Need a quick meal or an infusion of caffeine on Christmas Day? While most fast-food chains are closed on the big holiday, there are a few out there that are keeping the oven warm and the coffee fresh.
Because so many fast-food restaurants are owned by private individuals (franchises make the world go round), there aren't set hours for the locations listed below. And some locations that we haven't listed might be open! But these spots are guaranteed to be serving food and beverages for at least a few hours on Christmas Day.
Del Taco
Del Tacos will mostly be open on Christmas – double-check the hours at your location, because they vary.
Dunkin
Rejoice! You’ll be able to get your holiday drinks and cheddar bagel twists on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Hours will vary, so
call ahead before you head out to get your brew.
Domino's
Most Domino's chains will be open on Christmas Day. Because Domino's is owned by franchisees, hours will vary. Head to the Domino's website to check your location.
Huddle House
Get a giant stack of pancakes and enjoy the post present rush of Christmas morning at Huddle House. Huddle Houses will be open, but like most of the businesses on this list, hours will vary by location.
McDonald's
Most
McDonald's locations will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Like Domino's, many locations are owned by franchisees, so that means the hours will be different depending on where you are. Check your nearest location on the McDonald's website. And on Christmas Eve, stop by to get a free cookie as part of its
12 Days of Christmas.
Starbucks
Grab a cup of coffee and a breakfast treat at your local Starbucks. Just make sure to double-check the hours, as they will vary depending on your location.
Waffle
House
Waffle House has great hours: 24/7, 365 days a year. Unfortunately, the pandemic has meant that not every location has been able to keep up with those hours because of staffing issues. So while your local Waffle House will definitely be open, double-check its hours before you head out for 3 am waffles.
Trying to save some cash? Thrillist also has you covered on all the best deals on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. That’s something to celebrate either way.
Want more Thrillist? Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat.
Opheli Garcia Lawler is a staff writer at Thrillist. Follow her on Twitter @opheligarcia and Instagram @opheligarcia.
If you're looking to grab a bite to eat or a cup of coffee on Christmas, be prepared to find limited options Saturday.
Major national restaurant chains like Olive Garden, Outback Steakhouse, Chili’s, Taco Bell and Chipotle are closed for the holiday. With Christmas falling on a Saturday, it means Chick-fil-A will be closed two days in a row since its restaurants are traditionally closed Sundays.
But many Starbucks, McDonald's and Dunkin' locations will be open on Christmas, along with IHOP, Denny's and Waffle House.
You also might be able to order pizza from Pizza Hut, Domino’s or Papa John’s, but not all locations will be open or delivering.
►Save better, spend better: Money tips and advice delivered right to your inbox. Sign up here
►Stores open Christmas 2021: Hours for Walgreens, CVS and Safeway, but Walmart, Costco closed
It's often a franchise decision whether a restaurant opens on holidays, so check with your closest location before heading out.
You can also check OpenTable for restaurants accepting holiday reservations, like Ruth's Chris Steakhouse and Texas de Brazil.
Christmas is historically a slow day for the restaurant industry, small business software provider Womply previously told USA TODAY. With the exception of Chinese restaurants known for being open on Christmas, many local restaurants also will be closed, according to Womply's analysis.
Many stores also will be closed for Christmas. (Here's the list of what drugstores, convenience stores and grocery stores are open.)
Restaurants open Christmas 2021
The following restaurant chains have select locations open. Check with your closest location before heading out as not all locations are open. Some restaurant websites do not have updated holiday hours so call ahead or check apps for more information.
Applebee's: Select restaurants nationwide will be open on Christmas Day but hours may be reduced.
Bar Louie: Open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Baskin-Robbins
Benihana
Buffalo Wild Wings: A few select sports bars are open and hours will vary by location.
Chinese restaurants: It's a tradition for Chinese restaurants to be open Christmas. Check with your favorite for hours.
Denny's
Domino's: Many locations are closed but the store locator includes Christmas hours for some locations.
Firehouse Subs
Golden Corral
Hooters
Huddle House
IHOP
Panda Express: Some restaurants open.
Papa John's: Select locations are open.
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
Pizza Hut: The majority of locations are closed but a few restaurants open late afternoon on Christmas, the company told USA TODAY.
Ruth's Chris Steak House
Starbucks
Texas de Brazil
TGI Fridays: Varies, but some locations open from 3 to 11 p.m.
Waffle House
More restaurants: Some locally-owned and regional chain restaurants also will be open Christmas and restaurants located in hotels often are open on holidays.
►Gift cards under the Christmas tree:How to check card balances and other tips
►Wings at Taco Bell?:Taco Bell's newest menu item, crispy chicken wings, will be available but for a limited time
Dunkin' and Starbucks open Christmas
Many Dunkin' and Starbucks locations will be open for the holiday but expect hours to be limited.
Christmas fast food open: Select McDonald's, Wendy's, Subway
Not all locations will be open. Fast-food chain apps allow you to order ahead, get discounts and check hours.
Arby's
Burger King
McDonald's
Pollo Campero
Popeyes
Sonic Drive-In
Subway: Restaurants are individually owned and operated, so hours can vary by location.
Wendy's: Varies, but the fast-food chain told USA TODAY most locations operate with their normal hours.
Follow USA TODAY reporter Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko. For shopping news, tips and deals, join us on our Shopping Ninjas Facebook group.