31 Restaurants Open on the 4th of July in 2025
If you’ve ever found yourself feeling peckish between an afternoon barbecue and the evening fireworks show, you’ve probably discovered how tricky it can be to find restaurants open on the 4th of July. But in spite of the federal holiday, there are more options for eating on July 4th than you might think.
So if you find yourself in need of a place to eat this Independence Day, these 31 restaurants open on July 4th have your back. Some might even offer festive specials.
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What Restaurants Are Open on July 4th?
Are restaurants open on the 4th of July? You bet — but it’s also a fairly safe bet that your local family-owned sandwich shop or taqueria is going to close for the holiday. That means you’ll likely find that most of the restaurants open on the Fourth of July are chains.
Fast food restaurants are the most obvious examples, with most major outlets staying open, but you’ll also probably see big nationwide brands like Buffalo Wild Wings and Chipotle keeping their restaurants open on the 4th of July. So fret not: your favorite big-box chain eatery is likely taking orders on the 4th!
That said, it's still a federal holiday, so even if a bigger chain is generally open nationwide, don’t assume that your location will be. Some franchised restaurants that generally open on the 4th of July will still have certain stores that close, and still others might have different opening hours on July 4th.
This information often isn’t available online, so it’s safest to call your local branch of the restaurant before you get your heart set on eating there.
Make a Reservation for 4th of July Dining
If possible, it’s wise to make a reservation if you want a sit-down meal. This is because you’re probably going to be one of hundreds of local diners asking, “Are restaurants open on the 4th of July around here?” and ending up with all the same ideas about where to go.
Since the selection of restaurants diners have to choose from narrows significantly on July 4th, crowds can bottleneck at any restaurants open on the Fourth of July, and you may find yourself waiting in a long line to be seated if you don’t have a table.
31 Popular Restaurants Open on July 4th
1. Applebee’s
If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck at a restaurant open on the 4th of July, head to Applebee’s. If you’re bringing the kids along, Applebee’s is offering the best deal you’re likely to find on the 4th: one free kids' meal with every purchase of an adult entrée. Get a group together, and you might cut the cost of your meal in half.
That’s not all Applebee’s is doing to celebrate Independence Day, though. The chain is also offering festive-themed cocktails, and at certain locations, diners who come in late at night will get half off their favorite appetizers.
Plus, with all those special deals, you can be fairly certain that Applebee’s locations will stay open nationwide, so there’s generally no need to call and check.
2. BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
BJ’s is another restaurant open on the 4th of July that usually reels in the holiday diners with a special offer. While not confirmed for this year yet, in past years, those who place an online order can get a free or discounted Pizookie for dessert with the purchase of any appetizer or entrée.
If you’re not looking to eat a sit-down meal after a long morning at a 4th of July party, this makes BJ’s an especially great option. If you are, you probably won’t get your Pizookie, but you can still be sure that most of BJ’s franchise restaurants nationwide will stay open.
3. Carrabba’s Italian Grill
Although this popular Italian chain is typically open on the 4th, some locations have been known to close. So while it’s likely you’ll be able to get your pasta fix, call ahead to make sure your local restaurant is open on the 4th of July. If so, you may want to make a reservation to avoid the long line of people who had the same idea.
4. Buffalo Wild Wings
Whether you prefer to dine in or want to take out, Buffalo Wild Wings keeps restaurants open on 4th of July for both options. No matter if you’re just craving wings for yourself or don’t want to make your own party food for that cookout later, this is a win for wing lovers.
The chain may also offer a special 4th of July deal. In previous years, when you ordered on the Buffalo Wild Wings Go app, you’d unlock a buy one, get one free deal on boneless wings. This deal hasn’t been announced yet for this year, but something similar will likely be available.
5. California Pizza Kitchen
Although this pizza chain restaurant that’s open on the 4th of July hasn’t announced anything yet, California Pizza Kitchen (popularly referred to as CPK) usually offers some kind of holiday promotion. In past years, the chain has rolled out BOGO deals, holiday menu specials and happy hour deals.
Even if CPK doesn’t offer any such specials this year, you can at least be sure that it usually stays open on the 4th. A word of warning, though: many CPK locations are inside malls, which tend to have different holiday hours than the chain at large. If you’re thinking of eating at CPK, this is one restaurant you’ll definitely want to call before making any plans.
6. Chipotle
If you’re a fan of this somewhat healthy Tex-Mex brand, you’ll be glad to know that you won’t be deprived of your dietary staples on the 4th of July. The brand doesn’t typically do holiday promotions, but this July 4th, Chipotle’s doors will be open nationwide for all your burrito, chips-and-guac, and somewhat healthy fast food needs.
7. Chili’s
Chili’s has a festive mood year-round, so it’s only fitting that the restaurant opens on the 4th of July. Although the brand is not currently advertising any 4th of July specials for this year, you can count on Chili’s for reliable Happy Hour apps and margs any day. July 4th might just be the holiday this fun-loving chain restaurant suits best.
8. Cracker Barrel
In the past, Cracker Barrel has offered a variety of 4th of July specials that include double points on all catering orders for Cracker Barrel Rewards members.
Even if you aren’t a rewards member, you can still head in as Cracker Barrel keeps most restaurants open on the 4th of July. And with that catering deal, it might be a great way to pull up to your summer BBQ fully loaded without lifting a finger.
9. Dave & Buster’s
Need a side of Dance Dance Revolution with that holiday meal? Not only are Dave & Buster’s restaurants open on the 4th of July, but they often offer great deals on food and entertainment packages.
One such pass last year offered unlimited gameplay with the purchase of special 4th of July bundles. If you need to keep the kids (or yourself) entertained and fed until the fireworks show starts, Dave & Buster’s might just be the most economical place to do it.
10. Domino’s
Like many restaurants open on the 4th of July, Domino’s has historically offered discounts for the holiday. Typically, this is something to the tune of 20% off a large pie.
But since nothing has been announced yet for this year, all we can be sure of is that Domino’s will be open if you’re craving a pie this Independence Day. Continue to be on the lookout for deals as they’re announced, and you may be able to save some money on that pizza run, too.
11. Krispy Kreme
You may question the usefulness of counting donut shops as restaurants open on the 4th of July, but we’re standing by it. Breakfast is a meal, isn’t it? And for many, so is coffee.
All of that makes it especially fortuitous that Krispy Kreme offers one of the most fun 4th of July promotions: not only does the chain usually offer special themed donuts during the month of July, but you’ll get a free glazed donut if you show up to your local shop in patriotic gear. Free breakfast? Yes, please.
12. Fogo de Chão
Another upscale steak joint with restaurants open on the 4th of July is Fogo de Chão. What’s more, it’s an even better deal on the 4th: if you’re bringing the kids along, you can get a free Full Churrasco Experience for each adult version you purchase.
Since Fogo de Chão can get pricey, this is one of the best value deals you’ll find at a restaurant open on the 4th of July. And even if you’re not dining with kids and able to take advantage of that deal, most Fogo de Chão locations remain open on the 4th of July.
13. Fleming’s Steakhouse
For something a little more upscale, Fleming’s Steakhouse might be your 4th of July go-to. While there don’t seem to be any special holiday promotions, Fleming’s restaurants open on the 4th of July as usual. So if you don’t want to grill that steak yourself this year, make a reservation and let Fleming’s take care of it.
14. IHOP
No matter what the holiday is, IHOP is a go-to spot if you’re ever desperate for a place to eat on a day when most restaurants close. The same is true on July 4th.
Although IHOP doesn’t usually offer holiday specials or promotions, it’s a reliable dine-in fast food breakfast spot that nearly always keeps its restaurants open on the 4th of July. Be sure to call your nearest location to confirm that, though, as some franchises do their own thing.
15. Panera Bread
While not all restaurants are open on the 4th of July due to franchise differences, you can usually count on Panera Bread for a reliable breakfast, sandwich or salad on the 4th.
Corporate locations will definitely stay open, and some franchise locations likely will too. Just be sure to call your nearest Panera before you get your heart set on a bread bowl of mac ‘n cheese.
16. Dunkin’ Donuts
America runs on Dunkin’, including on its birthday. In the past, the coffee chain has marked the occasion by offering festive limited edition menu items, from donuts to a flag-colored Coolatta.
Dunkin’ is also a great brand for freebies and deals across the board, so you might find other deals if you keep your eyes on their social media pages throughout the month of June. While Dunkin’ isn’t a traditional restaurant open on July 4th, coffee lovers will be relieved to know they can still get their morning sip.
17. Outback Steakhouse
Outback Steakhouse is another steak restaurant open on the 4th of July. This is another spot that will likely offer a holiday freebie.
In the past, you’ve been able to say “let freedom bloom” to your server during your 4th of July meal, and you’ll get a complimentary Bloomin’ Onion for the table. Simply check the brand website or socials before heading to this restaurant open on the 4th of July to see if the same deal applies.
18. McDonald’s
McDonald’s has long been an oasis to famished late-night drivers and families who burned the holiday meal, and that’s no less true on the 4th of July. The Golden Arches are open for business nearly every day of the year, meaning that most McDonald's restaurants are open on the 4th of July. And is it ever really a bad time for an order of McNuggets? We think not.
19. P.F. Chang’s
In the past, P.F. Chang’s has offered buy-one-get-one (BOGO) deals or discounts for the 4th of July. We have no news yet on whether or not there will be any such promotions at this Chinese restaurant chain this year, but we do know that most P.F. Chang’s restaurants are open on the 4th of July. So if all you want this Independence Day is an order of General Tso’s chicken, you’re in luck.
20. Starbucks
Be one of the first in line at Starbucks this year to try the special-edition Firework Frappuccino. This red, white and blue beverage looks like boba in a blue Frappuccino base, and we’re as curious about it as you probably are.
You can be assured that there will be a long line of cars waiting in the drive-through on the morning of the 4th to see what it’s all about. If that’s not your thing, though, Starbucks is open for regular business on July 4th, and your everyday coffee order is waiting for you.
21. Red Robin
Not only are Red Robin restaurants open on the 4th of July, but they typically offer drink specials. You might also be able to line up your 4th of July visit with some of Red Robin’s more long-running weekday promotions to save even more while you sip your festive cocktail. For those who don’t feel like grilling their own burgers this 4th, look no further.
22. Ruby Tuesday
If you are or ever have been a member of the Armed Forces, Ruby Tuesday honors your service with special 4th of July discounts. For everyone else, stop by Ruby Tuesday for a full-priced burger if you’re looking for restaurants open on the 4th of July, because this chain nearly always remains open for the holiday.
23. Red Lobster
For all your seafood needs, Red Lobster’s restaurants open on the 4th of July most years. Promotions are unlikely, but hey — Cheddar Bay Biscuits are free year-round. As with other spots on this list of restaurants open on Independence Day, it’s a good idea to call ahead to check that your nearest location is open.
24. Sweetgreen
We don’t usually associate restaurants open on the 4th of July with healthy eating, but Sweetgreen offers a haven for anyone who’s not sure about a fast-food meal. The salad chain has restaurants open on the 4th of July if your holiday diet has been deficient in the green department.
Since Sweetgreen is a smaller chain, though, it might be smart to call your local branch and make sure it’s open as usual on the 4th of July.
25. T.G.I. Friday’s
In past years, T.G.I. Friday’s has offered a huge variety of food and drink specials, as well as limited-edition holiday menu items, on the 4th of July. Since those specials tend to change from year to year, we’re not yet sure what kind of promotions they might end up offering this year.
That said, if you need to find a restaurant open on the 4th of July, T.G.I. Friday's is one you can consistently count on. Of course, the usual warning about calling ahead to make sure that your nearest location is open for the 4th of July holiday still applies — but in most cases, the answer with this popular chain will be “yes.”
26. Texas Roadhouse
Although Texas Roadhouse doesn’t typically roll out dedicated 4th of July specials, they offer so many freebies year-round that you can be sure of getting some kind of discount if you show up on the 4th.
Plus, with a huge menu and restaurants open on the 4th of July nationwide, it’s a reliable place to stop if you’re at a loss about where to take a big group for a holiday lunch. When you have a crowd to feed, just keep in mind that everything’s bigger in Texas — including, apparently, the menu.
27. The Cheesecake Factory
Though past offerings have varied widely, The Cheesecake Factory typically offers some kind of promotion for the 4th of July — be that a BOGO deal on cheesecake slices or a bundled discount.
We don’t know what that might look like this year yet, but it’s a safe bet that this restaurant that is open on the 4th of July will start advertising some kind of special holiday deal soon.
28. Taco Bell
This year, grab a limited-edition Red, White, and Blue Freeze (a slushy-like frozen drink) with your Chalupa, burrito, or Crunchwrap Supreme. One of the many fast food restaurants open on the 4th of July, Taco Bell offers this holiday special along with its usual menu of Tex-Mex fast food.
29. Yard House
There don't appear to be any special holiday promotions planned at this restaurant open on the 4th of July, but happy hour at Yard House is always a good idea. If you need to feed a big group with varied tastes, there’s no easier way to do that than with Yard House’s massive menu.
30. Tim Hortons
When you need your coffee fix on America’s birthday, turn to the Canadians for a restaurant open on the 4th of July. Despite its Canadian origins, Tim Hortons gets into the spirit most years with festive limited-edition donuts and freebies. Check social media as we get closer to the 4th to see what they might offer this year.
31. Waffle House
Literally nothing, barring the end of the world, can close a Waffle House. The beloved Southern chain has seen Americans through every major national crisis since its founding in 1955, mostly without any alteration to its hours or service.
And although they don’t serve any festive specials, they don’t need to: year-round, they are the American trademark of stubborn resilience encapsulated in a slightly dingy breakfast joint. What could be more seasonally appropriate than that?
So if you ever need a place you can absolutely count on to be open on the 4th of July, Waffle House is your answer. No need to worry about calling your local restaurant to check on its hours — you can be certain that Waffle House will always open its doors.
If the hot dogs and hamburgers you eat at the average 4th of July party aren’t doing it for you, you might be wondering if you'll ever find a good restaurant open on the 4th of July to sate your cravings.
But all of these restaurants and more open their doors to people in your predicament, so don’t stress — just pull up this list and you’ll find a 4th of July meal in no time.
For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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