When recovering from the excitement of New Year’s Eve, it’s never not a good idea to stop in to your favorite restaurant in search of a hearty meal. Whether you prefer a greasy hamburger, a full-course menu or a grab-n-go situation, there’s probably more restaurants open on New Year’s Day than one might think. Sure, not every high-rated, currently-trending neighborhood establishment will be open at your disposal, but a wide variety of mouth-watering cuisines can still be picked.
In the name of making New Year’s Day as smooth as last night’s vodka spritzer, we compiled a list of restaurants whose doors will be open on New Year’s Day 2025. There’s quite the variety to choose from, with everything from fast-casual to authentic Italian sit-down service, all available at your fingertips. Follow along for our list of 34 restaurants that will be open on New Year’s Day.
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34 Restaurants Open on New Year’s Day
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Applebee’s
It doesn’t get any better right now than Applebee’s’ fan-favorite seasonal drinks. Not only will most locations be open on New Year’s Day, but Applebee’s rewards members can enter in a sweepstakes to have a chance to attend Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. Store hours may vary by location, so make sure to call your local ahead of time before heading over.
Bahama Breeze
There’s nothing like a tropical escape after the holiday season. Bahama Breeze is your ticket to much warmer vibes and a taste of the Caribbean. All locations are likely to be open on New Year’s Day, with hours potentially differing depending on the establishment.
Bar Louie
Open most nights until 1 a.m., Bar Louie is the perfect choice for those looking to kick off the New Year in style. This gastropub offers everything from signature cocktails to delicious bar eats, and can be expected to be open for normal hours depending on location.
Bob Evans
Not only will Bob Evans be open on New Year’s Day, but it’s an ideal choice for folks who have yet to tire of the hearty holiday meals we’ve been eating since Thanksgiving. While you’ll want to be sure to call your local restaurant before planning your visit, you can rest assured every location should have doors wide open ready to serve up some delicious comfort food.
Bonefish Grill
As is to be expected, hours are likely to vary by location, but Bonefish Grill is a reliable option for patrons on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Check out their full list of delicious winter specials.
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Boston Market
This old fan-favorite, fast-casual restaurant chain has been experiencing a slew of recent closures, however, Boston Market is still a great option for those looking for a hearty meal that won’t break the bank. Open and ready to cook for you on New Year’s Day, you’ll want to make sure to check with your local for hours of operation.
Buca Di Beppo
While having just filed bankruptcy last summer, Buca Di Beppo has turned out to still be a reliable choice on New Year’s Day, so long as your local establishment is still in business. Despite their financial woes, the Italian-American chain is perfect for large groups and family-style dinners.
Buffalo Wild Wings
You always know what you’re getting with Buffalo Wild Wings. All locations will be open for business on New Year’s Day and their new menu drop might catch you off guard in the best way possible.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill
Known for opening up their home to be your home for the holidays, Carrabba’s is open both December 31 and January 1 for your convenience. All locations should be open, but of course check with your local before planning a trip as hours may vary.
Chick-fil-A
Sometimes, fast food is the only cure to an especially harsh hangover. Let Chick-fil-A be your alternative to the traditionally greasy offerings of other fast food burger joints, and try out one of the many viral ordering hacks available online.
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Chili’s
Just a classic American eatery that can always be relied upon, Chili’s will be open on New Year’s Day, with hours subject to change depending on location. Make sure to order the new fan-favorite Triple Dipper appetizer along with your meal.
Cracker Barrel
About as reliable as traffic on a cross-country road trip, Cracker Barrel will be open for all your comfort food needs on New Year’s Day. Eat your heart out and take a load off on one of the rocking chairs on the front porch before heading back out on the road.
Dave & Busters
The party does not have to stop when you’re eating at Dave & Busters. The popular barcade/eatery will be open on New Year’s Day, with all the familiar lights and loud noises from the night before.
Denny’s
Kicking off the new year with a Denny’s grand slam seems like the most American thing anyone can do. Don’t let the brand’s dwindling number of locations deter you, the popular breakfast chain will be open 24/7 all week long, including New Year’s Day.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Those who plan to start the year off on a fancy foot can rely on Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar for an elevated dining experience. Hours are likely to vary by location, though, so call ahead of time and set a reservation.
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Fogo De Chão
Experience the culinary art of Churrasco fire-roasted proteins at Fogo De Chão this New Year’s Day. Reservations are available and hours are subject to vary depending on location.
Golden Corral
Open most major holidays, Golden Corral is a reliable pick for those looking for a no-nonsense, coma-inducing meal. Stop in and take advantage of a variety of different deals and discounts to start the new year off on the right foot.
IHOP
Between IHOP, Denny’s and Waffle House, your breakfast needs are all taken care of on New Year’s Day. Head on over to IHOP on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day if you’re a real dedicated breakfast-loving individual.
Longhorn Steakhouse
Longhorn fans can order their favorite menu offerings on both December 31 and January 1, with each location expected to be open under normal hours of operation.
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Maggiano’s
This classic Italian eatery gives patrons a taste of Little Italy while being open for normal hours on New Year’s Day. Make sure to reach out to your local Maggiano’s before planning a visit, however, just to be sure they are following the hours listed online.
Metro Diner
Always a reliable holiday option, Metro Diner is observing normal hours of operation on New Year’s Day, along with a menu chock-full of specials guaranteed to fill your stomach to its brim.
Morton’s The Steakhouse
With locations available all over the country, Morton’s is a quality choice of steakhouse to kick off the new year with. Locations are expected to be taking reservations on both New Year’s Eve (4 p.m. to 11 p.m.) and New Year’s Day (4 p.m. to 9 p.m.).
Noodles & Company
Nothing beats a hot bowl of noodles on a cold day, of which Noodles & Company has plenty. Most locations should be open for business on New Year’s Day, but remember to give the family-friendly restaurant a call ahead of time before visiting.
Olive Garden
Endless salad and breadsticks is really all that needs to be said. Open both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day for normal hours of operation, Olive Garden lives and breathes by its slogan: “When you’re here, you’re family.”
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Outback Steakhouse
Order a Bloomin’ Onion for the table and kick off the New Year down under with Outback Steakhouse. This iconic restaurant chain is expected to be open for normal hours both December 31 and January 1.
Pollo Campero
Find a Pollo Campero location near you and snag a plush Santa Pollito character with your meal on New Year’s Day. The popular family-friendly eatery is expected to have all locations operating under normal retail hours through the holiday.
Red Lobster
Kick off the new year right with Red Lobster. All locations will be open for normal hours of operation, a trend that extends throughout the entirety of the holidays.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Does any other restaurant name throw you off like Ruth’s Chris? Two first-names aside, the fan-favorite steakhouse will be operating under limited hours this New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Schedule a reservation ahead of time to ensure an open table upon arrival.
Romano’s Macaroni Grill
Hours are expected to vary by location, however, Romano’s Macaroni Grill offers a wide variety of Italian pasta classics to enjoy at the start of the new year. Call ahead of time to make sure your local is in fact open.
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Smokey Bones
After offering seasonal catering throughout the holidays, Smokey Bones will be transitioning into the new year while open under normal hours of operation. The popular American eatery is likely to fill up quickly on New Year’s Day, though, so call ahead of time to schedule a reservation.
The Cheesecake Factory
If The Cheesecake Factory is already on your mind, then it’s all about that sweet cheesecake to kick off 2025. You can check in with your local first, however, all locations are expected to be open under normal hours of operation in celebration of the new year.
The Melting Pot
Another savory and sweet option to take advantage of at the start of the year, The Melting Pot will have most locations open on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Get your cheese and cocktail fix at this wonderful family-friendly establishment.
TGI Friday’s
New Year’s Eve can already feel like a Friday, so it’s only fitting that one would cap off the year and start a new one fresh with TGI Friday’s. Most locations are expected to be open on New Year’s Day, but be sure to check with your local before heading over with all of your friends in tow.
Waffle House
It wouldn’t be a New Year’s list without including the diner responsible for some of the most iconic online public freakout moments in existence. Waffle House might not always be the smartest place to grab breakfast at 2 a.m., but it certainly is the most entertaining. Locations are expected to be open 24/7 as per usual, making Waffle House one of the most reliable choices for food this time of year.
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