What Restaurants Open Thanksgiving Day?
12 Florida Chains Open for the Holiday
Planning a stress-free Thanksgiving in Florida? Whether you’re traveling, living the snowbird life, or simply taking a break from cooking, you might be wondering: what restaurants are open on Thanksgiving Day in Florida.
Many Florida restaurants open their doors for the holiday, offering everything from classic turkey dinners to regular menus. Some even have special Thanksgiving pre-cooked meals you can order ahead!
Below, you’ll find a guide to 12 national chains open on Thanksgiving Day, plus a fast-food options too!
This post contains affiliate links thru Amazon.. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting the blog!
Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving Day in Florida (2025–2026 Guide)
Here’s a handy guide to 12 Florida restaurant chains open for Thanksgiving Day. Each includes notes about holiday hours and special Thanksgiving meals when available.
Cracker Barrel
Open on Thanksgiving? ✔ Yes
Special Thanksgiving Meal? ✔ YesÂ
Holiday Hours: Typically 7am–9pm (varies)
Pre-order their full pre-cooked “Holiday Heat & Serve” Thanksgiving Day feast, 2 options: 4-6 people, or 8-10 people. Check your nearest Cracker Barrel for availability and pricing here.
Cracker Barrel is the ultimate Thanksgiving standby. Most Florida locations serve a traditional turkey dinner with all the fixings, plus pies you can take home. Find your nearest Cracker Barrel operating hours here.
Denny’s
Open on Thanksgiving? ✔ Yes — 24/7
Special Menu? Sometimes — often a turkey dinner plate
Holiday Hours: 24 hours
You can always count on Denny’s for a comforting meal on holidays. Many locations offer a seasonal roast turkey dish, but the all-day breakfast is always available. Find your local Denny’s operating hours here.
Waffle House
Open on Thanksgiving? ✔ Yes — every location, every year
Special Menu? ✖ No
Holiday Hours: 24 hours
Waffle House never closes — hurricanes and holidays included. If you want no-frills comfort food, this is a guaranteed open option anywhere in Florida. Find your local Waffle House operating hours here.
Golden Corral
Open on Thanksgiving? ✔ Most locations
Special Thanksgiving Meal? ✔ Yes, buffet style
Holiday Hours: Typically 10am–6pm
Order their fully pre-cooked Thanksgiving Day meal here!
Golden Corral is known for a generous Thanksgiving buffet featuring turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, stuffing, pies, and more. Find your local Golden Corral operating hours here.
Applebee’s
Open on Thanksgiving? ✔ Many locations
Special Menu? ✖ Mostly regular menu
Hours: Usually 4pm–midnight
Hours vary widely by franchise, but many Applebee’s restaurants are open for dinner on Thanksgiving. Check your local Applebee’s for their operating days/times.
Give a loved one an Applebee’s Gift Card! Â
IHOP
Open on Thanksgiving? ✔ Most locations
Special Menu? Sometimes — fall specials like pumpkin pancakes
Hours: Typically regular hours, varies
IHOP is great for families, and many locations offer pumpkin pancakes or fall specials during November. Find your local IHOP operating hours here.
Give an IHOP gift card!
Boston Market
Open on Thanksgiving? ✔ Yes
Special Thanksgiving Meal? ✔ Yes
Holiday Hours: Vary by location
Many Boston Market locations specialize in holiday meals with sides and desserts, available for dine-in or carryout. Find your local Boston Market operating hours here.
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
Open on Thanksgiving? ✔ Most Florida locations
Special Menu? ✔ Turkey dinner plates and seasonal pies
Hours: Morning–evening
Cozy diner-style holiday meals, some locations close early. Find your local Perkins Restaurant & Bakery hours here.
Ruby Tuesday
Open on Thanksgiving? ✔ Some locations
Special Menu? ✖ No
Holiday Hours: Early Thanksgiving dinner, hours vary- use link below
Availability varies, but many Ruby Tuesday locations in Florida open for a few hours on Thanksgiving evening. Find your local Ruby Tuesday location information here.
TGI Fridays
Open on Thanksgiving? ✔ Many locations
Special Menu? ✖✔ Mostly regular menu, but special Holiday drinks!
Holiday Hours: Typically afternoon–late night
Great for groups who want something casual. Casual dining and drinks for groups who want a stress-free holiday. Find your local TGI Fridays operating hours here.
Metro Diner
Open on Thanksgiving? ✔ Most Florida locations
Special Thanksgiving Menu? ✔ Yes — turkey dinner plates
Holiday Hours: Early Thanksgiving Day meals, usually 8am–2:30pm
Pre-order your Metro Diner pre-cooked Thanksgiving Day meal here.
Metro Diner offers one of the best diner-style turkey meals in the state. Many locations close mid-afternoon. Find your nearest Metro Diner operating hours here.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Open on Thanksgiving? ✔ Most locations
Special Thanksgiving Menu? ✔ Yes — turkey dinner plates
Holiday Hours: Usually noon–8pm
Pre-order your Ruth’s Chris Thanksgiving Day Feast here (scroll towards the bottom of the page).
If you want a more luxurious Thanksgiving meal, Ruth’s Chris offers a full holiday menu with sides, desserts, and wine pairings. Find your nearest Ruth’s Chris Steak House location and operating hours here.
Fast-Food Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving Day
For those who prefer quick and casual options, many fast-food chains also open select Florida locations:
McDonald’s – Some restaurants open, hours vary by location
Burger King – Select locations open, call ahead
Wendy’s – Many open for limited hours
Chick-fil-A – Some locations open early, limited menu
Panera Bread – Offering special Thanksgiving meals in select stores
Check your local restaurant or their website for exact holiday hours and special menu offerings.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re visiting Florida, enjoying a staycation, or simply want a break from the kitchen, these restaurants offer plenty of welcoming places to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal. I hope your day is filled with warmth, good company, and delicious food — however you choose to celebrate.
Wishing you a beautiful Thanksgiving full of love, gratitude, and good health.
Restaurant hours, holiday availability, and services may vary by location. Verify all details directly with the restaurant. Florida Balm is not responsible for changes or inaccuracies.
You may also like…
No products found.
No products found.