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16 restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day (plus 12 that are closed)
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16 restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day (plus 12 that are closed)

Closed for Thanksgiving

Cheapism / Blakelee Bartik

Turkey time

For some, Thanksgiving is a day best spent cooking in the kitchen. But there are plenty of families who prefer to let someone else do the cooking. According to a recent survey, 42% of consumers will order takeout or eat turkey at a restaurant this year.

If you fall into that group, here are some of the chain restaurants and fast food joints that will be open for Thanksgiving on November 28 — and some that won’t.

Note: We recommend calling your local restaurant to confirm opening hours.

Victorville, CA / USA – February 11, 2020: Cracker Barrel Old Country Store located in Victorville, California, adjacent to Interstate 15.Victorville, CA / USA – February 11, 2020: Cracker Barrel Old Country Store located in Victorville, California, adjacent to Interstate 15.

sanfel/istockphoto

1. Cracker barrel

Cracker Barrels will be open regular hours on Thanksgiving. You can have a turkey dinner at the restaurant, or order a Thanksgiving meal for the whole family if you don’t feel like cooking.

Skyhobo/istockphotoSkyhobo/istockphoto

Skyhobo/istockphoto

2. Denny’s

America’s favorite restaurant will most likely be open on Thanksgiving, but just to be sure, check the hours at your location.

Ft. Wayne - circa June 2018: Golden Corral Buffet and Grill. Golden Corral serves many free meals to active duty veterans and military veterans IIFt. Wayne - circa June 2018: Golden Corral Buffet and Grill. Golden Corral serves many free meals to active duty veterans and military veterans II

jetcityimage/istockphoto

3. Gold bead

Golden Corral is always open on Thanksgiving. If you have a lot of picky eaters or different tastes in your family, a buffet is a great thing. The chain will also offer meals to go.

From Applebee'sFrom Applebee's

Wikimedia Commons

4. Apple Bees

You’ll find that most Applebee’s near you are open on Turkey Day, although they sometimes have shorter hours, so call ahead.

The Capital GridThe Capital Grid

The Capital Grid

5. The main roster

Steakhouse The Capital Grille is open on Thanksgiving if you’re in the mood for a fancy dinner. Special set menus for adults and children are offered.

Ihop signIhop sign

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images CC

6. IHOP

IHOP is open 24/7 and Thanksgiving is no exception. So if you really fancy a pancake breakfast, or late night pancakes after an early dinner, then you’ve come to the right place.

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RiverNorthPhotography/istockphoto

7. McDonald’s

Most McDonald’s locations should be open on Thursday. As with all these restaurants, it’s best to check opening hours before heading out for your McNuggets.

Jacket In The BoxJacket In The Box

Smith Collection/Gado/Getty

8. Jack in the box

Depending on the location, Jack in the Box is open. Sometimes you just need the munchies after dealing with family all day, you know?

hornshorns

horns

9. horns

Hooters probably isn’t the first restaurant you think of on Thanksgiving, but keep in mind there are a few football games happening there. Most locations are open from 4:00 PM to midnight, but some open earlier in cities where NFL teams play during the day.

Fogo de ChaoFogo de Chao

Fogo de Chao

10. Fogo de Chao

This Brazilian-style steakhouse is open on Thanksgiving from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Servers walking around bringing meat to your plate sounds like a great way to celebrate.

Fort Worth, TX, USA - April 6, 2016: American fast food chain restaurant Whataburger in Fort Worth, Texas, USAFort Worth, TX, USA - April 6, 2016: American fast food chain restaurant Whataburger in Fort Worth, Texas, USA

typhoonski/istockphoto

11. Whataburger

Whataburger, the Texas favorite, will be open on Thanksgiving. However, be sure to check your location’s opening hours before heading there.

The exterior of a restaurant in Buca di Beppo.The exterior of a restaurant in Buca di Beppo.

gsheldon/istockphoto

12. Buca di Beppo

Although there aren’t many locations left, Buca di Beppo is open Thursdays for all your spaghetti needs. You can also order a family-style takeout meal to go.

Maggiano's Thanksgiving mealMaggiano's Thanksgiving meal

Maggiano’s Little Italy

13. Maggiano’s Little Italy

Get an Italian Thanksgiving feast served family style on large platters for a homey feel. Options include turkey, salmon, pasta and salads.

Denver, USA - February 16, 2014: A Ruth's Chris Steak House in downtown Denver with people visible everywhere. Founded in 1965 in New Orleans, Ruth's Chris Steak House is a chain of steakhouses with more than 120 locations.Denver, USA - February 16, 2014: A Ruth's Chris Steak House in downtown Denver with people visible everywhere. Founded in 1965 in New Orleans, Ruth's Chris Steak House is a chain of steakhouses with more than 120 locations.

RiverNorthPhotography/istockphoto

14. Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse

Chris from Fancy Ruth is taking reservations for turkey day. They serve set menus for both adults and children.

Dayton - Circa November 2021: Waffle House iconic southern restaurant chain. Wafflehouse was founded in 1955.Dayton - Circa November 2021: Waffle House iconic southern restaurant chain. Wafflehouse was founded in 1955.

jetcityimage/istockphoto

15. Waffle House

We all know that Waffle House never closes (except during major hurricanes!), so of course they’re open on Thanksgiving too. Make sure to get a pecan waffle for that seasonal flair.

The Bob Evans Restaurant in Charleston, West Virginia. Founded in 1953 in Rio Grande, Ohio, Bob Evans is a chain of casual dining restaurants and food processing companies with approximately 570 locations in the U.S.The Bob Evans Restaurant in Charleston, West Virginia. Founded in 1953 in Rio Grande, Ohio, Bob Evans is a chain of casual dining restaurants and food processing companies with approximately 570 locations in the U.S.

RiverNorthPhotography/istockphoto

16. Bob Evans

Down Home restaurant Bob Evans will be open on Thanksgiving from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. for dine-in and takeout, including breakfast.

andipantz/istockphotoandipantz/istockphoto

andipantz/istockphoto

Restaurants that are allowed to be open

Some restaurant chains leave it up to their franchisees whether or not to open on Thanksgiving. These are chains that may be open in your area, but you should check in advance by calling.

  • Starbucks

  • Arby’s

  • Burger King

  • Dairy Queen

  • Dominoes

  • Dunkin’

  • Panera

  • Pizza Hut

Chick-fil-a exteriorChick-fil-a exterior

Wolterk/istockphoto

Restaurants that are closed

There are many chain restaurants that are completely closed on Thanksgiving. If you want a bite to eat on Thursday, you can skip this one.

  • Chick-fil-A

  • Chipotle

  • In-N-out

  • Jersey Mikes

  • Olive garden

  • Taco bell

  • Hardee’s/Carl’s Jr.

  • Outback Steakhouse

  • Chilis

  • Red Cancer

  • Texas Roadhouse

  • First watch

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This article originally appeared on Cheapism

Closed for ThanksgivingClosed for Thanksgiving

Cheapism / Blakelee Bartik

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