Even though New Year's Eve gets all the attention, New Year's Day is an actual holiday. That means, people everywhere are usually treating themselves to a good meal to celebrate the first day of the year.
Sure, you could go to one of the grocery stores open on New Year's Day, and buy all the ingredients to cook a meal, but if you have the opportunity to go eat at your favorite restaurant, why wouldn't you take it?
To help you secure your plans, we've compiled a list of restaurants open on New Year's Day this year. From family-friendly restaurants like Olive Garden to fast-food chains like Chick-fil-A , locations near you will be open on the first day of 2024.
No matter if you're looking to sit down for a meal or just grab a quick bite to eat, you can count on these restaurants this January 1.
Applebee's
You can celebrate the first day of the year with a cocktail from Applebee's — select Applebee's restaurants will stay open for New Year's Day, though hours may be reduced and may vary by location.
Arby's
Many locations will still have the meats on New Year's Day, if you're in the mood for one of their signature roast beef sandwiches. However, hours may vary by Arby's location.
Bravo! Italian Kitchen
If Italian food and a "casually elegant ambiance" is your thing, you'll want to head over to a Bravo! Italian Kitchen location, which will be open during normal operating hours on New Year's Day.
Brio Italian Grille
Whether you're looking to go out for brunch, lunch or dinner, Brio Italian Grille has got you covered, because they'll be open during regular operating hours on New Year's Day. You can even secure a reservation before you go.
Buca di Beppo
There's nothing like some good Italian food to kick-start your New Year's. Thankfully, Buca di Beppo locations will be open from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on New Year's Day. If you're planning on dining in, be sure to reserve your table here.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Head over to your local Buffalo Wild Wings for some wings, beer and sports this New Year's Day. Most locations will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Burger King
Sometimes a quick burger and fries just hits the spot. Burger King hours vary by franchise, so before making your way over to your local store, be sure to check its hours first.
Carl's Jr.
If your mouth is watering for a plate of onion rings or maybe some "crisscut" fries, Carl's Jr. just might be able to fulfill your craving— hours on January 1 may vary by location.
Carrabba's Italian Grill
From pasta to chicken dishes, Carrabba's Italian Grill serves food the whole family can enjoy. Restaurants will be open on New Year's Day, but hours vary by location.
Chick-Fil-A
Good news if you're craving a Deluxe chicken sandwich: Most Chick-Fil-A locations will be open for New Year's Day! Hours vary by location, so it's best to check with your closest Chick-Fil-A.
Chili's
Get your chips and salsa fix at Chili's — restaurants will open on New Year's Day, though hours may vary depending on location (so make sure to call ahead!). What pairs well with salsa? Their Margarita of the Month, of course.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
You'll be able to customize your own tacos, burritos and bowls at Chipotle Mexican Grill locations from 10:45 a.m. to 10 p.m. on New Year's Day. More guac, please!
Cracker Barrel
After the Christmas craziness passes, Cracker Barrel resumes normal operating hours, which means you can cure your champagne blues with biscuits and gravy.
Dave & Buster's
Since Dave & Buster's locations will be open during general operating hours from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. on New Year's Day, you can enjoy their limited time holiday menu while it's still available.
Denny's
Looking to feast on a satisfying New Year's brunch? Denny's is known to be open 24/7, 365 days a year, but hours may vary by location.
Domino's
If you believe that your first meal of 2024 should be an indulgent one, then order a pizza from your local Domino's and call it a day. Most stores will be open on New Year's Day, and you can even opt for delivery if you're feeling too lazy to drive.
Dunkin'
The best way to start 2024 is with coffee — and lots of it. Most Dunkin' locations will be open on New Year's Day, so stop by for your morning brew and Munchkins. Hours may vary depending on location, though, so be sure to check ahead before going on your local Dunkin' run.
Fogo De Chão
Because why wouldn't you want to start off the new year with the full churrasco experience? Many Fogo De Chão locations will be open on January 1 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Hardee's
This popular fast food chain serves fresh biscuits and more, and there's nothing wrong with welcoming in the year with a breakfast sandwich or menu item from Hardy's. The only thing is, hours may vary by location on New Year's Day.
IHOP
Celebrate all that the new year brings with a massive stack of fresh pancakes, since IHOP locations are open from at least 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Psst, if you sign up to for the restaurant's MYHOP membership, you can earn free pancakes!
KFC
Want to start 2024 off by finally trying out the new fried chicken sandwich? Head to KFC for some finger lickin' good food on New Year's. The majority of KFC locations will stay open during normal business hours for the first of January, but be sure to check your local listings.
McDonald's
First comes New Year's Eve parties. Then comes the post-party McFlurry. Last year, most McDonald's locations across the U.S. kept their doors open on New Year's Day, but hours varied by location. So for this year, make sure to give your local chain a call before you hop in the car.
Morton's Steakhouse
Cheers to the new year with a glass of bubbly and decadent steak dinner at Morton's Steakhouse. This popular steak spot is open on New Year's Day, and general hours of operation will be from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Olive Garden
Let the family time continue at Olive Garden, where you can fill up on unlimited salad and breadsticks. Our favorite Italian spot will be open on New Year's Day, but select locations may close early.
Panera Bread
Craving a warm and cozy bread bowl to kick off the new year? You might just be in luck: hours vary by location, so be sure to check with your local Panera Bread before heading over on New Year's Day.
Ruth's Chris Steak House
Nothing should stand in the way between you and your steak. Many Ruth's Chris Steak House locations will be open on New Year's Day from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Sonic
This drive-in restaurant should have many of its locations open for January 1. Typical hours of operation are from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., but since hours do vary by location, be sure to check your local Sonic before you swing by for a hot dog.
Starbucks
Peppermint mocha season only lasts so long. You know what that means: It's time to head to Starbucks for your caffeine fix. The coffee chain’s hours will vary by location, though, so be sure to check your local store's hours.
Subway
If you're looking for a tasty sandwich on January 1, you should know that Subway's hours will vary on New Year's, as all Subway restaurants are independently owned and operated. You can check your local Subway's hours via the Subway App or with the website's store locator.
Taco Bell
Tacos are an essential in the new year, obviously! At Taco Bell, hours vary by location, which means you should call ahead to your nearest store before heading out to satisfy your taco cravings.
Texas Roadhouse
Looking to kick in the new year with a juicy steak? If so, Texas Roadhouse restaurants will be open on New Year's Day, but hours will vary by location.
TGI Friday's
It doesn't always have to be Friday to go to a TGI Friday's, and while New Year's Day will be on a Monday this 2024, you'll still be able to ring in the year with your go-to entrées and drinks. Restaurants will be open, but hours may vary by location.
The Cheesecake Factory
If you're pining for a slice of Vanilla Bean (or maybe an Ultimate Red Velvet) to start off 2024, good news — Cheesecake Factory locations will be open on New Year's Day.
Waffle House
Wondering if Waffle House is open on New Year's this year? Luckily, stores will be open, and as per tradition, locations are open 24/7, 365 days a year.
Wendy's
Ring in the new year with one of Wendy's signature Frostys, as locations will be open on New Year's Day. You can even purchase a $3 Frosty Key Tag for free Frostys with any purchase every day during 2024.
Amanda Garrity is a lifestyle writer and editor with over seven years of experience, including five years on staff at Good Housekeeping, where she covered all things home and holiday, including the latest interior design trends, inspiring DIY ideas and gift guides for any (and every) occasion. She also has a soft spot for feel-good TV, so you can catch her writing about popular shows like Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias, Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart and more.
Hannah Jeon is an Associate Commerce Editor at Prevention, where she covers expert-driven commerce content for all things health, beauty, and wellness. Previously the Editorial Assistant at Good Housekeeping, she earned her bachelor’s degree in creative writing and psychology from Johns Hopkins University. When she’s not on the hunt for all the best products online, you can often find her trying out new food spots in New York City or clicking away behind a camera.
