Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving In The USA
Thanksgiving is a national holiday in the United States that focuses on gratitude, family, and sharing food. People celebrate it by gathering with loved ones, eating a traditional meal, and taking time to appreciate what they have.
The holiday is most famous for its meals, including roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, and pumpkin pie. In simple words, Thanksgiving is a day to say thank you, eat together, and spend time with family and friends.
Many families look up what time Arby’s serves lunch and other dining options when planning holiday meals. Thanksgiving often changes normal routines, and not everyone wants to cook at home. This is why knowing about restaurants open on Thanksgiving becomes helpful for families, travelers, and busy workers. Dining out offers comfort, convenience, and reliable meal choices on this special day.
Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving in the U.S.
Different restaurant categories choose to open on Thanksgiving based on demand and staffing.
| Restaurant Name | Popular / Signature Food |
| McDonald’s | Big Mac, Chicken McNuggets, Fries |
| Burger King | Whopper Burger, Flame-grilled Burgers |
| Wendy’s | Dave’s Single Burger, Frosty |
| Arby’s | Roast Beef Sandwich, Curly Fries |
| KFC | Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes |
| Popeyes | Spicy Fried Chicken, Cajun Turkey |
| Domino’s | Hand-Tossed Pizza, Garlic Bread |
| Starbucks | Coffee, Pumpkin & Seasonal Drinks |
| Dunkin’ | Coffee, Donuts, Breakfast Sandwiches |
| Waffle House | Waffles, Eggs, Hash Browns |
| Denny’s | Grand Slam Breakfast, Turkey Dinner |
| IHOP | Pancakes, Omelets |
| Cracker Barrel | Thanksgiving Turkey Meal, Country Sides |
| Applebee’s | Burgers, Riblets, Holiday Plates |
| Boston Market | Roast Turkey, Mashed Potatoes |
| Buca di Beppo | Italian Platters, Thanksgiving Feast |
| BRIO Tuscan Grille | Turkey Dinner, Italian Entrées |
| Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse | Steak, Thanksgiving Prix-Fixe Menu |
| Eddie V’s Prime Seafood | Seafood, Turkey & Steak Plates |
| Maggiano’s Little Italy | Italian Classics, Holiday Family Meals |
Always check local store hours because Thanksgiving schedules vary by location.
Opening and Closing Hours of Restaurants on Thanksgiving
| Restaurant Name | Typical Thanksgiving Opening Hours | Typical Thanksgiving Closing Hours | Notes |
| McDonald’s | 5:00–7:00 AM | 4:00–10:00 PM | Varies by location; busy places stay open later. |
| Burger King | 6:00 AM | 8:00−10:00 PM | Hours vary widely; call your local store. |
| Wendy’s | 6:00 AM | 8:00–9:00 PM | Times vary by franchise location. |
| Arby’s | 7:00 AM | 8:00–9:00 PM | Many locations open, hours vary. |
| Popeyes | 10:00 or 11:00 AM | 6:00–7:00 PM | Limited holiday hours typical. |
| Starbucks | 6:00–7:00 AM | 5:00–8:00 PM | Store hours differ; check the local store. |
| Dunkin’ | 6:00 AM | 3:00–7:00 PM | Many open morning & early day. |
| Waffle House | Around 24 hrs | Around 24 hrs | Most locations open 24/7. |
| Denny’s | Around 7:00 AM | 8:00–10:00 PM | Most locations open from breakfast to dinner. |
| IHOP | 6:00 AM | 9:00 PM | Many are open for breakfast & dinner. |
| Cracker Barrel | 11:00 AM | 9:00 PM | Holiday meals served; confirm local hours. |
| Boston Market | 10:00 AM | 6:00–7:00 PM | Holiday turkey menu offered. |
| Buca di Beppo | 11:00 AM | 9:00 PM | Dine-in & takeout options; check local hours. |
| BRIO Tuscan Grille | 11:00 AM | 9:00 PM | Special Thanksgiving menu. |
| Whataburger | 6:00 AM | 11:00 PM+ | Many open 24 hrs; confirm city location. |
| Krispy Kreme | 6:00 AM | 2:00 PM | Company-wide early-close policy. |
Typical hours reflect reported common Thanksgiving holiday schedules and may not apply universally to every outlet.
Some locations (especially drive-thru or airport stores) stay open longer or 24 hrs.
Sit-down restaurants often require reservations, and hours can shift year to year.
Independent or franchise locations decide their own Thanksgiving schedules.
Thanksgiving Restaurant Dining Tips
Here are simple tips for dining out on Thanksgiving:
- Check hours in advance, because many restaurants open late or close early
- Make a reservation early if the restaurant allows bookings
- Arrive earlier in the day to avoid long wait times
- Review the Thanksgiving menu online, so you know what is available
- Have a backup restaurant option in case your first choice is closed
These tips help make Thanksgiving dining smooth and stress-free.
Fine Dining and Steakhouses Open on Thanksgiving
Upscale restaurants often remain open with special Thanksgiving menus. These menus include turkey food, steak, seafood, and desserts prepared by professional chefs. Many guests choose these restaurants for celebrations without cooking.
Reservations are usually required for fine dining restaurants. Prices may increase due to holiday menus and service demand. Guests should confirm details in advance to avoid surprises.
Coffee and Breakfast Spots Open on Thanksgiving
Coffee shops stay open to serve travelers and early risers on Thanksgiving morning. These locations provide breakfast, snacks, and warm drinks. They help people start the holiday comfortably.
Many coffee chains open with shortened hours. Independent cafés may follow different schedules. Checking store hours online ensures a smooth visit.
Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving for Takeout and Delivery
Takeout and delivery services increase on Thanksgiving due to convenience needs. Some restaurants allow customers to order full holiday meals for pickup. Others deliver regular menu items throughout the day.
Delivery availability depends on local staffing and demand. Customers should place orders early to avoid delays. This option suits families wanting restaurant food at home.
Thanksgiving Restaurant Hours
Most restaurants operate on modified schedules during Thanksgiving. Morning and early afternoon hours are common. Evening closures happen earlier than usual.
| Restaurant Type | Common Hours |
| Fast Food | 8 AM – 6 PM |
| Casual Dining | 11 AM – 8 PM |
| Fine Dining | Reservation based |
| Coffee Shops | 6 AM – 2 PM |
Hours vary widely, so confirming details with the restaurant is important.
How to Find Thanksgiving Hours for Any Restaurant
To check Thanksgiving hours for any restaurant, use these simple and reliable methods:
- Search on Google Maps, and look for “Thanksgiving hours” under the restaurant listing
- Visit the restaurant’s official website or holiday hours page
- Use the restaurant’s mobile app (many update holiday hours there first)
- Call the restaurant directly to confirm exact opening and closing times
- Check social media pages like Facebook or Instagram for holiday announcements
Always verify hours 1–2 days before Thanksgiving, as holiday schedules can change at the last minute.
Final Thoughts
Finding restaurants open on Thanksgiving helps families, travelers, and workers enjoy meals without cooking stress. Restaurants across the USA adjust hours and menus to serve holiday guests. From fast food to fine dining, options exist for every preference.
With proper planning and patience, dining out becomes a relaxing part of Thanksgiving. Checking hours, menus, and reservations ensures smooth experiences. This approach allows everyone to focus on gratitude and togetherness.
