Oklahoma Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving Day

When you're still riding the high of stuffing and green-beans but the kitchen's looking like a bomb went off, sometimes the best Thanksgiving move is to skip the drama and hit a restaurant. In Oklahoma, you've got more options than just Aunt Betty's mashed potatoes - especially if you're okay with familiar chain spots.

This last time I moved to Oklahoma, it was nearly Thanksgiving and none of us wanted to go through the ordeal of prepping a big family holiday on short notice, so we celebrated the day at Golden Corral in Lawton, and yes, that all-you-can-eat buffet was the lazy luxury we needed at the time. I got my turkey, she got her ham, and the kids dipped everything in chocolate.

Golden Corral’s Thanksgiving Setup

Golden Corral traditionally remains open on Thanksgiving with a special holiday buffet.

If you'd rather skip the buffet, Cracker Barrel is another Turkey Day pick. Many locations open for regular hours and serve a Thanksgiving-style plate, plus everything else on the regular menu... if you like their sometimes-odd spin on classic dishes.

For early birds or late-night holiday cooks, breakfast never fails to satisfy. Denny's and Perkins often serve up holiday turkey dinners, and IHOP stays open around Thanksgiving so you can swing by for pancakes when the rest of the world's asleep.

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You've also got sit-down options in Oklahoma City: the Capital Grille is doing a special Thanksgiving menu. And for the no-fuss, 24-hour crew, Waffle House is always open... so while you may not have the opportunity to be with family, you can still get the holiday fist-fight in like normal. There's also probably plenty of local eateries open that day too, of which you'll know your own town...

Thanksgiving in Oklahoma is all about picking your vibe. Let someone else worry about the turkey.

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