It’s that time of a year again! While Thanksgiving may be a holiday best shared with family and friends, many employees have to work–but they still need to eat! Thanksgiving is on Thursday, November 28th this year.
Here are our top 15 picks of restaurants open nationwide, available for pickup, carryout, or dine-in seating. You can celebrate with a traditional turkey dinner or any of the other dozens of options. You can even have dessert first!
1. Applebee’s
“Eat good in the neighborhood!” You can dine-in or opt for carryout options, but make sure to call ahead for hours—they vary by location and will be reduced for Thanksgiving 2024.
2. Red Lobster
Open for dine-in and takeaway with holiday sides, seasonal cocktails, and new lobster and shrimp dishes! Look for a location near you.
3. Boston Market
The fast-casual spot will remain open on Thanksgiving and is offering holiday classics like mac and cheese, cornbread and rotisserie chicken. Menu and hours vary by location.
4. Cracker Barrel
This popular chain has a few options to choose from for your Turkey Day feast, including individual homestyle turkey and dressing, country fried turkey plates, and Grandma’s Holiday sampler (available in-store), and Heat n’ Serve. You can dine-in at the restaurant, take your meal to go, or pick up a few key items like one of their delicious pies. Cracker Barrel will be operating normal business hours for Thanksgiving Day.
5. Denny’s
A popular spot for Thanksgiving, whether you want to do dine-in or take-out. Denny’s is an inexpensive place to go on Thanksgiving for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Enjoy the festive in-restaurant decorations! Find the location closest to you here.
6. Bar Louie
If you’re looking to enjoy party food on Thanksgiving, Bar Louie is open on the holiday. Enjoy signature martinis and seasonal Thanksgiving cocktails along with American comfort favorites like burgers, chicken sandwiches and flatbreads.
7. TGI Fridays
Laid-back and casual TGI Fridays will be open on Thanksgiving Day! Enjoy the comfort classics like mozzarella sticks, wings, burgers and more along with signature cocktails for an alternative to the traditional Thanksgiving meal. Find your closest location.
8. Marie Callender’s
Thanksgiving looks a little different this year at Marie Callender’s where locations open will offer a limited menu of a turkey or ham dinner for takeout only on Thanksgiving Day. All dinners include your choice of either turkey or ham with all of the fixings, a cup of creamy potato cheese soup or house salad, and a slice of either apple or pumpkin pie. Price and participation vary by location.
9. IHOP
Whether you’re looking for breakfast before cooking or dinner instead of the traditional meal, IHOP is one of the best restaurants for Thanksgiving dinner. Along with their classic pancakes, IHOP also serves a turkey dinner with mashed potatoes, gravy, and broccoli for those who want something more traditional.
10. Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Enjoy Ruth's Chris Steak House this Thanksgiving with a take-home (or take-hotel) feast ready to heat and serve, or you can dine-in for a delicious three-course turkey dinner including garlic mashed potatoes, green beans, and sweet potato casserole.
11. Bravo! Italian Kitchen
Anyone who loves Italian food will want to head to Bravo! Italian Kitchen. For those who don’t love classic Thanksgiving food, Bravo! Italian Kitchen is a great option. Enjoy a classic Italian entrée, pizza, or breadsticks. You may even opt for one of the healthier options like a Thanksgiving salad, instead of the usual heavier items served up on this holiday.
12. Golden Corral
Golden Corral's famous buffet will be open during Thanksgiving, so you and your family can gobble up all the fresh carved turkey you can eat. The restaurant will also be offering a complete Thanksgiving meal to-go as it has done in the past.
13. Ruby Tuesday
Your local Ruby Tuesday serves up deals every day and Thanksgiving is no different. Indulge in their garden bar, baked potatoes and more this holiday season as most locations will be open on Thanksgiving Day serving in-store and to-go options.
14. Sizzler
For a Thanksgiving dinner without the hassle, treat your family or friends to a meal at your local Sizzler. Most locations will be open throughout the day and will serve turkey with stuffing, green beans, mashed potatoes, gravy and sweet potatoes.
15. Buffalo Wild Wings
There's never a bad time to enjoy a plate of chicken wings and fries. And Thanksgiving is no exception. Head over to select Buffalo Wild Wings locations this holiday to get your fill. Store hours will vary by location, so be sure to check in with your nearest BWW before stopping in.
Before heading to one of these restaurants open on Thanksgiving, it's always best to call your local franchise, confirm their hours, and make reservations if needed.
CLC Lodging is available to support our travelers on Thanksgiving
CLC Lodging wishes you a Happy Thanksgiving no matter where you’ll be celebrating. And don’t forget, we’ll be here 24/7 to support travelers throughout the holiday season.
