Dining on Easter is a treasured tradition for many families, but it’s one that doesn’t have to require hours spent decorating the table with chocolate eggs or prepping the perfect bunny-shaped pancakes. (Though if that’s your jam, go forth — we have tons of Easter brunch recipes.) While many chain restaurants across America close on major holidays like Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, you may be surprised to learn their doors stay open on Easter Sunday. There are so many restaurants open on Easter that it’s harder to find a chain in America that will actually be closed on April 9 this year.
Sit-down spots like Olive Garden and Benihana will remain open for reservations, as will steakhouses like McCormick & Schmick’s, Fogo de Chão, and Ruth’s Chris. Looking for a quick bite? McDonald’s, Subway, Burger King, and Sonic will be unaffected by the holiday. And if you can’t start the day without a venti chai, Starbucks will be open to steam milk and steep teas as usual.
Which restaurants will be closed on Easter? The one big chain that will be down for the count is Chick-Fil-a, which is closed every Sunday due to the founder’s Christian belief that Sunday is the Lord’s Day. Some locally run businesses may also be shut down so owners can celebrate with their families, so check ahead before you show up!
Restaurants Open on Easter 2023
1. IHOP
Dig into a pile of pancakes at IHOP on Easter morning or enjoy some ham for Easter dinner. Most IHOP locations will be open and operating under regular hours on Easter, but you should check with your nearest location to confirm. Restaurants are offering delivery, carryout, and indoor dining.
2. Denny's
Denny's prides itself on being a diner that's open — and serving breakfast — around the clock. On April 9, you can either get pickup or delivery or choose to dine inside. Check out the store navigator to find your nearest Denny's.
3. Perkins
Whether you're craving fluffy waffles or sizzling bacon, Perkins has you covered this year on Easter Sunday. Call ahead or check the navigator to find out your local Perkins' hours before placing an order for delivery or choosing to dine in.
4. Bob Evans
Another great deal can be found at Bob Evans. The eatery is delivering and typically offers a special holiday feast, in addition to its usual catering menu. Plus, no delivery fee! Check to see if there's a location near you.
5. Boston Market
Similarly, at participating Boston Market locations, order à la carte or take out a heat-and-serve Easter special. You can get a fully-cooked meal that's been chilled, so once you warm it in your oven, you may just be able to convince your family that you cooked it yourself. Find your nearest location using the store locator.
6. Panera Bread
In case you're craving some broccoli-cheddar soup in a bread bowl (or a variety of family feast value meals), most of Panera Bread's bakery-cafes will be open for pickup, delivery, or indoor dining on Easter Sunday. Use the café locator to find the location nearest you.
7. Romano's Macaroni Grill
Romano's Macaroni Grill is open for pickup, delivery, and indoor dining this Easter. Plus, you can place an order in advance to save yourself the stress. Who needs traditional Easter food when you can have lasagna Bolognese and Italian meatloaf?
8. Bonefish Grill
If you didn't get enough fish during Lent, then this restaurant is the place for you. Bonefish Grill specializes in seafood and will be open for carryout, delivery, and indoor dining this Easter. Use the store locator to see if there's a Bonefish Grill near you.
9. Shake Shack
Rejoice! You can still get a burger (or an egg sandwich) at most Shake Shack locations on April 9 this year. Call or check online with your nearest location to get their hours for pickup or delivery.
10. Sonic
Most Sonic restaurants should be open normal hours (6 a.m. through 12 a.m.), but because the majority of the drive-ins are locally owned, holiday hours vary. Try searching the navigator to see if your nearest location has a special holiday schedule. You can order with Sonic's app, which will even tell you where to park for easy car-side delivery.
11. McCormick & Schmick's
You're in luck! McCormick & Schmick's has an Easter dinner special that you can order ahead of time. The prix fix menu comes with your choice of soup (clam chowder) or salad (Caesar or mixed greens), an entrée (stuffed salmon, sea bass, filet mignon, or lobster tails), and a dessert (cheesecake, apple pie, or chocolate silk pie).
12. Waffle House
Looking for eggs AND ham this Easter Sunday? Waffle House is open for carryout, delivery, and indoor dining 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, so you can get all your brunch favorites. Use the store locator to find a Waffle House near you.
13. McDonald's
Most McDonald's locations will be open on April 9 this year with normal hours. However, because many McDonald's are independently owned, you should check with your local chain to verify their hours.
14. Starbucks
Starbucks store hours for Easter Sunday vary by location, so you should use the Starbucks Store locator to determine the hours at your nearest store before you make the trek. In-store seating is available, and almost all locations are open for curbside pickup, drive-thru, and delivery service. Best of all: You may even be able to order a secret Cadbury Egg Frappuccino.
15. Red Lobster
If you’re in the mood for shrimp Alfredo or a platter of seafood, you can get takeout or enjoy a sit-down lunch or dinner at your local Red Lobster. You should also take advantage of the many family meal deals, but be sure to call your local Red Lobster ahead of time to get their hours.
16. Golden Corral
In addition to letting you dine-in on Easter, Golden Corral usually offers an Easter Holiday Menu To-Go option, which allows you to order a ham dinner, a 12-piece chicken dinner, or a 24-piece chicken dinner ahead of time. Check with your nearest location about the deal and holiday hours.
17. P.F. Chang’s
You can expect P.F. Chang's to be open during normal hours this Easter, though you should call your nearest location just to make sure. Whether you prefer takeout, delivery, or sit-down dining, P.F. Chang's has plenty of options to help you get some tasty food for your Easter celebration.
18. Chili’s Grill & Bar
On Easter Sunday, you can enjoy a Chili’s “3 for Me,” where you can get an appetizer, a meal, and a drink for just $11. Chili’s is offering curbside pick-up and delivery, as well as in-person dining, but you should check in with your nearest location for hours.
19. LongHorn Steakhouse
Enjoy a delicious steak or grilled lamb chops for lunch or dinner, because LongHorn Steakhouse offers pickup and delivery, as well as in-person dining. Place an order ahead of time at your nearest location to save yourself stress on Easter Sunday.
20. TGI Fridays
You can expect TGI Fridays to be open for pickup and delivery on April 9 this year, but make sure to call ahead of time to confirm your nearest location is open.
21. Outback Steakhouse
Outback Steakhouse will be open during Easter, which means meat lovers can visit their local Outback for a steak and a Bloomin' Onion.
22. Applebee’s
If an Applebee’s Quesadilla Burger is your vibe, then you'll be happy to hear that the restaurant will be open during regular hours on Easter for carryout, delivery, and dining. You're able to order a couple weeks in advance as well, but you should check in with your nearest Applebee's for details.
23. Burger King
It doesn’t all have to be fancy restaurants during Easter. If you’re stuffed from brunch, then you can order delivery or get takeout from your nearest Burger King for some fries and a burger.
24. Cracker Barrel
Most Cracker Barrel locations are open as usual on Easter, serving breakfast all day. Whether you prefer pickup, delivery, or indoor dining, Cracker Barrel can be the taste of your Easter celebration.
25. The Cheesecake Factory
The Cheesecake Factory will be up and running for takeout, delivery, and indoor dining to make all your cheesecake dreams come true. Look up your nearest restaurant for exact hours, and make sure to check out both their signature Sunday Brunch and dinner options.
25. Buffalo Wild Wings
Sure, chicken wings might not scream Easter, but any day of the week is a good day to chow down on some tasty wings at Buffalo Wild Wings. You'll find locations across the country that are open for takeout, delivery, and indoor dining.
26. Noodles & Co.
If you've got a craving for pasta this Easter, then check out Noodles & Co. Be sure to call first, though, as hours depend on location. But the good news is that delivery is always free!
27. Olive Garden
What could make Easter Sunday better than endless breadsticks? Pickup, delivery, and indoor dining is available at Olive Garden this Easter, though you should check in with your nearest location for hours.
28. Benihana
Sure, delivery and takeout from Benihana don't involve the same theatrics you know and love from the restaurant, but it won't stop your kids from trying to make their own beating fried rice heart or steaming volcano at home. Indoor dining is also available on Easter; call your nearest location for details.
29. Carrabba's Italian Grill
Carrabba's Italian Grill offers an array of seafood, steaks, pasta, and pizza, so everyone in your family will be able to find something they like. They're open for carryout, delivery, and indoor dining this Easter, so be sure to make a reservation at your local Carrabba's.
30. Ruth's Chris Steakhouse
Ruth's Chris has exactly what you want from a steakhouse: a variety of excellent steaks and sides that will have you licking your lips. You can order for delivery or dine in on Easter this year, but check in first with your nearest location for exact hours.
31. Whataburger
Looking for a simple combo of burgers and fries? Whataburger can be your Easter lunch go-to. The chain is open every day except for Christmas, so you can count on your local Whataburger to be a part of your Easter celebration with online ordering, pickup, or in-store seating.
32. Domino's Pizza
If nothing sounds better to you than a pizza pie on Easter Sunday, then you're in luck. Most Domino's locations will be delivering on Easter this year, so give your nearest pizza joint a call.
33. Texas Roadhouse
Giddy up to Texas Roadhouse, y'all, because all locations will be open for takeout and indoor dining on Easter.
34. Yard House
For tacos or burgers on April 9, check out Yard House, where they're offering online ordering for pickup or indoor dining. See if there's a location near you.
35. Fogo de Chão
The Brazilian steakhouse usually offers Easter dinner bundles (including a choice of protein, sides, and cheese bread), as well as individual Easter meals. This year, pickup and delivery are available at Fogo de Chão, as is indoor dining. Call your nearest location to get exact hours and details on this year's bundle.
36. Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen
Most Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen locations offer dine-in as well as pickup options, even on Easter Sunday. Just be sure to call ahead to your nearest location before stopping by.
37. Famous Dave's
Want some barbecue this year? Famous Dave's is offering delivery, pickup, and indoor dining at all of its locations this Easter.
38. Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
All Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar locations are open on Easter for to-go orders, and many are open for dine-in as well. You can also get Flemings to help you cater a holiday meal, though you should contact your nearest location for details.
39. Buca di Beppo
Italian comfort food chain Buca di Beppo makes a point to be open to patrons on Easter. You can make a reservation at your local Buca for Easter Sunday brunch beginning at 11 a.m., or wait for dinnertime to roll around.
40. Subway
America's largest chain is open on Easter! You can't get a spiral-cut glazed ham or scalloped potatoes at Subway, but you can get a black forest ham Footlong and a bag of Sun Chips. Check out the locator to find your nearest store.
Corinne Sullivan is an Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers a variety of beats, including lifestyle, entertainment, relationships, shopping, and more. She can tell you everything you need to know about the love lives of A-listers, the coziest bedsheets, and the sex toys actually worth your $$$. She is also the author of the 2018 novel Indecent. Follow her on Instagram for cute pics of her pup and bébé.
After over a decade as a digital editor, Maggie Panos is navigating freelance writing and full-time parenting. She covered entertainment for POPSUGAR from New York and San Francisco before setting down roots in tree-covered Portland and focusing on local journalism. A self-proclaimed "okay baker", Maggie is interested in all things lifestyle — especially if those things involve Bravolebrities.