37 Best Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving Day in 2024

For those who prefer not to cook on the holidays, there are some restaurants open on Thanksgiving. Cooking a meal can be a lot of work, especially a large feast like Thanksgiving dinner. Preparing a turkey, multiple sides, desserts, Thanksgiving cookies and drinks for friends and family can take multiple days. From shopping to cooking to plating the meals, Thanksgiving is an endeavor that not everyone wants to undertake. 

In 2023, 32% of Americans planned to order from a restaurant on Thanksgiving and 17% planned to dine in at a restaurant on the holiday, as reported by local news KSBY. Whether they don’t want to think about Thanksgiving menu ideas, cook or aren’t attending a Thanksgiving gathering, eating at a restaurant is more common than some may think.

So, do restaurants close on Thanksgiving? It depends on the restaurant. It’s often up to corporate or the owners whether the restaurant is open, so it’s always a good idea to double-check whether a restaurant will be open on the holidays. Policies may also differ from state to state. If you’re considering enjoying a Thanksgiving dinner at one of your favorite restaurants, here is a guide for the restaurants open on Thanksgiving in 2024. 

Jump to Section

• Fast Food Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving
• Pizza Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving
• Chinese Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving
• Other Chain Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving

Fast Food Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving

1. McDonald’s

Is Thanksgiving Eve busy for restaurants? Thanksgiving Eve can be busy at restaurants since people are often back in their hometowns and want to enjoy some time with friends before celebrating the top Thanksgiving activities with family. So, if you’re looking for a quick meal the day before Thanksgiving or the holiday, McDonald’s is the perfect fast food solution, offering the classic menu of burgers and fries.

2. Sonic

Sonic is one of the fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving. Sonic is a quick and inexpensive option for a place to grab burgers, hot dogs, milkshakes, onion rings and other comfort foods. Dine in for lunch and conjure up some fun party games for Thanksgiving for the big family dinner. 

3. Wendy’s

Another fast food restaurant open on Thanksgiving is Wendy’s. Beloved for their burgers, chicken sandwiches and signature Frosty, Wendy’s is the perfect place to grab a quick bite on Thanksgiving, especially if you’re craving a burger.

4. Arby’s

Maybe you spent Thanksgiving Day running errands and buying last-minute ingredients. If that’s the case and you need a quick lunch before you head home, Arby’s is one of the restaurants open on Thanksgiving. Their roast beef sandwiches and curly fries would be a good mid-day meal on such a busy holiday.

5. Dunkin’

Need a quick jolt of caffeine to before setting up your Thanksgiving table decor? Luckily, Dunkin’ is open on Thanksgiving. Head to this famous coffee and doughnut spot on Thanksgiving morning for a cup, doughnut and a bagel to help keep you fueled during the holiday.

6. Jimmy John’s

If you’re craving your favorite sandwich, you won’t have to go without it on Thanksgiving. Jimmy John’s is open on the holiday. Head to the famous sandwich spot to get your favorite sub sandwich for lunch or dinner on Thanksgiving day.

7. Starbucks

Thanksgiving can be a long day and if you need caffeine to make it through, luckily, Starbucks is open. The coffee shop has plenty of signature drinks featuring espresso as well as pastries and sandwiches that can offer a quick bite whether you’re looking for a fast breakfast before you start cooking or a pre-feast lunch. The place is also usually covered in decor, so you can seal some Thanksgiving decorations ideas directly from the cafe and bring them into your home. 

8. White Castle

Craving a burger on the holiday? White Castle is one of the restaurants open on Thanksgiving. This fast food restaurant offers a quick and inexpensive place to grab a burger, fries or chicken rings for a quick lunch on Thanksgiving. Just watch out that your Thanksgiving nails don't get ruined after being drenched in the delicious burger juices. 

9. Burger King

Another place to grab a classic meat-filled bun is Burger King. The well-known burger chain is open on Thanksgiving, allowing you to grab an inexpensive meal relatively fast. At Burger King, you can select the signature Whopper or chicken fries to satisfy your hunger.

10. Hardee’s

You won’t have to go without a charbroiled burger because Hardee’s is open on Thanksgiving. The fast food restaurant also has crispy chicken sandwiches and a breakfast menu, so you can eat at Hardee’s for breakfast, lunch or dinner on Thanksgiving.

11. Qdoba

If you want delicious Mexican food on Thanksgiving, you’ll be happy to know that Qdoba is open on the holiday. The fast-casual restaurant has bowls, tacos and burritos that will hit the spot.

12. Steak ‘n Shake

Looking for a classic steakburger and milkshake combo and don’t want to wait until after Thanksgiving? Steak ‘n Shake is open on the holiday. You can dine in the restaurant, but other locations have drive-throughs for quick convenience.

Pizza Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving

13. Domino’s

Pizza isn’t a traditional Thanksgiving food, but that doesn’t stop you from craving it. Domino’s is one of the pizza restaurants open on Thanksgiving, so you can grab a slice featuring all your favorite toppings on the holiday.

14. Pizza Hut

Having your friends over for a non-traditional Thanksgiving? Pizza is one of the best Friendsgiving ideas because it’s a crowd-pleasing food. Luckily, Pizza Hut is open on Thanksgiving, so you can order from this restaurant to feed all your friends.

15. Papa John’s Pizza

Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a post-dinner snack, Papa John’s is open on Thanksgiving, so pizza is an option. This inexpensive take-out restaurant is a great place to grab a quick bite on the holiday.

16. Little Ceasar’s

Call in your order at Little Ceasar’s to have pizza on Thanksgiving. The carryout pizza restaurant is open on Thanksgiving, so you’ll be able to get classic pizzas, deep dishes or some of the signature sides on this holiday.

17. MOD Pizza

Anyone who likes to customize their pizza will be happy to know that MOD Pizza is open on Thanksgiving. The pizza chain has over 40 toppings, eight finishing sauces and eight dressings, so you’ll be able to completely personalize your Thanksgiving pizza feast.

18. Pizza Hut

This classic pizza chain is one of the restaurants open on Thanksgiving. Head to Pizza Hut on Thanksgiving for pizza, wings, pasta and desserts. With its expansive menu, Pizza Hut provides the perfect place to get an alternative Thanksgiving meal.

Chinese Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving

17. Pei Wei

Anyone craving Chinese food on Thanksgiving will want to head to Pei Wei. This chain is one of the few Chinese restaurants open on Thanksgiving to give you your Chinese food fix. With classics like potstickers, egg rolls and crab wontons, you can pick up a few starters to add to your feast, or maybe even bring them home for a new take on Thanksgiving appetizers. Or choose rice, noodles and classic entrées for your meal.

18. HuHot Mongolian Grill

Craving stir-fry for a holiday dinner? HuHot Mongolian Grill is one of the Asian-style and Chinese restaurants open on Thanksgiving. You can make your own stir fry by choosing the ingredients and sauces for a flavorful holiday meal.

19. Lao Sze Chuan

If you’re looking for a more upscale Chinese restaurant open on Thanksgiving, Lao Sze Chuan is the best option. With a few options across the country, many people will be able to sit down and dine to enjoy delicious Chinese food for Thanksgiving.

20. Local Chinese Restaurants

While there aren’t a ton of chain Chinese restaurants open on Thanksgiving, many locally-owned Chinese spots might be. Small business Chinese restaurants in your area tend to make their own hours, so it’s worth checking out if some near you are open on the holiday.

Other Chain Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving

21. Bar Louie

If you’re looking to enjoy party food on Thanksgiving, Bar Louie is open on the holiday. Enjoy signature martinis and seasonal Thanksgiving cocktails along with American comfort favorites like burgers, chicken sandwiches and flatbreads. It’s a great gastrobar for friends to enjoy the top Friendsgiving food ideas for the holiday.

22. Boston Market

If you’re looking for more traditional Thanksgiving food, consider Boston Market. The fast-casual spot is one of the restaurants open on Thanksgiving, offering holiday classics like mac and cheese, cornbread and rotisserie chicken. Boston Market also offers holiday catering, so it’s a good option if you don’t want to cook a holiday meal.

23. Eddie V’s

Anyone who wants steak on Thanksgiving should head to Eddie V’s. Serving prime steak, seafood and cocktails, this restaurant open on Thanksgiving offers a place for upscale dining during the holiday. It’s a good option for those who want a nice sit-down meal.

24. Chart House

Seafood lovers will enjoy going to Chart House for the holiday. This restaurant, open on Thanksgiving, offers an upscale dining option with a variety of elevated seafood dishes. The restaurant also delivers and offers catering if you want to enjoy their food at home.

25. Del Frisco’s Grille

An upscale restaurant open on Thanksgiving, Del Frisco’s Grille, will provide a stylish and delicious holiday meal. With elevated entrées, cocktails and Thanksgiving desserts, you can enjoy a decadent meal for the holiday. Plus, they offer to-go meals, so you can also enjoy their food at home.

25. Denny’s

Looking for a classic diner experience for a Thanksgiving meal? Denny’s is one of the best options available. This restaurant open on Thanksgiving is an inexpensive place to go with a group of friends or family for a casual meal. Denny’s is also a great place for breakfast the morning of the holiday and will most likely be covered in holiday decor, so you can sit back and admire the Friendsgiving decorations while you chillax with your besties.

26. TGI Fridays

Laid-back and casual TGI Fridays is one of the restaurants open on Thanksgiving. Bring a group of friends or your family to enjoy the comfort classics like mozzarella sticks, wings, burgers and more along with signature cocktails for an alternative to the traditional Thanksgiving meal. Don't forget to bring all of your Thanksgiving gifts along with you to make the meal an extra thankful one. 

28. Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse

Don’t want to cook a traditional Thanksgiving meal at home but still want to enjoy all the fix-ins? Ruth Chris Steakhouse is one of the best options. This restaurant is open on Thanksgiving to provide a traditional meal with classic or specific Thanksgiving sides like garlic mashed potatoes, green beans and sweet potato casserole.

29. Cooper’s Hawk

Copper’s Hawk is an upscale casual restaurant open on Thanksgiving. It’s a great place to enjoy the holiday meal out of the house for a family meal or Friendsgiving dinner party. They tend to serve a special Thanksgiving menu and it’s recommended to make reservations in advance for the feast.

30. Applebee’s

Applebee’s is a classic spot for families and friends, which makes it the perfect place for Thanksgiving. If you’re looking for Thanksgiving food ideas that are different from the norm, consider spending the evening at Applebee’s enjoying appetizers with those you love.

31. Bravo! Italian Kitchen

Anyone who loves Italian food will want to head to Bravo! Italian Kitchen for a Thanksgiving meal. Enjoy plates of your own entrées, split a pizza and share a few breadsticks. For those who don’t love classic Thanksgiving food, Bravo! Italian Kitchen is a great option. You may even opt for one of the healthier options like a Thanksgiving salad, instead of the usual heavier items served up on this holiday.

32. Cracker Barrel

Is Cracker Barrel open on Thanksgiving? Yes, and they’re also one of the restaurants that serve Thanksgiving dinner. The restaurant has individual homestyle turkey and dressing, country fried turkey plates and Grandma’s Holiday sampler available in-store. Cracker Barrel also makes meals for you to enjoy at home.

33. Bob Evans

A classic farmhouse meal is available at Bob Evans. This is one of the restaurants that serves Thanksgiving dinner so you don’t have to cook at home. They have a variety of meals that can serve up to 10 people that the restaurant will prepare that you can take home and simply heat up before enjoying.

34. IHOP

Whether you’re looking for breakfast before cooking or dinner instead of the traditional meal, IHOP is one of the best restaurants for Thanksgiving dinner. Along with their classic pancakes, IHOP also serves a turkey dinner with mashed potatoes, gravy and broccoli for those who want something more traditional.

35. Fogo de Chão

The luxury Brazilian steakhouse is one of the restaurants open on Thanksgiving during normal hours. Fogo de Chão serves brunch, lunch and dinner and have a wide selection of meats and fish with a Brazilian flare that would make for a flavorful Thanksgiving.

36. Buffalo Wild Wings

If wings, burgers and crispy chicken sandwiches sound like your ideal Thanksgiving meal, Buffalo Wild Wings is the place to be. This casual bar and restaurant is open on Thanksgiving, providing a quick and easy place to grab a meal on the holiday for either takeout or eating in person.

37. Bucca di Beppo

Bucca di Beppo is one of the restaurants open on Thanksgiving. The Italian spot serves family-style dishes, so it’s a great place to bring your family to celebrate the holiday. Along with Italian dishes, they’ll also be serving Thanksgiving classics like turkey and smoked ham along with mashed potatoes, stuffing and cranberry sauce — so you can put together a makeshift Thanksgiving charcuterie board.

There are restaurants open on Thanksgiving that will serve a warm, delicious meal for diners on the holiday. Some don’t want to cook, others don’t have a celebration to attend and others may not celebrate Thanksgiving at all. Regardless of the reason, restaurants around the country will serve special Thanksgiving meals and their regular menu for lunch and dinner. It’s always a good idea to double-check the hours of the restaurant location closest to you to ensure they’re open on the holiday. Then, you can find the best restaurants for Thanksgiving dinner instead of eating at home.

For even more fun Thanksgiving ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!