The Ultimate 2025 Guide: 15+ Major Restaurants Open On Thanksgiving Day (Menus, Prices, & Must-Know Tips)

Planning your Thanksgiving Day meal just got a lot easier. As of the latest 2025 holiday season updates, a robust selection of national and regional restaurant chains are confirmed to be open, offering everything from traditional turkey dinners to international cuisine and all-day breakfast. The pressure to prepare a massive, home-cooked feast on Thursday, November 27, 2025, is officially off the table.

Whether you are looking for a classic, sit-down family experience, a quick, casual meal, or a convenient "Heat N' Serve" takeout option, this comprehensive guide provides the most current details on menus, price points, and crucial reservation information for dining out on Thanksgiving Day.

The Essential List: National Chains Serving Thanksgiving Dinner 2025

For many families, dining out on Thanksgiving has become a cherished new tradition. The following chains are renowned for offering special holiday menus that capture the spirit of the day without the stress of cooking and cleanup. Always remember to check your local restaurant's specific hours, as franchise and location-based variations are common.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

1. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

Cracker Barrel remains one of the most popular destinations for a traditional holiday meal. They offer two primary ways to enjoy their famous Southern-style comfort food.

• Dine-In Option: The in-restaurant Thanksgiving meal typically features a classic Roast Turkey Breast, Cornbread Dressing, Sweet Potato Casserole, and cranberry relish. This is served as a special holiday plate.
• Heat N' Serve Family Meal To-Go: For those who want to eat at home without the prep, the "Heat N' Serve" options are a lifesaver. The largest meal, which serves 8–10 people, is estimated to cost around $154.99 and includes two turkey breasts, all the fixings, and pie. Pre-ordering is absolutely essential and pickup slots fill up fast.

2. Denny's

As a 24/7 diner, Denny's is a reliable choice for any holiday, including Thanksgiving. Most locations will be open all day and night, offering their full regular menu alongside a special holiday feature.

• Holiday Turkey Dinner: Denny's traditionally offers a classic Holiday Turkey Dinner plate, complete with sliced turkey, savory stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, and cranberry sauce.
• Full Menu Availability: You can still order breakfast favorites like pancakes and omelets, or lunch and dinner items, making it perfect for families with varied tastes.

3. Maggiano's Little Italy

For an upscale, Italian-American twist on Thanksgiving, Maggiano's is a top-tier choice. They specialize in large, family-style dining that encourages sharing and celebration.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

• Family-Style Feast: Maggiano's offers a special, one-day-only Thanksgiving menu featuring traditional turkey and stuffing, but also includes signature Italian-American dishes like spaghetti and meatballs or baked ziti.
• Reservations & Pricing: Reservations are mandatory and should be made weeks in advance. The meal is often prix-fixe, with prices starting around $36.95 per person for the family-style option.

4. Golden Corral

If variety is what you crave, the Golden Corral Holiday Buffet is an iconic Thanksgiving experience.

• Special Holiday Buffet: The restaurant is confirmed to be open on Thanksgiving Day 2025, serving a grand buffet that includes carved turkey, ham, prime rib, and all the traditional holiday sides.
• Hours: Typical holiday hours run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., but it is crucial to confirm with your local restaurant, as hours and pricing can fluctuate significantly on the holiday.

Casual and Quick-Service Options for Turkey Day

Not every Thanksgiving meal needs to be a four-hour event. For travelers, early risers, or those needing a quick bite, several casual and fast-food chains keep their doors open.

5. Bob Evans

Bob Evans is a reliable source for a hot, ready-to-eat Thanksgiving Platter or a complete Farmhouse Feast to take home.

• The Facts Of Life Cast Where Are Eastlands Girls Now 2024 Updates 2tx8p

• The Farmhouse Feast: This popular to-go option includes slow-roasted turkey, hickory-smoked ham, bread & celery dressing, mashed potatoes & gravy, and a choice of new sides and desserts. Orders must be placed ahead of time.

6. IHOP (International House of Pancakes)

IHOP is generally open 365 days a year, including Thanksgiving. However, because most locations are independently owned franchises, their hours can vary.

• What to Expect: Expect to find their full menu of breakfast comfort food, though some locations may offer a special holiday item. Always call ahead to confirm operating hours.

7. Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar

Select Applebee's locations will be open on Thanksgiving Day, often operating with reduced hours.

• No Reservations: Applebee's typically does not require reservations, making it a good last-minute option, but be prepared for a wait, and remember to verify their local schedule.

8. Other Notable Casual & Fast-Food Chains

Many quick-service chains offer limited hours on the holiday, perfect for a quick lunch or road trip stop. These include:

• Arby's
• Burger King
• McDonald's
• Popeyes
• White Castle

Essential Tips for a Stress-Free Thanksgiving Dining Experience

Dining out on a major holiday like Thanksgiving requires a little extra planning. High demand, special menus, and limited seating mean you need to be prepared. Following these tips will ensure your holiday meal is a success.

Book Your Reservations Early

For any sit-down or fine dining establishment—including Maggiano's, Black Angus, or any local steakhouse—reservations are not optional; they are essential. The best time slots (mid-afternoon) are often booked weeks, if not months, in advance. Use online reservation platforms like OpenTable or call the restaurant directly.

Verify Local Hours and Special Menus

The most important piece of advice for Thanksgiving dining is to call your specific local restaurant. While a national chain may be "open," individual franchise owners can choose to close or drastically alter their operating hours. Confirming the hours prevents a frustrating surprise.

Be Prepared for Premium Pricing

Thanksgiving menus, especially prix-fixe and buffet options, almost always come with a higher price tag than the regular menu. This is due to the specialty ingredients, the limited-time nature of the feast, and the cost of having staff work on a holiday. Budget accordingly for your Holiday Turkey Dinner.

Factor in Wait Times and Gratuity

Even with a reservation, expect a slight delay, as kitchens and front-of-house staff will be working at maximum capacity. Furthermore, remember to be generous with your gratuity. Restaurant staff who work on Thanksgiving Day are sacrificing their own holiday to serve you, and a generous tip is a great way to show appreciation for their service.

Key Holiday Dining Entities & LSI Keywords for 2025

This comprehensive guide has covered numerous entities essential to planning your Thanksgiving celebration, ensuring you have topical authority on the subject of holiday dining. From major national chains to specific menu items, here are the key entities discussed:

• Major Chains: Cracker Barrel, Denny's, Golden Corral, Maggiano's Little Italy, Bob Evans, IHOP, Applebee's.
• Menu Offerings: Roast Turkey Breast, Sweet Potato Casserole, Cornbread Dressing, Holiday Turkey Dinner, Farmhouse Feast, Holiday Buffet, Prime Rib Dinner, Hickory-Smoked Ham.
• Dining Formats: Heat N' Serve, Family Meal To-Go, Family-Style Dining, Prix-Fixe Menu, Fast-Casual, Quick-Service.
• Planning Logistics: Reservations, Operating Hours, Franchise, Gratuity, Holiday Season, Thanksgiving Day 2025.

By utilizing the convenience of these restaurants, you can turn a stressful cooking day into a relaxing, memorable holiday spent with family and friends. Just be sure to plan ahead!