The Ultimate 2025 Guide: 25+ Restaurants Open On Thanksgiving Day For A Stress-Free Feast

Planning your Thanksgiving dinner for Thursday, November 27, 2025, doesn't have to involve hours of cooking and mountain of dishes. This year, a growing number of major restaurant chains, family diners, and upscale eateries are choosing to open their doors, offering everything from traditional turkey feasts to their full, regular menus. Whether you're traveling, hosting a small group, or simply want a stress-free holiday, knowing which establishments are serving up a delicious meal is the first step to a perfect Thanksgiving. The trend for 2025 continues to lean heavily toward convenience, with many venues offering both dine-in specials and elaborate Thanksgiving to-go meals. However, it's crucial to remember that holiday hours can be significantly reduced, and almost all popular spots require advance reservations to secure your table. Always call your local branch or check the restaurant's official website for the most accurate operating times and menu details before making your holiday plans.

The Essential List of Family Favorite Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving 2025

For many Americans, the Thanksgiving holiday is synonymous with classic comfort food and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. These family-friendly chains are the backbone of holiday dining, reliably offering special holiday menus alongside their regular fare. They are excellent choices for a traditional, affordable, and stress-free Thanksgiving dinner.

Must-Visit Family Dining Chains

These restaurants are known for their special holiday offerings, often featuring roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie.

• Cracker Barrel: A perennial favorite, Cracker Barrel typically offers a special Thanksgiving meal for dine-in guests, as well as their popular Heat n' Serve Holiday Family Meals To-Go. It's advisable to check their specific Thanksgiving holiday hours well in advance.
• Bob Evans: Known for its "Farmhouse Feast," Bob Evans offers both dine-in service with a special menu and the option to order a complete Thanksgiving meal to-go, which can feed groups of various sizes.
• Denny's: Often open 24/7, Denny's is a reliable choice. While they may offer a holiday special, their full menu is usually available, making it a great option for non-traditional diners.
• IHOP: Similar to Denny's, IHOP is a go-to for breakfast, lunch, or a late-night meal on the holiday, with many locations maintaining their standard hours.
• Golden Corral: Famous for its buffet, Golden Corral typically features a massive Thanksgiving buffet with all the trimmings, perfect for families with varied tastes.

Casual Eateries and Fast-Casual Options

If you're looking for something quick, a different cuisine, or a meal earlier in the day, these casual spots often have locations open:

• Applebee's: Many franchised locations may be open, offering their regular menu. It’s essential to call ahead to confirm the restaurant hours on Thanksgiving Day.
• Boston Market: A fantastic option for both dine-in and Thanksgiving catering, Boston Market is famous for its rotisserie turkey and holiday sides.
• Buca di Beppo: This Italian chain often offers a traditional Thanksgiving meal served family-style, which is ideal for larger gatherings.
• Ruby Tuesday: Select locations of Ruby Tuesday typically remain open, providing a casual dining experience.
• White Castle: A fast-food option for quick bites, many locations are open, though hours will be limited.
• Arby's & Burger King: While hours vary greatly by location, many franchised quick-service restaurants may be open for limited hours.

Upscale and Fine Dining Restaurants for a Holiday Treat

For those seeking a more luxurious or celebratory experience without the cleanup, many high-end steakhouse and Italian chains offer pre-fixe Thanksgiving menus. These options almost always require advance Thanksgiving dinner reservations.

Steakhouses and Fine Dining Entities

Making a reservation for these venues is highly recommended, as they book up quickly for the holiday.

• Ruth's Chris Steak House: A classic choice for an upscale Thanksgiving, Ruth's Chris typically offers a three-course Thanksgiving feast along with their full dinner menu.
• Morton's The Steakhouse: They are known to offer a special four-course Thanksgiving meal for dine-in guests.
• Perry's Steakhouse & Grille: Perry's has historically offered a special dine-in menu on Thanksgiving Day, often running from late morning until the evening.
• Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: Fleming's often features a special two- or three-course Thanksgiving menu, though their regular lunch and social hour menus are usually unavailable.
• Sullivan's Steakhouse: Another excellent fine dining option, Sullivan's invites guests to make a reservation to celebrate the holiday with them.
• Maggiano's Little Italy: Maggiano's is a great choice for Italian-American cuisine, often serving a family-style Thanksgiving dinner.
• BRIO Tuscan Grille: This chain is another upscale Italian option that is typically open for the holiday.

The Convenience Factor: Thanksgiving To-Go Meals and Catering

One of the biggest Thanksgiving trends in 2025 is the sheer variety of prepared dinners to go. This option allows you to serve a chef-prepared meal at home without any of the cooking hassle.

Top Options for Prepared Thanksgiving Dinners

Many grocery stores and major chains offer complete, pre-cooked meals. These are perfect for those who want the cozy home experience but need to save time. * Bob Evans Farmhouse Feast: As mentioned, this is a complete, pre-made meal that simply requires heating. It’s a highly popular Thanksgiving catering choice. * Cracker Barrel Heat n' Serve: Their take-home meals are a convenient way to enjoy their famous holiday menu at your own table. * Fleming's Prime Steakhouse: Even upscale restaurants offer catering menus for pick-up or delivery around the holiday period. * Big Y & Other Grocers: Major grocery chains like Big Y offer fully prepared holiday meals and catering options that can be ordered in advance for pickup. * Walmart: Walmart often brings back its annual Thanksgiving meal basket, offering a complete set of ingredients and prepared items to feed a large group. * Local Farms and Specialty Stores: Places like Fair Oaks Farms also offer chef-prepared Farmhouse Thanksgiving Dinner options, emphasizing local and fresh ingredients. The key to securing a to-go meal is the deadline. Most places require orders to be placed at least a week in advance, with pickup dates typically scheduled for the day before Thanksgiving.

Critical Tips for Thanksgiving Dinner Reservations and Planning

Securing your spot for Thanksgiving 2025 requires proactive planning, especially if you have a large party or are looking at a popular venue. Don't wait until the last minute, as many restaurants start accepting Thanksgiving reservations as early as October.

Navigating Holiday Dining Logistics

1. Book Early: For upscale dining (like Ruth's Chris or Perry's), use online reservation platforms like OpenTable or call the restaurant directly weeks ahead. These spots often have fixed seating times. 2. Confirm the Menu: Many restaurants only offer a limited, fixed-price (prix-fixe) holiday menu on Thanksgiving Day, and their regular menu may not be available. Check the price and the offerings before you book. 3. Verify Holiday Hours: While some chains are listed as "open," their hours will almost certainly be reduced. A restaurant that normally closes at 10 PM might close at 6 PM on Thanksgiving. Always call your specific location to confirm. 4. Check for To-Go Deadlines: If you opt for a take-out meal, pay close attention to the ordering and pickup deadlines. Missing the cut-off date means you miss the meal. 5. Tipping: Remember that restaurant staff are working on a major holiday. It is customary and highly appreciated to be generous with your gratuity for their holiday service. By planning ahead and utilizing the many excellent restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day, you can enjoy a delicious, traditional, or even non-traditional holiday meal without the stress of a massive kitchen undertaking. This year, let someone else handle the turkey and the dishes, and focus on what truly matters: spending quality time with family and friends.