What Restaurants Are Open on Memorial Day? A Complete Guide
Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer and is one of the most celebrated holidays in the United States. While many people fire up the grill for a backyard barbecue, plenty of others prefer to dine out and let someone else handle the cooking. Whether you are looking for a sit-down dinner, a quick fast food meal, or a casual brunch, many restaurants remain open on Memorial Day to serve hungry holiday-goers.
Knowing which restaurants are open and what special hours or deals they offer can save you time and frustration on this busy holiday. This comprehensive guide covers the major restaurant chains, fast food spots, and dining options available on Memorial Day.
Major Chain Restaurants Open on Memorial Day
Most major chain restaurants stay open on Memorial Day, though some may operate with modified hours. Applebee's, one of America's most popular casual dining chains, typically remains open with regular hours and often features special holiday promotions. Chili's Grill and Bar is another reliable option, keeping its doors open for lunch and dinner service throughout the holiday.
Olive Garden, known for its Italian-American cuisine and generous portions, generally operates on Memorial Day with regular or slightly adjusted hours. Red Lobster, a favorite for seafood lovers, also stays open and sometimes runs special holiday seafood promotions that make dining there even more appealing.
Outback Steakhouse maintains its regular schedule on Memorial Day, making it a great choice for those craving a steak dinner. TGI Friday's, Cracker Barrel, and Denny's are additional chain restaurants that reliably stay open on the holiday, giving families plenty of options for a sit-down meal.
Fast Food Restaurants Open on Memorial Day
If you are looking for a quick and convenient meal on Memorial Day, the vast majority of fast food restaurants remain open. McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, and Taco Bell typically operate with regular or slightly reduced hours. These chains have franchise models where individual locations set their own holiday schedules, but the vast majority choose to stay open.
Chick-fil-A is a notable exception that is always closed on Sundays, but if Memorial Day falls on a Monday, most locations will be open with regular hours. Subway, Popeyes, KFC, and Sonic Drive-In are additional fast food options that generally stay open on Memorial Day.
Pizza chains are another reliable option for the holiday. Domino's, Pizza Hut, Papa John's, and Little Caesars typically remain open, making it easy to order a delivery or carryout pizza for your Memorial Day gathering without any hassle.
Breakfast and Brunch Spots Open on Memorial Day
Starting your Memorial Day with a special breakfast or brunch is a popular tradition for many families. IHOP and Denny's are two of the most reliable breakfast chains that stay open on Memorial Day, often with their full menus available throughout the day.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is an excellent option for a hearty Southern-style breakfast or brunch on Memorial Day. The restaurant chain is known for its consistent holiday hours and homestyle cooking that appeals to a wide range of tastes. Bob Evans and Waffle House are also reliable breakfast options that typically remain open on the holiday.
For those who prefer a more upscale brunch experience, many independent restaurants and boutique brunch spots offer special Memorial Day menus. These may include holiday-themed dishes, bottomless mimosa specials, or prix fixe menus designed specifically for the occasion.
Fine Dining and Upscale Options
Memorial Day dining is not limited to casual chains and fast food. Many fine dining restaurants and upscale establishments remain open on the holiday and may offer special menus or holiday-themed dining experiences. Ruth's Chris Steak House, The Capital Grille, and Morton's The Steakhouse are examples of upscale chains that typically stay open on Memorial Day.
Independent fine dining restaurants in your area may also be open, though hours and availability can vary widely. It is always a good idea to make reservations in advance for Memorial Day dining at upscale establishments, as they tend to be busier than usual with families and groups celebrating the holiday.
Restaurants That May Be Closed on Memorial Day
While the majority of restaurants stay open on Memorial Day, some establishments choose to close to give their employees a day off. Locally owned restaurants and smaller chains are more likely to close on the holiday than national chains. Some businesses in office districts or business parks may also close due to reduced foot traffic in those areas.
Costco food courts are closed on Memorial Day since all Costco warehouses close for the holiday. Similarly, some restaurant locations inside shopping malls may have reduced hours or closures depending on the mall's holiday schedule.
To avoid disappointment, always check the specific location's hours before heading out. Most restaurants post their holiday hours on their websites, social media pages, or Google Business profiles. A quick phone call to the location can also confirm whether they are open and what hours they are operating.
Memorial Day Restaurant Deals and Specials
Many restaurants use Memorial Day as an opportunity to attract diners with special deals and promotions. Applebee's often features special drink prices on the holiday. Several chains offer free meals or discounts for active-duty military members and veterans as a way to honor those who have served.
Check restaurant websites and social media accounts in the days leading up to Memorial Day for information about specific promotions. Many deals require showing a military ID, mentioning a specific offer, or using a promo code when ordering online.
Delivery apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub may also offer Memorial Day promotions, including free delivery or discount codes that can be applied to orders from participating restaurants.
Tips for Dining Out on Memorial Day
Memorial Day is one of the busier dining holidays of the year, so planning ahead can make your experience more enjoyable. Making reservations whenever possible is strongly recommended, especially for sit-down restaurants and particularly for dinner service. Walk-in wait times can be significantly longer than usual at popular restaurants.
Arriving early or dining during off-peak hours can also help you avoid the longest waits. Lunch service and early dinner typically have shorter wait times than the prime dinner hours of six to eight in the evening.
If you are ordering delivery or takeout, place your order earlier in the day to avoid the rush. Delivery times can be significantly longer on holidays due to high demand. Ordering an hour or two before your preferred mealtime helps ensure your food arrives on schedule.
Finally, be patient and generous with restaurant staff working on the holiday. Many servers, cooks, and restaurant workers are sacrificing their own holiday time to make your dining experience possible, and a little extra appreciation goes a long way.
