TGI Fridays is one of the most popular restaurants in the country, and is a great place to stretch your restaurant budget. But in 2024 alone, the chain has announced 36 restaurant closures, citing the locations as “underperforming.”
In light of the dozens of closures, where can you go for a comparable dining experience? It might be time to try one of these 15 great alternatives to TGI Fridays.
Earn $200 cash rewards bonus with this incredible card
There's a credit card that's making waves with its amazing bonus and benefits. The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card(Rates and fees) has no annual fee and you can earn $200 after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
The Active Cash Card puts cash back into your wallet. Cardholders can earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases — easy! That's one of the best cash rewards options available.
This card also offers an intro APR of 0% for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (then 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable). Which is great for someone who wants a break from high interest rates, while still earning rewards.
The best part? There's no annual fee.
O’Charley’s
When thinking of TGI Fridays alternatives, many diners’ minds immediately go to Nashville-based chain O’Charley’s.
It has a similar dining environment. Some fans of O’Charley’s sing the praise of the fried chicken tenders, which are crisped to perfection.
Applebee’s
Applebee’s is another restaurant with an atmosphere that reminds you of TGI Fridays. The chain’s price points might even be a little better, especially during its well-known happy hour.
Chili’s Grill & Bar
Chili’s Grill & Bar has a similar casual dining atmosphere to that of TGI Fridays and others on this list. Come here to enjoy an expansive menu of American fare, TVs on every wall, and the upbeat staff.
Stop overpaying when you shop online
Shopping online has its perks. It's super convenient, but it can be time consuming to find the best deals. Instead of hunting for coupon codes (that don't always work!) and opening tons of browser tabs comparing prices, you can try Capital One Shopping.
Capital One Shopping makes saving money effortless. Just add the browser extension and when you check out, it'll scour the internet for coupon codes to help you save cash. And before you check out at 25+ major retailers, Capital One Shopping will notify you with a friendly pop-up if the item you're buying is available cheaper somewhere else.
Capital One Shopping is free to use and won't show you ads. Add it today and stop overpaying!1
Red Robin
Like TGI Fridays, Red Robin is known for its burgers. Red Robin also has a variety of lighter options, and endless steak fries when you dine in.
Romano’s Macaroni Grill
Romano’s Macaroni Grill serves big groups with family-style dining and incredible pasta dishes. The restaurant’s focus is Italian food, and you do not want to leave without ordering the tiramisu.
Trending Stories
Buffalo Wild Wings
While Buffalo Wild Wings leans more into the “sports bar” category than TGI Fridays, the family friendly atmosphere is still alive and well. The menu isn’t as wide-ranging, but the drinks are up to par.
On The Border
On The Border focuses on Mexican food, but still has a menu with a variety of options and comparable pricing to TGI Fridays. Head here for a great margarita and free chips and salsa.
Ruby Tuesday
Even though they both have days of the week in their names, Ruby Tuesday and TGI Fridays aren’t always considered similar. The good news? Ruby Tuesday has more dessert and pasta options and a bigger kids menu.
The Cheesecake Factory
The Cheesecake Factory is your next hot spot if you like pasta, cheesecake, and really great salad options. Like TGI Fridays, this chain has a loyal fan base.
Earn money online by taking surveys
$55,000 might sound crazy … but with a company called Survey Junkie, it’s possible to get your share of it every day by taking their surveys in your extra time.
Follow these simple steps to start earning:
- Sign up for an account with Survey Junkie here.
- Take surveys.
- Repeat daily and get paid for sharing your opinion!
P.S.: You can cash out with as little as $5 through PayPal or bank transfer, or transfer to gift cards from a number of stores.
Bonefish Grill
Bonefish Grill focuses on seafood and a variety of menu items that others on the list do not. However, the restaurant’s dining area is like a less kitschy version of TGI Fridays.
Hooters
The wait staff at Hooters is kind, the atmosphere is fun, and if you haven’t experienced Hooters’ hot wings, you are definitely missing out. Pro tip: Try the top-notch curly fries.
BJ's Restaurants & Brewhouse
California-born BJ’s Restaurants & Brewhouse has a wide-reaching menu with more than 140 options. That tops many of the restaurants on this list. The chain does dessert right, too, especially its famous Pizookie desserts.
Fuddruckers
While the Fuddruckers dining experience is nostalgic, it feels more casual than that of TGI Fridays. But this restaurant has a surprising amount of high-quality meat options on its menu, including bison burgers.
Benihana
Benihana serves Japanese-style fare, so the menu is different from that of TGI Fridays. But both chains launched flagship stores in New York in the 1960s and maintain similar neighborhood-centric atmospheres.
Texas Roadhouse
Like TGI Fridays, Texas Roadhouse has gluten-free and vegetarian items on its expansive menu. Head there for the family friendly atmosphere, free rolls, and a generous happy hour.
Bottom line
If your local TGI Fridays is closing its doors, don’t despair. Instead, try this restaurant hack: Visit one of the alternatives on this list.
You might just discover a new favorite.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Subscribe Today
Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?
Stop browsing endlessly. Get proven ways to earn pocket money, help cover rent, and crush your debt — sent to your inbox daily.