Every Major Restaurant Chain Open or Closed on Thanksgiving in Illinois

If you’re already stressing about hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year, you might be tempted to let someone else do the cooking. But before you make dinner plans outside the house, you’ll want to know which Illinois restaurants are actually open on Thanksgiving Day 2025.

Restaurants Closed on Thanksgiving in Illinois

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While some chains, like Waffle House, stay open 365 days a year, many popular restaurants close for the holiday so employees can enjoy time with family.

Here are the chains that will not be open for business in Illinois on Thursday, November 27:

• Bonefish Grill
• Carrabba’s Italian Grill
• Cheesecake Factory
• Chili’s
• Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen
• Chuy’s
• LongHorn Steakhouse
• Olive Garden
• Outback Steakhouse
• Red Lobster (except Times Square, NYC)
• Red Robin
• Texas Roadhouse

READ MORE: Why Illinois (And Everyone Else) Does Thanksgiving On A Thursday

Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving in Illinois

If cooking (or cleaning) isn’t in your plans, these restaurants will be open, some with limited holiday hours:

• Capital Grille
• Cracker Barrel
• Eddie V’s
• Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse
• Fogo de Chao
• IHOP
• Maggiano’s Little Italy
• Romano’s Macaroni Grill
• Ruth’s Chris Steak House
• Seasons 52
• Waffle House
• Yard House

READ MORE: Illinois Thanksgiving 2025: Surprising Facts About Your Turkey

Call Ahead Before You Go

Some chains, including Applebee’s and Buffalo Wild Wings, say hours may vary by location. When in doubt, call ahead to confirm your nearest Illinois restaurant’s Thanksgiving hours before making the drive.

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