Thanksgiving can be celebrated in so many ways, whether you cook the entire meal yourself, host a potluck-style gathering, or even hand over the reins to a professional service staff. For some people, the ideal Thanksgiving meal involves walking into a restaurant, sitting down, and ordering a ready-to-eat feast served up on a platter.
Although many restaurants choose to close their doors on Thanksgiving Day, these spots will be open and ready to serve you.
Applebee’s
Some Applebee’s locations will be open for Turkey Day and serving a special holiday menu. Other locations might have limited hours on November 23, so be sure to call ahead to your local Applebee’s to confirm.
Bar Louie
As special as gathering with family can be, it can also be a bit draining. For that reason, Bar Louie is encouraging customers to take a break from their relatives by stopping in on Thanksgiving for a drink. The restaurant chain’s 300+ locations nationwide will be open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. for those who need a little holiday reprieve.
Fogo de Chao
The most carnivorous Thanksgiving eaters can celebrate the holiday at Fogo de Chao. The Brazilian steakhouse will be serving up more meat than you can dream of eating, from roasted turkey au jus to Brazilian sausage with apple dressing. Fogo de Chao will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, but be sure to call ahead and make a reservation. Kids 6 years old and under eat for free.
Golden Corral
For all the traditional dishes and then some, Golden Corral will be offering its holiday buffet on Thanksgiving Day. All Golden Corral locations will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and even later in certain markets. Holiday hours for your local restaurant can be found on the brand’s website.
Red Lobster
All Red Lobster locations will be open on Thanksgiving Day, but be sure to check with your local Red Lobster for their potentially revised holiday hours. Reservations for six or fewer guests can be made via the website, but larger parties should call to make their reservations.
Whether you need a break from relatives or you just don’t want to cook for them, there are restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day that can offer you solace from the holiday buzz. Just be sure to tip your servers well and ask for a box at the end of your meal, because what is Thanksgiving without leftovers?