As the New Year approaches, many people look for enjoyable dining options on January 1, 2026. If you’re planning to skip cooking and savor a meal out, multiple restaurants will be ready to serve you. Here is a comprehensive list of popular establishments that will be open for business on New Year’s Day.
Open Restaurants for New Year’s Day 2026
- Angry Chickz: Open regular hours.
- Applebee’s: Select locations open, hours may vary.
- Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar: Open for the holiday.
- Bruegger’s Bagels: Open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Burger King: Hours vary; check locally.
- Cava: Open on January 1.
- Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen: Open for business.
- Church’s Texas Chicken: Opening at 11 a.m.; hours may vary.
- Cody’s Original Roadhouse: Open on the holiday.
- Cracker Barrel: Open on January 1.
- Dave & Buster’s: Open, but hours can vary.
- Din Tai Fung: Locations open for the New Year.
- Dog Haus: Open on January 1.
- Eddie Merlot’s: Open on the holiday.
- Eddie V’s Prime Seafood: Open for New Year’s Day.
- Einstein Bros. Bagels: Operating from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- El Pollo Loco: Select locations open.
- Fogo de Chão: Open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Ford’s Garage: Opens at 11 a.m.; closing times vary.
- Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: Open from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Golden Corral: Many locations open; hours vary.
- Huddle House: Participating locations open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- IHOP: Open on New Year’s Day; hours may vary.
- In-N-Out Burger: Open on January 1.
- Jollibee: Nationwide locations open for business.
- Krispy Kreme: Operating under normal hours.
- LongHorn Steakhouse: Open on January 1.
- Marco’s Pizza: Open for the New Year.
- Margarita’s Mexican Restaurant: Open in select states.
- Matchbox: Restaurants open for business.
- McDonald’s: Typically open; check with your local location.
- Noodles & Company: Open normal hours.
- North Italia: Open on the holiday.
- Olive Garden: Open for New Year’s Day.
- Palladino’s: Open on January 1.
- Paris Baguette: Most cafés open, confirm hours.
- Perkins American Food Company: Open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille: Open for the holiday.
- Red Lobster: Open on January 1; check hours.
- Ruby Tuesday: Open on New Year’s Day.
- Ruth’s Chris Steak House: Open for business.
- Scooter’s Coffee: Open on the holiday.
- Seasons 52: Open on January 1.
- Sizzler: Most locations open; hours vary.
- Sullivan’s Steakhouse: Open for business.
- Teriyaki Madness: Open on January 1.
- The Capital Grille: Open on the first day of the year.
- The Halal Guys: Locations open on January 1.
- Waffle House: Open every day, including January 1.
- Wendy’s: Many locations open; confirm hours.
- Whataburger: Open on New Year’s Day.
- White Castle: Operating as usual on January 1.
- Wiseguy Pizza: Open on New Year’s Day.
- Yard House: Open for the holiday.
As you plan your New Year’s Day meal, consider these options. Always check with your local restaurant for the most accurate hours, as they may vary by location.
