What Restaurants Are Open on Thanksgiving?

If you’re gearing up to make Thanksgiving dinner, we’re happy to help, starting with our most popular Thanksgiving recipe ideas. But for anyone with “reservations” about Turkey Day, fear not, because we’ve got help for the non-cooks, too! Here’s a list of casual restaurants open on Thanksgiving. In each case, we recommend calling to confirm that your neighborhood’s location will be open and offering the deals below:

Bob Evans

Bob Evans doesn’t disappoint any time of the year, much less on Thanksgiving. According to their site, Bob Evans will be open for Thanksgiving and doling out the classic dishes, like turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and more! Now if only they had a Thanksgiving breakfast menu…

Boston Market

Boston Market will ship diners a pre-cooked, complete Thanksgiving meal anywhere in the continental US, as long as you place your order early enough. You can also order for delivery if you’ve got a smaller crowd this year. If you’d rather do a Boston Market-themed Thanksgiving instead, though, give these copycat recipes a try—they’re just as good as the real thing.

Chart House

Chart House is known for dishing out the goods on holidays, and this Thanksgiving will be no different. Not only will you get the chance to dig into your favorite, family-sized Thanksgiving courses, but you’ll have a view to enjoy at the same time. What’s not to love?

Cracker Barrel

Guess which day is Cracker Barrel‘s busiest day of the year? That would be Thanksgiving! The Homestyle Turkey n’ Dressing Meal costs $12.99 for adults and $7.99 for kids. The to-go meals are priced per group of six (starting at $67.99). Alternatively, warm up the Thanksgiving table with these Cracker Barrel copycat recipes.

Denny’s

The thing about Denny’s is it never really closes. Most locations are in operation twenty-four hours a day, and Thanksgiving is no different. Denny’s typically offers family meals for pickup or delivery in November, so make sure to take advantage of your nearest location when the deals start rolling out. (And don’t forget to recreate these Denny’s recipes for breakfast tomorrow.)

Dunkin’

According to The Holiday Schedule, Dunkin’ will be open on Thanksgiving, but with reduced hours. Holiday hours will more than likely vary by location, so before you stop in for that go-to breakfast sammie and iced coffee, make sure your location is open for business.

Golden Corral

Golden Corral has recently begun the operation of reopening restaurants nationwide, and for the time being, the company says it will be open on Thanksgiving. Golden Corral offers fan-favorites every year, like classic turkey carved right in front of you. They also do family Thanksgiving meals if you’d rather not dine at the buffet. Indulge at home with these Golden Corral recipes.

IHOP

Alright, so IHOP isn’t exactly known for dinner—that doesn’t mean you can’t indulge in some Turkey Day breakfast! IHOP’s hours also vary by location, so make sure you know your nearest IHOP’s hours before you head in for breakfast.

Little Caesar’s

There’s never an off day for Little Caesar’s! While we can’t promise they’ll be open during regular operating hours on Thanksgiving, Little Caesar’s will be open for the holiday. Unlike most restaurants, Little Caesar’s is also open on Christmas Day, though hours vary by location. These pizza recipes taste perfect even on Thanksgiving.

McDonald’s

If you prefer a classic burger and fries combo on Thanksgiving over turkey, head to McDonald’s this holiday season. Keep in mind, though, that up to 95% of McDonald’s restaurants are independently owned and operated, so hours will vary by location. It’s unlikely McDonald’s will be rolling out a Thanksgiving deal, but we’re keeping our fingers crossed.

Popeyes

Popeyes doesn’t just do chicken—they offer a Cajun-style turkey every year, too. Unfortunately, not all Popeyes locations are going to be open this year, but a good handful of them will be. Make sure to check in on your location if you’ve got plans to order a turkey for delivery.

Sonic

While not all Sonic locations will be open on Thanksgiving, a select few will, so you don’t have to go a day without your go-to slushie. To determine whether or not your location is open, call ahead or check the store locator on their site. (Worst case scenario, make these Sonic recipes at home.)

Starbucks

If you’re a frequent patron of Starbucks, you’ll know the coffee giant takes almost no days off. Starbucks will be open for Thanksgiving this year like it is every year, so you don’t have to skip the PSL on the day you deserve it most. Pair your Thanksgiving dinner with these fall secret menu drinks.

Steak ‘N Shake

Like many restaurants, Steak ‘N Shake stays open for most of the year, including Thanksgiving Day. It’s a great go-to if you’re not feeling the traditional Thanksgiving dinner, but keep in mind hours may vary by location. Still, it’s hard to turn down Steak ‘N Shake—even on Thanksgiving!

Subway

On the off chance you’re craving a sub this Thanksgiving, you’ll have no trouble getting one. Subway is only closed on Christmas Day this year, so you can indulge in that Meatball Marinara all Thanksgiving Day long.

TGI Friday’s

TGI Friday’s is rumored to be open this year, though hours will vary by location. To make sure you’re getting the most out of your Thanksgiving dinner, call ahead and see if your location is open. If so, your Thanksgiving plans are made! Try these TGI Friday’s recipes at home.

Waffle House

“We will keep to our already-famous menu over the holidays,” said a rep from Waffle House last year. “Our customers are thankful for our menu all year long, so during the holidays we like to keep that tradition going.” Per usual, Waffle House will be open 24/7/365. (But you should call ahead, just in case.)

White Castle

Rumor has it White Castle will only be closed on one day this year, and that day is Christmas. Otherwise, you can head in on Turkey Day to get a taste of your favorite slider. (Honestly, we couldn’t think of a better Thanksgiving appetizer than a suitcase of mini burgers.)

Keep in mind any of these are subject to change, and good luck finding a spot to gather with family! If you decide you want to make Thanksgiving Dinner at home, go straight for our tried-and-true Thanksgiving recipes.

Our Top-Rated Turkey Day Recipes

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Stuffing from the Slow Cooker

If you're hosting a big Thanksgiving dinner this year, add this simple slow-cooked stuffing to your menu to ease entertaining. The recipe comes in handy when you run out of oven space at large family gatherings. I use this Crock Pot dressing recipe often. —Donald Seiler, Macon, Mississippi

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