I’m just going to say it—not everyone likes to, wants to or has time to cook on Thanksgiving. *Gasp* 😲
Not everyone has that day off from work or other duties the day prior, so the importance of acknowledging restaurants that are open on Thanksgiving is two-fold.
First, let’s thank everyone who is working in the service industry and makes it possible for us to get eat out and avoid cooking.
Second, we can add “not having to cook everything/at all” to our list of gratitudes because there are several options if you prefer to eat out. 🙏
Here are other reasons you may end up eating out, inspired by “Friends,” which has some of the best Thanksgiving episodes around. (If you are cooking, I suggest binge-watching these on Netflix while you work).
🍗 Like Chandler, you hate Thanksgiving and all the food that comes with it.
🍗 Someone (ahem, Rachel) totally messed up the dessert and eating out is better than eating beef + bananas, ladyfingers and whipped cream.
🍗 You were late for dinner and your friends locked you out.
🍗 A game of touch-football got out of hand, now everyone is mad so you head to Waffle House.
Restaurants with a 🦃 symbol have a special Thanksgiving menu:
🦃 Thanksgiving Brunch on the Bluff | 11 a.m.–4 p.m. | Back Inn Cafe | 411 E. 2nd St. | This annual buffet will feature holiday favorites along with dishes from other Bluff restaurants. Reservations are recommended.
🦃 Thanksgiving Feast at the Chattanoogan Hotel | 11 a.m.–3 p.m. | The Chattanoogan Hotel Ballroom | 1201 Broad St. | The menu includes slow-roasted turkey breast and citrus-glazed ham. Reservations are required.
🦃 Cracker Barrel | 11 a.m.–10 p.m. | Any Cracker Barrel Location | Cracker Barrel will begin serving its Thanksgiving Dinner at 11 a.m. and will continue through closing time. This dinner will include the classic turkey and dressing, gravy, sugar-cured ham, sweet potato casserole, cranberry relish, a choice of a side, biscuits or corn muffin, and a slice of pumpkin pie.
City Cafe | Open 24/7 | Any of its Chattanooga or Cleveland locations | City Cafe will be serving its regular menu items all day on Thanksgiving. These menu items include a roast chicken dinner with apple stuffing, pork chops with applesauce, and pot roast.
🦃 Puckett’s | 11 a.m.–3 p.m. | 2 W. Aquarium Way | Puckett’s will be offering a Thanksgiving Day buffet to customers looking to avoid their own ovens. Reservations are recommended. Adult dinners will cost $26.99; children dinners will cost $13.99.
Waffle House | Open 24/7 | Any Waffle House Location | Waffle Houses are known for its ability to stay open no matter the circumstances and Thanksgiving is no exception to that. They’ll be serving your favorite Waffle House dishes all day.
🦃 Golden Corral | 10 a.m.–9 p.m. | 1808 Gunbarrel Road | Golden Corral will be serving its normal buffet with additional holiday selections including roast beef, carved ham, cornbread stuffing, sweet potato casserole and coconut cake. Holiday meal options will be available after 4 p.m.
IHOP | Open 24/7 | Any IHOP location | IHOP will be serving its regular menu all day long. The menu does include a roast turkey option.
Applebee’s | 11 a.m.–midnight | Any Applebee’s location | Applebee’s will also be its normal self on Thanksgiving day with its regular hours and menu options.
🦃 Ruth’s Chris | 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m. | 2321 Lifestyle Way | Ruth’s Chris will be offering a special Thanksgiving menu for $39.95 that includes a starter option, roasted turkey, a side item, and pumpkin pie with ice cream.
Starbucks | Hours vary by location | Most Starbucks locations | This is good news for you coffee addicts: Starbucks will definitely be open for those of you looking for a fix.
Krispy Kreme | 6 a.m.–10 p.m. | Most Krispy Kreme locations | If you don’t feel like making a whole pie, this could be an alternative.
Dunkin’ Donuts | 5 a.m.–10 p.m. | Most Dunkin’ Donuts locations | Want donuts and coffee? Dunkin’ Donuts will be here to help.
Steak ‘n Shake | Open 24/7 | Any Steak n’ Shake locations | If you’re in the holiday mood, but also in the mood for a milkshake, Steak n’ Shake will be open and serving up their limited time eggnog, peppermint chocolate chip, white chocolate and white chocolate Oreo milkshakes.
McDonald’s | Hours vary by location | Most McDonald locations | You already knew they would be.
White Castle | Hours vary by location | Most White castle locations | Not feeling up for turkey? No worries. This chain will have some burgers for you.
