Whether you don’t know how to cook a turkey, or you happen to be without family this holiday, there’s a growing population of hungry diners who will be search of dinner out this Thanksgiving. While individual locations can change their participation from year to year, here’s a list of the usual restaurants open Thanksgiving Day. For 2016, they include Cracker Barrel, Denny’s, Tilted Kilt, Buca Di Beppo, and many, many more!
Popular Restaurants Open Thanksgiving Day
These restaurants typically don’t close for any holiday, including Thanksgiving, and are open 24 hours to accommodate any schedule.
See also: 8 Restaurants Open Christmas Day 2016
Denny’s
This restaurant generally stays open its normal hours each holiday. While most locations serve their regular menu, check with your location to see if they will be offering any special Thanksgiving Day promotions to diners.
Ihop
This pancake destination doesn’t usually close for Thanksgiving. In fact, most locations continue to serve food 24/7.
Waffle House
Known for always being open (no matter the time or day), this eatery is very popular (and plentiful) in the Southern states. Grab a cup of joe and crispy hot waffles on Thanksgiving, but check to be sure your location is open the full service hours.
Buca Di Beppo
This family-style dining establishment usually offers a special Thanksgiving menu with a price that’s fit for a feasting party! In addition to pasta, last year’s menu offered turkey, gravy, stuffing and all the fixings. Want to eat at home? Call and ahead and get it to go!
Maggiano’s Little Italy
This Italian-American eatery also offers a special menu each Thanksgiving. They recommend that you call ahead to reserve a space, however, as their four-course meals are very popular! Past seasons have given guests the choice between turkey, ham, or fish; all sides and trimmings have a Tuscan-flare for a unique and delicious dining experience.
Boston Market
Fans of this chain will be happy to see it’s one of the many restaurants open Thanksgiving day. It already serves many of the items considered traditional for this time of year. Hours may vary, however, so get the details before you drive. Take out is always an option for this establishment made famous for choosing just the right sides for your ham or turkey.
Marie Callender’s
This restaurant is usually open Thanksgiving Day, but its biggest draw is the take-home holiday feasts. Available year-round, Marie Callender’s holiday meals offer up meals for up to 8 people with traditional turkey or ham dishes, stuffing, and the rest. You can still choose to eat in (calling ahead is recommended); for the best of both worlds, however, many guests order ahead to take home for the holidays.
Old Country Buffet
Bring a bib! This all-you-can-eat establishment welcomes diners during the holidays with a full spread of traditional turkey and fixings. This is a popular restaurant open on Thanksgiving day that offers all the homemade flavor with none of the clean-up!
Panda Express
Need noodles? This is one of the few Chinese restaurants you can consistently count on to serve food on Thanksgiving. It’s a great option for those from out-of-town looking for a bite to eat!
Tilted Kilt
The ladies at Tilted Kilt will be happy to serve guests on Turkey Day! Most locations were open last year, even offering a Wild Turkey drink special to celebrate! Check the Facebook page of your closest location for full details near the holiday.
Cracker Barrel
Down-home cooking is the flavor of this eatery. They typically offer a “Turkey n’ Dressing” meal for under $13. Come early; the lines for the holiday meal can be long!
Bob Evans Farms
If pumpkin pie is your thing, Bob Evans is the place to be! Serving two kinds of pies, three sides, and an entrée, their Thanksgiving meal is considered rather filling for $15. They even have a kid’s meal with similar fare for under $7!
Golden Corral
If all-you-can eat is how you want to celebrate Thanksgiving, Golden Corral might be your ticket. With prices varying by location, you can eat a variety of items (including Thanksgiving treats) for under $15 a person, plus the cost of drinks.
Applebee’s
There is no special holiday menu at the locations open on Thanksgiving. You might find it the perfect time to snag some sweet potato fries, however! Call ahead; some locations will not choose to be open.
There are several other restaurants that have been open on past Thanksgiving holidays, but new hours for the 2016 season are possible. Some are also only open in certain regions of the country. Additional restaurants you might want to inquire about sooner to the holiday include:
- Bonanza
- Claim Jumper
- Hooter’s
- Mimi’s Café
- Ruby Tuesday
- Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
- Sizzler
- Texas Land and Cattle
Fast Food Restaurants Open Thanksgiving Day
Since Thanksgiving has become one of the most popular days to shop of the year, most fast-food chains will be open on this day. As the new “Black Friday,” Thanksgiving offers shoppers the chance to grab a burger, fries, or coffee most any time of day.
In addition to the popular options of McDonald’s and Burger King:
Eating at a Coffee Shop
Most Starbucks’ locations will be open on Thanksgiving. Grab food from their convenient grab-and-go menu, or ask for hot breakfast and sit and dine. Many locations may be offering special on their holiday drinks during this time.
Dining In-Store
Many Walmarts and Targets have in-store dining options that are open when the store is open. While availability will vary, it’s just another way to eat during one of the busiest holidays of the year. Offerings range from hot dogs and pretzels, to actually sub sandwiches and pizza!
Grocery Store Deli
If your local grocer is open on Thanksgiving, their deli is likely, as well. You can get anything from salad bar and soup to Chinese food! Ask what specials they may be running on this day. Some grocery deli’s sell the full holiday dinner feast at a better price than most restaurants. Take it home and save some time cooking to spend with family!
Wherever you decide to dine, plan ahead for best seating and availability for any of these restaurants open Thanksgiving day. Enjoy your Thanksgiving Day feast!