After preparing a Christmas feast and baking up a storm over the last few weeks, many of us are a wee bit tired of cooking.
If you’re hoping to start the year off with a bit of relaxation, eating out is always a good way to let someone else do all the heavy lifting.
On the first day of the year, many restaurants will be open for business and welcoming customers. Below, we’ve rounded up a list with plenty of options that will satiate any New Year’s cravings you may encounter.
Angry Chickz
Angry Chickz restaurants will be open regular hours on New Year’s Day.
Applebee’s
Select Applebee’s restaurants nationwide will be open on New Year’s Day, with hours potentially varying by location.
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar restaurants will be open on the holiday.
Bruegger’s Bagels
Bruegger’s Bagels shops will be open from 7 a.m. — 2 p.m. on Jan. 1. Customers should verify hours ahead of time, as they can vary by location.
Burger King
Since Burger King holiday hours vary by location, some restaurants will be open and others will be closed. Customers can verify holiday hours by calling ahead or consulting the Burger King app.
Cava
Cava restaurants will be open for business on Jan. 1.
Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen
Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen restaurants will be open on the first day of the year.
Church’s Texas Chicken
Select Church’s Texas Chicken restaurants will open at 11 a.m. on New Year’s Day, with hours potentially varying by location.
Cody’s Original Roadhouse
Cody’s Original Roadhouse locations will be open on the holiday.
Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel restaurants will be open on the first day of 2026.
Dave & Buster’s
Dave & Buster’s locations will be open on New Year’s Day. Since hours can vary by store, customers should verify holiday schedules in advance.
Din Tai Fung
Din Tai Fung U.S. locations will be open on New Year’s Day.
Dog Haus
Dog Haus restaurants will be open on the first day of 2026.
Eddie Merlot’s
Eddie Merlot’s restaurants will be open on the holiday.
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood restaurants will be open on the first day of the year.
Einstein Bros. Bagels
Einstein Bros. Bagels shops will be open from 7 a.m. — 2 p.m., with hours possibly varying by location.
El Pollo Loco
Select El Pollo Loco locations will be open on New Year’s Day.
Fogo de Chão
Fogo de Chão restaurants will be open 11 a.m. — 10 p.m. on Jan. 1.
Ford’s Garage
Ford’s Garage restaurants will be open at 11 a.m. on the first day of the year. Closing times vary by location.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers customers can visit their go-to location between 10:30 a.m. — 10 p.m. on New Year’s Day.
Golden Corral
Many Golden Corral restaurants will be open on the holiday, with hours varying.
Huddle House
Participating Huddle House restaurants will be open on New Year’s Day between 6 a.m. — 10 p.m., with hours potentially varying by location.
IHOP
IHOP will be open on New Year’s Day, with hours potentially varying by location.
In-N-Out Burger
In-N-Out Burger locations will be open normal hours on New Year’s Day.
Jollibee
Jollibee restaurants nationwide will be open on New Year’s Day, with hours potentially varying by location.
Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme shops will operate under normal business hours on Jan. 1.
LongHorn Steakhouse
LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants will be open on the first day of the year.
Marco’s Pizza
Marco’s Pizza will be open on New Year’s Day.
Margarita’s Mexican Restaurant
Margaritas Mexican Restaurant locations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine and New Hampshire will be open typical hours on New Year’s Day.
Matchbox
Matchbox restaurants will be open for business on the holiday.
McDonald’s
Most McDonald’s locations are open on holidays, including New Year’s Day. Since hours can vary, customers should use the store locator tool to confirm holiday schedules.
Noodles & Company
Noodles & Company will be open typical hours on New Year’s Day.
North Italia
North Italia will be open typical hours on New Year’s Day.
Olive Garden
Olive Garden restaurants will be open on the first day of the year.
Palladino’s
Palladino’s restaurants will be open on the holiday.
Paris Baguette
Most Paris Baguette cafés will be open on New Year’s Day, with hours possibly varying by location.
Perkins American Food Company
Participating Perkins American Food Company locations will be open 7 a.m. — 10 p.m. on New Year’s Day, with hours potentially varying by location.
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille restaurants will be open on the holiday.
Red Lobster
Red Lobster will be open on New Year’s Day, with hours potentially varying by location.
Ruby Tuesday
Ruby Tuesday will be open regular hours on New Year’s Day.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurants will be open on the first day of the year.
Scooter’s Coffee
All Scooter’s Coffee locations will be open on the holiday, with hours possibly varying by location.
Seasons 52
Seasons 52 restaurants will be open on the first day of the year.
Sizzler
Nearly all Sizzler locations will be open on Jan. 1, with hours possibly varying by location.
Sullivan’s Steakhouse
Sullivan’s Steakhouse restaurants will be open for business on the holiday.
Teriyaki Madness
Teriyaki Madness locations will be open on Jan. 1.
The Capital Grille
The Capital Grille restaurants will be open on the first day of the year.
The Halal Guys
The Halal Guys will be open on New Year’s Day, with hours possibly varying by location.
Waffle House
Waffle House restaurants are open every day, including Jan. 1.
Wendy’s
Many Wendy’s locations will be open on the holiday, with hours possibly varying by location.
Whataburger
Whataburger locations will be open on the first day of the year.
White Castle
White Castle will be open normal business hours on New Year’s Day.
Wiseguy Pizza
Wiseguy Pizza locations will be open on Jan. 1.
Yard House
Yard House restaurants will be open on the first day of the year.
