Breakfast open on Thanksgiving is available at many national chains and reliable diners today, Nov. 27, 2025, with several well-known restaurants confirming morning service across the U.S. Most 24/7 chains are running normal schedules, and many fast-food and coffee brands are offering breakfast with modified holiday hours. Because hours vary by location, checking your nearest store before heading out is still recommended.
Major Chains Serving Breakfast This Thanksgiving
- Waffle House — Locations are open 24/7, including Thanksgiving. It remains the most consistent option for early-morning diners.
- IHOP — Many restaurants are offering breakfast all day. Some locations may adjust hours for the holiday.
- Denny’s — Most restaurants are operating today. Many keep their usual 24/7 schedule, while others may shorten hours.
- McDonald’s — A large number of franchises are open for Thanksgiving morning, typically serving their standard breakfast menus where morning service is offered.
- Starbucks & Dunkin’ — Many coffee shops are open, though hours shift by store. Some airport, standalone, or in-store locations may run reduced schedules.
Why Hours Differ Between Locations
Franchised restaurants decide their own holiday schedules. Even if a brand is recognized as “open,” individual stores may adjust their hours depending on staffing, local demand, and leasing requirements.
You might see:
- Full 24/7 operations at diners
- Standard morning hours at fast-food chains
- Reduced menus at coffee shops or airport locations
- Shortened shifts at restaurants inside larger retailers
Before You Head Out for Breakfast
To avoid delays and disappointment, consider these steps:
- Check the store’s website or call to confirm hours.
- Ask whether the full breakfast menu is available.
- Prepare for longer-than-usual lines during morning and mid-morning hours.
- Make reservations at sit-down chains that offer them, especially if you want a sit-down holiday meal immediately after breakfast.
Sit-Down Restaurants Offering Breakfast or Early Meals
Some casual dining chains offer early service or holiday menus on Thanksgiving morning. Availability depends on the region and individual store decisions. Calling ahead is the surest way to confirm whether breakfast or early lunch options are available.
Thanksgiving Morning Tips for a Smooth Dining Experience
- Arrive early if you plan to dine in.
- Expect limited menu choices at locations with reduced staff.
- Use drive-thru or curbside pickup to shorten wait times.
- If you need allergy-friendly or special-diet meals, confirm availability before traveling.
Best Bets for Breakfast Today
For the most dependable Thanksgiving morning breakfast, Waffle House leads the list with nearly universal 24/7 service. IHOP and Denny’s offer widespread options as well, while McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Dunkin’ provide convenient choices where individual stores choose to open. No matter where you go, verifying your local store’s hours remains the smartest step.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or planning a relaxed holiday breakfast, share your experience below so others can benefit from your Thanksgiving morning find.
