Bahama Breeze will be open this Thanksgiving. Last year, they offered a special Thanksgiving menu so it is expected that they have something special planned again for this year.
Related: Stores That Will Be Closed on Thanksgiving
Wendy’s
Did you know that most locations of this chain are open all year round? That means you can ditch the turkey and have a classic Wendy’s cheeseburger on Thanksgiving or switch things up and go with a spicy chicken sandwich this year instead. It’s especially great if you’re looking for a place where you can grab food and go.
Bob Evans
This year, you can kick it easy and enjoy a comforting meal with the whole family at Bob Evans! This chain also offers a 3-course family meal that includes turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy and cranberry sauce. Order it to go and you can enjoy a Thanksgiving feast right in your own home—just without the work!
Cracker Barrel
Known for its famous all-you-can-eat biscuits, tabletop games, and general stores filled with nostalgic candy, Cracker Barrel is your one-stop shop this Thanksgiving! Their ready-to-eat Heat N’ Serve Holiday Family Meals can serve up to 10 people and can easily be picked up with curbside pickup. Their Thanksgiving and Holiday Heat-n-Serve meals were available to pre-order starting on October 10, 2023.
Related: Best Thanksgiving Songs
Buca Di Beppo
Make Thanksgiving a buonanotte with Buca Di Beppo! They will be open and their menu promises to be Thanksgiving-inspired based on what they offered last year.
Del Frisco’s Grille
Want to swap turkey for surf and turf this year? Head over to Del Frisco’s Grille to chow down on your favorite cut of steak or perhaps a three-course traditional Thanksgiving menu which is likely to be served based on last year.
iStock
Denny’s
Unlike an ex-boyfriend, you can always count on Denny’s to be there 365 days of the year, and Thanksgiving is no exception! Besides breakfast, they offer a lot of classic dinner choices. It’s likely that there will be a turkey dinner special on Thanksgiving.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar will give you one more thing to be thankful for this year. You can even reserve a private room for a large holiday gathering.
Golden Corral
Not only is Golden Corral open for business in some areas, but each year they put together a full Thanksgiving spread with turkey, pie, and all the fixings that make this holiday special and it’s expected they will do the same this year. Better yet, they offer a pay-by-weight buffet so you can keep piling it all on your plate!
Related: How to Freeze Pumpkin Pie
Fogo de Chão
If you’re craving the full churrasco experience instead of your usual turkey this Thanksgiving, head on over to this famous Brazillian steakhouse where you can get your fill of barbecued meats. Some locations will even offer Thanksgiving-themed menu additions like turkey and cranberry relish.
HomeTown Buffet
And if there’s no HomeTown Buffet in your area, you’re still in luck! Every one of Ovation Brand’s restaurants like Old Country Buffet, Ryan’s, and Country Buffet are open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day and offer a traditional menu.
iStock
IHOP
Even though you might be busy making dinner on Thanksgiving, that doesn’t mean you should skip breakfast! Certain IHOP locations will be open for all of your pancake cravings for Thanksgiving breakfast so be sure to call ahead as hours vary by location.
Kona Grill
Known for their scrumptious entrees and delicious cocktails, you’ll definitely want to head on over to Kona Grill this Thanksgiving as most locations are open! Who knows? It may become a new tradition!
Marie Callender’s
Marie Callender’s takes holidays seriously. Their Thanksgiving Feasts will make your holiday extra-memorable.
Related: Psalms of Thanksgiving
Qdoba Mexican Grill
While you can’t get a traditional turkey meal here, that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate Thanksgiving at Qdoba. You can feast on chips, queso and all your other favorite Mexican dishes instead.
Morton’s Steakhouse
Want to go to a restaurant that’s tried and true this Thanksgiving? Head on over to Morton’s Steakhouse for a mouthwatering holiday!
Sullivan’s Steakhouse
If you’re looking to spend more time with loved ones rather than cooking in the kitchen, Sullivan’s Steakhouse is open on Thanksgiving from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and you’ll want to watch for a typical offering of a special three-course turkey dinner.
Medieval Times
Enjoy Thanksgiving the old-fashioned way—filled with turkey legs and ale! Most Medieval Times locations are open and some even have discounted Thanksgiving dinner ticket prices.
iStock
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Ruth’s Chris Steak House will be open on Thanksgiving. Check with your location to see what special dinner offerings they will be having this year. Last year, they offered a full turkey dinner both for dine-in or to-go.
Sizzler
Granted, not all Sizzlers will be open on Thanksgiving but a good portion of them will be (call and double-check the one closest to you!). The ones that are open will be serving a delicious Thanksgiving feast with an extensive wine list and tasty sides.
Wawa
Most Wawas will be open on Thanksgiving. Make sure you take advantage of their Gobbler Hoagies, which are expected to be offered again this year. These have the traditional Thanksgiving fixings if you want something that is turkey-themed. And, with all of their yummy sides, you’re in for a true feast.
STK Steakhouse
If you’re looking for a delicious Thanksgiving meal without the headache, head on over to STK Steakhouse. In the past, they’ve served a special with chestnut cornbread stuffing, green beans, old-school gravy, and cranberry-orange chutney. Delicious!
Related: Thanksgiving Poems
El Pollo Loco
If you want to mix things up this holiday, go to El Pollo Loco for Thanksgiving. Why? They have amazing Mexican-style grilled chicken that you’ll love.
iStock
T.G.I. Friday’s
TG for TGIF’S! If you’re looking for more of a casual vibe this Thanksgiving, head on over to everyone’s favorite American restaurant (most locations will be open) and get ready to feed to your heart’s content.
Waffle House
It’s a truth universally acknowledged that chicken and waffles are good for the soul. Not only is Waffle House open on Thanksgiving but they are also open for 24 hours.
The Capital Grille
The Capital Grille has not only been open on Thanksgiving every year, but they also offer an extensive holiday feast menu to keep you (and your tummy) very happy.
Starbucks
Need a caffeine fix before you start cooking (or ordering) for the masses? Starbucks is open on a limited-hour schedule!
Related: The Holiday Pie You Should Bake Based on Your Zodiac Sign
Little Caesar’s
If you need a slice of pizza to hold you off until dinner, you’re in luck! Little Caesar’s locations are usually open but since they’re independently owned and operated, make sure you call before you head out.
iStock
McDonald’s
Who needs turkey and stuffing when you have Big Macs and french fries? Most McDonald’s locations will be open for you to get your grub on but hours may vary.
Steak ‘N Shake
Steak ‘N Shake is hard to resist. Luckily for you, they’re open on Thanksgiving Day if you’re not feeling the traditional turkey feast this year.
Related: When Was the First Thanksgiving?
Dunkin’ Donuts
Want a crowd-pleasing dessert without any of the stress? Head on over to Dunkin’ Donuts to pick out a dozen of your favorite donuts including seasonal classics like their apple cider and pumpkin donuts! (Just make sure to look up hours ahead of time as they may vary by location.)
Domino’s Pizza
Turkey didn’t come out the way you want it to? Forget it, order a pizza! Domino’s is usually open until 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving but be sure to call your local franchise to double-check.
Chart House
If you want to enjoy your turkey with sweeping views, check out your local Chart House! You’ll get to grub on all the traditional items plus Alaskan snow crab legs and prime rib.
McCormick and Schmick’s
If you’re looking for a place that offers great steaks and seafood dishes, McCormick and Schmick’s is definitely the restaurant to go to this Turkey Day. Last year they even offered a full Thanksgiving dinner which is probable for this year as well.
iStock
Popeye’s
If you’re looking for a low-key meal this Thanksgiving, you can grab one of Popeye’s famous spicy chicken sandwiches to chow down on.
White Castle
Need some tasty Thanksgiving apps? Head on over to White Castle for some of their famous siders and onion rings.
Subway
If all you’re looking for is a good turkey sandwich this Thanksgiving, head on over to Subway. But, make sure you call ahead to your local sandwich shop as all locations are individually owned and operated and holiday hours may vary.
Tony Roma’s
If you need a last-minute Thanksgiving dinner plan, head on over to Tony Roma’s to get your turkey fill. Past menu items have included garlic mashed potatoes, carrots, cranberries, and a piece of pumpkin pie to top it all off!
Burger King
While turkey may be the true king on this holiday, Burger King’s Impossible Burger could be an easy (and totally tasty!) alternative for those who don’t eat meat. Just make sure to call ahead for your local BK’s hours!
Red Lobster
Select locations will be open this Thanksgiving for dine-in or to-go orders!
Check out:
Thanksgiving Instagram Captions
50 Thanksgiving Trivia Questions
