While Thanksgiving is generally thought of as a day where a home-cooked meal is the norm, it doesn’t necessarily work out that way for many people or families. Maybe someone had to work. Maybe you forgot to defrost the turkey. Perhaps you just can’t cook. Or you could be solo and the idea of making a feast seems a bit ludicrous.
The good news for those folks is there are plenty of restaurants open.
Retailers might be pulling back from their Thanksgiving Day openings, but this is traditionally a busy day for restaurant chains—and many are offering Thanksgiving specials.
Here’s a look at some of the places you can grab a bite on Thanksgiving. Note that hours may vary and some franchisees may opt not to be open, so be sure to call first
Restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day 2023
Applebee’s
Bahama Breeze
Boston Market
Buffalo Wild Wings
Cooper’s Hawk
Country Buffett
Cracker Barrel
Denny’s
Domino’s
Flemings Prime Steakhouse (opens at 11:00 a.m.)
Fogo de Chao
Golden Corral
Hard Rock Café (opens at 11:00 a.m.)
HomeTown Buffet
IHOP
Maggiano’s Little Italy
McCormick and Schmick’s
McDonald’s
Medieval Times (most castles open, call to confirm)
Metro Diner (until 2:30 p.m.)
Old Country Buffet
Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses
Popeye’s (varies by location)
Romano’s Macaroni Grill
Ruby Tuesday
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Ryan’s
Sizzler (varies by location)
Smith & Wollensky
Starbuck’s
STK Steakhouse
Subway
TGI Friday’s
Waffle House
Wawa
Wendy’s
Restaurants closed on Thanksgiving Day 2023
Bonefish Grill
Carrabba’s Italian Grill
Cheesecake Factory
Chili’s
Olive Garden
Outback Steakhouse
Red Lobster
Ted’s Montana Grill
Texas Roadhouse