Memorial Day Dining: What to Expect
Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May, is a federal holiday honoring the men and women who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. For many Americans, Memorial Day also marks the unofficial start of summer and is celebrated with barbecues, parades, family gatherings, and yes, dining out at restaurants. If you are planning to eat out on Memorial Day, the good news is that the vast majority of restaurants are open for business, though hours and menus may vary from their regular schedules.
Unlike some holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, where many restaurants close entirely, Memorial Day is generally considered a busy day for the restaurant industry. The long weekend encourages people to go out, celebrate, and enjoy meals with friends and family. Many restaurants view Memorial Day as an opportunity to attract customers with special menus, promotions, and festive atmospheres. However, it is always wise to plan ahead, as some restaurants may operate on modified hours or require reservations.
The restaurant landscape on Memorial Day varies significantly depending on the type of establishment. Fast food chains, casual dining restaurants, fine dining establishments, and independent local restaurants all approach the holiday differently. Understanding what to expect from each category helps you plan your Memorial Day meals effectively and avoid the disappointment of arriving at a closed restaurant or facing an unexpectedly long wait time.
Fast Food Restaurants on Memorial Day
Fast food restaurants are almost universally open on Memorial Day. Major chains like McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Chick-fil-A, Taco Bell, and Subway operate on Memorial Day because the holiday falls on a Monday, which is a regular business day for these establishments. The high volume of travelers, families, and people enjoying the day off creates strong demand for quick and convenient dining options, making it profitable for fast food chains to remain open.
However, there is one notable exception in the fast food world. Chick-fil-A, which is famously closed every Sunday, will be open on Memorial Day since it falls on a Monday. All other major fast food chains operate on their normal schedules, though individual franchise locations may adjust their hours slightly. Some locations in areas with heavy holiday foot traffic, such as beach towns, tourist destinations, and areas near memorial events, may extend their hours to accommodate increased demand.
It is worth noting that while fast food restaurants will be open, some may be operating with reduced staffing levels as employees take advantage of the holiday. This can result in longer wait times, particularly during peak lunch and dinner hours. If speed is a priority, consider visiting during off-peak times, using mobile ordering apps, or choosing drive-through over dine-in to minimize your wait. Most fast food chains' mobile apps will show the specific hours for your nearest location, making it easy to confirm availability before heading out.
Casual Dining Chains on Memorial Day
Major casual dining chains are almost all open on Memorial Day and often use the holiday as an opportunity for special promotions. Restaurants like Applebee's, Chili's, Olive Garden, Red Lobster, TGI Friday's, Outback Steakhouse, and Cracker Barrel typically operate on their regular schedules or with slightly adjusted hours. Many of these chains offer Memorial Day specials, such as discounted meals for active-duty military and veterans, patriotic-themed cocktails, or limited-time menu items designed for the holiday.
The casual dining segment tends to be particularly busy on Memorial Day, as families and groups look for sit-down dining options that offer a step up from fast food without the expense and formality of fine dining. If you plan to visit a casual dining restaurant on Memorial Day, making a reservation is strongly recommended, especially for dinner service. Many chains now offer online reservations through their websites or apps, as well as through third-party platforms like OpenTable or Yelp Reservations.
Some casual dining chains go above and beyond on Memorial Day by offering free meals or significant discounts to veterans and active-duty military members. Applebee's, Chili's, Golden Corral, and Olive Garden are among the chains that have historically offered Memorial Day military appreciation specials. If you or someone in your dining party has served in the military, check with your preferred restaurant ahead of time to see if any special offers are available and what identification or documentation may be required.
Fine Dining and Upscale Restaurants
Fine dining restaurants typically remain open on Memorial Day, and many view it as one of the busier holidays of the year. The long weekend and celebratory atmosphere encourage diners to splurge on special meals, making Memorial Day a profitable day for upscale establishments. Many fine dining restaurants offer special Memorial Day menus that feature seasonal ingredients, patriotic themes, or holiday-inspired dishes alongside their regular menu.
Reservations are essential at fine dining restaurants on Memorial Day. These establishments typically have limited seating, and the holiday demand can fill their reservation books quickly. If you know you want to dine at a specific upscale restaurant on Memorial Day, make your reservation at least one to two weeks in advance. Popular restaurants in tourist areas or cities with large Memorial Day events may require even earlier booking.
Some fine dining restaurants use Memorial Day as an opportunity to host special events, such as prix fixe brunches, outdoor patio dining events, or wine pairing dinners. These events can offer exceptional value and a memorable dining experience, but they often have limited availability and require advance booking. Check your preferred restaurant's website or social media channels in the weeks leading up to Memorial Day for announcements about special holiday events and menus.
Independent and Local Restaurants
Independent and locally owned restaurants are the most variable when it comes to Memorial Day hours. Unlike chain restaurants that have corporate policies dictating holiday operations, independent restaurant owners make their own decisions about whether to open on Memorial Day and what hours to keep. Some independent restaurants embrace the holiday as a busy and profitable day, while others choose to close and give their staff a day off to spend with their families.
The best way to determine if your favorite local restaurant is open on Memorial Day is to check their website, call ahead, or check their social media pages. Many independent restaurants post their holiday hours on Instagram, Facebook, or Google Business Profile in the days leading up to the holiday. If you cannot find the information online, a quick phone call during regular business hours can confirm their Memorial Day schedule.
Independent restaurants that do open on Memorial Day often offer unique experiences that chain restaurants cannot match. Some may host special Memorial Day barbecue events, outdoor dining on patios decorated with American flags and bunting, or community-oriented gatherings that celebrate both the solemnity and the communal spirit of the holiday. Supporting local restaurants on Memorial Day is a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday while contributing to your community's local economy.
Brunch and Breakfast Options on Memorial Day
Memorial Day brunch has become an increasingly popular tradition for many families, offering a relaxed way to start the holiday before afternoon barbecues, parades, or other activities. Most restaurants that serve brunch are open on Memorial Day, and many expand their brunch service to accommodate the holiday crowd. This can mean extended brunch hours, larger brunch menus, or special holiday brunch features like bottomless mimosas, patriotic-themed pastries, or outdoor dining setups.
Popular brunch chains like IHOP, Denny's, Cracker Barrel, and First Watch are reliably open on Memorial Day and tend to be quite busy, particularly between 10 AM and 1 PM. If you plan to go out for brunch, arriving early or making a reservation is advisable to avoid long wait times. Some restaurants also offer brunch pre-orders or takeout options, which can be a convenient alternative if you prefer to enjoy brunch at home or at a Memorial Day gathering.
Hotel restaurants and resort dining rooms are another excellent option for Memorial Day brunch, particularly if you are traveling or spending the holiday weekend at a vacation destination. Many hotels offer elaborate Memorial Day brunch buffets featuring an extensive selection of breakfast and lunch items, desserts, and beverages. These brunches can be a memorable centerpiece of your Memorial Day celebration and are often open to non-guests as well as hotel guests, though reservations are strongly recommended.
Planning Your Memorial Day Dining Experience
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable Memorial Day dining experience, a little advance planning goes a long way. Start by deciding what type of dining experience you want, whether that is a quick fast food stop, a leisurely casual dining meal, an upscale fine dining occasion, or a festive brunch. Once you have narrowed down your preference, research your options and make reservations where possible, especially for sit-down restaurants that are likely to be busy.
Consider the timing of your meal carefully. Memorial Day restaurants tend to be busiest during traditional lunch hours from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM and dinner hours from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM. If your schedule is flexible, dining during off-peak hours can result in shorter wait times, better service, and a more relaxed atmosphere. Early lunches before 11:00 AM or later dinners after 8:00 PM are typically less crowded and may provide a more enjoyable experience.
Finally, remember the significance of Memorial Day as you plan your dining. While the holiday has become associated with barbecues and the start of summer, its core purpose is to honor fallen service members. Many communities hold memorial ceremonies, wreath-laying events, and moments of silence that are worth participating in alongside your dining plans. Some restaurants acknowledge this significance by offering moments of silence, displaying flags and memorial tributes, or donating a portion of Memorial Day proceeds to veterans' organizations. Choosing to support restaurants that honor the spirit of the holiday adds meaning to your dining experience.
