Major chains and fine dining restaurants open November 27, 2025 for Thanksgiving. Book 2-6 weeks ahead, expect deposits up to $50/person, and prix fixe menus ranging $20-150 per person.
Let's address the elephant in the dining room: Yes, for any sit-down restaurant on Thanksgiving, reservations are essential. Fine dining restaurants require booking 4-6 weeks in advance, while casual chains need 2-3 weeks notice. If you're reading this in early November hoping to snag a 6 PM table at a popular spot - you're already too late for prime times.
But don't panic. Whether you're escaping kitchen duty, traveling for the holiday, or simply prefer professional cooking to family drama over turkey temperature, we've mapped out every dining option for Thanksgiving 2025. From fast food drive-thrus to Michelin-starred experiences, restaurants are increasingly catering to the 32% of Americans who now order from restaurants on Thanksgiving.
This guide covers deposit requirements (yes, they're everywhere now), cancellation policies you need to know, actual menu prices, and the phone scripts that get you better tables. Plus, we'll reveal which chains don't require reservations and where you can still walk in.
Photo by
RDNE Stock project on
Pexels
Navigate This Guide:
The New Reality: Deposit Requirements & Cancellation Policies
Here's what changed: A nominal deposit of $5 can decrease no-shows to under 3% of bookings, leading many restaurants to implement deposit systems ranging from $5-50 per person for holiday reservations. Thanksgiving 2025 will see widespread deposit requirements.
Typical Deposit Structures
| Restaurant Type | Deposit Amount | Cancellation Window | Refund Policy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Dining | $50-100 per person | 48-72 hours | Full refund if cancelled on time |
| Upscale Casual | $25-50 per person | 24-48 hours | Applied to final bill |
| Chain Restaurants | $10-25 per person | 24 hours | Credit toward meal |
| Buffets | Full prepayment | 48-72 hours | Varies by location |
| Special Events | 100% prepaid | 1-2 weeks | May charge cancellation fee |
Hidden Fee Alert: Many restaurants now add 18-22% automatic service charges for holiday meals, which is separate from gratuity. This fee may not be mentioned until you receive the bill. Always ask about service charges when booking.
Questions to Ask When Booking
"Is there a deposit required, and if so, how much per person? Is it applied to our final bill or is it a separate reservation fee? What's your cancellation policy, and are there any automatic service charges added to holiday meals? Also, is gratuity included or additional?"
National Chains Open Thanksgiving 2025
These nationwide chains offer the most flexibility - many don't require reservations or accept walk-ins. Popular chains like Applebee's don't require reservations but may have reduced hours, while Bob Evans offers both dine-in and takeout Thanksgiving meals.
No Reservation Required (First Come, First Served)
Reservations Recommended (But Walk-Ins Possible)
| Restaurant | Special Menu | Price Range | Best Time for Walk-In |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bob Evans | 4 complete dinner options | $14.99-19.99 | 2-4 PM |
| Cracker Barrel | Traditional dinner + pie | $13.99 adults/$8.99 kids | After 2 PM |
| Boston Market | Complete turkey meals | $12.99-16.99 | Early (11 AM) or late (7 PM) |
| Ruby Tuesday | Regular menu + specials | $15-30 | 3-5 PM |
| Chili's | Limited holiday items | $12-25 | Before noon |
| Olive Garden | Regular menu only | $15-25 | 5-6 PM (between rushes) |
| Red Lobster | Seafood + turkey option | $20-40 | 2-4 PM |
Fine Dining & Upscale Options (Reservations ESSENTIAL)
Fine dining restaurants typically offer prix-fixe Thanksgiving menus ranging from $75-200 per person, with reservations opening in late September or early October and filling up quickly.
What to Expect at Upscale Restaurants
Top Fine Dining Picks by City
All-You-Can-Eat Thanksgiving Buffets
Buffets offer the best variety and value for large groups or picky eaters. Most require reservations and many now require full prepayment.
Regional Buffet Chains
Ready to Book? Get Our Thanksgiving Dining Planner
Includes reservation tracker spreadsheet, phone scripts for special requests, deposit/cancellation tracker, tipping calculator for service charges, and backup restaurant list by city.
Download Planning Kit - $18Takeout & Heat-and-Serve Options
Many restaurants including Cracker Barrel and Boston Market offer complete pre-cooked "Heat n' Serve" family feasts that you pick up and reheat at home. Perfect compromise between cooking and dining out.
Best Takeout Thanksgiving Meals
| Restaurant | Feeds | Price | Order Deadline | Pickup Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston Market | 4-12 people | $89.99-189.99 | Nov 24 | Nov 26-27 |
| Cracker Barrel | 4-10 people | $79.99-149.99 | Nov 23 | Nov 27 (by 2 PM) |
| Bob Evans | 4-8 people | $74.99-134.99 | Nov 25 | Nov 26-27 |
| Whole Foods | 4-12 people | $99.99-249.99 | Nov 22 | Nov 26-27 |
| Popeyes | 8-10 people | $89.99 (Cajun turkey) | Sold out when gone | Nov 26-27 |
| Maggiano's | 4-6 people | $149.99-199.99 | Nov 24 | Nov 26-27 |
| Buca di Beppo | 3-10 people | $35-129.99 | Nov 25 | Nov 27 |
What's Typically Included
Standard Package Contains:
- Whole turkey OR turkey breast (10-12 lbs)
- Stuffing/dressing (2-3 lbs)
- Mashed potatoes (2-3 lbs)
- Gravy (1 quart)
- Cranberry sauce (1 lb)
- Green bean casserole OR vegetables (2 lbs)
- Dinner rolls (6-12)
- Pumpkin pie (1-2 pies)
Strategic Booking Timeline & Tips
The golden rule for Thanksgiving reservations: book as soon as you know your plans. Fine dining requires 4-6 weeks advance booking, while casual chains need 2-3 weeks notice.
Your Thanksgiving Booking Calendar
Insider Booking Strategies
The 2 PM Sweet Spot: Book for 2-3 PM. You'll avoid both lunch (noon) and dinner (5-6 PM) rushes, service is better, and you can eat leftovers for dinner if still hungry.
OpenTable Alerts: Set up alerts for your target restaurants. Cancellations happen 24-48 hours before as people finalize plans.
Hotel Restaurant Hack: Hotel restaurants are often overlooked but offer excellent Thanksgiving meals with easier reservations and free parking.
Phone Script for Securing Better Tables
Fast Food & Drive-Thru Options
Sometimes you just need something quick. These chains are typically open with regular or limited hours:
Interactive Tool: Find Your Thanksgiving Dining Match
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need reservations for Thanksgiving dinner?
Absolutely yes for any sit-down restaurant. Even places that normally don't take reservations often implement special systems for Thanksgiving. Casual chains book up 2-3 weeks ahead, fine dining 4-6 weeks. Only fast food and some diners accept walk-ins reliably.
Why do restaurants charge deposits for Thanksgiving?
No-shows devastate restaurants on holidays - they staff up, order extra food, and turn away other guests. A $25-50 deposit ensures commitment and reduces no-shows to under 3%. The deposit typically applies to your bill, so you're not paying extra if you show up.
What's the average cost per person for Thanksgiving dinner out?
Costs vary widely: Fast food $8-15, casual dining $15-30, chain restaurants $20-40, buffets $15-35, upscale casual $50-75, and fine dining $75-200+. Don't forget to factor in tax (8-10%), automatic service charge (18-22%), and gratuity (15-20% additional).
What's a prix fixe menu?
A prix fixe (pronounced "pree-feeks") menu is a multi-course meal at a set price. For Thanksgiving, this typically includes appetizer, salad, entrée (with turkey option), sides, and dessert. Price is per person, and everyone at the table usually must order it.
Can I modify Thanksgiving menus for dietary restrictions?
Most restaurants can accommodate vegetarian requests and common allergies with advance notice. Vegan and gluten-free options are limited at chains but often available at upscale restaurants. Always mention restrictions when booking and confirm again 48 hours before.
What time should I make reservations for?
Popular times (noon, 5-7 PM) book first. Consider 2-3 PM for shorter waits and better service - it's between rushes. Early birds (11 AM) and late diners (7:30 PM+) also get better service. Avoid exactly on the hour - try 5:15 or 5:45 instead.
Should I tip on Thanksgiving?
Yes, and generously. Servers are working a holiday. Tip 20-25% minimum on the pre-tax amount. If there's an automatic service charge (common on holidays), check if it goes to staff. If yes, add 5-10% extra. If no, tip the full 20% on top.
Special Dietary Accommodations
Vegetarian/Vegan Options
Finding plant-based Thanksgiving dinners is easier than ever:
Gluten-Free Friendly
Call 48 hours ahead to confirm gluten-free options. These chains typically accommodate: Outback Steakhouse, PF Chang's, Seasons 52, Capital Grille, and most upscale steakhouses. Always verify dedicated prep areas to avoid cross-contamination.
Last-Minute Backup Plans
It's November 20th and everywhere is booked? Don't panic:
Lock In Your Thanksgiving Plans
Our Thanksgiving Dining Planner includes a reservation tracker, deposit log, backup restaurant list by city, phone scripts for special requests, and a complete tipping guide for service charges.
Get Your Dining Planner - $18Final Tips for Stress-Free Thanksgiving Dining
Conclusion: Your Thanksgiving Dining Decision
Whether you're escaping kitchen duty or starting a new tradition, dining out on Thanksgiving 2025 offers more options than ever. With 32% of Americans now ordering from restaurants on Thanksgiving, you're in good company choosing professional cooking over home stress.
Remember the key rules for success:
Most importantly, remember why you're doing this: to enjoy time with loved ones without the stress of cooking, cleaning, or family kitchen politics. That's worth every penny of the prix fixe menu.
Don't Leave Thanksgiving to Chance
Our complete Thanksgiving Dining Planner ensures you're prepared with reservations tracked, deposits logged, dietary needs noted, and backup plans ready. Stop stressing and start planning!
Download Your Planner - $18Ready to ship faster?
Sign in to top up, send messages, and automate payments in minutes.
Managing promotional campaigns, mobile top-ups, utility bills, and subscription renewals across Nigeria's diverse service providers has become increasingly complex for businesses and individuals seeking efficient, reliable solutions.