The Definitive List of 30+ Food Places Open on Thanksgiving Day 2025 (Dine-In & Takeout)

The Definitive List Of 30+ Food Places Open On Thanksgiving Day 2025 (Dine-In & Takeout)

The Definitive List of 30+ Food Places Open on Thanksgiving Day 2025 (Dine-In & Takeout)

Thanksgiving Day 2025 falls on Thursday, November 27th, and for many, the biggest stress of the holiday isn't Uncle Joe's political rants—it's the massive cooking marathon. If you're looking to skip the hours of prep, the overflowing sink of dishes, and the inevitable turkey disaster, you are in luck. This year, more restaurants than ever are stepping up to offer everything from classic, full-service turkey dinners to convenient, fully prepared takeout feasts and quick, casual bites for travelers and those who just need a break.

The good news is that you absolutely do not have to cook. This comprehensive, up-to-date guide for the 2025 holiday season details the top dining and takeout options, covering national chains, casual favorites, and even fast-food spots that will be open for business. Remember that holiday hours are almost always special and vary by location, so a quick call to your local restaurant is always the most important final step before you head out.

Feast Mode: Full-Service Restaurants & Buffets Open for Thanksgiving Dinner 2025

For a traditional, sit-down holiday experience without the hassle of cooking, these national chains and full-service restaurants are your best bet. Many offer a special, multi-course Thanksgiving menu or a lavish holiday buffet, often requiring reservations well in advance.

  • Cracker Barrel: A perennial favorite, Cracker Barrel is expected to be open and serving its traditional Homestyle Turkey n’ Dressing Meal. They also offer Heat n’ Serve Family Meals To-Go for those who want to eat at home without cooking from scratch.
  • Bob Evans: Bob Evans is confirmed to be open on Thanksgiving Day, offering dine-in service with all the classic holiday fixings. They are also famous for their "Farmhouse Feast," a complete carryout meal that can be pre-ordered and picked up cold to heat at home.
  • Denny's: As a 24/7 diner, Denny's is a reliable option. They typically offer a special Thanksgiving menu alongside their regular all-day breakfast and classic American fare.
  • Golden Corral: Known for its expansive buffet, Golden Corral is a popular spot for a large, varied Thanksgiving feast, often featuring carving stations with turkey and ham.
  • Maggiano's Little Italy: For a slightly upscale experience, Maggiano's often offers a four-course family-style meal with both traditional turkey and Italian-American options. Reservations are highly recommended.
  • Buca di Beppo: This Italian chain frequently offers a traditional Thanksgiving meal served family-style, perfect for large groups who want a mix of turkey and pasta favorites.
  • Kona Grill: Expect a special holiday menu at Kona Grill, likely a prix-fixe option featuring turkey and other seasonal items. Checking the specific location's menu is advised.
  • STK Steakhouse: For a premium dining experience, high-end steakhouses like STK often serve a special Thanksgiving plate with turkey, stuffing, and other sides, alongside their regular steak menu.
  • Romano’s Macaroni Grill: This restaurant is another chain that has historically remained open on Thanksgiving, offering a special holiday menu.

Pro Tip: Many full-service restaurants, especially those in hotel settings or upscale areas, offer a Thanksgiving buffet. For example, some locations offer a lavish buffet with prime rib, smoked turkey, and various sides, often priced per person. Always call ahead to confirm pricing and secure a reservation.

Casual Dining & Fast Food Options for Quick Holiday Bites

If your Thanksgiving plans involve travel, a quick pit stop, or you simply need a casual, low-key meal, many fast-food and casual dining spots will have their lights on. While many of these locations are independently owned and hours will vary significantly, the following chains are the most likely to be open on November 27, 2025.

The Reliable All-Day Diners

  • IHOP: Like Denny's, IHOP is a go-to for holiday travelers and those craving breakfast. They usually operate on a modified schedule.
  • Waffle House: The unofficial king of 24/7 dining, Waffle House is almost always open, regardless of the holiday.

Fast-Food & Quick Service

  • Burger King: Many franchised Burger King locations choose to open, though hours will be reduced.
  • Arby's: A good number of Arby's locations are expected to be open for those needing a quick, meaty sandwich fix.
  • Dunkin': Essential for morning coffee and donuts, most Dunkin' locations will be open with special holiday hours.
  • Starbucks: Similar to Dunkin', many company-owned and licensed Starbucks stores will be open for a caffeine boost.
  • Del Taco: This fast-food chain is one of the more reliable quick-service options on Thanksgiving Day.
  • Domino’s: If pizza is your post-turkey alternative, many Domino’s locations will be delivering.
  • Bojangles: Known for their fried chicken and biscuits, Bojangles is another chain that typically keeps its doors open.
  • Jimmy John's: Most locations will be open, but be sure to call ahead to verify hours, as they vary widely by store.

Stress-Free Thanksgiving Takeout & Catering Options 2025

The perfect middle ground between dining out and cooking from scratch is a prepared meal or catering package. This option allows you to enjoy a full holiday spread at home with minimal effort. The deadline for ordering these meals is often a few days before Thanksgiving, so plan accordingly.

Top Prepared Meal Providers

  • Bob Evans Farmhouse Feast: As mentioned, this is a fully cooked, heat-and-serve meal that is a Thanksgiving staple for many families. The last day to order the Farmhouse Feast is typically a few days before the holiday.
  • Whole Foods Market: Whole Foods offers a wide array of fully prepared Thanksgiving dinners, from complete turkey meals to a la carte sides and desserts. Ordering online is highly recommended.
  • Wegmans: This popular grocery chain offers numerous prepared meal and catering options, including frozen turkeys and boneless turkey breasts ready for cooking.
  • Big Y: Big Y provides premade Thanksgiving dinners and catering options, allowing for a stress-free holiday meal pickup.
  • Boston Market: Famous for its rotisserie chicken, Boston Market also offers holiday meals and catering, though they will have special holiday hours on Thanksgiving Day itself.
  • Local Catering Services: Many regional and local caterers, such as A Fresh Connection Catering, offer freshly prepared takeout dinners with classic holiday flavors, eliminating the need for dishes and cooking.

Key Entities for Topical Authority

To ensure you cover all your bases, remember these additional entities that frequently offer holiday service or meals:

  • Benihana: Often offers a special holiday prix-fixe menu.
  • Applebee's: Select locations are open, but hours vary greatly.
  • Baskin-Robbins: Open for post-dinner dessert and ice cream.
  • White Castle: A late-night or casual option that is often open.
  • Buffalo Wild Wings: A good choice for those wanting to watch football while they eat.
  • BRIO Tuscan Grille: A more upscale Italian option often open for the holiday.
  • Einstein Bros. Bagels: Perfect for a quick, non-traditional breakfast on Thanksgiving morning.

Planning Your Perfect Thanksgiving Meal: Essential Tips

The key to a successful, stress-free Thanksgiving meal in 2025 is preparation. Whether you choose to dine out or pick up a prepared meal, keep these crucial tips in mind:

  1. Check Local Hours: This is the most critical step. Almost all restaurants operate on modified "special holiday hours" on Thanksgiving. An Applebee's in one town might be closed, while another is open. Call the specific location to confirm.
  2. Make Reservations Immediately: Full-service restaurants like Maggiano's, Kona Grill, and STK Steakhouse book up weeks in advance. If you plan to dine in, secure your table now.
  3. Order Takeout Early: Catering and prepared meals from places like Whole Foods, Bob Evans, and local caterers have strict ordering deadlines, often a week or more before the holiday. Don't wait until the last minute.
  4. Confirm the Menu: Don't assume the regular menu is available. Many restaurants switch to a limited, prix-fixe, or buffet-only Thanksgiving menu.

By utilizing this up-to-date list of food places open on Thanksgiving 2025, you can ensure your holiday is filled with family, football, and fantastic food—without the endless hours in the kitchen!

The Definitive List of 30+ Food Places Open on Thanksgiving Day 2025 (Dine-In & Takeout)
The Definitive List of 30+ Food Places Open on Thanksgiving Day 2025 (Dine-In & Takeout)

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food places open on thanksgiving

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food places open on thanksgiving
food places open on thanksgiving

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