New Year celebrations — like everything else — are different this year.
To help you plan a safe celebration, we’ve compiled a list of restaurants that are open for dining in (without an expensive special menu) on either New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day.
The list also includes options for takeout, curbside pickup, or delivery. It’s not a complete list, by any means.
If you want to dine-in: Remember to verify that a restaurant is open and not requiring an advance reservation, before you head out. Some of our info comes from national chains, and not all locations operate the same.
♦ If you’re celebrating at home with family, check out our list of restaurants that provide family-style meals for takeout. These “family bundles” are far less expensive than ordering individual entrees.
♦ A good way to find options for holiday takeout is through one of the delivery apps — like Uber Eats or Door Dash. You don’t have to actually order through the app if you feel it’s too expensive that way. You can just use the app to see what’s open on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day and then call in your order directly to the restaurant for pickup.
♦ Don’t forget about OpenTable.com for last-minute reservations. You can search by location, type of cuisine, and more. Not every restaurant is on Open Table. But if you don’t want to spend your time on research, this is a website that will quickly compile a list of venues that have openings for a reservation.
As of 12/30/2020, there were still Open Table reservations for these restaurants on NYE:
(Links go the reservation form. This is not a complete list. It is meant to be a representative sampling, so check Open Table for your own area.)
- Murphy’s (Va-Hi)
- The General Muir (Emory)
- Nino’s Italian Restaurant (Midtown)
- Nakato (Japanese, Buckhead and Midtown)
- Iberian Pig (Decatur)
- Petite Violette (French, Brookhaven)
- Ray’s at Killer Creek (Alpharetta)
Restaurants open over the New Year’s holiday
Applebee’s
Select locations will be open on Thursday, December 31st and Friday, January 1st.
Serving their usual menu. Also open for take-out and delivery.
Locations in Tucker, Decatur, Duluth, Vinings, Atlanta, and more.
Make sure to verify the hours of your closest location before you head out.
Buca di Beppo
Alpharetta location: 2335 Mansell Rd.
Open on Thursday, December 31st and Friday, January 1st
They’ll be open until 11 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, and will open at 11 a.m. on New Year’s Day.
Serving their usual menu.
Make a New Year’s Eve reservation here — as of 12/30/2020, we found plenty of availability.
The Cheesecake Factory
As of 12/30/2020, there were still reservations available for all locations — for both Dec. 31st and Jan. 1st.
Locations at Perimeter, Lenox, Cumberland, North Point, and Mall of Georgia.
Make a reservation online
Chik-fil-A
They may not be open on Sundays, but many locations will be open both New Year’s Eve and Day.
Hours vary by location, though — so use the link above to check the store nearest you.
Chili’s
Many locations will be open on Thursday, December 31st and Friday, January 1st.
Serving their usual menu. Also open for take-out and delivery.
Hours may vary by location so call to verify.
There are 18 locations in metro Atlanta, from North Fulton to Henry counties — view them here.
Cracker Barrel
Most locations will be open on Thursday, December 31st and Friday, January 1st.
Serving a simplified menu during the holidays and the pandemic. Also open for take-out and delivery.
Some locations may have limited hours, so call to check.
Locations in Lithia Springs, Morrow, Norcross, Marietta, and Fairburn.
Denny’s
What better cure for a champagne hangover than a Grand Slam Breakfast?
According to the website, most locations are open 24 hours over the New Year holiday — but we suggest you call first to double-check.
Also offering take-out and delivery.
Location: 5534 Jimmy Carter Blvd in Norcross
Domino’s
Contactless delivery and carryout.
Many locations are operating on both Thursday, December 31st and Friday, January 1st, but hours may vary by location.
Click thru the link above and enter your ZIP code to see your options — and don’t forget to check the coupons and specials!
Dunkin’
Many locations are keeping regular hours over the New Year holiday.
Check your location here, before you go.
Fogo de Chao
Locations in Buckhead and Dunwoody are open on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
You’ll want to make a last-minute reservation online, or by calling. We did a quick check online and there is still availability (although you’ll have to dine very early on the 31st).
IHOP
Locations all thru metro Atlanta are keeping their 24-hour schedule, but please call to verify.
Also open for take-out and delivery.
Currently offering FREE delivery thru Uber Eats when you spend $15 (this may vary by location).
Also offering 20% off your first online order thru the IHOP website or mobile app — use promo code IHOP20 at checkout.
KFC
Franchisees set their own hours, but many locations will be open for the holiday.
Click thru the link above to find your location.
Maggiano’s
Locations at Perimeter, Cumberland, and Buckhead are open on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
As of 12/30/2020, all had good availability for reservations.
Reserve online OR order takeout online
McDonald’s
Most locations will be open, but it’s wise to call and check your locations hours ahead of time.
Olive Garden
Open on Thursday, December 31st and Friday, January 1st.
Most locations will be open with their usual menu, but some may have limited hours on New Year’s Eve. We suggest calling your closest location to make a reservation.
Also open for take-out and delivery. Best bet for takeout? A take-and-bake entree like lasagna or stuffed shells, available for pickup on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Locations in Dunwoody, Snellville, Roswell, Smyna, Duluth, and Kennesaw.
Panera Bread
It looks like all 10 locations in metro Atlanta will be open regular hours on New Year’s Day, but some may have limited hours on New Year’s Eve. Also open for take-out and delivery. Some locations offer delivery via Uber Eats. Most will let you order online for pickup (some offer curbside service).
Dining in? Please verify your location before you head out.
Quiznos
The sandwich chain is offering a buy-one-get-one-free deal on New Year’s Eve.
Details here
TGI Fridays
Open on both Thursday, December 31st and Friday, January 1st.
Serving their usual menu. Also open for take-out and delivery. Hours may vary by location so call ahead.
Tin Lizzy’s Cantina
Open on both Dec. 31st and Jan. 1st.
You can book a reservation through Open Table.
Locations at Midtown, Buckhead, Perimeter, Kennesaw, Grant Park, Marietta, Duluth, and Mall of Georgia.
If you go, have a Thai Basil Margarita!
Waffle House
Locations everywhere are maintaining the usual 24-hour service.
You may also be interested in:
- Lights of Life drive-thru holiday attraction in Marietta
- Discounts for Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens
- Discounts for Stone Mountain Christmas
- Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at the Atlanta Botanical Garden
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