Restaurants Open Thanksgiving Day 2014: Enjoy A Buffet Or Sit Down Turkey Dinner, Skip The Dishes

Wondering which restaurants are open on Thanksgiving? If preparing a big meal and cleaning up after your guests is not high on your list of fun things to do on a holiday, there are a number of restaurants open where you can enjoy a sit-down turkey dinner or a complete holiday buffet.

Some restaurants require reservations for Thanksgiving dinner, but others, like Cracker Barrel, Home Town Buffet and Golden Corral do not — just be prepared for long lines at these popular chain restaurants.

My mom trying to get our opinions on Thanksgiving dinner pic.twitter.com/bizuFsVvQy

— sneaky turkey (@siekres) November 10, 2014

Restaurant News reports that almost 40 restaurant chains will be open on November 27, but not all will be serving turkey dinner. If you prefer a Big Mac over turkey, you’re out of luck. Most fast food restaurants, including McDonald’s, Wendy’s and Burger King, will be closed all day on Thanksgiving to give their employees time to spend with their families.

Is eating out on Thanksgiving expensive? It depends on where you go. Cracker Barrel’s Thanksgiving feast is only $10.99 per adult and $5.99 per child — up just $1 more than last year’s prices. Ruth’s Chris Steak House is a bit pricier — the popular steakhouse has special holiday menu available for a set price of $39.95 per adult and $12.95 for children 12 and under.

Here’s a list of popular national chain restaurants serving turkey dinner on Thanksgiving, complete with restaurant hours, prices and a brief description of the menu.

Boston Market will offer a turkey dinner with two sides, cornbread and a slice of apple or pumpkin pie for $11.99. Hours vary by location.

Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant is serving a family-style turkey dinner with sliced turkey (or ham), gravy, mashed potatoes, sausage stuffing, green beans, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. Three people can eat for $53.99 or pay $98.99 for a party of six. Hours vary by location.

Country Buffet is open on Thanksgiving until 7 p.m. Find plenty of traditional holiday foods including turkey, ham, roast beef, vegetables, cornbread dressing, mashed potatoes and a variety of pies. Menu prices vary.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store will be open on Thanksgiving from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. This popular restaurant will start serving turkey and all the fixings at 11 a.m. See the full menu here as well as a take-out menu if you prefer to dine at home and have someone else do the cooking. Adult dinner is $10.99, children’s meals are $5.99.

Golden Corral will be open on November 27 with a full Thanksgiving Day Buffet at most locations. The buffet is approximately $12.99 per adult and includes turkey, ham, rotisserie chicken, pot roast, meatloaf, sirloin steak, fried shrimp and a variety of sides and desserts.

Lone Star Steakhouse will be serving roasted turkey breast topped with gravy, dressing, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce for $16.99. Add a slice of pumpkin cheesecake for $6.99. There is a children’s meal available for $6.99 that includes turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes and stuffing. Best part of this meal? Children 12 and under free.

Maggiano’s Little Italy requires reservations for their four course Thanksgiving meal. Hours and prices vary by location. See the menu here and make reservations online on Maggiano’s website.

McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks recommends reservations if you want to enjoy their roast turkey dinner that includes mashed potatoes, veggies and stuffing. Most locations will be charging $24.99 per adult and $9.99 per child 12 and under.

Old Country Buffet has a full holiday buffet that includes rotisserie-style turkey breast, ham, roast beef and a large selection of sides. Desserts include pumpkin pie, pecan pie, ice cream and apple crisp. Prices vary by location. Most Old Country Buffet restaurants close at 7 p.m. on Thanksgiving.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House is charging $39.95 per adult and $12.95 for children 12 and under for their Thanksgiving dinner that includes soup, salad, turkey, stuffing and sides. Reservations recommended. See the full menu here.

Shoney’s has a buffet-style turkey dinner. Customers will get a free slice of pumpkin pie with each buffet purchased. Prices and hours vary by location.

Sizzler will offer a hand-carved turkey dinner with sides and dessert for $12.99 at participating locations. Hours vary.

Smith & Wollensky will be open for lunch and dinner on Thanksgiving. Their traditional turkey dinner, including soup, salad, turkey, sides and pie, is priced at $49 per adult and $20 per child under 12. Call ahead for reservations.

If you’re looking to eat something other than turkey, Restaurant News has a full list of restaurants open on Thanksgiving.

[Image: Boston Market]