If you’re looking for fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving – this is the list for you!
Wondering what fast food restaurants are open on Thanksgiving?
Look, not all of us have time to cook a big Thanksgiving dinner. And if that sounds like you, you might be looking for the best fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving.
There are plenty of people who might be looking for fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving. Some people who don’t celebrate Thanksgiving, or people who work long hours on Thanksgiving, may be looking for alternatives too.
So, if you’re wondering which fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving, you’ve come to the right place!
A quick note before we get started: A lot of fast food places across the USA are franchised, which means that a minority of stores might choose not to open on Thanksgiving. This isn’t usually the case with the brands mentioned below – but we wanted to flag that there could be exceptions!
Anyway, let’s get into it!
Here are the fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving…
McDonald’s
McDonald’s is first on our list of fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving.
Everyone loves the Golden Arches, and you’ll be able to order everything from chicken nuggets to juicy burgers instead of turkey.
As one of the fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving, you can expect things to be slightly busy at your local joint.
So, remember to stay patient with staff and remember that they’re giving up their holiday to serve you!
If you’re not sure whether your local McDonald’s is one of the fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving, check out their handy store locator!
Subway
If you want to Eat Fresh this Turkey Day, why not check out Subway?
It’s one of the fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving and their sandwiches can get super-festive!
You can order regular turkey breast sandwiches. But Subway is among the fast restaurants open on Thanksgiving that often have holiday specials on offer!
They’ve served classics like the Autumn Carved Turkey Sub in the past, so they might come out with something equally delicious this year. It’s a classic pick for fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving.
Read more about Thanksgiving: 15 restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Dallas
Wendy’s
No Thanksgiving is complete without a Baconator or a Frosty, right? Which is why Wendy’s is next on our list of fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving.
If this resonates with you, then you’ll want to check out the next spot on our list of fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving – Wendy’s!
Wendy’s is usually one of the fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving, but not every restaurant will be open.
For this reason, you’ll want to double-check the hours before visiting.
If you don’t feel like leaving the house, you can even grab a meal on DoorDash!
Dunkin’ Donuts
Dunkin’ Donuts is usually one of the fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving, especially in big cities.
After all, everyone needs a stiff cup of coffee and a few delicious, glazed donuts before facing the entire family.
As Dunkin’ is one of the most popular fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving, it’s worth double-checking opening times before visiting.
Not only will this help you work your trip around your schedule, but it’ll help you avoid arriving at an empty store!
Burger King
Next on our list of fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving, it’s Burger King!
Burger King was established way back in 1954, and it remains one of the USA’s favorite burger joints.
It is the home of the original WHOPPER® after all!
This is a great place to visit for pre-dinner cheese bites or burgers. But you can also stop by if Thanksgiving Dinner didn’t quite hit the spot.
As with many of the fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving, you’ll want to check opening hours with your local store.
Fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving: Applebee’s
Applebee’s is the next spot on our list of fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving.
This spot promises to jazz up your Thanksgiving with milkshakes, steaks, burgers, and everything in between.
Although most Applebee’s restaurants are open on Thanksgiving, you’ll want to call your local branch to make sure!
Read more about Thanksgiving: 18 bars open on Thanksgiving in NYC
Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel is one of the most reliable fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving.
To make things even better, they usually offer a few festive menu items!
They’re usually open during regular business hours, and they’ve been known to serve a traditional Thanksgiving meal starting at 11 am.
As they’ve been around since 1969, this is one of the fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving that know what they’re doing!
El Pollo Loco
If you’re craving tamales and delicious sides, then you’ll adore the next place on our list of fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving.
El Pollo Loco is an iconic American restaurant chain that sells fire-grilled chicken. And it’s amazing.
Serving everything from burritos to sinful mac and cheese, it’s a wonderful alternative to a traditional Thanksgiving feast.
Read more about Thanksgiving: 20 amazing restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Seattle!
Golden Corral
If you’re looking for fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving that offer a decent buffet, check out Golden Corral.
Although opening hours vary between locations, most will be able to seat you for lunch and dinner without much trouble!
Whether you’re craving sirloin steaks, seafood, or seasonal salads, this fast food restaurant open on Thanksgiving has your back.
Another great choice for fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving.
Read more about Thanksgiving: 15 restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Diego
Little Caesars
Little Caesars is one of the fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving, and it always delivers.
This spot is known for serving classic Italian dishes – the American way.
So, you won’t find thin Neapolitan pizzas at Little Caesars, but you’ll certainly be able to dive into deep-dish pizzas like you mean business!
This is one of the fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving that operates regular hours during the holidays. But to avoid disappointment, call ahead to double-check!
Read more about Thanksgiving food: What do you eat on Thanksgiving Day?
IHOP
Next on our list of fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving… It’s IHOP!
Are you craving a monster stack of pancakes to kick off Thanksgiving this year? If you answered that question with a resounding “YES”, then you’ll want to head down to IHOP.
Oh, and in case you were wondering, IHOP stands for International House of Pancakes.
It’s one of the fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving that serves incredible buttermilk pancakes and breakfast goodies.
If you’re looking for fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving that serve gluten-free options – then you’re in luck!
This spot has an entire section of its menu dedicated to gluten-friendly goodies. Score!
Read more about Thanksgiving: 17 restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Philadelphia
Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut is one of the top fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving this year.
They’ll be serving up their traditional pizza and sides.
So, if you end up burning the turkey beyond repair or fancy a cheesy follow-up, then you’ll want to check this place out.
If you add this to your list of fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving to visit, you’ll want to get a stuffed crust pizza.
Just trust us on this one. The combination of stringy mozzarella and herbs is just perfection.
Denny’s
Denny’s is next on our list of fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day.
Denny’s is a great choice for breakfast, lunch or dinner as the menu is super big and there is lots of choice.
There are many Denny’s across the US, so whilst we guarantee that each individual restaurant is open on Thanksgiving, many of them are.
Read more about Thanksgiving: 17 restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Chicago
Popeye’s
Sometimes, you just want a fried chicken sandwich on Thanksgiving.
Luckily, the next place on our list of fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving is here to save the day.
You guessed it – it’s Popeye’s!
This amazing spot is known for serving its classic chicken menu during the holidays, but you’ll also find specials like Cajun-style turkeys making an appearance.
This is a delicious pick for fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving.
Steak ‘n Shake
Next up on our list of fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving, it’s Steak ‘n Shake.
Fancy a burger and fries with an amazing milkshake this Thanksgiving? Well, Steak ‘n Shake has got you 100% covered.
This classic American chain is best known for its Steakburger, but they also serve the most delectable crispy fries.
Throw in an iconic shake and it’s easy to see why this is one of the most popular fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving!
As this place can get super-busy on Turkey Day, we suggest arriving early to snag a table or opting for take-out.
Read more about Thanksgiving: 21 restaurants open on Thanksgiving in NYC
Hardee’s
Next on our list of fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving is Hardee’s.
This popular chain is known for serving cheap and cheerful burgers and fries combos.
So, it’s a great alternative to other joints like McDonald’s and Burger King if you don’t feel like battling the queues (or just want something different!).
As fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving may have different opening hours, it’s worth checking in with your local Hardee’s before heading out.
Read more about Thanksgiving: 15 restaurants open for Thanksgiving in Austin, Texas
Sonic
Okay, we couldn’t write a list of fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving without mentioning Sonic!
Home to the famous Sonic Blast, this is the perfect spot to visit if you’ve not made a pumpkin pie for dessert.
And hey, even if you have – their amazing ice cream makes a killer accompaniment to any sweet dish!
You heard it here first, folks. A pretty great choice for fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving.
Read more about Thanksgiving: 18 restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Las Vegas!
White Castle
White Castle is one of the most iconic (and oldest!) fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving.
This chain has been around since 1921 and has been serving delicious burgers and fries since the beginning.
Realistically, who doesn’t have a thing for that amazing crinkle cut?!
Although most of their restaurants are open every day except Christmas and Easter, you’ll want to check in with your local branch before heading down.
Papa John’s
Another incredible fast food restaurant that is open on Thanksgiving is Papa John’s. It’ll be serving up its classic handcrafted pizzas throughout the day and well into the night.
So, it’s perfect if you’re feeling hungry after downing your Thanksgiving feast.
Hey, it happens to the best of us!
Starbucks
Thanksgiving is the perfect occasion for a Pumpkin Spice Latte. And honestly, you’ll probably need a caffeine hit while preparing Thanksgiving dinner.
Whilst many people might not include Starbucks on their list of fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving (maybe it’s classed more as a coffee shop than fast food?) we wanted to include it!
Starbucks is one of the fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving that is here to save the day.
Everything from their gorgeous cakes to their classic coffees will be available for sale on Turkey Day. Phew!
Read more about Thanksgiving: 16 amazing restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Orlando
Domino’s
Who doesn’t love digging into a fresh pizza? If you’re looking to dial up Turkey Day with an uber-cheesy pizza, head straight to Domino’s.
It’s one of the many fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving and it’ll sell everything from its chicken strips to wings and breadsticks.
Oh, and don’t forget to throw in a dessert or two!
It would be rude not to, right?
Boston Market
The final spot on our list of fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving – it’s Boston Market!
It’s a great place to visit if you’re looking for a full meal that you’ll get fast and eat even faster.
This restaurant is known for its incredible rotisserie chickens. But you’ll also be able to grab hearty prime rib, cornbread, and delicious veggies to round out your meal.
Honestly, we think this is one of the fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving if you’re not looking for traditional burgers or greasy fries!
