25+ Restaurants Open On Thanksgiving Day 2025: Your Essential Guide To Holiday Dining (Dine-In & Carryout)
Contents
The Top National Chains Serving Traditional Thanksgiving Feasts
The backbone of holiday dining for many American families comes from the reliable, family-style restaurants that specialize in comfort food. These chains are the go-to for a classic, affordable, and full-service Thanksgiving dinner experience. Many also offer fantastic carryout Thanksgiving meals that can feed a large family with minimal effort.- Cracker Barrel: A perennial favorite, Cracker Barrel is expected to be open on Thanksgiving Day starting at 11 a.m.. They offer their famous "Homestyle Turkey n' Dressing Meal" for dine-in, which includes all the fixings. Crucially, they also offer Heat n' Serve Feasts for takeaway, which can feed eight to ten people and come chilled, ready to heat.
- Bob Evans: Known for its farm-fresh focus, Bob Evans will be open and offering its regular menu alongside a special holiday menu, allowing you to enjoy the comforting flavors of a home-cooked meal without the labor.
- Golden Corral: If you prefer a buffet-style feast, Golden Corral is a popular choice, typically offering a massive Thanksgiving Day spread that includes turkey, ham, and an array of sides.
- Boston Market: While many locations are open for dine-in, Boston Market is perhaps best known for its "Holiday Meal Solutions," offering a la carte sides and full, complete turkey or ham dinners for pre-order and pickup.
- Lucille's Smokehouse Bar-B-Que: For a Southern twist, Lucille's is a great option, offering an Individual Thanksgiving Dinner for dine-in, which includes turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and more. Their hours are typically from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the holiday.
- Marie Callender's: Famous for its pies, Marie Callender's usually offers a dine-in Thanksgiving meal and a variety of whole pies and complete meals for pre-order carryout.
- Buca di Beppo: For those who enjoy an Italian-American feast, Buca di Beppo typically offers a special Thanksgiving menu featuring sliced turkey and all the traditional sides, served family-style.
Fine Dining & Unique Holiday Experiences (Reservations Essential)
If your intent is to elevate your holiday dining experience, several upscale and specialty chains offer exquisite, pre-fixe Thanksgiving menus. Thanksgiving reservations are absolutely critical for these locations and should be made weeks in advance. These establishments often offer a more refined, multi-course meal that goes beyond the standard turkey and mashed potatoes.- The Capital Grille: A top-tier choice for fine dining, The Capital Grille typically offers a special, upscale Thanksgiving menu that includes a traditional turkey dinner, often alongside their regular à la carte menu of steaks and seafood.
- Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: Similar to Capital Grille, Fleming's is a steakhouse that frequently features a three-course Thanksgiving special, providing an elegant alternative to cooking at home.
- Perry's Steakhouse & Grille: Known for its signature pork chop, Perry's also joins the list of high-end steakhouses offering a special holiday menu for Thanksgiving.
- Maggiano's Little Italy: Maggiano's offers a delicious Italian-American take on the holiday, often serving a four-course family-style meal that includes a traditional turkey dinner option.
- BRIO Tuscan Grille: This Italian-focused chain is another excellent option for a slightly more upscale, Mediterranean-inspired holiday meal, usually offering a special Thanksgiving menu.
- Black Angus Steakhouse: For a more casual steakhouse experience, Black Angus is confirmed to be open on November 27, 2025, offering a traditional Thanksgiving dinner special with all the trimmings.
- Saltgrass Steakhouse: This Texas original is also planning to be open for dine-in on Thanksgiving Day, offering both a special holiday dinner and to-go family packs.
- Fogo de Chão: For a truly unique experience, this Brazilian steakhouse (churrascaria) often remains open, offering its full rodízio experience complemented by traditional Thanksgiving sides like cranberry sauce and sweet potato casserole.
Fast Food and Casual Options for Quick Holiday Bites
Not everyone is looking for a formal feast. Sometimes, you just need a quick, reliable meal on a day when almost everything is closed. The good news is that many major fast-food and casual dining restaurants remain open, though hours may be limited and are often subject to the franchisee's discretion. Always call ahead to confirm the specific location's hours.24/7 and All-Day Casual Dining
These restaurants are the most reliable for being open all day and often into the night, making them perfect for breakfast, a late lunch, or a post-football snack.- Denny's: A classic 24/7 diner, Denny's is a steadfast choice for Thanksgiving, serving its full menu and often a special holiday turkey plate.
- IHOP: Like Denny's, IHOP is typically open all day and night, offering its full menu of pancakes, omelets, and other comfort foods.
- Waffle House: The king of 24/7 dining, Waffle House is famous for being open 365 days a year, including Thanksgiving.
- Applebee's: Many Applebee's locations will be open, serving their regular menu for those craving classic American fare.
- TGI Fridays: A reliable choice for a casual dinner, TGI Fridays typically has many locations open on the holiday.
- Bar Louie: Depending on the location, Bar Louie is another chain that frequently remains open, offering drinks and a full menu.
Quick Service and Fast Food
For a truly quick stop, these national fast-food chains often have at least some locations open, particularly those near major highways or in busy urban areas.- Burger King: Most Burger King locations are expected to be open, offering a solid choice for a quick meal.
- McDonald's: While hours vary by franchisee, many McDonald's locations will be open on Thanksgiving Day.
- Wendy's: Another major fast-food chain with many locations opting to stay open for the holiday.
- Popeyes: For those who want a chicken fix, Popeyes is one of the chains that will have locations open.
- Arby's: Known for its roast beef, Arby's is another fast-food entity expected to be open at many locations.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Perfect for catching a football game, many BWW locations will be open.
- Baskin-Robbins: If you need a quick dessert, many Baskin-Robbins ice cream shops will be open for business.
Pro Tips for Stress-Free Thanksgiving Dining
To ensure a smooth Thanksgiving Day 2025 experience, keep these tips in mind:- Call Ahead: Always call the specific restaurant location to confirm their hours. Franchisees have the final say, and posted hours can change.
- Make Reservations: For any sit-down meal, especially fine dining or family-style restaurants like Cracker Barrel or Maggiano's, book your table as early as possible.
- Check Carryout Deadlines: If you are opting for a pre-ordered holiday meal or Thanksgiving meal deals, check the ordering and pickup deadlines, as these are usually several days before the holiday.
- Expect Special Menus: Many restaurants will only offer a limited, pre-fixe, or special Thanksgiving menu, not their full regular menu.
- Be Patient and Tip Well: Restaurant staff working on Thanksgiving are sacrificing their holiday. Expect longer wait times and show your appreciation with a generous tip.
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