Why Finding Open Restaurants on New Year's Day Matters
New Year's Day is a time for relaxation, recovery, and celebration. After a night of festivities, the last thing many people want to do is cook an elaborate meal. Whether you are looking for a hearty brunch to start the new year, a quick fast-food fix to cure a hangover, or a special dinner to continue the celebration, knowing which restaurants are open on January 1st is essential planning information.
While some restaurants close on New Year's Day to give their employees a well-deserved holiday, many major chains and independent eateries remain open, often with modified hours. This comprehensive guide covers the most popular restaurant chains and their typical New Year's Day operations, so you can plan your dining accordingly.
Major Chain Restaurants Open on New Year's Day
Many of America's most popular chain restaurants keep their doors open on New Year's Day, making it easy to find a sit-down dining option. Applebee's, one of the largest casual dining chains, is typically open on New Year's Day with regular or slightly modified hours. Their festive cocktails and comfort food make them a popular choice for holiday dining.
Olive Garden is another chain that generally remains open on New Year's Day. Their Italian-American menu, complete with unlimited breadsticks and soup or salad, is a comforting option for families and groups celebrating the holiday together.
Denny's is famously open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at most locations, making it a reliable option for New Year's Day dining at any hour. Their breakfast menu is particularly popular on the holiday, as diners seek hearty morning meals to start the year right.
IHOP, Cracker Barrel, Bob Evans, and Waffle House are also typically open on New Year's Day, catering to the strong demand for breakfast and brunch options. These family-friendly restaurants offer extensive menus that appeal to diners of all ages and preferences.
For more upscale casual dining, chains like The Cheesecake Factory, Red Lobster, Outback Steakhouse, and TGI Friday's generally operate on New Year's Day, often with regular hours or slight modifications. These restaurants are excellent choices for a more celebratory meal to kick off the new year.
Fast-Food Chains Open on New Year's Day
Fast-food restaurants are among the most reliable options for New Year's Day dining, as many operate on reduced holiday schedules but still open their doors. McDonald's, the world's largest fast-food chain, is typically open on New Year's Day at most locations, though individual franchise hours may vary.
Burger King, Wendy's, and Taco Bell also generally operate on New Year's Day, providing quick and affordable meal options throughout the day. Subway, known for its made-to-order sandwiches, keeps most of its locations open as well, though some franchise-owned stores may have modified hours.
Chick-fil-A is a notable exception in the fast-food world, as all Chick-fil-A restaurants are closed on Sundays year-round. If New Year's Day falls on a Sunday, this popular chicken chain will be closed. However, on other days of the week, Chick-fil-A typically operates on New Year's Day with regular hours.
Starbucks is generally open on New Year's Day at most locations, providing coffee lovers with their essential caffeine fix. However, hours may be shortened, so it is wise to check your local store's schedule in advance. Dunkin' also typically remains open, offering coffee and breakfast sandwiches to early risers and late sleepers alike.
Pizza and Delivery Options
If you prefer to stay home on New Year's Day but do not want to cook, delivery and carryout options are widely available. Domino's Pizza, Pizza Hut, and Papa John's are all typically open on New Year's Day, offering delivery and carryout services. These pizza chains are especially popular on the holiday, as many families and groups of friends gather for casual meals and football watching.
Beyond pizza, many delivery platforms such as DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub operate on New Year's Day, giving you access to a wide variety of restaurant options that can be delivered to your door. While some restaurants on these platforms may be closed, many remain open and are eager to serve holiday diners.
Coffee Shops and Cafes
For those who start their New Year's Day with a cup of coffee or a leisurely cafe visit, several major coffee chains are typically open. Starbucks, as mentioned, operates most locations on New Year's Day. Peet's Coffee, Caribou Coffee, and Tim Hortons also generally remain open, providing hot beverages and light breakfast options.
Independent coffee shops and cafes may have more variable hours on New Year's Day, so checking their social media pages or calling ahead is recommended. Many local cafes view New Year's Day as an opportunity to attract customers who are out and about, while others give their staff the day off.
Tips for Finding Open Restaurants Near You
While this guide covers the most common chains, New Year's Day hours can vary by location, especially for franchise-owned establishments. Here are some tips for confirming restaurant availability in your area.
Use Google Maps or Apple Maps to search for restaurants near your location. These mapping services often display real-time information about holiday hours, and many restaurants update their Google Business profiles with special holiday schedules. Look for the "Hours" section on the restaurant's listing, which may indicate holiday modifications.
Check the restaurant's official website or social media accounts. Many chains post their holiday hours on their websites or announce them on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter in the days leading up to New Year's Day.
Call ahead before making the trip. Even if online information suggests a restaurant is open, a quick phone call can confirm hours and help you avoid an unnecessary trip. This is especially important for sit-down restaurants, where you may also want to check whether reservations are required on the holiday.
Consider making reservations in advance for sit-down restaurants. New Year's Day is a popular dining day, and many restaurants experience higher-than-usual demand. Booking a table ahead of time ensures you have a spot and avoids long wait times.
Restaurants Typically Closed on New Year's Day
While many restaurants remain open, some chains and establishments traditionally close on New Year's Day. Chick-fil-A closes if the holiday falls on a Sunday. Some locations of Costco food courts, Trader Joe's, and certain upscale dining establishments may also close for the holiday.
Fine dining restaurants often have their own holiday schedules, with some hosting special New Year's Day brunch events while others close entirely. Checking directly with high-end restaurants is always the best approach, as their holiday operations can vary significantly from location to location.
Conclusion
Finding a restaurant open on New Year's Day is easier than you might think. Major chain restaurants like Denny's, Applebee's, Olive Garden, and IHOP typically remain open, as do fast-food giants like McDonald's, Burger King, and Taco Bell. Pizza delivery services and coffee shops also operate on the holiday, providing plenty of options for every taste and budget. By checking hours in advance and making reservations when possible, you can ensure a stress-free and delicious start to the new year.
