Best Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving
Need a quick bite? Stop by one of these restaurants for delicious Thanksgiving spreads!
Thanksgiving is a holiday made for gathering, feasting, and celebrating with loved ones. But if the idea of cooking up a feast sounds more exhausting than enjoyable this year, you’re not alone! Plenty of restaurants are stepping in to serve up delicious Thanksgiving meals, letting you focus on family and friends instead of kitchen stress. From classic, homestyle comfort foods to unique spins on holiday favorites, these restaurants offer something special for everyone, whether you want a traditional turkey dinner or a twist on the classics.
These restaurants are also great options for breakfast or lunch on the big day, leaving you with plenty of time to prepare for a dinner feast.
To help you find the best dining spots open on Thanksgiving, we’ve put together a list of popular options across the country. So sit back, relax, and enjoy a holiday meal with no cleanup – all you have to do is choose where to go!
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1. Cracker Barrel
A Thanksgiving treat
Buy a Cracker Barrel gift card
Open for dine-in and take-out, Cracker Barrel is an excellent choice for Thanksgiving dinner. They offer Thanksgiving meals to go, including servings of turkey, sides, and pies. Thanksgiving is a time for celebration, and while cooking a turkey and a bunch of sides is great, it is time-consuming! Just make sure to plan in advance so you know they will have everything you need. Just as it is hectic in your kitchen cooking for Thanksgiving, it is also hectic at the Cracker Barrel! If you’ve never been, we highly recommend you check it out!
Buy a Cracker Barrel gift card
2. Honey Baked Ham
Cooked to perfection
Buy a Honey Baked Ham gift card
For those who want to celebrate Thanksgiving at home without the hours in the kitchen, Honey Baked Ham has you covered. Offering fully prepared meals to go, including their famous honey-glazed hams, roasted turkeys, and all the traditional sides, Honey Baked Ham makes it easy to bring a delicious, stress-free feast to your table. Their takeout options are perfect for hosts who want quality food but prefer to skip the cooking and cleanup.
With a wide range of portions to suit both small gatherings and large family feasts, Honey Baked Ham lets you create the Thanksgiving spread you’ve been dreaming of without the hassle. Just order ahead, pick up your meal, and enjoy the holiday with friends and family!
Buy a Honey Baked Ham gift card
3. Boston Market
A homestyle Thanksgiving, to-go or dine-in
If you're craving a classic, homestyle Thanksgiving meal without the kitchen marathon, Boston Market is the way to go. Known for their hearty rotisserie chicken and comforting sides, Boston Market steps up for Thanksgiving with a full turkey dinner, complete with mashed potatoes, stuffing, and seasonal veggies. You can dine in or order a full feast to take home, making it ideal for both those who want a cozy, sit-down meal and hosts who need an easy-to-serve spread.
Boston Market’s Thanksgiving options are a lifesaver for families who want all the flavors of a homemade meal without the hours in the kitchen. Just make sure to order early—Boston Market’s Thanksgiving dinners are popular and sell out fast!
4. Denny’s
Start Thanksgiving day right
If you’re looking to kick off Thanksgiving morning with a hearty breakfast, Denny’s is the perfect spot. Open 24/7, Denny’s welcomes early birds and late risers alike to enjoy a comforting breakfast before the big feast. Whether you're in the mood for classic pancakes, an indulgent omelet, or just a solid cup of coffee, Denny’s has something for everyone and is ready to fuel up your Thanksgiving morning.
Families, travelers, and locals alike can count on Denny’s for a warm, casual atmosphere and an affordable way to start the holiday.
5. Fogo de Chão
A Thanksgiving Feast with a Brazilian Twist
Fogo de Chão offers a Thanksgiving experience unlike any other for those looking to break from tradition without sacrificing indulgence. This Brazilian steakhouse is famous for its churrasco-style dining, where endless skewers of perfectly seasoned meats are carved tableside. On Thanksgiving, they add a few seasonal favorites to their impressive menu, including roasted turkey and holiday sides, blending Brazilian flavors with American holiday classics.
Perfect for foodies and adventurous eaters, Fogo de Chão is ideal for families and groups who want to celebrate Thanksgiving in a lively, upscale setting. With options for both dine-in and take-home meals, it’s a great way to enjoy a festive holiday feast that’s anything but ordinary!
6. Golden Corral
All-you-can-eat Thanksgiving buffet
Golden Corral is the ultimate destination for families and big appetites on Thanksgiving Day! Known for its all-you-can-eat buffet, Golden Corral goes all out with a spread that includes traditional Thanksgiving staples like roasted turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and seasonal pies. The buffet setup is perfect for groups with diverse tastes—everyone can pick exactly what they want and go back for seconds (or thirds!).
For those who want a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere with a holiday feast that won’t leave anyone hungry, Golden Corral makes it easy to relax and enjoy the holiday. Plus, with so many options, picky eaters and adventurous diners alike will find plenty to enjoy. Just be sure to arrive hungry!
7. Maggiano’s Little Italy
Italian style restaurant open on Thanksgiving
If you’re craving Italian flavors with a Thanksgiving twist, Maggiano’s Little Italy is the place to be. On Thanksgiving, Maggiano’s serves up a special holiday menu that combines traditional favorites like roasted turkey and mashed potatoes with Italian-American classics such as pasta, lasagna, and garlic bread. It’s a cozy, family-friendly setting perfect for those who want a festive meal with a side of Italian flair.
Whether you’re dining in or picking up a feast to enjoy at home, Maggiano’s Thanksgiving options are perfect for families and groups who want a warm, welcoming meal with a unique twist. Expect plenty of food, a lively atmosphere, and flavors that bring an extra layer of comfort to the holiday!
8. Applebee’s
Your key to a laid-back Thanksgiving
For those looking to keep things relaxed this Thanksgiving, Applebee’s offers a casual dining experience with all the comfort of a traditional holiday meal. Many Applebee’s locations open their doors for Thanksgiving, featuring their regular menu alongside seasonal dishes, like roasted turkey and savory sides, that bring a festive touch to the table. It’s perfect for families, friend groups, or anyone who wants a no-fuss way to celebrate.
With its welcoming vibe, Applebee’s is a great choice for anyone who wants to enjoy Thanksgiving without the formalities. Whether you’re seated in a cozy booth or at the bar for a game-day celebration, Applebee’s gives you all the flavors of Thanksgiving with none of the hassle.
9. Starbucks
Start Thanksgiving with a perfect brew
For coffee lovers, Starbucks is the ideal Thanksgiving pit stop to kick off the holiday with a warm, energizing boost. Whether you're preparing a big meal or just need a little "me time" before the festivities, Starbucks has you covered with your favorite espresso drinks, seasonal lattes, and brewed coffees that bring a little holiday cheer to your morning.
Perfect for those early birds and anyone who needs a caffeine fix to fuel their day, Starbucks offers a cozy escape and a reliable way to start Thanksgiving right. Sip a pumpkin spice latte or a rich dark roast, take a moment to recharge, and get ready to tackle the holiday with a cup of comfort in hand.
10. IHOP
A pancake-packed Thanksgiving morning
If a cozy, sit-down breakfast is your favorite way to start the day, IHOP is the ultimate Thanksgiving morning spot! Open bright and early, IHOP lets you enjoy a hearty breakfast with family and friends before the holiday festivities begin. With stacks of their famous pancakes, fluffy omelets, and all the breakfast classics, IHOP serves up comfort and warmth in every bite.
Perfect for families, friends, or even solo diners who want a relaxed start to Thanksgiving, IHOP’s inviting atmosphere and generous portions make it easy to fuel up for the holiday. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with endless coffee refills and let IHOP handle the cooking, so you can focus on making memories.
11. Dunkin’ Donuts
Fuel up for Thanksgiving festivities
Buy a Dunkin’ Donuts gift card
Thanksgiving morning calls for a solid coffee, and Dunkin’ is here to keep you running! Known for its bold brews and signature flavors, Dunkin’ offers everything you need to kick off the holiday with a little extra pep in your step. Whether you're grabbing a classic hot coffee, an iced latte, or a holiday favorite like pumpkin or peppermint mocha, Dunkin' has the perfect pick-me-up to start the day right.
For early risers, busy hosts, or anyone who just wants a reliable coffee to jumpstart the holiday, Dunkin’ is the perfect pre-Thanksgiving stop. Swing by for your caffeine fix, grab a donut or two, and let Dunkin' help you take on the day ahead!
Buy a Dunkin’ Donuts gift card
12. Burger King
For a quick pre-feast burger
If you’re on the go this Thanksgiving and need something fast, Burger King has you covered with classic favorites ready whenever you are. Whether you’re making a pit stop between holiday visits or just want a quick meal without the wait, Burger King’s burgers, fries, and classic Whopper are there to satisfy your cravings.
Perfect for travelers, last-minute planners, or anyone just needing a break from turkey, Burger King is a no-fuss option that’s all about convenience. Swing through the drive-thru or stop in for a speedy meal and get back to enjoying the holiday with a full stomach and no cleanup!
These are our favorite restaurants open on Thanksgiving!
Whether you’re looking for a hearty sit-down feast or a quick, casual bite, these restaurants offer a hassle-free way to enjoy Thanksgiving without missing out on the flavors and warmth of the holiday. From traditional turkey and stuffing to unique seasonal flavors, each of these spots makes it easy to celebrate the season with those who matter most. If you're looking to share good food, good company, and a stress-free holiday, dining out on Thanksgiving could be the perfect choice. So gather around the table – at a restaurant near you – and savor a Thanksgiving meal made easy.
Trae Bodge
Trae Bodge is the shopping expert here at GiftYa. Trae helps people find the best deals and ideas on popular new items to purchase.
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