The Ultimate List: 25+ National Restaurants Open For Thanksgiving Day 2025 (Plus Holiday Specials)

Planning your Thanksgiving meal for 2025? As Thursday, November 27, 2025, approaches, the thought of skipping the hours of cooking and cleanup to enjoy a stress-free holiday feast becomes incredibly appealing. Whether you're looking for a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings, an upscale fine dining experience, or a quick, casual bite, numerous national restaurant chains and local eateries keep their doors open to serve guests on this major holiday. This comprehensive guide provides the most up-to-date information on which popular restaurants will be open, their holiday hours, and, most importantly, the special Thanksgiving menus they’ll be offering this year.

For many families, dining out on Thanksgiving Day has become a cherished new tradition, offering a chance to focus purely on quality time with loved ones. From classic American diners to steakhouses and Italian favorites, the options for a memorable Thanksgiving dinner are plentiful. However, remember that holiday schedules are often adjusted, so always call your local restaurant location to confirm their specific operating hours and, crucially, to secure your reservation—many spots book up weeks in advance.

National Chains Offering Traditional Thanksgiving Feasts and Dine-In Specials

The core of a great Thanksgiving is the classic turkey and stuffing meal. Several major national chains are known for stepping up their game on November 27, 2025, offering fixed-price menus and special holiday spreads that capture the spirit of a home-cooked dinner without the hassle. These restaurants are your go-to for a reliable, family-friendly holiday experience. Securing Thanksgiving dinner reservations at these locations is highly recommended, especially for larger groups.

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• Cracker Barrel Old Country Store: A perennial favorite, Cracker Barrel is expected to be open on Thanksgiving Day, likely starting at 11 a.m. They traditionally offer a special "Homestyle Turkey n' Dressing Meal" for dine-in guests, as well as their popular Heat n' Serve Holiday Feasts for those who prefer to pick up their meal and eat at home.
• Bob Evans: Known for their farm-fresh comfort food, Bob Evans is a reliable choice for a Thanksgiving restaurant special. They typically serve a special holiday menu featuring slow-roasted turkey and ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, and other classic sides. They also offer "Farmhouse Feasts" for carryout.
• Golden Corral: If you love variety, Golden Corral's Thanksgiving Buffet is an institution. Their buffet often includes carved turkey, ham, prime rib, and an extensive selection of holiday sides and desserts, making it a perfect choice for families with diverse tastes.
• Maggiano's Little Italy: For an upscale Italian twist on the holiday, Maggiano's often offers a special four-course family-style Thanksgiving meal. This option provides a cozy atmosphere and a mix of traditional turkey dishes and their signature Italian-American cuisine.
• Romano's Macaroni Grill: This Italian chain often remains open, sometimes offering a special three-course menu that includes a traditional turkey dinner option alongside their regular menu items, providing great flexibility.
• Eddie Merlot's: For a more luxurious fine dining experience, Eddie Merlot's is confirmed to be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., serving a special three-course turkey dinner with all the trimmings, in addition to their signature dinner menu.
• Saltgrass Steak House: Saltgrass will be open on November 27, 2025, offering a special Thanksgiving Day Dinner for dine-in guests, as well as To-Go Family Packs for those celebrating at home.
• Lucille's Smokehouse Bar-B-Que: Open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Lucille’s offers a unique Southern-style holiday meal with their Individual Thanksgiving Dinner priced at $34.99.

The Ultimate List of 25+ Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving Day 2025

Beyond the traditional turkey dinner spots, many other popular national chains open on Thanksgiving to cater to travelers, those looking for non-traditional meals, or people simply seeking a convenient place to eat. It is crucial to note that for most of these establishments, hours of operation may be reduced, and some locations may be closed, so calling ahead is mandatory.

Casual Dining and Family Restaurants Open

These establishments typically maintain a near-normal schedule or offer slightly reduced hours of operation, making them excellent choices for a casual meal.

• Denny's: Famous for being open 24/7, 365 days a year, Denny's is a guaranteed option. They usually offer a special "Turkey & Dressing Dinner" alongside their full menu.
• IHOP: Like Denny's, IHOP is a reliable choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner on the holiday. Expect their full pancake-heavy menu to be available.
• Waffle House: Another 24-hour staple, Waffle House is committed to being open, offering their full menu of waffles, hash browns, and classic diner fare.
• Applebee's: Many Applebee's locations remain open, although hours can vary widely by franchisee. They are a solid option for a relaxed meal.
• TGI Fridays: A good number of TGI Fridays restaurants will be open, offering their regular menu of appetizers, burgers, and cocktails.
• Marie Callender's: Often serving a special holiday menu with turkey and ham, Marie Callender's is also known for its wide selection of holiday pies.
• Bar Louie: This gastropub chain is known to be open in many locations, offering a lively atmosphere and a full bar.

Fast Food and Quick Service Options

For a quick bite or a meal on the go, several major fast-food chains keep their doors open on Thanksgiving Day, though hours are often limited.

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• McDonald's: While not all locations will be open (many are franchised), a significant number of McDonald's restaurants will operate, often with reduced hours.
• Burger King: Most Burger King locations are expected to be open, providing a quick and easy option for travelers or those needing a fast lunch.
• Wendy's: Many Wendy's restaurants will be serving customers on the holiday.
• Popeyes: The popular chicken chain is another fast-food option expected to have many locations open.
• White Castle: Confirmed to be open all day on Thanksgiving, serving their classic sliders.
• Arby's: A good number of Arby's locations will be open for their signature roast beef sandwiches.
• Boston Market: Known for rotisserie chicken, Boston Market is a common option for both dine-in and heat-and-serve meals on Thanksgiving.
• Buffalo Wild Wings: For those looking to catch a football game and a beer, many BWW locations will be open.

Essential Tips for Thanksgiving Day Dining and Takeout in 2025

Dining out on a major holiday requires a little extra planning to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. The demand for restaurant seating on November 27, 2025, is incredibly high, making early action a necessity.

The Importance of Reservations and Confirmation

The single most important step is to make your Thanksgiving dinner reservations as early as possible. For popular spots like Cracker Barrel, Maggiano's, or fine dining establishments, reservations can fill up by early November. Even if a restaurant is a chain, its holiday hours and whether it's open can vary significantly by location because most are independently owned franchises. Always call the specific location you plan to visit to confirm their hours of operation for Thanksgiving Day 2025. This step prevents disappointment.

Dine-In vs. Takeout: Choosing Your Feast

Many restaurants now offer incredible takeout and catering options, which can be a perfect middle ground between cooking and dining out. These "Heat n' Serve" or "To-Go Family Packs" allow you to pick up a fully prepared, high-quality meal—often including a whole turkey, stuffing, and pies—that only requires reheating at home. This is ideal for those who want a home Thanksgiving feast atmosphere without the hours of preparation. Chains like Cracker Barrel, Bob Evans, and Saltgrass are leaders in this space.

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Navigating Holiday Menus and Pricing

Be aware that many restaurants, especially upscale ones, will only offer a fixed-price (prix-fixe) or limited seasonal specials menu on Thanksgiving. This means the regular menu may not be available. Fixed-price meals usually include a starter, the main course (often turkey or a steak option), and dessert, with costs ranging from $25 per person at casual spots to over $100 at high-end venues. Always check the menu and price when booking your reservation.

Whether you choose a cozy atmosphere at a local diner or a lavish three-course meal at a steakhouse, dining out on Thanksgiving 2025 is a fantastic way to create new memories and enjoy the holiday without the stress of the kitchen. Plan ahead, book early, and enjoy your feast!