But are restaurants open on New Year’s Day 2023? Lucky for us, yes—lots are! These 41 restaurants have managed to keep their doors open for the new year (most of them being open on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day!). So if you want to leave the cooking to the professionals and spend more time with your family on January 1, use this guide to plan your celebratory meal to kiss 2022 goodbye! What is open on New Year’s Day, you ask? Just check out this list of 30 restaurants that are open on January 1, 2023.
41 Restaurants Open on New Year’s Day
1. Panera Bread
After the year we’ve had, a bread bowl full of comforting soup is exactly what we need to welcome 2023. Luckily, many Panera Bread locations will be open on New Year’s Day!
2. Applebee’s
Welcome in the New Year by sipping on Applebee’s Neighborhood Drink of the Month! Many Applebee’s locations will be open on New Year’s Day, although hours vary upon location—so make sure to call ahead before you venture out!
3. Taco Bell
This year, live mas! Most Taco Bells will be open on New Year’s Day to get your taco fill. Hours may vary by location.
4. Buffalo Wild Wings
Start this year with a spicy kick! All Buffalo Wild Wings locations will have their doors open on New Year’s Day this year.
5. Panda Express
Some say that eating Chinese food on New Year’s Day brings good luck and fortune! Luckily, Panda Express will be open on the holiday and operating under normal hours.
6. Carl’s Jr.
Sometimes, all you need is some onion rings. Carl’s Jr. locations will be open on January 1, though hours will vary by location (with many opening at 11 a.m.), so make sure you call ahead!
7. Chili’s
If you need your chips and salsa fix after a long night out, Chili’s will be there for you this New Year’s Day. Hours will depend on location so make sure you do your research!
8. Cracker Barrel
Bring in 2023 with some good old-fashioned American homestead cooking! Cracker Barrel will be operating under normal hours so you can get all the biscuits and gravy you want and feast to your heart’s content.
9. Domino’s
Sometimes, pizza is the best cure for the champagne blues. Make a call to your local Domino’s for a truly indulgent 2023 meal!
10. Dave & Busters
Keep the New Year’s party going with fun arcade games at Dave & Buster’s!
11. Fogo De Chão
If you’re looking to start 2023 with an array of different flavorful meats, head on over to Fogo De Chão. Most locations will be open on New Year’s Day and most will be offering to-go meals and curbside pickup!
12. Denny’s
Get yourself a giant Grand Slam after a long night of partying. Denny’s will be open on New Year’s Day and operating 24/7.
13. Chick-fil-A
If a chicken sandwich is just what you need after your New Year’s festivities, head on over to Chick-fil-A. Holiday hours vary by location so make sure to call ahead and double-check!
14. Dunkin’ Donuts
Start the first morning of 2023 right with some piping hot coffee and a fresh donut! Most Dunkin’ locations will be open on New Year’s Day.
15. Noodles & Company
Give 2023 a healthier kick by starting off with some zucchini noodles at Noodles & Company! Most locations will be open on New Year’s Day but it’s best to give this family-friendly restaurant a call to double-check.
16. Hardee’s
If you’re looking to get your morning biscuit to soak up some of the party from the night before, Hardee’s will be open. However, since most locations are franchises, the hours are usually up to the owner.
17. Olive Garden
Eat like family or fill up on unlimited breadsticks and salad at Olive Garden! This Italian food chain will be operating under normal hours on both New Year’s Eve and Day. Every location also has curbside pickup if you don’t feel comfortable dining in.
18. IHOP
Celebrate the end of 2022 with a massive stack of chocolate chip pancakes at IHOP. This famous breakfast stop will be open both on New Year’s Eve and Day!
19. The Cheesecake Factory
Ring in 2023 with a scrumptious dinner and top it off with a slice of vanilla bean cheesecake! All Cheesecake Factory locations will be open on New Year’s Day.
20. Boston Market
Get your fix of homestyle cooking with Boston Market to warm yourself up on New Year’s Day! Just be sure to check the hours at your closest location.
21. KFC
If you want good finger-licking food this January 1, look no further than KFC. The majority of this fried chicken establishment should be open on New Year’s Day but since the hours are up to the franchisees, be sure to check your local listing for hours!
22. Starbucks
Looking to get your coffee fix this New Year’s Day? Luckily, you’ll still be able to get your latte or macchiato at Starbucks! Be sure to double-check your local one as hours may vary due to business and customer needs.
23. Maggiano’s
If you prefer lasagna or carbonara, you’ll be able to get your Italian food fix at Maggiano’s this New Year’s Day! This food chain will be open for both lunch and dinner on January 1.
24. McDonald’s
Craving a Big Mac and fries on the first day of 2023? We don’t blame you. Luckily, the golden arches will be open on New Year’s Day but be sure to call and double-check as most McDonald’s are franchises!
25. Morton’s The Steakhouse
Cheers to the New Year with a refreshing glass of bubbly and an exquisite steak dinner! Morton’s The Steakhouse is currently taking reservations for both New Year’s Eve and Day. Be sure to make reservations for New Year’s Eve.
26. Smith & Wollensky
America’s steakhouse will be open for New Year’s Day and will be offering their exclusive Fall and Winter menu! Be sure to act quickly as Smith & Wollensky is already taking reservations.
27. Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Ruth’s Chris Steak House will have its doors open this New Year’s Day to help you ring in 2023! Their dining room is open but curbside pickup is available at every location if you don’t feel comfortable sitting indoors. If you want to venture out on New Year’s Eve, be sure to make reservations for their Celebration Feast.
28. Romano’s Macaroni Grill
Most Romano’s Macaroni Grill locations will be open on New Year’s Day to get your mangia on. Check with your nearest location for hours, as they may vary.
29. Sonic Drive-In
Most Sonic Drive-In locations are open this year on New Year’s Day! However, many of them are franchised and don’t have set holiday hours. Make sure you call ahead of time to find out!
30. TGI Fridays
Ring in 2023 with potato skins and green bean fries at TGI Fridays this New Year’s Day! However, most locations are franchised so hours are set by the owner so make sure to call and double-check to see if your local one is open.
31. Wahlburgers
If you want to squeeze in one last holiday treat before they are officially over on New Year’s Day, head on over to Wahlburgers to try their ‘Tis The Season burger before it’s gone! This restaurant will be open both New Year’s Eve and Day with all their burger goodness.
32. Waffle House
Unlike an ex-boyfriend, Waffle House will always be there for you in your time of need. Famously open 24/7, this chicken and waffle hot spot will be open on New Year’s Day for all your breakfast needs.
33. The Melting Pot
Celebrate the end of 2022 and welcome 2023 with The Melting Pot. Most locations will be open from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on New Year’s Day and 1 p.m. to midnight on New Year’s Eve, and you can enjoy a special celebratory menu as well.
34. Subway
Craving a sandwich? Fear not, as most Subway locations are open on New Year’s Day. Check with your nearest location for hours.
35. Wendy’s
Most Wendy’s locations are operating as normal on New Year’s Day.
36. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Most Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar locations will be open on New Year’s Day if you’re feeling fancy—but be sure to call ahead to check hours at your nearest eatery.
37. Metro Diner
Metro Diner is open for normal hours on New Year’s Day and will have some specials to celebrate the new year as well.
38. Pollo Campero
Most Pollo Campero locations will be open on New Year’s Day.
39. Bar Louie
Celebrate 2023 at Bar Louie, which will be open on New Year’s Day to give you your fill of tasty gastropub goodness.
40. Bahama Breeze
Get your island on! Bahama Breeze locations will be open on New Year’s Day, though hours may vary.
41. A&W Restaurant
Grab a root beer float to celebrate the new year! A&W Restaurants will be open for New Year’s Day. Next, check out the best New Year’s Eve songs to ring in 2023 with a bang! With reporting by Jessica Sager
