“Eat, drink and be thankful.” That much-loved saying is especially fitting if you don’t have to cook and clean up after your Thanksgiving Day feast. If eating out for Thanksgiving is part of your plan this year, here’s a list of chain restaurants planning to be open for dining out or taking out on Thanksgiving. Don’t miss these Thanksgiving restaurant deals.
Please verify this information on your own as well by checking online with the establishments. We always do our best to provide accurate information, but verification of these openings is a good idea before heading out the door. (Plus, some of them require you to make reservations!
What restaurants are open on thanksgiving?
We live in a world where we can get holiday food, even when we don’t cook it at home! If you’re looking for places to eat for Thanksgiving or are hoping to find Thanksgiving reservations at affordable restaurants, this list can help!
Options to dine out or take out
Some restaurants let you dine in; others also offer meals to go. If you plan on eating at a restaurant, you’ll have the most success if you make reservations well ahead of time.
Note that prices, hours and participation may vary by location, and beverages are extra at most venues with fixed-price meals. We will continue adding to this list as restaurants announce their Thanksgiving plans. Check out your local Living on the Cheap network sites for restaurants open on Thanksgiving near you.
Photo: Boston Market
Restaurants open on Thanksgiving
Note: There’s a difference between restaurants serving Thanksgiving dinner and restaurants open for Thanksgiving. If you want the full, traditional turkey dinner, look for restaurants open that are also serving that special meal.
Similarly, where to buy a cooked Thanksgiving dinner is a different question too, and we’ve rounded that information up here.
Hours may vary by location and may be shorter than normal business hours. In addition, not all locations may be open. Always check first, before making plans.
For many restaurants, reservations are required or highly recommended.
Many of these outlets will take your orders or reservations online, so be sure to click on the links to find the location nearest you.
Bob Evans
Bob Evans will be open Thanksgiving Day with its usual dining fare, including Thanksgiving specials.
Claim Jumper Steakhouse & Bar
Check out the Thanksgiving 3-Course Feast, available at most Claim Jumper Steakhouse & Bar locations on Thanksgiving Day. Options include turkey, ham, steak and more. The restaurant also offers a wide variety of holiday dinner platters for Thanksgiving at home.
Photo: Deposit Photos
Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel will be open on Nov. 28, 2024, serving many traditional holiday meals.
The Homestyle Turkey N’ Dressing Meal is served with turkey n’ dressing with gravy, cranberry relish, sweet potato casserole with pecans, green beans, dinner rolls and a slice of pumpkin pie — starting at $17.49.
They will also be serving Chicken N’ Dumplings and a Country Vegetable Plate.
Denny’s
Popular diner Denny’s will be open all day on Nov. 28, 2024. The turkey and dressing dinner includes carved turkey breast, savory stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce and two sides of your choice, while supplies last. Regular menu items will also be available. Available for pickup or delivery. Pricing varies by location.
Eddie V’s
Eddie V’s will be open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. The restaurant is serving a Traditional Thanksgiving dinner with slow-roasted sliced turkey, French green beans with sun-dried tomatoes, brioche sage stuffing, butternut squash, pan gravy with mirepoix brunoise, cranberry chutney, house-made mashed potatoes and a bread basket.
Fleming’s Steakhouse
Fleming’s Steakhouse is serving a three-course Thanksgiving dinner on Nov. 28, 2024, including your choice of herb-roasted turkey, bone-in rib eye or petite filet mignon, plus sides to share. The restaurant opens at 11 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day.
The cost starts at $62 per adult. There is a special children’s three-Course menu for $31.
Golden Corral
Golden Corral is serving a special Thanksgiving Day buffet from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with freshly carved cuts of roasted turkey, glazed ham and holiday beef roast, along with mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry sauce, stuffing and more. Their Golden Corral Thanksgiving menu is always full of traditional, delicious options. Pricing varies by location. Be sure to verify your local Golden Corral Thanksgiving hours.
Hard Rock Cafe
Rock out on Thanksgiving at Hard Rock Cafe, which is open on Nov. 28, 2024. The holiday menu includes slow-roasted turkey breast, roasted fresh vegetables, home-style classic stuffing, creamy sweet potato mash, cranberry sauce finished with traditional turkey gravy. Price varies by location and includes gratuity and tax.
Child Thanksgiving Plates, pumpkin pie, and beverages are available for an additional cost.
Joe’s Crab Shack
Get hooked up with a holiday feast at Joe’s Crab Shack. On Nov. 28, 2024, the restaurant’s Thanksgiving Turkey Feast features roast turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, turkey gravy, green beans, cranberry sauce and a slice of pumpkin pie. Price is $22.99 for adults and $13.99 for kids.
The restaurant’s full menu will also be available. The holiday meal is also available for take-out.
KFC
Thanksgiving isn’t always about turkey. Select KFC locations will be open on Thanksgiving serving its popular fried chicken and sides — from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hours may vary by location and/or market.
Luby’s
Head to Luby‘s for a delicious and reasonable Thanksgiving meal. On Nov. 28, 2024, the restaurant is serving a Thanksgiving Day Special for $13.99 with Classic Carved Turkey and Cornbread Dressing. The meal also comes with two sides, a dinner roll and FREE holiday dessert.
Photo: Deposit Photos
Maggiano’s Little Italy
From country-style baked smoked ham to butternut sqaush ravioli, Maggiano’s Little Italy’s Thanksgiving Family Style Menu has all the dishes needed for the special day on Nov. 28, 2024. Price varies by location.
Romano’s Macaroni Grill
On Thanksgiving Day, Romano’s Macaroni Grill is offering a traditional three-course Thanksgiving dinner for $34. The meal includes choice of Caesar salad, fresh green salads or soup, roasted turkey breast, mashed potatoes with roasted garlic demi-glace, sausage + apple stuffing, cranberry, crispy Brussels sprouts or broccolini and pumpkin cannoli tiramisu. There is also a Kids Thanksgiving Meal available for $17.
Open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., the restaurant’s regular menu is also available.
Village Inn
It takes a village to put on a feast for Thanksgiving! On Nov. 28, 2024, Village Inn is open for business and serving a traditional holiday turkey dinner with cornbread stuffing, red-skin mashed potatoes, turkey gravy, cranberry sauce and a buttermilk biscuit. End your meal with a slice of your favorite pie. Check with your nearest location for pricing and hours.
OpenTable
If you’re looking for additional dine-in options, another excellent resource is OpenTable, which lists many restaurants open on Thanksgiving specific to your city. Many of these are higher-priced establishments and reservations are required.
Photo: Deposit Photos
Awesome! We’re thinking of eating out since my son and daughter weren’t able to come home for thanksgiving. Will take note of this in case our children won’t be home for the holidays again.
I love Turkey BUT if I’m going to Ruth Chris’s steak house and pay $44 per per person, I would like the option to have a piece of steak!