Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and delicious food. For many people, that means spending the day in the kitchen cooking turkey, stuffing, and pies. But not everyone wants to cook, and some simply prefer dining out on this special day. If you are asking, “what restaurants are open on Thanksgiving near me?” you’re not alone. Every year, many families look for restaurants where they can enjoy a festive meal without all the hassle.
The good news is that plenty of restaurants stay open on Thanksgiving Day, offering everything from traditional turkey dinners to unique dining experiences. Whether you want a fancy meal, a casual spot, or a simple bite, there are many options to choose from. In this guide, we’ll explore popular restaurant chains, local dining spots, and helpful tips for finding the best Thanksgiving meal near you.
Table of Contents
Why Dine Out on Thanksgiving?
For some families, cooking together is part of the holiday tradition. But for others, dining out has many advantages:
- No Stress Cooking: Preparing a Thanksgiving feast can take hours or even days. Eating out saves time and effort.
- More Time Together: Instead of cooking and cleaning, you get to enjoy quality time with loved ones.
- Variety of Options: Restaurants offer different menus, from classic turkey dinners to international dishes.
- Perfect for Travelers: If you’re away from home, finding a restaurant open nearby is easier than cooking in a hotel or Airbnb.
Dining out can make the holiday more relaxed and enjoyable, especially if you want to skip the work and just focus on celebrating.
National Chain Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving
If you’re searching “what restaurants are open on Thanksgiving near me”, national chain restaurants are a safe choice because many of them open every year. Here are some of the most popular ones:
1. Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel is famous for its homestyle meals, and Thanksgiving is no exception. They usually serve a traditional turkey dinner with stuffing, gravy, sweet potato casserole, and pumpkin pie. You can dine in or order a take-home meal.
2. Denny’s
Denny’s is open 24/7, including Thanksgiving. Many locations offer a special holiday menu with turkey and fixings, but you can also order your usual favorites like pancakes and burgers.
3. Golden Corral
This buffet chain offers a wide variety of foods, including roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and desserts. It’s a great option for families with different tastes.
4. Applebee’s
Some Applebee’s locations remain open on Thanksgiving, serving both their regular menu and special holiday dishes. It’s best to call ahead since hours may vary.
5. Boston Market
Boston Market is known for its rotisserie chicken, but on Thanksgiving, they go all out with turkey dinners. You can order for dine-in, carry-out, or catering.
6. IHOP
IHOP is usually open, serving breakfast favorites along with some holiday specials. Perfect if you want pancakes along with your Thanksgiving meal.
7. Buffalo Wild Wings
Not everyone wants turkey! Some Buffalo Wild Wings locations stay open, serving wings, burgers, and drinks.
Upscale Restaurants Offering Thanksgiving Menus
For those who want a more elegant dining experience, many upscale restaurants also serve Thanksgiving meals. These may include steakhouses, fine-dining spots, or hotels with in-house restaurants.
- Ruth’s Chris Steak House: Offers a three-course turkey dinner with sides and dessert.
- The Capital Grille: Known for steak, but also serves a traditional Thanksgiving menu.
- Hotel Restaurants: Many hotels have special Thanksgiving buffets or plated dinners.
Reservations are usually required, so plan ahead if you want a fine-dining experience.
Local Restaurants and Hidden Gems
While big chains are reliable, don’t forget about local restaurants. Many family-owned diners, cafes, and small bistros open on Thanksgiving to serve their community. These places often provide unique menus with homemade touches. Searching online or calling nearby spots can help you discover hidden gems.
How to Find Thanksgiving Restaurants Near Me
Here are some easy ways to find what’s open in your area:
- Google Search: Simply type “restaurants open on Thanksgiving near me” into Google Maps. You’ll see hours, menus, and reviews.
- Yelp: Many people review their Thanksgiving dining experiences, so Yelp is a great resource.
- OpenTable: Perfect for making reservations at sit-down restaurants.
- Local News Sites: Local newspapers often publish lists of open restaurants during the holiday.
- Call Ahead: Even if a restaurant chain is usually open, individual locations may have different hours.
Tips for Dining Out on Thanksgiving
- Make Reservations Early: Many restaurants fill up weeks in advance.
- Check Hours: Some restaurants close earlier than usual.
- Ask About Menu Options: Not every place serves a traditional turkey meal—some may offer only regular items.
- Consider Takeout: If you prefer to eat at home without cooking, many restaurants offer takeout Thanksgiving meals.
- Budget Accordingly: Thanksgiving meals at restaurants can be pricier than a regular dinner.
Alternatives to Eating at a Restaurant
If you can’t find a restaurant open nearby, you still have options:
- Grocery Stores with Hot Meals: Stores like Whole Foods, Walmart, and Safeway often sell pre-cooked Thanksgiving dinners.
- Meal Delivery Services: Some meal kit companies offer special holiday packages.
- Fast Food Chains: Places like McDonald’s, Domino’s, or Subway may be open depending on location.
Benefits of Supporting Local Businesses on Thanksgiving
When you dine at a small, local restaurant on Thanksgiving, you’re helping the community. Many small businesses rely on holiday customers to boost sales. Plus, local spots often provide unique, homemade dishes that you won’t find at a chain.
Conclusion
If you’re wondering, “what restaurants are open on Thanksgiving near me,” the answer is that you have plenty of choices. From national chains like Cracker Barrel, Denny’s, and Boston Market to local diners and upscale restaurants, there’s something for everyone. The key is to plan ahead—make reservations, check hours, and decide whether you want to dine in or order takeout.
Dining out on Thanksgiving can make the holiday stress-free, enjoyable, and even more memorable. Whether you want a traditional turkey dinner or something completely different, you’re sure to find a restaurant nearby that fits your needs.
FAQs
Q1: Are most restaurants open on Thanksgiving?
Not all, but many chain restaurants and some local spots stay open. Always check ahead.
Q2: Do restaurants serve traditional Thanksgiving meals?
Yes, many offer turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pies, though some may serve only regular menu items.
Q3: Do I need to make a reservation?
For sit-down restaurants, yes. Walk-ins may be possible at casual spots, but reservations are highly recommended.
