The people at a Thanksgiving dinner typically fall into one of two camps: the people who can cook or the people who bring soda and ice. If you're on Team Cook, there's a bunch of grocery stores keeping their doors open on Thanksgiving for those last-minute kitchen emergencies. But if you're feeling the need for a kitchen break or just want a change, why not go out to eat this year? Plenty of restaurants will have their grills nice and hot on Thanksgiving Day in 2023. That means you can dodge the cooking chaos and just enjoy the meal. Plus, you get to go home and crash without dealing with a mountain of dirty dishes!
Videos by Wide Open Country
What's on the menu this year? There's something for everyone. From familiar joints like Golden Corral to fancier spots like Buca di Beppo and Tony Roma's. Starbucks is open on Thanksgiving, ready to keep the cooks awake and alert. And, of course, your old pal has got your back: McDonald's is open on Thanksgiving, too.
If you're all about the cozy PJ vibe and staying in, no worries. Most of these places also offer takeout. But a little heads up - Thanksgiving gets crazy at these joints, so it's smart to book a table or place your order ahead of time. You don't want to risk missing out on your favorite Thanksgiving feast.
Keep going for a list of casual, sit-down, fast-food, and fancier restaurants you can eat at on Thanksgiving Day 2023.
Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving Day 2023
- Applebee's: Most locations will be open on Thanksgiving. Hours vary by location.
- Bob Evans: Open on Thanksgiving.
- Boston Market: Open on Thanksgiving.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Open on Thanksgiving.
- Buca di Beppo: Open on Thanksgiving. Reservations are encouraged due to busy restaurants.
- Burger King: Open on Thanksgiving.
- Cracker Barrel: Open on Thanksgiving.
- Denny's: Most locations will be open on Thanksgiving. Hours vary by location.
- Domino's: Open on Thanksgiving.
- Dunkin': Most locations will be open on Thanksgiving. Hours vary by location.
- Golden Corral: Open on Thanksgiving. Hours vary by location.
- IHOP: Most locations will be open on Thanksgiving, as the restaurant is typically open 24 hours. Holiday hours vary by location.
- Little Caesars: Open on Thanksgiving.
- Maggiano's: Most locations will be open on Thanksgiving. Hours vary by location.
- McDonald's: Most locations will be open on Thanksgiving. Hours vary by location.
- Metro Diner: Most locations will be open on Thanksgiving until 2:30 p.m.
- P.F. Chang's: Most locations will be open on Thanksgiving. Hours vary by location.
- Panda Express: Open on Thanksgiving.
- Papa John's: Open on Thanksgiving.
- Pizza Hut: Open on Thanksgiving.
- Popeyes: Open on Thanksgiving.
- Ruby Tuesday: Most locations will be open on Thanksgiving. Hours vary by location.
- Ruth's Chris Steakhouse: Most locations will be open on Thanksgiving. Hours vary by location.
- Sonic: Open on Thanksgiving.
- Starbucks: Open on Thanksgiving.
- Subway: Most locations will be open on Thanksgiving. Hours vary by location.
- T.G.I. Friday's: Open on Thanksgiving. Hours vary by location.
- Tony Roma's: Most locations will be open on Thanksgiving. Hours vary by location.
- Waffle House: Open on Thanksgiving for 24 hours. The chain is open 365 days a year.
- Wendy's: Open on Thanksgiving.