Mental Floss

Don't Want to Cook? Check Out 34 Restaurants That Are Open on Thanksgiving

By Jake Rossen

Not everyone needs relatives and a fancy table for Thanksgiving.
Not everyone needs relatives and a fancy table for Thanksgiving. / Ziga Plahutar/iStock via Getty Images
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For most people, Thanksgiving is synonymous with arranging—or indulging in—an expansive layout of turkey and side dishes, from stuffing to cornbread to mashed potatoes. (All of which, incidentally, are suffering from pandemic and supply shortage mark-ups. Happy holidays.)

If you’re tired of cooking or never really wanted to bother in the first place, the restaurant industry is here to help. There are a number of national chains that are making their menus and sometimes their dining areas available on Thanksgiving, making dinner as easy as carrying out a few bags. Check them out below, but be sure to call your local eatery to confirm. 

  1. Applebee’s
  2. Bahama Breeze
  3. Boston Market
  4. Buca di Beppo
  5. Burger King
  6. The Capital Grille
  7. Chart House
  8. Chili’s
  9. Cracker Barrel
  10. Del Frisco’s Grille
  11. Denny’s
  12. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
  13. Fogo de Chão
  14. Golden Corral
  15. Hardee’s
  16. Hooters
  17. IHOP
  18. Legal Sea Foods
  19. Maggiano’s Little Italy
  20. Marie Callender’s
  21. McCormick and Schmick’s
  22. Morton’s Steakhouse
  23. Pizza Hut
  24. Popeyes
  25. Romano’s Macaroni Grill
  26. Ruby Tuesday
  27. Ruth’s Chris Steak House
  28. Sonic
  29. STK Steakhouse
  30. Subway
  31. Sullivan’s Steakhouse
  32. T.G.I. Friday’s
  33. Tony Roma’s
  34. Waffle House

Be mindful that store hours will vary by chain and location. If you just need a quick drink or breakfast sandwich, most Dunkin’ and Starbucks locations will be open, as well.

[h/t Reader’s Digest]

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