Don't want to cook? These restaurants will be open on Thanksgiving 2023

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While Thanksgiving is generally thought of as a day where a home-cooked meal is the norm, it doesn’t necessarily work out that way for many people or families. Maybe someone had to work. Maybe you forgot to defrost the turkey. Perhaps you just can’t cook. Or you could be solo and the idea of making a feast seems a bit ludicrous.

The good news for those folks is there are plenty of restaurants open.

Retailers might be pulling back from their Thanksgiving Day openings, but this is traditionally a busy day for restaurant chains—and many are offering Thanksgiving specials.

Here's a look at some of the places you can grab a bite on Thanksgiving. Note that hours may vary and some franchisees may opt not to be open, so be sure to call first

Restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day 2023

Applebee's

Bahama Breeze

Bob Evans

Boston Market

Buca Di Beppo

Buffalo Wild Wings

Capital Grille

Cooper’s Hawk

Country Buffett

Cracker Barrel

Denny's

Domino’s

Flemings Prime Steakhouse (opens at 11:00 a.m.)

Fogo de Chao 

Golden Corral

Hard Rock Café (opens at 11:00 a.m.)

HomeTown Buffet

IHOP

Maggiano's Little Italy

McCormick and Schmick's

McDonald’s

Medieval Times (most castles open, call to confirm)

Metro Diner (until 2:30 p.m.)

Morton’s Steakhouse

Old Country Buffet

Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses

Popeye's (varies by location)

Romano’s Macaroni Grill

Ruby Tuesday

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Ryan’s

Sizzler (varies by location)

Smith & Wollensky

Starbuck’s

STK Steakhouse

Subway

TGI Friday's

Waffle House

Wawa

Wendy’s

Restaurants closed on Thanksgiving Day 2023

Bonefish Grill

Carrabba's Italian Grill

Cheesecake Factory

Chili’s

Olive Garden

Outback Steakhouse

Red Lobster

Ted’s Montana Grill

Texas Roadhouse