Easter arrives early this year, falling on Sunday, March 31, and that means it’s time to plan your meals for the holiday weekend, whether for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. Thankfully, most of your favorite restaurant chains will be open.
There are some exceptions, of course. Chick-fil-A, for example, will be closed because Easter is observed on Sunday when the chain is regularly closed. Otherwise, expect to see abundant options when you feel like dining out for Easter rather than cooking a large meal yourself.
Use this roundup to narrow your choices. Some restaurant chains offer Easter catering specials to eliminate the guesswork of preparing a large meal for visiting relatives. Whether you’re looking for a traditional homestyle breakfast or something out of left field for yourself and your family, these restaurant chains featuring different cuisines are open this Easter.
Applebee’s
Applebee’s is open on Easter Sunday, but hours may be reduced. Because each Applebee’s location is independently owned and operated, exact hours on Easter may vary. Check with your local Applebee’s for exact hours.
Benihana
When the occasion calls to bring the family out for some teppanyaki or sushi on Easter, head to Benihana. The restaurant chain is open for regular hours.
Bob Evans
Bob Evans wants to alleviate the pressure of cooking an Easter dinner from scratch. This year, customers can preorder homestyle catered turkey and ham dinners to go, packed cold and ready to heat and serve. Its restaurants will be open on Easter if you prefer to dine out.
Bravo! Italian Kitchen
Customers can celebrate Easter with Bravo! Italian Kitchen by ordering one of its Easter packages, prepared meals designed to feed 10 to 20 hungry guests. Restaurant locations are open on the holiday and serve brunch and dinner.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Good news for Buffalo Wings fans: It shouldn’t be hard to find an open one on Easter Sunday. Buffalo Wild Wings is open on the holiday, but customers should check with their nearest location to confirm the exact hours.
Burger King
On Easter Sunday, you can “have it your way” at Burger King. The fast-food chain is open on March 31, but the exact hours could vary depending on the location. Check with your nearest Burger King for its Easter hours.
California Pizza Kitchen
In the mood for pizza this Easter? California Pizza Kitchen is open for regular operating hours. Double-check with your nearest location for exact hours.
The Cheesecake Factory
The Cheesecake Factory is open on March 31 for its regular operating hours. Stop by for lunch or dinner, or arrive early to order an item from its Sunday Brunch menu.
Chili’s
A holiday as festive as Easter calls for a celebratory beverage, like a Chili’s margarita. The restaurant chain is open for regular hours on March 31.
Cracker Barrel
Enjoy a homestyle Easter Sunday breakfast at Cracker Barrel, which opens for regular hours on March 31 across its nationwide locations.
Denny’s
Looking for a family-friendly restaurant where you can enjoy breakfast on Easter Sunday? All Denny’s locations are open for regular operating hours on March 31.
Domino’s
When hunger strikes and you’re craving pizza, Domino’s has got you covered. Most of its locations are open for regular hours on Easter Sunday, so you should have no problem ordering pizza when the entire family arrives at your house for dinner.
Dunkin’
Whether you’re up early on Easter or just making your regular Sunday coffee run, Dunkin’ is open for its regular operating hours.
El Pollo Loco
Enjoy a meal at El Pollo Loco this Easter. Locations are open for regular operating hours.
Famous Dave’s
If you’re in the mood for some barbecue on Easter, you can head to Famous Dave’s. The restaurant chain keeps its locations open on March 31.
Fogo de Chão
The Brazilian steakhouse chain Fogo de Chão offers a great way to entertain and feed a crowd. If you have family visiting for Easter and don’t feel like cooking, Fogo de Chão is open for regular hours.
Golden Corral
Enjoy an all-you-care-to-eat buffet at Golden Corral this Easter, as the restaurant chain is open for its regular operating hours on the big day.
Hard Rock Cafe
Rock on with an Easter lunch or dinner at Hard Rock Cafe. The nationwide restaurant chain is open for regular operating hours on March 31.
IHOP
Nothing is better than a tall stack of pancakes on a Sunday morning, and IHOP offers pancakes for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. On Easter, IHOP’s locations nationwide are open for regular hours.
KFC
Want a bucket of fried chicken for Easter Sunday dinner? The good news is KFC is open on March 31, so swing by for some drumsticks and thighs.
LongHorn Steakhouse
Ready to serve you and your family a tasty steak dinner, LongHorn Steakhouse is open on Easter. Some locations could have reduced hours, so check your nearest restaurant for exact hours and information.
McDonald’s
All McDonald’s locations are open on March 31. Hours may vary, so check your nearest McDonald’s for exact times.
O’Charley’s
O’Charley’s is open on Easter Sunday, meaning you and the family can enjoy its full Sunday brunch menu starting at 10am.
Olive Garden
When you’re at Olive Garden, you’re family. On Easter, the restaurant chain is open for regular hours, so bring the entire extended family with you.
Outback Steakhouse
Easter feels like the perfect occasion for a Bloomin’ Onion. Luckily, Outback Steakhouse locations are open on March 31 for regular hours.
Panera Bread
Panera Bread is open for regular hours on Easter Sunday. You can head to your nearest location for breakfast, lunch, or dinner or to pick up an order of bagels and other goodies from the bakery to bring home to the family.
Red Lobster
Enjoy a basket of Red Lobster’s Cheddar Bay Biscuits on Easter Sunday. The seafood-centric restaurant chain is open for regular operating hours on March 31.
Red Robin
Craving a juicy hamburger for lunch or dinner on Easter? All Red Robin locations are open for regular operating hours.
Ruby Tuesday
On Easter Sunday, stop by your local Ruby Tuesday for its endless salad bar and selection of lunch and dinner entrees. The restaurant chain is open for regular operating hours.
Shake Shack
Can’t stop thinking about a Shake Shack burger and a milkshake made with hand-churned frozen custard? They’ll be available on Easter, as all Shake Shack locations are open on March 31.
Sonic Drive-In
Why leave the car to grab something to eat on Easter? Head to Sonic Drive-In for a cherry limeade and chili cheese hotdog. The fast-food chain is open for regular hours on Easter.
Starbucks
Stay alert and caffeinated this Easter by picking up your usual order at Starbucks. The coffee chain is open on the holiday, but exact hours may vary based on location. Check your nearest Starbucks for exact hours.
Texas Roadhouse
When the Easter egg hunt is finished, and it’s time to grab a bite, bring the family to your local Texas Roadhouse. The restaurant chain is open for regular hours on Easter, so don’t worry—there will be a basket of rolls and honey cinnamon butter waiting.
Waffle House
You can take the guesswork out of where to grab breakfast on Easter by heading to your local Waffle House. The breakfast chain is open on March 31.
Yard House
Yard House is open on March 31. Expect to find late-night happy hour deals at select Yard House locations, too. Check your nearest Yard House location for exact hours and deals.
