Every item on this page was chosen by an editor from The Pioneer Woman. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
The new year is almost here! With a plethora of New Year’s Eve parties around the corner, you’re probably already planning how to ring in the next chapter. But what about after the festivities are over? You know, once the ball drops and the clock strikes midnight. If you haven’t thought ahead, why not consider heading to a restaurant on New Year’s Day? Many popular spots will be open, and dining out or grabbing takeout is definitely easier than navigating crowded stores open on New Year's Day.
Even if you're not up for dining out, you can still enjoy mouthwatering dishes delivered from restaurants like the Olive Garden or Outback Steakhouse. Simply order your family a delicious to-go meal! Of course, there are also several fast food restaurants open on New Year's Day in case you're hankering to make a Big Mac your first meal of the year (which actually sounds like a delicious New Year's tradition to start). You'll find all your favorite quick stops here in case you need a coffee or snack in addition to your New Year's Eve feast or New Year's Day dinner. While these restaurants and fast food chains will have their doors open January 1, you may still want to call ahead to confirm your local branch's hours.
Start fresh on New Year's Day with these inspiring ideas:
Buffalo Wild Wings
Are you feeling wild about 2025? Grab some spicy "wild" wings! All Buffalo Wild Wings locations will be open this year on New Year's Day.
Burger King
Grabbing a whopper and fries counts as starting off 2025 with a bang! Most Burger King locations will be open, though some may have reduced hours.
Denny's
You can expect the trusty 24/7 diner to be open on both the last day of 2024 and the first day of 2025.
IHOP
Your favorite house of pancakes will be open for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, but hours will vary by restaurant location. You can enjoy their famous pancakes right at home, too! There's no better way to wake up on the first day of 2025 than by enjoying pancakes in your PJs!
Outback Steakhouse
Kick off 2025 by filling your belly with a Bloomin' Onion and a delicious filet mignon home from Outback Steakhouse. Most locations should be open for their normal hours, but call in advance to see what time they'll be open.
Taco Bell
You can live más on the first day of 2025 as most Taco Bells will be open. The taco joint will stay open on New Year's Eve as well, in case you want to enjoy a fast-casual feast to finish off 2024. Hours will vary by location.
The Cheesecake Factory
It's always fun to ring in the new year with a little something sweet—like cheesecake! Few do it better than The Cheesecake Factory, which will be open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day this year. Call your local restaurant to find out more.
Applebee's
Celebrate New Year's Eve or New Year's Day with a delicious meal at Applebee's—your neighborhood spot will be open! Please note that hours may be shortened on New Year's Eve, so it's a good idea to check with your local restaurant beforehand.
Bob Evans
Kick off the new year with some comforting home-style cooking at Bob Evans. You can dine in or grab a Farmhouse Feast to serve four to 10 people, it includes an entrée (ham, turkey, or pot roast), sides, rolls, and pie.
Bonefish Grill
Calling all seafood lovers! Bonefish Grill will be open on both New Year's Eve and New Year's Day this year. Some locations may operate on reduced schedules, so be sure to call ahead.
Boston Market
Boston Market has the homestyle cooking you need on New Year's Day! Be sure to check with your local store to confirm hours.
Carrabba's Italian Grill
Celebrate the new year with a little (or a lot!) of Italian comfort food. Carrabba's will be open on both December 31 and January 1 this year. Hours may vary, so check with your local branch first.
Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen
Yes, you can celebrate at Cheddar's! The restaurant is open every day of the year except Thanksgiving and Christmas, which means you can definitely get your fill of comfort food.
Chick-Fil-A
You're in luck! New Year's Day doesn't fall on a Sunday this year, which means Chick-Fil-A is open and you can grab all the chicken, waffle fries, and lemonade that your heart desires.
Chili's
Feel free to head to Chili's for a bite or to pick up food on New Year's Eve or New Year's Day this year, as most locations will be open during regular hours.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
There's nothing more comforting than a big burrito packed with your favorite fixings. Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants are open New Year's Day from 10:45 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Cracker Barrel
Pick up home-cooked food this New Year's, since Cracker Barrel will be open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
Dave and Buster's
Get your game on and satiate your rib craving. D & B is open on New Year's Day to keep the party going.
Domino's
Looking for a cheesy pizza to stave off those midnight hankerings? Well, you can satisfy your cravings at Domino's this New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
Dunkin' Donuts
If you're after a quick cup of joe for a fresh start New Year's morning, you can likely head to your local Dunkin'. Most stores will be open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, but you can check the Dunkin' Mobile App to confirm.
Erin Cavoto is the Editorial Assistant at ThePioneerWoman.com, covering food, holidays, home decor, and more.
7 Gardening Trends Set to Bloom Big in 2026
Spinach Artichoke Dip Is An Easy, Cheesy Classic
Here's the Best Time to Take Down a Christmas Tree
Ree Shares a Memory She’s Taking Into the New Year
