Additional Coverage:
- All the chain and fast-food restaurants that are open on Thanksgiving Day 2025 (businessinsider.com)
No-Fuss Feasting: Your Guide to Restaurants Open This Thanksgiving
Tired of the endless cooking and mountain of dishes that come with Thanksgiving dinner? You’re in luck! Many popular chain restaurants and fast-food joints are stepping up to the plate this November 27th, offering everything from traditional holiday spreads to their everyday menus.
Business Insider has compiled a list of eateries expected to be open, ready to serve those looking for a delicious meal without the kitchen chaos. Whether you’re planning a sit-down dinner or a quick bite, there are plenty of options.
Important Note: While these establishments generally plan to be open, it’s always a good idea to call your local restaurant ahead of time to confirm their specific holiday hours and to make reservations if dining in.
Here’s a rundown of the restaurants ready to welcome you this Thanksgiving:
Full-Service & Casual Dining
- Applebee’s: Some locations will be open, potentially offering both their regular menu and Thanksgiving-inspired dishes. A call ahead is recommended.
- Bob Evans: A Thanksgiving staple! They’re famous for their holiday meal featuring slow-roasted turkey and all the fixings.
Open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., but check local hours.
- **Bravo!
Italian Kitchen:** Get your Italian fix with a side of Thanksgiving. They’re serving a traditional meal in-house and offering family-style meals to go.
- Brio Italian Grille: Another Italian option offering their standard menu, a special Thanksgiving meal, and carry-out options. Reservations or pre-orders are advised.
- Buca di Beppo: This Italian spot will also be open, with a Thanksgiving menu for dine-in service and a pre-order feast for pick-up.
- The Capital Grille: For a more upscale Thanksgiving, reserve a table here.
Their prix fixe menu includes holiday favorites for adults ($55) and children ($20), with additional à la carte options.
- Cracker Barrel: Many locations will be open during normal business hours (starting at 11 a.m.), featuring a limited menu with a special turkey meal.
Heat-and-serve feasts are also available for home dining.
- Denny’s: Serving up Thanksgiving favorites both in-restaurant and through pre-ordered “Turkey Bundle” meals.
Pre-orders begin November 21st.
- Eddie V’s Prime Seafood: While known for seafood and steak, they’re offering a special Thanksgiving menu from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., alongside their full regular menu.
- Fleming’s Steakhouse: Enjoy their usual menu or a special three-course Thanksgiving meal starting at $65, featuring turkey, filet mignon, or prime ribeye. Open at 11 a.m.; reservations suggested.
- Fogo de Chão: This steakhouse is accepting catering reservations and will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., with a Thanksgiving menu that includes fire-roasted meats and classic holiday sides.
- Golden Corral: A great choice for feeding a crowd!
Hours vary by location, and they also offer individual holiday meals to go and pre-order holiday feasts.
- Metro Diner: Open for dine-in until 2:30 p.m., offering a unique holiday meal served on a stuffing-pressed waffle, or a cold take-out feast to heat at home.
- Red Lobster: Almost all locations will be closed, with the notable exception of their flagship Times Square, New York City restaurant.
- Ruby Tuesday: Most locations are expected to maintain regular business hours, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Ruth’s Chris Steak House: Select locations will be open, offering a special three-course festive menu with roasted turkey and a variety of traditional side dishes.
- STK Steakhouse: All STK locations will be open, featuring a special Thanksgiving menu with free-range turkey and all the classic trimmings.
- Waffle House: True to form, Waffle House will be open 24/7 on Thanksgiving Day, ready to serve up waffles and hash browns to fuel your holiday.
Fast Food & Quick Bites
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Many locations anticipate being open for regular dine-in and take-out service. Confirm with your local spot before heading out to catch the game.
- Burger King: If you’re craving something other than turkey, Burger King will be open, though hours will vary by location.
- Dunkin’: Power through your Thanksgiving with a morning run to Dunkin’.
Many locations will operate as usual, but some may have limited hours.
- IHOP: A stack of pancakes on Thanksgiving morning?
Many IHOPs will be open for regular hours, but a quick call to confirm is a good idea.
- Krispy Kreme: Get your doughnut fix!
Stores will be open but will close early at 2 p.m. local time.
- McDonald’s: A reliable backup plan if your meal goes awry.
Most locations are typically open, but always best to double-check.
- Popeyes: Most locations will be open with their regular menu.
Plus, you can pre-order a full-sized Cajun turkey for your at-home feast (reheating required!).
- Starbucks: Many Starbucks locations will be open to help you get your caffeine fix on Thanksgiving Day.
- Subway: While many are expected to be closed, some independently owned locations might be open. Check with your local Subway if a turkey sub is calling your name.
- Wendy’s: Most Wendy’s locations anticipate being open for your fast-food breakfast or burger needs, but hours can vary.
- Whataburger: Operating its usual 24-hour schedule, Whataburger is expected to be open on Thanksgiving Day.
So, whether you’re ditching the oven entirely or just need a quick bite, there are plenty of options to make your Thanksgiving delicious and stress-free.
Read More About This Story:
- All the chain and fast-food restaurants that are open on Thanksgiving Day 2025 (businessinsider.com)