Whether you're skipping the kitchen chaos, traveling, or just craving something different this Turkey Day, knowing which restaurants are open on Thanksgiving can be a lifesaver. Here's your complete guide to dining out on Thanksgiving 2026.
Chains Almost Always Open on Thanksgiving
Denny's Always Open
Denny's is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day — including Thanksgiving. You can always count on Denny's for a hot meal no matter what holiday it is. They typically offer a special Thanksgiving meal alongside their regular menu.
Waffle House Always Open
Like Denny's, Waffle House never closes. They're a safe bet for a comfort food meal on Thanksgiving. Waffles, eggs, and hashbrowns wait for no holiday.
Cracker Barrel Open + Thanksgiving Meal
Cracker Barrel is not only open on Thanksgiving but actively celebrates it. They serve a special Thanksgiving meal with turkey, dressing, and all the trimmings. You can dine in or order their Heat n' Serve Thanksgiving Feast for pickup. Expect long waits at popular locations.
IHOP Usually Open
Most IHOP locations are open on Thanksgiving, often with reduced hours. They typically offer Thanksgiving-themed specials alongside their regular pancake menu. Check your local location for hours.
Fast Food Open on Thanksgiving
Most major fast food chains stay open on Thanksgiving, though individual locations may have reduced hours:
- McDonald's — Most locations open, possibly reduced hours
- Burger King — Most locations open
- Wendy's — Open at many locations
- Taco Bell — Most locations open
- Chick-fil-A — CLOSED on Thanksgiving (and all Sundays)
- Starbucks — Open with holiday hours
- Dunkin' — Many locations open
- Subway — Many locations open, hours vary
- Chipotle — Open with regular or reduced hours
- Jack in the Box — 24 hours at most locations
The Best Kept Secret: Chinese Restaurants
Chinese restaurants are famously open on Thanksgiving (and Christmas). This tradition has been part of American culture for decades — immortalized in movies and beloved by millions of families who discovered that lo mein and General Tso's chicken are an excellent alternative to turkey.
Most local Chinese restaurants, as well as chains like Panda Express, stay open on Thanksgiving. Call your local spot to confirm hours.
Other Good Options on Thanksgiving
- Hotels and casino restaurants — Almost always open, often with special Thanksgiving buffets
- Indian restaurants — Many stay open on American holidays
- Japanese restaurants and sushi bars — Often open (especially ramen shops)
- Thai restaurants — Many stay open on Thanksgiving
- Middle Eastern restaurants — Frequently open on American holidays
- Pizza delivery — Domino's and Pizza Hut deliver on Thanksgiving
Restaurants Typically Closed on Thanksgiving
- Chick-fil-A (always closed Sundays and holidays)
- Many upscale fine dining restaurants
- Some regional chains (check locally)
How to Find Open Restaurants Near You
The fastest way to find restaurants open near you on Thanksgiving:
- Use ChooseMy.Food to spin for restaurants near your location
- Filter by "open now" on Google Maps on Thanksgiving morning
- Check the restaurant's official app (McDonald's, Chipotle, etc.) for holiday hours
- Call directly — Google Maps hours aren't always updated for holidays
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Find Restaurants NowThanksgiving Dinner Alternatives
If you want to celebrate Thanksgiving flavors without cooking, look for restaurants serving special Thanksgiving menus. Many casual dining chains like Bob Evans, Marie Callender's, and Golden Corral serve turkey and traditional sides on Thanksgiving — a great alternative to home cooking.
Don't forget: many grocery stores sell fully prepared Thanksgiving meals you can pick up and heat at home. Whole Foods, Kroger, Publix, and Costco all offer Thanksgiving dinner kits and heat-and-serve options if you want something more traditional than eating out.