The Definitive List of 30+ Restaurants Confirmed Open on Thanksgiving Day 2025 (Plus Special Menus & Takeout)

The Definitive List Of 30+ Restaurants Confirmed Open On Thanksgiving Day 2025 (Plus Special Menus & Takeout)

The Definitive List of 30+ Restaurants Confirmed Open on Thanksgiving Day 2025 (Plus Special Menus & Takeout)

Planning your Thanksgiving Day meal in November 2025 is easier than ever, thanks to a robust lineup of national and regional restaurant chains committed to staying open. Whether you’re looking for a classic, comforting turkey dinner with all the traditional fixings, or simply a quick and easy meal on the holiday, this comprehensive guide provides the most up-to-date information on which restaurants will be serving guests for dine-in, takeout, or special catering on Thursday, November 27, 2025.

The stress of preparing a massive holiday feast is entirely optional this year. From family-style dining at Cracker Barrel to upscale multi-course menus at steakhouses, a wide variety of dining options are available to ensure your Thanksgiving is delicious and completely stress-free. Remember that local restaurant operating hours may vary, so always confirm with your nearest location before heading out.

The Essential List of National Chains Open for Thanksgiving 2025

Numerous national restaurant chains have confirmed they will be opening their doors on Thanksgiving Day, offering everything from full holiday meals to their regular everyday menu. This list covers the most popular options for a traditional or alternative holiday dining experience.

  • Cracker Barrel: A perennial favorite, Cracker Barrel offers a special one-day dine-in menu featuring a traditional turkey dinner. They are also famous for their "Heat and Serve Holiday Meals," which can be pre-ordered and picked up to serve a family gathering at home.
  • Denny's: As a 24/7 diner in many locations, Denny's is a reliable choice. They will feature their classic roasted turkey dinner plate, complete with savory stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. They also offer the "Holiday Turkey Bundle" for those opting for a take-home meal kit.
  • IHOP: Most IHOP locations remain open on Thanksgiving, often serving their full breakfast menu alongside limited-time holiday favorites. This is an excellent choice for a holiday breakfast or brunch.
  • Bob Evans: Known for its farm-fresh homestyle meals, Bob Evans typically offers a special Thanksgiving menu for dine-in, focusing on turkey and holiday sides.
  • Golden Corral: This buffet-style restaurant is a popular destination for a Thanksgiving feast, offering a massive spread that includes turkey, ham, and a wide array of side dishes and desserts.
  • Applebee's: Many franchised Applebee's locations will be open, though hours and menu availability (regular menu vs. holiday special) can vary greatly by branch.
  • Boston Market: An easy option for a quick, traditional meal, Boston Market is known for its rotisserie turkey and pre-made Thanksgiving meals and sides.
  • Buca di Beppo: This Italian chain often provides a family-style dining experience for Thanksgiving, featuring both Italian specialties and a traditional turkey dinner.
  • Romano's Macaroni Grill: Another Italian-American option that typically offers a special Thanksgiving menu in addition to its regular Italian fare.
  • The Cheesecake Factory: While known for its extensive menu, The Cheesecake Factory often opens with limited hours and may offer a special turkey dinner plate.

Premium Dining and Reservation-Only Thanksgiving Meals

For those seeking a more formal or upscale Thanksgiving experience, several premium chains offer special, multi-course holiday menus. Reservations are highly recommended, and often required, for these establishments, as they book up quickly.

  • Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: Fleming's is a top choice for an elevated holiday meal, typically featuring a special two-course or three-course Thanksgiving menu. Reservations are essential and should be made weeks in advance.
  • Maggiano's Little Italy: Maggiano's offers a popular family-style Thanksgiving dinner, often featuring a blend of traditional American and Italian dishes. This is a perfect option for larger groups.
  • Saltgrass Steak House: This steakhouse has confirmed a Thanksgiving Day Dinner for dine-in only, priced around $23.99, featuring roasted turkey and traditional sides.
  • BRIO Tuscan Grille: Known for its Italian-American cuisine, Brio often provides a special turkey dinner as an alternative to their regular menu.
  • Lucille's Smokehouse Bar-B-Que: For a Southern twist, Lucille's offers an Individual Thanksgiving Dinner for approximately $34.99, available for dine-in.

The Convenience of Fast Food and 24/7 Diners

If your holiday plans involve travel, last-minute needs, or simply avoiding a large sit-down meal, many fast food and casual diners operate on Thanksgiving Day, though often with reduced hours.

  • Waffle House: The ultimate 24/7 diner, Waffle House is almost always open, even on major holidays, making it a reliable choice for a quick meal.
  • Village Inn & Perkins: These family restaurants are similar to Denny's and IHOP and are strong contenders for a casual Thanksgiving breakfast or a full turkey dinner.
  • Burger King & Arby's: Many franchised locations for major fast-food chains like Burger King and Arby's will remain open, offering their regular menus.
  • McDonald's, Wendy's, & Popeyes: While not all locations will be open, many franchisees choose to operate on Thanksgiving. It is crucial to check the specific location via their app or a quick call.
  • Subway: Some Subway locations may be open, offering a non-traditional, quick meal option, sometimes with special festive subs.
  • Buffalo Wild Wings: While primarily a sports bar, some locations open later in the day, especially to catch any holiday sporting events.

The Rise of Thanksgiving Takeout and Meal Kits

The trend of "no-cook Thanksgiving" is growing rapidly, with many restaurants offering fully prepared holiday meal kits or catering options that can be reheated at home. These options are perfect for minimizing kitchen time while still enjoying a home-cooked feel.

Must-Know Takeout Options (Pre-Order Required)

The most popular Thanksgiving takeout options require a pre-order, often with a deadline in mid-November. Pickup is typically scheduled for the day before Thanksgiving, or sometimes early on the holiday itself.

  • Cracker Barrel Heat and Serve: Their signature offering, the Heat and Serve Feast, feeds up to ten people and includes oven-roasted turkey breast, cornbread dressing, gravy, cranberry relish, and a selection of classic sides. The smaller Heat and Serve Family Dinner is also available for smaller gatherings.
  • Denny's Holiday Turkey Bundle: This take-home kit is designed for convenience, featuring carved turkey, savory stuffing, and all the necessary fixings.
  • Local Grocery & Specialty Markets: Beyond the major chains, entities like Big Y and other local markets offer fully prepared Thanksgiving dinners, which are excellent alternatives to restaurant takeout.
  • Chompie's Restaurant: This type of local/regional restaurant often offers a full, scratch-made turkey dinner for takeout, cooked fresh from family recipes.

Key Considerations for a Stress-Free Holiday Meal

To ensure your Thanksgiving dining experience is smooth, keep these critical tips in mind:

  1. Check Local Hours: While a chain may be listed as open nationally, individual franchise owners may choose to close or operate with limited hours (e.g., 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Always call your specific location or check their official website/app for the most accurate information.
  2. Make Reservations Early: For any sit-down dining experience, especially at upscale restaurants like Fleming's or Maggiano's, Thanksgiving dinner reservations should be secured by the beginning of November at the latest.
  3. Pre-Order Deadlines: If you plan on a Thanksgiving catering or holiday meal kit (like the Cracker Barrel Heat and Serve), be vigilant about the pre-order deadlines, which are often 5-10 days before the holiday.
  4. Ask About the Menu: Confirm whether the restaurant is serving their regular menu, a limited holiday menu, or a specific traditional turkey dinner special.

By leveraging the many Thanksgiving takeout options and dine-in availability at these popular chains, you can truly enjoy a relaxing, no-fuss holiday with family and friends. This year, let the experts handle the kitchen.

The Definitive List of 30+ Restaurants Confirmed Open on Thanksgiving Day 2025 (Plus Special Menus & Takeout)
The Definitive List of 30+ Restaurants Confirmed Open on Thanksgiving Day 2025 (Plus Special Menus & Takeout)

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open restaurants on thanksgiving day

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open restaurants on thanksgiving day

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