Memorial Day weekend is all about soaking up the sunshine and making memories with friends and family, whether you're enjoying a poolside hangout, laid-back picnic, or classic backyard BBQ. But not everyone wants to man the grill like Ladd Drummond—and that's totally fine! No potluck planned? No problem. This is the perfect chance to let someone else do the cooking. There are tons of restaurants open on Memorial Day that will be happy to serve up your holiday meal!
These spots have it all. You'll find some of your favorite Memorial Day recipes, including juicy burgers and barbecue ribs. There are other options for those who want to switch things up, too, including Italian and seafood. You could also pick up a few things to complement your grilling recipes, like some slices of cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory to serve as this year's Memorial Day desserts. Or gallon jugs of sweet tea from Chick-Fil-A make for great Memorial Day drinks. There are also plenty of fast food options included in case you need a quick snack.
No matter what's on your agenda for the first weekend of summer, there are many restaurants open on Memorial Day so that you can take off the apron and take it easy. And, make sure you know what stores are open on Memorial Day just in case you need to pick up a little something extra!
Applebee's
Any special occasion calls for all your Applebee's favorites! Start with a margarita and mozzarella sticks, then end the holiday with fudge-filled chocolate cake.
Bahama Breeze
Celebrate Memorial Day island style by stopping by Bahama Breeze! You'll get to enjoy tropical cocktails, Caribbean meals, and even live music.
Benihana
Hibachi is just another form of grilling, which makes Benihana a perfect fit for your Memorial Day feast. Think fried rice, hibachi steak, and grilled chicken cooked right before your eyes. (Talk about dinner and a show!) Most locations should follow regular hours, but it's a good idea to call ahead and confirm with your local spot.
Brio Italian Grille
Step away from the backyard grill and go Italiano for your Memorial Day celebrations this year with Brio Italiano Grille. Locations will be open for dine-in, takeout, and catering.
Bravo! Italian Kitchen
If you're a pizza lover like Ree, you can still get your cheesy fix on Memorial Day when you stop by Bravo! Italian Kitchen. Enjoy a slice—or any of their other yummy Italian staples, too.
Bob Evans
Celebrate Memorial Day with some comfort food from Bob Evans. The whole family will enjoy farmhouse kitchen meals like hand-breaded fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and macaroni and cheese.
Boston Market
There's nothing like a good Boston Market meal. If you agree, you'll be pleased to know that the chain will be open on Memorial Day. Some locations may offer different specials, so be sure to keep your eye out for that!
Bonefish Grill
Switch it up this Memorial Day and opt for some scrumptious seafood. Grab all your grilled favorites from Bonefish Grill, including their special Lobster Shrimp Roll. They also offer a Heroes Discount, so service members, veterans, and first responders can get 10% off by showing a valid ID.
Buffalo Wild Wings
If your hands aren't covered in your choice of wing sauce, you're not doing the holiday weekend right! Buffalo Wild Wings will be open, and if you call ahead, you could snag their family bundle for your festivities. It includes 20 bone-in and 20 boneless wings and fries.
Burger King
It's an unwritten rule that you have to enjoy a big ol' burger on Memorial Day—and it's made even better when you don't have to grill it yourself! Well, thanks to Burger King, that's an option! Expect most locations to be open so you can grab yourself a whopper (or two).
Carrabba's
Pasta is always a good idea—even during Memorial Day weekend. Luckily, you can head to your local Carrabba's on the holiday to get your fill of an Italian lunch or dinner. You can even order online for pickup. As a thank you, Carrabba's offers military service members and first responders 10% off every day.
The Cheesecake Factory
Why spend time making dessert this Memorial Day when you can let The Cheesecake Factory supply you with decadent slices of its signature cheesecakes instead—or a speciality cake and ice cream delight! The options are endless and delicious.
Cheddar's
Get your grub on, and choose from meals like chicken tenders, grilled salmon, or many of the other standard options that Cheddar's offers.
Chick-Fil-A
Since Chick-Fil-A is closed on Sundays and major holidays, you might be wondering if they're open for Memorial Day. The answer is: yes! You can grab nuggets and waffle fries to celebrate.
Chili's
Don't feel like cooking your own ribs this Memorial Day? Chili's will be open for you to enjoy their famous baby back ribs. And if you forgot to make a beer run, you can even add to-go alcohol to your food order at select locations.
Chipotle
For those who want to skip the barbecue, burritos and bowls from Chipotle make for a great post-pool party meal! You can pop over to the Mexican grill during their normal business hours.
Cracker Barrel
Want a delicious home-cooked meal this Memorial Day that just happens to not be cooked at home? Cracker Barrel will be open! They even offer catering party platters that feature homestyle chicken sandwiches—or you can grab one of their many family meal baskets.
Denny's
Yes, you can enjoy a breakfast feast at Denny's this Memorial Day. Or, you can order their Grand Slam Family Pack for pickup or delivery and enjoy breakfast all day! It feeds up to 5 people and comes with pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, and more.
Domino's
Hey, why not enjoy a cheesy pizza on Memorial Day? You can order from Domino's whether it's for a midday bite or a late-night craving.
Dunkin'
America runs on Dunkin' and that's no difference come Memorial Day. Wake up with your favorite coffee chain before the day's festivities begin.
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse
Class things up this Memorial Day by enjoying anything off the menu from Fleming's Prime Steakhouse. You can even opt for pick-up if you'd rather enjoy your delicious steak dinner at home.
Fogo de Chão
Not only will the popular Brazilian steakhouse chain be open on Memorial Day, but Fogo de Chão should also have special offers available. In years past, veterans and active duty personnel have received 50% off their meal on the holiday as well as 10% off the meals of up to three guests. It's expected that they will have the same deal in 2025. If you want to enjoy their food from home, try their Memorial Day to-go packages available Friday through Monday that you can pick up ready to eat or ready to grill!
IHOP
Yes, you can start your Memorial Day off with a huge stack of pancakes because IHOP will be open. However, hours will vary depending on the location, so check with your local branch first.
Kona Grill
Craving sushi, seafood, or a juicy steak? Kona Grill has you covered this Memorial Day, staying open during regular hours to serve up all your favorites. Plus, as a special thank-you this holiday weekend, veterans, active-duty military, reserves, first responders, and Gold Star families can enjoy 20% off their meal.
LongHorn Steakhouse
If you want a juicy steak without the hassle of manning the grill, LongHorn Steakhouse will be open on Memorial Day and serving up all your flame-grilled favorites. Between tender cuts of steak, hearty sides, and fresh salads, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Most locations will stick to their regular hours, but it's always a good idea to call ahead and double-check.
Maggiano's
Order an Italian feast for your Memorial Day this year from Maggiano's. It's a great choice if you plan on feeding a big crew as the Italian restaurant does catering too.
McDonald's
Even after all that barbecue, you might just get peckish later on! Lucky for you, McDonald's will be open where you can swing by for fries or a McFlurry.
Noodles & Company
Looking to load up on carbs during the long weekend? Head over to Noodles & Company, which will be open for takeout, delivery, and curbside pickup on Memorial Day. It's the perfect place to get your mac and cheese or pasta fix in a flash.
Olive Garden
Craving pasta over barbecue this Memorial Day? Well, you can head over to Olive Garden as the Italian chain will be open.
Outback Steakhouse
Enjoy a Bloomin' Onion and a nice filet at Outback Steakhouse this Memorial Day. You can dine-in, pickup, or order delivery.
P.F. Chang's
Chinese food is always a safe (and sometimes spicy) choice when you're in the mood for something different. Yes, even on Memorial Day! P.F. Chang's will be open during its regular hours, so you can wind down after a sunny day with your favorite chicken lettuce wraps, dumplings, or whatever Asian-inspired dish hits the spot.
Red Lobster
Why not enjoy a lobster feast on Memorial Day? Red Lobster will be open so you can enjoy all the seafood you desire.
Romano’s Macaroni Grill
If you want an Italian feast to add to your festivities, Romano's Macaroni Grill is the place to go! Classic pasta dishes and drinks will be available for dine-in, pickup, and delivery.
Sonic Drive-In
If it's hot where you live this Memorial Day, nothing will hit the spot more than a cold milkshake. You can grab one from Sonic as most locations will be open—hours may vary, so double check with your nearest branch!
Starbucks
You can bet that Starbucks will be open for Memorial Day. Get a morning caffeine jolt or an afternoon pick-me-up!
Subway
Need a quick and easy way to feed all your party guests? Pick up a bundle of sandwiches or a wrap platter from Subway. You can expect most locations to be open, but hours may vary by store.
Taco Bell
Enjoy tacos before—or instead of!—your grill feast this Memorial Day by popping over to Taco Bell.
Ted's Montana Grill
Ted's Montana Grill will be open and offering a few different options for enjoying a delicious barbecue. They'll have lots of delicious burgers to enjoy for takeout or dine-in.
Waffle House
There's no better place for a late night celebration than Waffle House! After a long day of watching fireworks, gather your group and head to the restaurant to enjoy breakfast for dinner. It's open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Wendy's
Grab a Frosty to enjoy with your Memorial Day barbecue this year as most Wendy's will be open.
Macie Reynolds is the assistant editor of E-Commerce and SEO for The Pioneer Woman.
Nitya Rao is the editorial assistant at The Pioneer Woman, covering stories ranging from food, fashion, beauty, lifestyle, news, and more.
