Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving Day: Where to Dine Out or Order In (2025)
Your essential 2025 guide to restaurants open on Thanksgiving—enjoy worry-free holiday dining at these national chains and local favorites.
Thanksgiving Day is traditionally about food, family, and gratitude. For many, it means spending hours in the kitchen preparing a feast. But if you’d rather skip the stress of cooking and cleaning—or simply want a different atmosphere this year—there are plenty of national restaurant chains and local spots open to welcome you on Thursday, November 27, 2025. Whether you crave a classic turkey dinner, prefer homestyle comfort food, or need something totally different, this guide highlights the best restaurants open on Thanksgiving for dine-in, takeout, and delivery.
Why Choose to Dine Out or Order In on Thanksgiving?
- Convenience: No hours-long meal prep or clean-up, just relaxation and great food.
- Variety: Enjoy diverse menus, from traditional turkey and stuffing to contemporary or international cuisine.
- Inclusivity: Perfect for those with small kitchens, limited time, or who want to include all family members, regardless of culinary skills.
- Flexible Dining: Options range from cheerful diners and 24-hour spots to upscale steakhouses and buffets—many also offer takeout and catering.
Which National Chains Are Open on Thanksgiving Day?
Many major restaurant chains choose to open their doors for Thanksgiving, offering special menus and festive atmospheres. Here’s a comprehensive overview of restaurants confirmed to be open for Thanksgiving 2025, with details on the type of service, meal offerings, and any need-to-know info like hours or reservations.
| Restaurant | Thanksgiving Offerings & Services | Notes / Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Bob Evans | Traditional Thanksgiving meals (turkey, homestyle sides), breakfast all day, dine-in, takeout, and delivery | Open every Thanksgiving; check local for hours |
| Boston Market | Dine-in specials, full Thanksgiving catering (turkey, ham, sides, desserts), to-go family meals | Many locations open with reduced holiday hours |
| Buca di Beppo | Family-style Thanksgiving meal (turkey, fixings), regular Italian menu, dine-in or takeout | Reservations recommended for dine-in |
| Cracker Barrel | Traditional plated turkey dinners, Heat n’ Serve family feasts for pickup, classic breakfast items available | Open Thanksgiving Day; order catering ahead |
| Golden Corral | Holiday buffet with carved turkey, ham, sides, and desserts, regular buffet and holiday meal to-go | Participating locations; hours may vary |
| Denny’s | Regular menu, special Thanksgiving turkey and dressing plate, takeout available | Open most locations (some 24/7); check first |
| IHOP | Seasonal turkey and stuffing entrees, regular breakfast/lunch menu, takeout and delivery | Open Thanksgiving Day; confirm hours locally |
| Waffle House | All-you-can-eat waffles and diner favorites; some locations may offer special items | Open 24/7 at most locations nationwide |
| Maggiano’s Little Italy | Special Thanksgiving menu of classic Italian and holiday dishes, dine-in, carryout, and catering | Pre-order recommended for large groups |
| Ruth’s Chris Steak House | Upscale plated Thanksgiving entrees (roast turkey, steak), sides, and desserts, dine-in & to-go | Reservations strongly recommended |
| Del Frisco’s Grille | Thanksgiving plate (turkey, side selections), regular a la carte menu available | Check with local location for hours, reservations advised |
| Applebee’s | Regular menu available (no special Thanksgiving meal) | Some locations may operate on reduced hours; no reservations needed |
| Buffalo Wild Wings | Regular menu of wings and sides, great for watching Thanksgiving Day NFL games | Open for lunch and dinner; call for hours |
| Burger King | Regular menu (burgers, breakfast), drive-through and counter service | Most outlets open, some with shortened hours |
| Popeyes | Louisiana-style fried chicken, holiday Cajun turkeys (pre-order advised), regular menu sides | Check advance for availability and store hours |
| White Castle | Sliders, fries, and full menu; dine-in and drive-through | Many locations open for all meals |
| Domino’s | Pizza, wings, and sides, available for carryout or delivery all day | Hours and availability may vary by location |
| Jack in the Box | Breakfast, burgers, tacos; drive-through and dine-in | Many locations open, but hours vary |
| Starbucks | Coffee, breakfast, seasonal pastries | Most stores open with reduced hours; check local |
| McDonald’s | Breakfast, lunch, and dinner items | Many open Thanksgiving, some hours/location restrictions |
| Whataburger | Regular burger and breakfast menu | Open Thanksgiving; check specific store timing |
Tips for a Successful Thanksgiving Restaurant Experience
- Call Ahead: Always confirm the hours and offerings of your preferred location ahead of time. Many locations alter their schedules or close early on Thanksgiving Day.
- Reservations: For full-service or sit-down restaurants, reservations are often required and fill up quickly.
- Order in Advance: For takeout or catering (especially for larger family meals), place your order several days ahead to ensure availability and timely pickup.
- Check Menus: Some chains offer special holiday menus, while others simply serve their regular fare. If you want a traditional turkey dinner, confirm what is being served.
- Be Mindful of Takeout/Delivery Volume: Thanksgiving Day is extremely busy for restaurants serving takeout and delivery—order as early as possible.
- Confirm Payment & Pickup Details: Have payment ready and confirm curbside or in-store pickup procedures, particularly for larger orders or catered feasts.
Popular Types of Thanksgiving Restaurant Meals
- Traditional Dine-In Experience: Enjoy a sit-down meal with all the holiday trimmings in a festive atmosphere, often with buffet-style or family-style service.
- Heat-and-Serve Takeout: Pick up a fully prepared Thanksgiving feast to reheat and serve at home—ideal for groups large or small.
- Catering: Many restaurants offer large platters, whole turkey or ham, and sides to feed a crowd, delivered right to your door or available for pickup.
- Regular Menu Dining: Craving burgers, breakfast, pizza, or something different? Fast-food and all-day breakfast chains may be your best bet for a less traditional meal.
Spotlight: Restaurants Offering Thanksgiving Specials
- Maggiano’s Little Italy: Special family-style Thanksgiving menus, order ahead for catering or enjoy classic Italian dishes alongside holiday favorites.
- Ruth’s Chris Steak House: Plated Thanksgiving dinners with your choice of more traditional or upscale sides and desserts.
- Golden Corral: Endless food at their buffet, plus traditional Thanksgiving entrees—perfect for big appetites and families.
- Boston Market: Heat-and-serve full Thanksgiving meals (turkey, ham, sides, pie) available for pickup or delivery, plus in-store dining.
- Popeye’s: Famous Cajun-style whole turkeys available for pre-order, perfect for at-home celebrations with extra Southern flavor.
- Cracker Barrel: Signature Heat n’ Serve holiday family meals, as well as in-restaurant turkey dinners and classic breakfasts.
What others are reading
Fast-Food Chains Open on Thanksgiving
Craving something quick or need last-minute sustenance while traveling? Many fast-food and coffee spots keep their doors open for hungry holiday-goers:
- Burger King
- McDonald’s
- Jack in the Box
- Dunkin’ (check local store for hours)
- Domino’s
- White Castle
- Starbucks
- Whataburger
Hours and availability may be limited and vary by region. Always call your local franchise before heading out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Thanksgiving Restaurant Dining
Are all locations of these restaurants open on Thanksgiving?
Not always. Many franchises give local owners the choice to open or close on holidays. Always confirm with your nearest location before making plans.
Do I need a reservation to eat out on Thanksgiving?
For sit-down restaurants, reservations are strongly recommended and sometimes required, especially for popular chains or upscale dining spots. Fast-food and some casual restaurants usually do not take reservations, but expect longer wait times during typical meal hours.
What types of meals are usually available?
Many restaurants offer full Thanksgiving dinners with turkey, stuffing, and classic sides. Others, especially fast-casual or fast-food restaurants, serve their regular menu. Special dietary options may be available, but check in advance if you have specific needs.
Is takeout or delivery available on Thanksgiving Day?
Yes. Most large chains offer takeout and some offer delivery, but both may have reduced menus or longer wait times due to holiday demand. It’s wise to order early and confirm pickup/delivery times.
Can I order a whole Thanksgiving meal for a group?
Absolutely! Many restaurants offer holiday catering packages for groups, often including your choice of meats, multiple sides, and whole pies or desserts. These typically require advance ordering and may be limited in availability.
Alternative Options: Local Restaurants & Regional Chains
In addition to national chains, many local restaurants, hotels, and regional groups offer unique Thanksgiving menus—ranging from gourmet prix fixe meals to hearty buffets or ready-to-heat takeout. If you prefer to support local businesses or want a different flavor profile, be sure to:
- Check community guides for city-specific recommendations.
- Look for special events at hotels or resort dining rooms—these often provide festive, all-you-can-eat buffets.
- Place orders at least a week in advance for specialty menu or catering items.
How to Choose the Best Thanksgiving Restaurant For You
- Size of Your Group: Large gatherings may prefer all-you-can-eat buffets or carryout catering, while intimate parties can enjoy upscale sit-down meals or reserved booths.
- Menu Preferences: Traditional turkey? Italian, steakhouse, or breakfast options? Pick a restaurant known for what you love most.
- Budget: There are options for every price point from fast-casual to five-star dining.
- Dietary Needs: Many chains offer gluten-free, vegan, or allergy-aware dishes—call ahead to confirm.
- Atmosphere: Decide if you want a bustling, family-friendly space, something quiet and romantic, or the comfort of a familiar diner.
Final Tips for a Hassle-Free Thanksgiving Outing
- Arrive Early: Even with a reservation, holiday dining rooms can get crowded. Arriving early ensures a smoother experience.
- Be Patient and Flexible: Thanksgiving is a peak day for restaurants, and staff are often working extra hard. Kindness goes a long way.
- Double-Check Special Menus: Confirm what’s included in set menus, special pricing, or holiday deals.
- Plan Transportation: If you’re relying on public transit, rideshares, or need accessible parking, confirm their availability on the holiday.
Thanksgiving Restaurant Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I get Thanksgiving meals delivered?
A: Yes. Many restaurants partner with delivery platforms or offer direct delivery on Thanksgiving Day, but order times may be limited—pre-order if possible.
Q: Will restaurants offer regular menus or special Thanksgiving dishes?
A: It varies. Some offer traditional turkey dinners exclusively, while others serve both seasonal specials and the regular menu. Fast-food and casual chains usually stick to the everyday menu.
Q: Are kids’ meals or vegetarian options available on Thanksgiving?
A: Often, yes. Many chains provide children’s plates and vegetarian or vegan dishes. Always confirm dietary accommodations in advance.
Q: When should I order catering or family meals?
A: Place orders for holiday meal packages at least 5-7 days before Thanksgiving, as restaurants frequently sell out or reach capacity on advance orders.
Conclusion: A Holiday for Everyone, Any Way You Celebrate
Thanksgiving is about togetherness and gratitude—not just tradition or a home-cooked meal. Whether you’re seeking an indulgent restaurant feast, a no-cook solution for your gathering, or just need a quick bite between visits, these open restaurants help ensure no one goes hungry this Thanksgiving Day 2025. Advance planning is key, so book or order today for a stress-free, delicious holiday—however you choose to celebrate.
References
- https://abc7.com/post/restaurants-open-on-thanksgiving-day-near-me-whats-closed-food/11261902/
- https://www.cozymeal.com/magazine/restaurants-open-on-thanksgiving
- https://www.mylocaloc.com/blog/orange-county-restaurants-open-thanksgiving/
- https://www.opentable.com/events/thanksgiving/metro/orange-county
- https://www.irvinespectrumcenter.com/restaurants-open-on-thanksgiving
- https://www.gayot.com/restaurants/orange-county-ca-best-top-10-thanksgiving_ranch-restaurant-saloon-ca_6oc.html
- https://www.visitanaheim.org/blog/stories/post/where-to-celebrate-thanksgiving-in-anaheim/
- https://www.opentable.com/events/thanksgiving/neighborhood/san-juan-capistrano
- https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/which-major-restaurants-open-thanksgiving
Similar Articles
Read full bio of medha deb
