For some, Thanksgiving is a day best spent cooking in the kitchen. But there are plenty of families who would rather have someone else do the cooking. A study in 2024 revealed that 42% of consumers ordered takeout or ate a turkey dinner at a restaurant.
If you’re in that group, here are some of the chain restaurants and fast-food spots that will be open on Nov. 27 for Thanksgiving — and some that won’t.
Note: We recommend calling your local restaurant to confirm opening hours.
Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrels are open regular hours on Thanksgiving. You can eat a turkey dinner in the restaurant, or order a Thanksgiving family-size meal to go if you don’t feel like cooking.
Denny’s
America’s favorite diner will most likely be open on Thanksgiving, but it’s best to check with the hours at your location to be sure.
Golden Corral
Golden Corral is always open on Thanksgiving. If you have a lot of picky eaters or different tastes in your family, a buffet is a great thing. The chain will also have meals to go.
Applebee’s
You should find that most Applebee’s in your area are open on Turkey Day, though sometimes they have reduced hours so call ahead.
The Capital Grille
Steakhouse The Capital Grille will be open on Thanksgiving if you’re feeling like a swanky dinner. Special set menus for adults and kids will be offered.
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IHOP
IHOP is open 24/7, and Thanksgiving is no exception. So if you’re really in the mood for a pancake breakfast — or late night pancakes after an early dinner — the chain is here for you.
McDonald’s
Most McDonald’s locations should be open on Thursday. Like all of these restaurants, it’s best to double check hours before heading out for your McNuggets, though.
Jack in the Box
Jack in the Box will be open, depending on the location. Sometimes you just have the munchies after dealing with family all day, you know?
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Fogo de Chao
This Brazilian style steakhouse will be open on Thanksgiving from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Servers walking around bringing meat to your plate sounds like a great way to celebrate.
Whataburger
Whataburger, the Texas favorite, will be open on Thanksgiving. Double check your location’s hours before heading over, though.
Buca di Beppo
Though there aren’t a ton of locations left, Buca di Beppo is open on Thursday for all your spaghetti needs. You can also order a takeout family-style meal to go.
Maggiano’s Little Italy
Get an Italian feast for Thanksgiving that’s served family style in big platters for a homey feel. Options include turkey, salmon, pastas, and salads.
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
Fancy Ruth’s Chris is taking reservations for Turkey Day. The chain is serving set menus for both adults and kids.
Waffle House
We all know that Waffle House never closes (except for major hurricanes!), so of course they’ll be open on Thanksgiving. Be sure to get a pecan waffle for that seasonal flair.
Bob Evans
Down home restaurant Bob Evans is open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thanksgiving for dine-in and takeout meals, including breakfast.
Restaurants That May Be Open
Some restaurant chains leave it up to their franchisees to open on Thanksgiving or not. These are chains that may be open near you, but you’d have to check by calling ahead of time.
- Starbucks
- Arby’s
- Burger King
- Dairy Queen
- Domino’s
- Dunkin’
- Panera
- Pizza Hut
Restaurants That Are Closed
There are lots of restaurant chains that are closed completely on Thanksgiving. You’ll have to skip these if you’re looking for a bite to eat on Thursday.
- Chick-fil-A
- Chipotle
- In-N-Out
- Jersey Mike’s
- Olive Garden
- Taco Bell
- Hardee’s/Carl’s Jr.
- Outback Steakhouse
- Chili’s
- Red Lobster
- Texas Roadhouse
- First Watch
More Thanksgiving Deals on Cheapism
- Target’s $20 Thanksgiving Meal Is Cheaper Than Last Year And Actually Includes the Same Amount of Ingredients — For just $20, Target is offering a full Thanksgiving bundle that feeds about four people, keeping the same branded-items count as last year despite the cheaper price.
- Subway Adds 3 New Thanksgiving Subs to the Menu, Complete With Stuffing — Subway is launching three holiday-themed subs that include stuffing and cranberry sauce, giving the chain a festive twist ahead of Thanksgiving.
- Turkeys Are Back at Popeyes for a Very Cajun Thanksgiving — Popeyes is re-introducing its Cajun-seasoned whole turkeys this holiday season, ready to order online for pick-up or shipping as a standout fast-food centerpiece.
