Easter Sunday 2024 falls on March 31, and for many Americans, that means church services, egg hunts, pastel outfits, family photos, and one very important question: who is cooking? If the answer is “not me, absolutely not, I have retired from ham duty,” you are in luck. Plenty of national and regional restaurant chains plan to open their doors for Easter brunch, lunch, dinner, takeout, or delivery.
This guide to 75 restaurants open on Easter Sunday 2024 is designed for families, travelers, last-minute planners, and anyone who believes that a holiday meal tastes better when someone else washes the plates. From pancake houses and steak restaurants to pizza chains, seafood spots, buffets, burger joints, and coffee stops, there are many ways to enjoy Easter without turning your kitchen into a battlefield of casserole dishes.
Important note: Hours can vary by location, especially for franchised restaurants, mall-based restaurants, airport locations, and local branches. Before grabbing your keys and declaring yourself the hero of Easter dinner, call your nearest location or check the restaurant app for holiday hours, reservations, and pickup availability.
Why Restaurants Open on Easter Sunday Are So Popular
Easter is not a federal holiday in the United States, but it is widely celebrated. That creates an unusual restaurant day: some local businesses close so employees can spend time with family, while many chain restaurants stay open because customers are traveling, gathering, or looking for an easier meal. For restaurants, Easter brunch can be one of the busiest spring dining occasions. For customers, it is a blessed escape from peeling potatoes while wearing church clothes.
The best choice depends on your group. A big family may love Golden Corral, Cracker Barrel, Bob Evans, or Buca di Beppo because the portions are generous and the mood is relaxed. A couple may prefer Seasons 52, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Fleming’s, or Eddie V’s for a more polished Easter meal. Kids may vote loudly for IHOP, Waffle House, Dairy Queen, Domino’s, or Burger King, because children are democratic only when syrup and fries are involved.
75 Restaurants Open on Easter Sunday 2024
Below is a practical, easy-to-scan list of restaurant chains expected to have locations open on Easter Sunday 2024. Some offer regular menus, some offer special brunch service, and others may be best for takeout, delivery, or casual meals on the road.
Casual Dining and Family Restaurants
- Applebee’s A familiar neighborhood option for burgers, salads, ribs, appetizers, and casual family dinners.
- Benihana A lively hibachi-style choice if your Easter meal needs a little dinner-and-a-show energy.
- BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse Good for pizza, pasta, burgers, salads, and crowd-pleasing comfort food.
- Bob Evans A homestyle pick for breakfast, brunch, comfort meals, and Easter takeout options.
- Bonefish Grill A seafood-focused option that often feels a little more special than everyday dining.
- Boston Market Known for rotisserie-style meals and holiday-friendly sides when available.
- Bravo! Italian Kitchen A useful brunch or dinner choice for Italian-inspired Easter dining.
- BRIO Italian Grille Another polished Italian option for pasta, flatbreads, salads, and celebratory meals.
- Buca di Beppo Family-style Italian portions make this one ideal for big tables and bigger appetites.
- Buffalo Wild Wings Best for groups that prefer wings, sports screens, and a casual no-fuss meal.
- California Pizza Kitchen A strong option for pizza, salads, and lighter casual dining.
- Carrabba’s Italian Grill A reliable Italian-American pick for pasta, chicken, seafood, and family bundles.
- Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Comfort food, generous plates, and a relaxed atmosphere for family dining.
- Chili’s Grill & Bar A familiar choice for burgers, fajitas, ribs, and casual Easter lunch or dinner.
- Cracker Barrel Old Country Store A classic Easter favorite for homestyle meals, breakfast, and heat-and-serve holiday options.
- Denny’s A dependable diner choice for pancakes, eggs, burgers, and late-night meals.
- Frisch’s Big Boy A regional family restaurant option for breakfast plates, sandwiches, and comfort food.
- Golden Corral A buffet-style solution when everyone wants something different and nobody wants to compromise.
- Hard Rock Cafe A tourist-friendly option for burgers, sandwiches, and music-themed dining.
- IHOP Easter pancakes are not officially required, but emotionally, they make sense.
- LongHorn Steakhouse A casual steakhouse choice for families who want a hearty holiday dinner.
- Macaroni Grill Pasta, bread, and Italian comfort food for groups that want a relaxed Easter meal.
- Maggiano’s Little Italy A family-style Italian option that works well for larger Easter gatherings.
- Metro Diner A comfort-food diner choice, though many locations may close earlier than usual.
- O’Charley’s A Southern-leaning casual restaurant for chicken, seafood, steak, and pies.
- Olive Garden A dependable option for pasta, soup, salad, breadsticks, and family-friendly dining.
- On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina A festive option for tacos, fajitas, enchiladas, and chips with salsa.
- Outback Steakhouse Steak, chicken, seafood, and casual dining for Easter dinner plans.
- Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen A seafood-heavy option with Gulf Coast flavor and generous portions.
- Pappas Bar-B-Q A casual barbecue choice for smoked meats and hearty sides.
- Pappas Burger A burger-focused choice for a more relaxed holiday meal.
- Pappas Delta Blues Smokehouse A barbecue-and-Southern-comfort option for meat-loving Easter groups.
- Pappas Seafood House Another seafood-friendly pick for families who prefer fish, shrimp, and crab over ham.
- Pappasito’s Cantina Tex-Mex plates, fajitas, and festive family dining.
- Perkins Restaurant & Bakery Breakfast, pies, bakery items, and diner-style meals for Easter comfort.
- P.F. Chang’s A polished casual option for Asian-inspired dishes, takeout, and dine-in meals.
- Panera Bread A lighter choice for soups, sandwiches, salads, bakery items, and quick meals.
- Red Lobster Seafood, biscuits, and family-friendly dining for those skipping the traditional ham.
- Red Robin Burgers, fries, shakes, and an easygoing atmosphere for families.
- Ruby Tuesday A casual chain option for burgers, ribs, chicken, seafood, and salad bar favorites where available.
- Texas Roadhouse Steak, rolls, ribs, and a lively atmosphere for Easter dinner.
- TGI Fridays Burgers, appetizers, chicken, ribs, and relaxed holiday dining.
- The Cheesecake Factory A giant menu that can rescue groups where nobody agrees on what they want.
- Uno Pizzeria & Grill Deep-dish pizza, pasta, salads, and casual meals.
- Yard House A broad menu with burgers, tacos, seafood, salads, and shareable plates.
- 99 Restaurants A regional favorite for casual American comfort food and family meals.
Steakhouses and Upscale Easter Dining
- Eddie V’s Prime Seafood A refined seafood and steak option for a more elegant Easter meal.
- Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar A polished steakhouse choice for reservations and special-occasion dining.
- McCormick & Schmick’s A seafood and steak destination with select locations open.
- Ruth’s Chris Steak House A classic steakhouse option for guests who want Easter dinner to feel formal.
- Seasons 52 A seasonal grill option offering Easter brunch, dinner, and select take-home meals in 2024.
Fast Food, Coffee, Pizza, and Quick-Service Restaurants
- Burger King A quick option for burgers, fries, breakfast items, and road-trip meals.
- Dairy Queen Burgers, chicken baskets, soft serve, and Blizzards for dessert-minded families.
- Domino’s Pizza A convenient takeout or delivery option when nobody wants a formal meal.
- Dunkin’ A useful Easter morning stop for coffee, doughnuts, bagels, and breakfast sandwiches.
- El Pollo Loco Grilled chicken meals, bowls, burritos, and family-style options at many locations.
- Jack in the Box Burgers, tacos, breakfast, and late-night fast food at participating locations.
- Jersey Mike’s A simple sandwich option for travelers, workers, and families keeping Easter casual.
- Jimmy John’s Fast sandwiches for pickup or delivery, depending on local availability.
- KFC Fried chicken, sides, buckets, and family meals for an easy Easter dinner.
- Krystal A regional slider chain that can work for casual meals and quick stops.
- Little Caesars Pizza A budget-friendly pizza choice for quick pickup.
- McDonald’s A common option for breakfast, coffee, burgers, fries, and road-trip meals.
- Noodles & Company Pasta bowls, mac and cheese, Asian-style noodles, and quick casual dining.
- Papa John’s Pizza A pizza delivery and carryout choice for low-effort Easter meals.
- Pizza Hut Pizza, wings, pasta, and delivery where local stores are open.
- Qdoba Mexican Eats Burritos, bowls, tacos, and quick-service Mexican-inspired meals.
- Sonic Drive-In Burgers, tots, drinks, shakes, and drive-in service at many locations.
- Starbucks Coffee, tea, breakfast bites, and a useful stop before or after Easter gatherings.
- Subway Custom sandwiches and salads for a lighter holiday option.
- Taco Bell Tacos, burritos, bowls, and quick meals at participating locations.
- Wendy’s Burgers, fries, chicken sandwiches, salads, and Frosty treats.
- Waffle House A 24/7 classic for waffles, eggs, hash browns, and diner comfort.
- Whataburger A 24/7 burger favorite in many markets.
- White Castle Sliders and quick bites, with many locations operating around the clock.
Best Easter Restaurant Picks by Situation
Best for Easter Brunch
If brunch is the main event, start with IHOP, Denny’s, Perkins, Metro Diner, Bob Evans, Cracker Barrel, Seasons 52, Bonefish Grill, or Maggiano’s. These restaurants fit the classic Easter brunch mood: eggs, pancakes, French toast, seafood, pasta, or hearty plates that make everyone sleepy by 2 p.m. That is not a flaw; that is holiday science.
Best for Large Families
For big groups, look at Golden Corral, Buca di Beppo, Olive Garden, Cracker Barrel, Carrabba’s, Maggiano’s, Texas Roadhouse, and The Cheesecake Factory. These places generally understand the chaos of big tables, different appetites, and at least one person who says, “I’m not that hungry,” then orders an appetizer, entree, and dessert.
Best for Takeout and Delivery
If you want Easter at home without cooking, check Domino’s, Papa John’s, Pizza Hut, KFC, Boston Market, Cracker Barrel, Bob Evans, Panera Bread, Jersey Mike’s, Jimmy John’s, Subway, Qdoba, and Noodles & Company. Takeout works especially well if your family wants to keep things casual, watch a movie, or avoid the traditional post-brunch parking lot traffic.
Best for a Special Easter Dinner
For a more polished meal, consider Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Fleming’s, Eddie V’s, Seasons 52, McCormick & Schmick’s, Bonefish Grill, P.F. Chang’s, The Cheesecake Factory, or LongHorn Steakhouse. Reservations are strongly recommended because Easter tables can disappear faster than chocolate eggs near unsupervised children.
Restaurants That May Be Closed or Have Limited Hours
Not every restaurant opens on Easter Sunday. Chick-fil-A is closed every Sunday, including Easter. Some restaurants that are normally open on Sundays may close for the holiday or operate on reduced schedules. Local diners, independent restaurants, mall food courts, and franchise-owned locations can also vary widely. The safest plan is simple: call first, reserve early, and do not assume your favorite spot is open just because the internet once smiled in your direction.
Tips for Dining Out on Easter Sunday 2024
Make Reservations Early
Easter brunch is a high-demand meal. If you want a table at a steakhouse, seafood restaurant, Italian chain, or popular brunch spot, make reservations as early as possible. Waiting until Easter morning is a bold strategy, but so is wearing white pants around children with chocolate bunnies.
Check the Exact Location
Restaurant chains often have different schedules by city, franchise owner, mall policy, or state law. Search the exact location, not just the brand name. A restaurant in Orlando may be open while one in a small town closes early.
Order Takeout Before Peak Hours
If you are ordering pizza, chicken, pasta, or family meals, place your order before the lunch and dinner rush. Easter takeout can get busy quickly, especially at restaurants offering family bundles.
Be Patient With Staff
Holiday shifts can be hectic. A little patience goes a long way. If the host stand looks like mission control and the kitchen is running at full speed, kindness is the best side dish.
Experience Notes: What It Is Really Like to Eat Out on Easter Sunday
Dining out on Easter Sunday has its own personality. It is not quite like a regular Sunday lunch, and it is not as intense as Thanksgiving or Christmas dining. It sits somewhere in the middle: cheerful, busy, pastel-colored, and slightly unpredictable. You may see families dressed in their Easter best sitting next to travelers in hoodies, kids carrying plastic eggs, grandparents ordering coffee, and someone at the next table quietly negotiating whether dessert counts as lunch. It does.
The biggest advantage is emotional freedom. When a restaurant handles the meal, you get to enjoy the holiday instead of managing oven space, side dishes, timing, cleanup, and the mysterious disappearance of serving spoons. For families with young children, this can be a lifesaver. Nobody has to hover over a stove while the egg hunt is happening outside. Nobody has to pretend the ham is “resting” when it is actually still cold in the middle. The restaurant has one job, and that job is food.
Another great part of Easter dining is flexibility. Traditional Easter meals are wonderful, but not everyone wants ham, deviled eggs, roasted carrots, and potatoes. Some people want pancakes. Some want steak. Some want tacos. Some want a burger and a milkshake because holiday rules are more like suggestions when fries are involved. Restaurants make it easy for everyone to choose their own celebration without turning the host into a short-order cook.
There are a few challenges, of course. Popular brunch spots may be crowded, and service can be slower than usual. This is why reservations matter. If you are dining with a large group, call the restaurant directly rather than relying only on an app. Ask about holiday menus, seating limits, high chairs, accessibility, and whether the full regular menu is available. A five-minute phone call can prevent a 45-minute lobby adventure with hungry relatives.
Takeout can be the secret winner. Ordering from Cracker Barrel, Bob Evans, KFC, Domino’s, Carrabba’s, or Olive Garden lets you bring the meal home while still skipping most of the work. You can set the table, add a spring centerpiece, serve restaurant food on your own plates, and accept compliments with a humble smile. Technically, you did “prepare” the meal. You prepared by ordering it. That counts.
For travelers, restaurants open on Easter Sunday 2024 are especially helpful. Road trips, airport layovers, hotel stays, and family visits can make holiday cooking impossible. Chains like Waffle House, Denny’s, McDonald’s, Starbucks, Wendy’s, Whataburger, and IHOP are useful because they are familiar, widely available, and easy to work into a busy day. Sometimes the best Easter meal is simply the one you can find when everyone is hungry and the GPS is being dramatic.
The smartest approach is to match the restaurant to the mood. Want a relaxed family meal? Choose Cracker Barrel, Golden Corral, Applebee’s, or Chili’s. Want something festive? Try Benihana, Buca di Beppo, P.F. Chang’s, or The Cheesecake Factory. Want a special dinner? Book Ruth’s Chris, Fleming’s, Seasons 52, or Eddie V’s. Want zero ceremony? Pizza, chicken, sandwiches, or burgers will do the job beautifully.
In the end, Easter dining is less about finding the “perfect” restaurant and more about creating a meal that lets people enjoy the day together. Whether your table includes pancakes, pasta, steak, seafood, tacos, biscuits, or a pizza box, the real win is gathering without stress. And if nobody has to scrub a roasting pan afterward, that is not just dinner. That is a holiday miracle.
Conclusion
Finding restaurants open on Easter Sunday 2024 is easier than you might think, but the best experience comes from planning ahead. Many national chains are open for brunch, lunch, dinner, takeout, or delivery, including family restaurants, steakhouses, pizza chains, coffee shops, diners, and fast-food favorites. Still, holiday hours vary, so always confirm with your local restaurant before making the trip.
Whether you are planning a big Easter brunch, a casual family dinner, a travel-day meal, or a no-cooking takeout feast, these 75 restaurants give you plenty of options. Easter should feel joyful, not like a competitive cooking show where the oven timer is judging you. Pick a place, make a reservation if needed, and enjoy the day with the people who matter most.
