Thanksgiving doesn't have to mean hours in the kitchen. Whether you're traveling, want to avoid the stress of cooking, or simply prefer to let professionals handle the feast, plenty of restaurants across the United States welcome diners on Turkey Day. From national chains to beloved local gems, here's your comprehensive guide to where you can enjoy Thanksgiving dinner in America's major cities.

Why Dine Out on Thanksgiving?

Before we dive into the options, let's acknowledge that dining out on Thanksgiving offers several advantages. You'll skip the cooking, cleaning, and stress while enjoying professionally prepared meals. Many restaurants offer special holiday menus featuring traditional favorites alongside unique culinary twists. Plus, it's an opportunity to support local businesses during the holiday season.

National Chain Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving

Let's start with the reliable options available coast to coast. These national chains typically keep their doors open on Thanksgiving, though hours may vary by location.

Classic American Dining

Cracker Barrel remains a Thanksgiving staple, offering its homestyle Southern comfort food along with special seasonal menu items. The restaurant provides both dine-in and takeout options for their full Thanksgiving meal, making it convenient for families of all sizes.

Denny's locations stay open with their signature 24/7 reliability (or close to it). They serve traditional turkey dinners alongside their regular breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus, giving you flexibility if not everyone wants turkey.

Bob Evans opens its doors for breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Thanksgiving. Known for their farmhouse-style cooking, they offer special Thanksgiving meals available for dine-in, delivery, or curbside pickup.

IHOP welcomes pancake lovers and turkey enthusiasts alike. While known for breakfast fare, many locations serve turkey dinners with mashed potatoes, gravy, and broccoli for those seeking traditional holiday flavors.

Steakhouse Options

If you're looking to skip turkey altogether, several steakhouse chains operate on Thanksgiving:

Ruth's Chris Steak House offers an upscale experience with a three-course turkey dinner option, though their signature steaks remain available. They encourage reservations as they observe extended hours on the holiday.

STK Steakhouse blends fine dining with a lively atmosphere, featuring special Thanksgiving menus with turkey alongside their award-winning steaks. Pre-order takeout options are also available.

Sullivan's Steakhouse typically opens from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., serving both a traditional three-course Thanksgiving dinner and their signature steakhouse items.

Black Angus Steakhouse opens from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. with a limited menu that includes turkey dinner options alongside their beef selections.

Casual Dining Chains

Applebee's participates selectively, with many locations opening their doors, though it's wise to call ahead to confirm your local restaurant's hours.

Golden Corral offers an all-you-can-eat buffet experience featuring fresh-carved turkey, holiday glazed ham, and new seasonal items. Most locations open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with some markets extending dinner hours.

Red Lobster provides a seafood alternative to traditional turkey, serving their full menu including famous Cheddar Bay Biscuits throughout the holiday.

TGI Friday's keeps a laid-back, casual atmosphere for those wanting comfort classics like wings and burgers instead of traditional Thanksgiving fare.

Italian Restaurants

Maggiano's Little Italy offers a three-course meal starting at $46.99 for adults and $17.99 for children, blending Italian favorites with Thanksgiving traditions.

Bravo! Italian Kitchen serves traditional Thanksgiving dinner alongside their à la carte Italian menu, perfect for families with mixed preferences.

Buca di Beppo provides family-style Italian feasts, offering both Thanksgiving specials and their classic pasta dishes.

Fast Food and Quick Service

For those seeking convenience and value, numerous fast-food chains remain open:

• McDonald's (hours vary by location)
• Burger King (most locations open)
• Wendy's (typically regular hours)
• Popeyes (most locations open)
• Sonic (many locations)
• Whataburger (most locations)
• Steak ‘n Shake (regular hours)
• White Castle (open until 3 p.m.)
• Waffle House (open 24/7, as always)

Boston Market serves as a particularly popular fast-casual choice on Thanksgiving, offering traditional turkey dinners with shorter operating hours. They provide takeaway, catering, and dine-in options for last-minute turkey emergencies.

New York City: Local Gems and Fine Dining

New York City offers an exceptional array of Thanksgiving dining options, from classic American to international cuisines.

Upscale Manhattan Experiences

Le Pavillon brings Daniel Boulud's culinary excellence to Thanksgiving with a $205 three-course prix fixe menu available from noon to 8 p.m. Expect lobster bisque, cedar-baked black bass, and optional caviar supplements for an ultra-luxe experience.

Casa Cruz occupies a stunning Beaux-Arts townhouse on the Upper East Side, offering a $140 three-course menu featuring braised stuffed turkey roulade with glazed chestnuts and maple cider-glazed salmon among other elegant options.

Tavern on the Green provides an iconic Central Park setting with a four-course menu crafted by Executive Chef Bill Peet, making it perfect for both locals and tourists seeking a quintessential New York experience.

Parker's at Thompson Central Park serves a $145 family-style menu featuring roasted organic wild turkey with brown butter cornbread brioche stuffing and truffle pomme puree.

Neighborhood Favorites

Bell Book & Candle in the West Village offers a more intimate experience with a $75 prix fixe for adults. Their three-course meal includes Lancaster Turkey with traditional sides and Chicago-style apple pie.

Kubeh in Greenwich Village adds Middle Eastern flair to Thanksgiving with a $74 three-course dinner featuring Syrian-spiced options alongside traditional turkey.

Red Rooster Harlem creates a full Thanksgiving experience with a turkey feast prix fixe upstairs accompanied by live music, while Ginny's Supper Club downstairs offers a buffet in a jazzy speakeasy setting.

Takeout Options

Carmine's provides massive family-style Italian portions with an 18-pound roast turkey feast serving six to eight people for $395, available for pickup from their Times Square or Upper West Side locations.

Bubby's has been a Thanksgiving staple since opening on Turkey Day in 1990, offering $200 take-out meals for two with all the classic comfort food fixings.

Cha Cha Tang in the West Village offers a unique twist with their Thanksgiving To-Go Package featuring a four-pound whole Cantonese duck with Chinese sausage stuffing and pearl noodles.

Los Angeles: West Coast Thanksgiving Celebrations

Los Angeles restaurants embrace both tradition and innovation for Thanksgiving dining.

High-End LA Dining

Charcoal in Venice offers a five-course dinner at $125 per person at Josiah Citrin's modern steakhouse. The smoky feast includes wild mushroom stuffing, pecan praline yams, and Sichuan-spiced green beans.

Dante Beverly Hills hosts an all-day rooftop celebration with holiday-themed cocktails and a choice between turkey breast with stuffing, agave-glazed ham, or plant-based vegetable millefeuille.

Spago and other Wolfgang Puck establishments typically offer special Thanksgiving menus, though reservations book quickly at these celebrity chef destinations.

Coastal and Contemporary Options

Marelle at a stunning hotel near the beach serves a three-course all-day menu at $95 per person, featuring cedar-plank salmon with maple-Dijon glaze and prime rib with horseradish cream.

Crossroads Kitchen caters to plant-based diners with Chef Tal Ronnen's four-course vegan Thanksgiving menu that impresses even confirmed meat-eaters with its creativity and flavor.

Local Favorites

La Gondola in Beverly Hills offers both dine-in and takeout packages, with the full takeout package priced at $640 plus tax, serving larger groups with traditional and upscale options.

Bibi's Bakery and Cafe provides various kosher options, making it accessible for those following dietary traditions.

Chicago: Midwest Comfort and Flavor

The Windy City blends hearty Midwestern cooking with diverse international influences.

Chicago Classics

Crunch in Skokie offers a unique $425 package including sushi platters, duck fat stuffing, and maple bourbon roasted turkey, blending different culinary traditions.

Evita Argentinian Steakhouse provides a four-course meal featuring Puerto Rican flavors at $100 per person, adding Latin American flair to the holiday.

Soul Food and BBQ

Several Far South Side soul food spots open from noon to 3 p.m. without requiring reservations, offering collard greens, gumbo, and bourbon pecan pie alongside traditional turkey.

New South Side BBQ spots serve smoked turkey, brisket, and lamb chops, bringing authentic barbecue flavors to Thanksgiving dinner.

Fine Dining

Chicago's upscale restaurants offer tasting menus starting around $95, featuring Italian influences with burrata, filet mignon, and tiramisu.

Bakeries and Sweets

Delightful Pastries on the Northwest Side takes pre-orders for pies including bourbon chocolate pecan and cranberry fudge varieties, perfect for those handling the rest of the meal at home but wanting professional-quality desserts.

Other Major Cities

Philadelphia and Montgomery County

Seasons 52 in King of Prussia offers a $42 per person dine-in experience with contemporary seasonal delights, plus takeout options serving 4-6 people.

The Farmer's Daughter in Blue Bell provides choices between a grand buffet or an intimate four-course dinner featuring carved turkey and pumpkin bisque.

Las Vegas

Many casino restaurants and steakhouses remain open, with resort properties offering special buffets and prix fixe menus. Eddie V's and other upscale chains operate between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m.

General Tips for All Cities

Local diners and family-owned restaurants often open on Thanksgiving. Check community Facebook groups or call your favorite neighborhood spots, as many proprietors choose to serve their communities during the holiday.

Booking Tips and Recommendations

Make Reservations Early

Popular restaurants fill up weeks in advance for Thanksgiving. If you're reading this close to the holiday, call immediately or consider less traditional options that may have availability.

Confirm Hours and Menus

Even chain restaurants may have location-specific hours or limited menus on Thanksgiving. Always call ahead or check online to avoid disappointment.

Consider Takeout

Many upscale restaurants offer takeout packages that provide restaurant-quality food at home. This option often requires advance ordering, sometimes weeks ahead, so plan accordingly.

Understand Pricing

Prix fixe menus typically don't include beverages, tax, or gratuity. Budget accordingly, and remember that Thanksgiving is a premium dining day with prices reflecting the special occasion.

Be Flexible

If your first choice is fully booked, embrace the opportunity to try something new. Some of the best Thanksgiving memories come from unexpected dining experiences.

Cost Considerations

Thanksgiving restaurant prices vary widely:

• Fast food and casual chains: $15-30 per person
• Mid-range restaurants: $40-75 per person
• Upscale dining: $80-150 per person
• Luxury experiences: $150-250+ per person
• Takeout packages: $200-600 for family-sized meals

Remember that these prices typically don't include drinks, tax, or gratuity, so budget an additional 30-40% for the complete cost.

Special Dietary Accommodations

Many restaurants now cater to various dietary needs:

• Vegetarian/Vegan: Crossroads Kitchen (LA), Le Botaniste (NYC)
• Gluten-free: Most major chains offer options
• Kosher: Various specialty restaurants in major cities
• Allergen-conscious: Call ahead to discuss specific needs

Making the Most of Your Restaurant Thanksgiving

Arrive Early or Late

If you're dining at a restaurant without reservations, consider off-peak hours. Early afternoon (2-3 p.m.) or later evening (after 7 p.m.) often have better availability.

Embrace Non-Traditional Options

Some of the best Thanksgiving experiences come from trying something different. Korean barbecue, Japanese steakhouses, or Mediterranean restaurants can create memorable new traditions.

Support Local Businesses

While chain restaurants offer reliability, local establishments often provide more personalized service and unique menus. Your patronage helps small business owners and their employees.

Plan Transportation

Many people drink alcohol during Thanksgiving celebrations. Plan for rideshare, designated drivers, or choose restaurants within walking distance of your accommodation.

Conclusion

Dining out on Thanksgiving offers freedom from kitchen stress while maintaining the holiday's celebratory spirit. Whether you choose a national chain's reliable comfort food, a local gem's unique offerings, or an upscale restaurant's gourmet feast, you'll find excellent options across the United States.

From New York's iconic establishments to Los Angeles's innovative kitchens, from Chicago's hearty Midwest fare to countless options in between, restaurants across America welcome diners on Thanksgiving. The key is planning ahead, confirming details, and approaching the experience with an open mind and grateful heart.

This Thanksgiving, let someone else handle the cooking while you focus on what truly matters: spending quality time with loved ones, creating memories, and giving thanks for all you have. Whether you're enjoying Cracker Barrel's homestyle cooking, Ruth's Chris's upscale steaks, or a local restaurant's special creation, you're participating in a growing American tradition that honors both the holiday spirit and culinary excellence.

Happy Thanksgiving, and enjoy your meal!