Denny's
A Miami Denny's location pictured on March 19, 2016. Reuters

Thanksgiving is about being thankful and spending time with family, but not everyone gathers for a home cooked meal. For those who aren’t spending the holiday in the kitchen, there are plenty of restaurants open on Turkey Day.

Many familiar chain restaurants will be open. Applebees, Bob Evans, Cracker Barrel, IHOP, Chevy’s, El Torito, Denny’s, Maggiano’s Little Italy, Fleming’s Steakhouse, Luby’s, Romano's Macaroni Grill, Ruby Tuesday, Waffle House, Buca di Beppo, Charlie Brown’s Fresh Grill, Legal Seafood’s, Marie Callender’s Restaurant and Badkery, Morton’s The Steakhouse are all open.

However, don’t expect every location to be open. Be sure to call ahead to make sure your local restaurant is serving Thanksgiving dinner. Some will have altered hours. Most TGIFriday’s restaurants will open at 5 p.m. while several Bonefish Grill restaurants will close early at 9 p.m.

Many of the restaurants will have special holiday-themed menus. Boston Market will be serving traditional meals, complete with full turkeys or spiral hams, in the restaurant, but the food is also available for takeout. Golden Corral will have a special buffet, participating Sizzler locations will have some special Thanksgiving items available, and Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse is offering a three-course Turkey Day meal for $39.99 a person ($12.95 for kids).

Of course, some are just looking for some game day snacks. If you need pizza or wings to go with your football game, there are plenty of options. Check out Hooters or Buffalo Wild Wings for normal game day fare. For pizza, some Domino’s will be open, but most Pizza Hut locations are closed.

If you prefer fast food, many of the usual options will be closed. However, both McDonald’s and Wendy’s will be open on Thanksgiving.

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