Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving

Whether you don’t want to cook, or you are getting together on a different date with the family, there is no reason you can’t dine out for Thanksgiving. Here are all of the restaurants that are open and the ones that are closed for Thanksgiving Day.

All The Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving This Year

Let’s be honest. Even if you love to cook and bake, sometimes life throws a lot of wrenches into our lives. So, by the time the holidays come around, you just don’t have it in you to prepare a full multiple-course meal for Thanksgiving. Believe me, I TOTALLY understand and am not judging you at all. We’ve all been there.  That’s why we’ve compiled this list of restaurants that are open on Thanksgiving Day 2022. 

If you and the family are craving some fast food, you can head over to Subway, Burger King, Dominos, or even Dunkin for coffee and sandwiches so you can do brunch. 

However, if you are looking for more of a sit-down dinner, Fogo de Chao, Cracker Barrel, and Applebee’s are all open. 

Keep in mind though, that you may find some of the locations have changed their hours at the last minute, so always call a few days before to confirm. 

And if you are wanting to eat at home but still don’t want to do all of the prep work, consider fully prepared Thanksgiving dinners on the go. Many of the Cracker Barrel locations offer complete meals to go (and they are delicious by the way). Stores such as Heavenly Ham aren’t usually open on Thanksgiving; however, you can pick up fully prepared meals a few days before the holiday. 

After you have enjoyed a meal out, why not go walk around a few stores that are open on Thanksgiving Day?

Applebee’s

If you aren’t really in the mood for turkey and the trimmings and are looking for basic American cuisine, then Applebee’s may be for you. 

Bob Evans

The great thing about Bob Evans is that you are either get curbside, carry out, or dine-in. They are really making it convenient. Make sure to pick up a holiday pie too so you can enjoy it later!

Boston Market

If you aren’t familiar with them, now is the time to be! They will have their classic holiday meal available which consists of roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and all of the sides you are looking for! 

Burger King

If turkey isn’t your thing and the kids wants chicken and fries, this my friends is where to go. 

Cracker Barrel

Their famous Heat N” Serve Holiday Family Meal To-Go is a game changer! This meal will serve up to 10 people and it’s already good to go. We’ve gotten our meals there on a few different holidays and they have never disappointed. You need to pre-order these as they only have a limited supply. 

Del Frisco’s Grille

Craving a fat, juicy steak? What about seafood that is fresh? If so, Del Frisco’s Grille will be open. And if you are wanting more of the traditional holiday meal, they usually offer a three-course traditional turkey meal with trimmings. 

Denny’s

Denny’s is open 365 days a year for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They also offer their take-home Turkey Packs that you can pre-order. 

Fogo de Chão

If you are wanting more of a BBQ feel to your holiday, then you gotta head over to Fogo de Chão. 

Golden Corral

This famous buffet will be open for an all-you-can-eat feast. They also offer meals to-go. 

Hardee’s

Burgers, fries, and a shake, please! If this is what you are craving during Thanksgiving, then load up the family and head over to Hardee’s. 

IHOP

Since breakfast fills the spot any time of the day, then make IHOP your choice for the day. Enjoy a quiet and slow morning at home watching the parade, then get dressed and head out for brunch at IHOP. 

Maggiano’s Little Italy

Let’s face it, pasta is great anytime! Head over to Maggiano’s and either dine-in, get carryout, or find out about their catering service. 

McDonald’s

If a Big Mac and fries with a hot apple pie sound like the perfect meal for Thanksgiving, then head over to McDonald’s. Make sure to use their app to see if you can find any deals! 

Popeye’s

If you have a Popeye’s nearby and haven’t tried it yet, now is the time! They have pick-up, and contactless delivery, and will be open for Thanksgiving! We even went to a wedding that had Popeye’s food at the reception. Their dirty rice is savory and delicious! 

Romano’s Macaroni Grill

Did you know that they have three-course meals for Thanksgiving occasionally available? If you’ve never tried this fun eatery, now is the time to head over! 

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Have you been wanting to try Ruth’s Chris Steak House but just haven’t gotten around to it? Now my friends is the time! If you are really wanting to experience a location that has everything to ambiance and delicious food, it’s worth the trip to your nearest location. They will be serving turkey in the restaurant as well as offering a to-go family turkey dinner that you can pick-up and bring back home. 

Shoney’s

If you live near this Southern staple, then consider heading over there for your holiday meal. 

Sizzler

If you are looking for something from your childhood, then head over to Sizzler. They will be serving turkey and trimmings, including sweet potatoes. 

Sonic

Sonic may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Thanksgiving, but wouldn’t one of their Cherry Limeade Slushed Pops really hit the spot? 

Subway

Wanting a sandwich instead while you go through all of the Black Friday ads leisurely on Thanksgiving morning? Head over to Subway and pick up a turkey sandwich complete with all of the toppings you want. 

Waffle House

And of course, you always have the classic diner-style Waffle House restaurant to dine at! 
When in doubt, go to the Waffle House — this classic diner-style restaurant is open 365 days a year, and Thanksgiving is no exception!

Wendy’s

If a frosty and large fry sounds delicious, then head over to your nearest Wendy’s location. 

Pizza Places Open on Thanksgiving

If pizza is more your family’s speed, then put these places on your list to consider. 

• Domino’s Pizza
• Little Caesars Pizza
• Papa John’s Pizza
• Pizza Hut

Grocery Store Pre-Made Thanksgiving Dinners

Many of the larger grocery stores offer a pre-ordered Thanksgiving Dinner that you can customize and pick up before the big holiday.

These are a few of the ones we have found:

• Albertson’s
• Costco
• Giant Eagle
• Harris-Teeter
• Harry & David
• Kroger
• Meijer
• Publix
• Whole Foods

What Coffee Shops are Open on Thanksgiving?

What is a holiday without your favorite cup of joe? 

• Dunkin
• Einstein Bros Bagels
• Starbucks

Restaurants that are NOT Open on Thanksgiving Day

• BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse
• Bonefish Grill
• Carrabba’s Italian Grill
• The Cheesecake Factory
• Chick-fil-A
• Chili’s
• Chipotle
• LongHorn Steakhouse
• Olive Garden
• Outback Steakhouse
• P.F. Chang’s
• Red Lobster
• Red Robin
• Texas Roadhouse

Restaurants and Stores that Sell Pre-Made Thanksgiving Dinners

Bob Evans

Cracker Barrel

Heavenly Ham

They normally aren’t open on Thanksgiving; however, you can preorder your meal beforehand so you can head over to Heavenly Ham a few days before the holiday to pick up your goodies.

HoneyBaked Ham

If your family loves holiday ham and you don’t want to bother cooking one, head over to HoneyBaked Ham to pick one up.

Marie Callender’s

You may remember this name after the over-baked pie and a lady named Sharon, however, if you are looking for a place to eat on Thanksgiving or for a pre-made meal to take home, head over to your closest Marie Callender’s.

Omaha Steaks

Need I say more? You can pick up everything you need for a delicious Thanksgiving dinner at home.