Thanksgiving 2026 falls on Thursday, November 26. If cooking for a crowd is not happening this year, or you are on the road, or you simply want someone else to do the dishes, you have more options than you might think. Plenty of restaurants open on Thanksgiving, but plenty do not, and hours are often shorter than usual. This guide sorts the chains most likely to be open from the ones that reliably close, and walks through how to lock in a table at an independent restaurant before the good slots disappear.
A quick note on accuracy: chain holiday hours are set brand by brand, and franchise-owned locations often make their own call. Everything below reflects published announcements and long-standing patterns as of late October 2026. Always call your specific location before you drive over.
Chains that are reliably open on Thanksgiving Day
According to the 2026 holiday roundup from OpenHoursToday, these brands have the strongest track record of opening on Thanksgiving:
- Waffle House – standard locations run 24 hours, holiday or not.
- Denny’s – open 365 days a year, with many locations open around the clock.
- Cracker Barrel – traditionally opens and serves a holiday turkey meal, commonly starting around 11 a.m.
- IHOP – many locations open, including numerous 24-hour stores.
- Golden Corral – participating restaurants traditionally run a Thanksgiving buffet with limited hours.
- Bob Evans – known for opening dining rooms and offering holiday meals.
- Whataburger – many 24-hour stores stay open.
Confirmed for 2026: Buca di Beppo
One of the clearest 2026 announcements so far comes from Buca di Beppo. In an October 29 press release, the Italian chain said all of its locations will be open for dine-in on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., serving a family-style Thanksgiving Feast. The release lists turkey with gravy, garlic mashed potatoes, spicy Italian sausage stuffing, a seasonal vegetable, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. Take-home Feasts for 2–3 people are listed at $115 and for 4–6 people at $195, available for pickup and delivery November 23–26, with a 10% discount on online pre-orders placed by November 10 (not valid for dine-in). Buca recommends reservations.
Chains where it depends on the location
Fast food and casual chains often leave the decision to franchisees. Many of these will have at least some stores open, usually on reduced hours:
- Starbucks and Dunkin’ (expect shortened morning and afternoon hours)
- McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, Arby’s and Jack in the Box
- Popeyes, Checkers and Rally’s
- Applebee’s and Buffalo Wild Wings
Use the chain’s own app or store locator on Thanksgiving morning. Those usually reflect holiday hours more reliably than third-party map listings.
Chains that are usually closed on Thanksgiving
Don’t plan your holiday around these. Olive Garden will close its U.S. restaurants on Thursday, November 26, and again on Christmas Day, as reported by EURweb. Ted’s Montana Grill has also said it will close all locations on Thanksgiving and Christmas so employees can be home. OpenHoursToday lists these as generally closed too:
- LongHorn Steakhouse, Texas Roadhouse and Outback Steakhouse
- In-N-Out Burger, Raising Cane’s, Chick-fil-A and Shake Shack
- Chili’s, Chipotle, Panera Bread, Taco Bell and Zaxby’s
- Red Lobster
How to book Thanksgiving dinner at an independent restaurant
The most memorable Thanksgiving meals out usually come from independent restaurants, hotel dining rooms and steakhouses that run a set holiday menu. Those seats go fast. Here is how to get one:
- Book now, not next week. Many restaurants open Thanksgiving reservations in October, and prime 4–6 p.m. slots fill first.
- Expect a prix fixe. Most restaurants switch to a set holiday menu at a fixed price per person. If you are unsure how that works, read our guide to prix fixe versus à la carte.
- Ask about kids’ pricing and dietary swaps when you book, not at the table.
- Check the cancellation policy. Holiday bookings often require a card on file and charge for late cancellations or no-shows.
- Look at hotels. Hotel restaurants are among the most dependable places to find an open, full-service dining room on the holiday.
What to drink with a restaurant Thanksgiving meal
A holiday prix fixe usually means turkey, rich sides and something sweet, so lean toward food-friendly wines with bright acidity. Pinot Noir, Beaujolais, dry Riesling and sparkling wine all handle a crowded plate well. For more detail, see our Thanksgiving wine pairing guide and our breakdown of the best wine for turkey dinner. If the list is long and you’re short on time, our tips on ordering wine confidently at a restaurant will help.
Thanksgiving dining-out checklist
- Confirm your location is open by phone, not just online.
- Reserve a table, even at casual chains, if your group is larger than four.
- Arrive early, because holiday kitchens run tight.
- Tip generously. The people serving you are working the holiday so you don’t have to.
- Order pies or take-home feasts early if you want leftovers.
Frequently asked questions
What date is Thanksgiving 2026?
Thanksgiving 2026 is Thursday, November 26. Most restaurants that open will run a holiday menu or shortened hours, and many will close earlier than usual in the evening so staff can get home.
Is Olive Garden open on Thanksgiving 2026?
No. Olive Garden’s U.S. restaurants close on Thanksgiving Day and on Christmas Day. If you want Italian food that day, Buca di Beppo has said all of its locations will be open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Is Cracker Barrel open on Thanksgiving?
Cracker Barrel traditionally opens on Thanksgiving and serves a turkey dinner, and it’s one of the most popular holiday sit-down options in the country. Expect waits, and check with your local store for its 2026 hours and to-go options.
Are fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving?
Some are. McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, Popeyes and Jack in the Box locations are often franchise-owned, so each operator decides. Many open with reduced hours, especially near highways and airports. Chick-fil-A, Taco Bell and Chipotle generally close.
Is it rude to eat out on Thanksgiving?
Not at all. Restaurants that open on the holiday have chosen to, and many diners rely on them, including travelers, people working holiday shifts, small households and anyone without a kitchen. Be patient, book ahead and tip well.
How much does Thanksgiving dinner at a restaurant cost?
It varies widely. Casual chains price their turkey plates close to a normal dinner, while independent restaurants and hotels usually charge a fixed per-person price for a multi-course holiday menu, often with a lower price for children. Ask about the price, what’s included, and whether tax and gratuity are added when you book.
The bottom line
If you need a guaranteed hot meal on November 26, Waffle House, Denny’s, IHOP and Cracker Barrel are your safest bets, and Buca di Beppo has confirmed every location will be open for dine-in. For something more special, call your favorite independent restaurant this week and ask whether it’s serving a Thanksgiving menu. Then call again the morning of to confirm. Happy Thanksgiving from The Dining Post.
