News & Trending Shopping & Deals News

14 Best Restaurants Chains Open This Thanksgiving

These restaurants are lending you a hand with takeout options or dine-in meals for the big holiday feast.

people celebrating on thanksgiving day
Updated Aug. 13, 2024
Fact checked

We receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about how we make money and our editorial policies.

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to share a meal with friends and family. But some find meal preparation to be a stressful time.

So, skip the kitchen and check out these restaurant chains that plan to be open on Thanksgiving, allowing you to enjoy a meal hosted by someone else.

And if you eat your meal in a restaurant, you can eliminate some money stress since you won’t have to pay to feed an army of guests in your home.

If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive discounts and financial resources

Over 50? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on things like travel, meal deliveries, eyeglasses, prescriptions that aren’t covered by insurance and more.

How to become a member today:

  • Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
  • Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
  • Start enjoying your discounts and perks!

Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (Do not skip this step!) Doing so will allow you to take up 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.

Become an AARP member now

Applebee’s

Dave Willman/Adobe An Applebee's restaurant sign

Check out your local Applebee’s to see if it will serve dinner and delicious mixed drinks in the restaurant on Thanksgiving.

You can also order holiday catering from the restaurant chain so you can host Thanksgiving at home without having to cook anything yourself.

Bob Evans

Syda Productions/Adobe Smiling man unpacking takeout food

Another takeout option is Bob Evans, which has several different selections that you can order now to pick up in time for Thanksgiving.

Choose from different options, including turkey and ham, and order a package that fits a small family or a larger gathering.

Brio Italian Grille

Seventyfour/Adobe diverse group of people clinking glasses

You can get a traditional Thanksgiving meal from an Italian restaurant by checking out the offerings at your local Brio Italian Grille.

Reserve a table now to eat at the restaurant on Thanksgiving Day. Or, pre-order a Thanksgiving feast so you can host family and friends at home without needing to cook.

Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt

Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest.

National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.1

How to get National Debt Relief to help you resolve your debt: Sign up for a free debt assessment here. (Do not skip this step!) By signing up for a free assessment, National Debt Relief can assist you in settling your debt, but only if you schedule the assessment.

Try it

Buca di Beppo

VisualProduction/Adobe people dinning out

Another Italian restaurant offering a traditional Thanksgiving feast is Buca di Beppo.

Reserve your table now or pre-order a Thanksgiving feast to pick up. Buca di Beppo is offering takeout feasts with options to serve up to 20 guests.

The Capital Grille

whyframeshot/Adobe joyful dinner together at home

Check out The Capital Grille if you want an elegant dinner on Thanksgiving at one of its locations. The restaurant is sure to have a Thanksgiving meal that you’ll enjoy.

If you prefer to make your turkey at home, order sides that include mashed potatoes, stuffing, rolls, and more.

Chart House

Davide Angelini/Adobe group of friends at outdoor bbq

Check out Chart House and reserve a table to eat out for your Thanksgiving meal.

The restaurant chain is also offering to-go packages that you can pick up hot on Thanksgiving day with prime rib or turkey.

Cracker Barrel

Drazen/Adobe Extended family having a delightful lunch together.

Enjoy Southern cooking for Thanksgiving by heading to your local Cracker Barrel.

The restaurant chain is open on Thanksgiving and will serve a traditional feast for guests. You can also pre-order meals to pick up and eat at home.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

Seventyfour/Adobe family clinking glasses and toasting

Head to Fleming’s from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving for a three-course menu that's sure to please friends and family.

The meal includes a starter, entree, and dessert, and the restaurant chain has similar three-course options for kids.

Golden Corral

Brett/Adobe golden corral buffet in houston texas

Golden Corral will have its buffet open with plenty of Thanksgiving options for you to load up on.

You can also check in on locations near you to order a to-go feast that will be a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving at home.

Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account

Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!2

With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!

This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.

Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.

Apply for a Discover Cashback Checking account today

Maggiano’s Little Italy

Gorodenkoff/Adobe tasty meals and festive decorations

Maggiano’s Little Italy is known for its family-style options, and there will be plenty to choose from on Thanksgiving. Eat at the restaurant or pre-order a carryout bundle.

McCormick & Schmick’s

Syda Productions/Adobe happy friends eating and drinking

Check out your local McCormick & Schmick’s this Thanksgiving. The restaurant is serving a traditional turkey dinner and recommends you make a reservation for the busy day.

Morton’s

Impact Photography/Adobe chef slicing beef steak for couple

If you want to eat at a steakhouse, Morton’s is taking reservations now for Thanksgiving.

The three-course meal includes starters, an entree with sides, and dessert to finish the meal. Or, you can order from the restaurant’s full menu if you’re not a turkey fan.

Red Lobster

wolterke/Adobe red lobster sign board outside restaurant

Head to Red Lobster and enjoy seafood and the restaurant chain’s delicious cheddar biscuits for Thanksgiving.

Red Lobster locations will be open on the holiday, so you’ll have plenty to enjoy if you don’t want to cook at home.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Jose Calsina/Adobe paying bill with a credit card

Check out Ruth’s Chris Steak House for a turkey dinner on Thanksgiving. The restaurant is taking reservations now.

Whether you plan to dine at Ruth’s Chris Steak House or another restaurant, consider paying with one of the best credit cards that can earn you cash back or other perks. These rewards can come in handy during the holiday season.

Bottom line

gstockstudio/Adobe smiling while having dinner together

Sometimes, going out to eat for Thanksgiving can be easier than trying to make everything yourself. Doing so can boost your bank account since you won’t have to pay for a huge amount of food to entertain a bunch of guests.

This year, consider letting someone else do the cooking as you gather in a restaurant with loved ones or order takeout for a Thanksgiving to remember.

Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards

5.0

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 and Drawbacks
Card Details