Where to Eat and Shop on Thanksgiving Day: A Comprehensive Guide

Thanksgiving Day, a cherished holiday celebrated in the United States and Canada, is a time for family, friends, and feasting. However, there are times when you might need to step out for a quick meal or a last-minute grocery run. While many businesses are closed on this special day, several establishments remain open to cater to your needs. Here’s a comprehensive guide to places open on Thanksgiving Day.   

Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving Day

Numerous restaurants across the United States are open on Thanksgiving Day, offering a variety of dining options to suit different tastes and budgets.

From casual dining chains to upscale restaurants, you can find something to satisfy your cravings.   

Casual Dining Chains:

Denny’s: Known for its 24-hour service, Denny’s is a reliable choice for a late-night meal or a quick bite on Thanksgiving Day.   

IHOP: This popular pancake house offers a diverse menu, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.   

Waffle House: This iconic chain is open 24/7, serving up its signature waffles, hash browns, and other Southern comfort food.   

Bob Evans: This family-style restaurant offers a traditional Thanksgiving meal, complete with turkey, ham, and all the trimmings.   

Golden Corral: This all-you-can-eat buffet chain offers a Thanksgiving feast with a variety of dishes, including roasted turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie.   

Fast Food Restaurants:

McDonald’s: Many McDonald’s locations are open on Thanksgiving Day, offering a convenient and affordable meal option.   

Burger King: Similar to McDonald’s, many Burger King locations are open on Thanksgiving Day, serving up burgers, fries, and other fast-food favorites.   

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen: This popular chicken chain is often open on Thanksgiving Day, offering a delicious meal of fried chicken, biscuits, and sides.   

Subway: Many Subway locations are open on Thanksgiving Day, providing a healthy and customizable meal option.   

Upscale Restaurants:

Ruth’s Chris Steak House: This upscale steakhouse offers a special Thanksgiving Day menu, featuring a variety of prime cuts of beef, seafood, and other gourmet dishes.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar: This elegant restaurant offers a prix-fixe Thanksgiving menu, featuring a variety of dishes, including roasted turkey, prime rib, and decadent desserts.

Morton’s The Steakhouse: This renowned steakhouse offers a special Thanksgiving menu, featuring a variety of classic dishes, including roasted turkey, prime rib, and seafood.

Grocery Stores Open on Thanksgiving Day

While most grocery stores are closed on Thanksgiving Day, a few may be open for limited hours to accommodate last-minute shoppers. However, it’s best to check with your local grocery store to confirm their hours of operation.

Convenience Stores:

7-Eleven

Circle K

Speedway

Wawa   

These convenience stores often offer a limited selection of groceries, such as snacks, drinks, and basic household items.

Pharmacies Open on Thanksgiving Day

Many pharmacies, especially those located within larger retailers, may be open on Thanksgiving Day, especially for urgent needs. However, it’s advisable to check with your local pharmacy to confirm their hours of operation.

CVS Pharmacy

Walgreens

Rite Aid

Things to Consider When Dining Out on Thanksgiving Day

Reservations: If you plan to dine out on Thanksgiving Day, it’s advisable to make reservations in advance, as many restaurants fill up quickly.

Limited Hours: Some restaurants may have limited hours on Thanksgiving Day, so it’s important to check the specific hours of operation for the restaurant you plan to visit.

Holiday Menus: Many restaurants offer special Thanksgiving Day menus, so be sure to check the menu in advance to see if it meets your dietary needs and preferences.   

Tipping: It’s customary to tip your server on Thanksgiving Day, especially if they are working on a holiday. A standard tip of 15-20% is appropriate.

Additional Tips for Thanksgiving Day

Plan Ahead: Whether you’re cooking at home or dining out, it’s important to plan ahead. Make a list of ingredients, check your pantry, and make reservations if needed.

Be Patient: Thanksgiving Day can be a busy time, so be patient with restaurant staff and other shoppers.

Give Thanks: Take a moment to give thanks for your blessings, whether you’re spending the day with family and friends or alone.

By following these tips and doing a little research, you can make the most of your Thanksgiving Day, whether you’re cooking at home, dining out, or running errands.

FAQs

What chain restaurants are open on Thanksgiving Day? 

Many chain restaurants across the U.S. stay open on Thanksgiving, including:

Denny’s: Open 24/7, serving a special Turkey and Dressing Dinner.

Cracker Barrel: Offers dine-in and take-out Heat n’ Serve meals from morning until evening​.

Bob Evans: Open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., offering holiday platters and pies.

Golden Corral: Some locations serve a Thanksgiving buffet; hours vary.

Waffle House: Always open for breakfast and comfort foods all day​.

Are any pizza places open on Thanksgiving? 

Yes, some pizza chains are open with adjusted hours. For instance, Papa John’s and Pizza Hut often operate on Thanksgiving and may offer family meal deals or standard menus, but it’s best to check with local branches as hours can vary by location​.

Where can I get a full Thanksgiving meal to-go? 

Several restaurants provide to-go Thanksgiving options, such as:

Boston Market: Known for its Heat n’ Serve meals that include turkey, mashed potatoes, and sides.

Marie Callender’s: Some locations offer turkey feasts for take-out, serving multiple people.

Cracker Barrel: Heat n’ Serve meals can be pre-ordered and picked up for a home-style Thanksgiving feast without the kitchen work​.

What high-end dining options are available? 

For those seeking upscale dining, certain high-end restaurants like Eddie Merlot’s offer a three-course Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings. Hotels such as the Madam at Daxton Hotel in Birmingham serve elaborate Thanksgiving buffets that include seasonal dishes, seafood, and dessert selections​.

Can I still find fast-food options on Thanksgiving? 

Yes, several fast-food chains operate with limited hours. Jack in the Box and Burger King often remain open, though with modified hours. Starbucks is another reliable choice for coffee and light snacks throughout Thanksgiving Day​.

What grocery stores or convenience stores are open for last-minute items? 

Many grocery stores, including Walmart and Whole Foods, are open with limited hours, typically in the morning. Convenience stores like 7-Eleven and CVS also stay open, making it possible to grab last-minute essentials.

To summarize

Whether you’re looking to dine out, grab takeout, or pick up last-minute groceries, plenty of options are available on Thanksgiving. Family-friendly restaurants such as Cracker Barrel, Bob Evans, and Denny’s provide classic Thanksgiving meals with all the fixings, while upscale spots offer special, curated experiences. For convenience, fast-food places and coffee shops like Starbucks help satisfy quick cravings, and major grocery stores stay open early for last-minute items. Before heading out, it’s wise to check local hours, as holiday schedules can vary by location.

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