Captain D’s Thanksgiving: Holiday Hours, Menu Details & Best Alternatives
Thanksgiving Day in 2026 falls on Thursday, November 27, and while many families across the U.S. will be sitting down to turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing, others crave something a little different — like the crispy, golden batter-dipped fish and hush puppies from Captain D’s Seafood Restaurant.
If you’re wondering whether Captain D’s will be open on Thanksgiving, what their holiday hours are, and what alternative dining options are available, this complete guide covers everything you need to know.
Most Captain D’s locations across the United States will be open on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2026, but they’ll operate under reduced holiday hours.
While exact hours may differ based on local ownership and regional demand, most restaurants typically follow these Thanksgiving operating hours:
Type
Opening Time
Closing Time
Standard Locations
Around 11:00 AM
Between 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Mall or Airport Locations
Varies (Check locally)
Varies (Check locally)
💡 Pro Tip: Because many Captain D’s restaurants are franchise-owned, specific hours may differ widely. Always verify your nearest location’s holiday schedule before heading out.
How to Confirm Your Local Captain D’s Thanksgiving Hours
Since operating times can vary, it’s best to confirm before you visit. Here are the most reliable ways to check your local store’s hours:
Call the Restaurant Directly: The fastest way to confirm whether your Captain D’s is open. You can find the phone number on your receipt or the company’s official store locator.
Use Google Maps: Search “Captain D’s near me” and check the “Holiday Hours” section in the business listing. Google often updates hours based on verified local data.
Visit the Official Website: The Captain D’s website or app often posts special holiday announcements about operating times.
Check Social Media Pages: Many individual franchise locations post updates about Thanksgiving hours on Facebook or Instagram.
Will Captain D’s Offer a Special Thanksgiving Menu?
Unlike traditional sit-down restaurants, Captain D’s will not offer a special Thanksgiving menu in 2026. Instead, they’ll continue to serve their classic seafood favorites — perfect for anyone craving something non-traditional.
Expect to enjoy your usual favorites, such as:
Batter Dipped Fish Fillets
Catfish Meals
Garlic Butter Shrimp
Hush Puppies
Cole Slaw and Fries
Seafood Platters
🐟 Fun Fact: Captain D’s is known for celebrating family gatherings with its Family Meals, such as the 10 Piece Fish Family Meal or the Catfish Family Meal, which are great options for small Thanksgiving gatherings that prefer seafood over turkey.
Why Choose Captain D’s on Thanksgiving?
Choosing Captain D’s for Thanksgiving can be a refreshing change for those looking to skip the traditional turkey and stuffing. Here’s why many people opt for it:
1. Quick and Convenient
No cooking. No cleaning. You can grab a freshly prepared seafood meal without the stress of kitchen prep.
2. Family-Sized Options
Captain D’s Family Meals easily serve groups of four or more — perfect for small family gatherings or Friendsgiving celebrations.
3. Affordable Prices
A full meal for a family often costs less than a home-cooked turkey feast, especially when factoring in sides and desserts.
4. Great for Non-Traditional Diners
If you’re not a fan of turkey or heavy casseroles, a seafood dinner provides a lighter yet satisfying alternative.
Typical Captain D’s Thanksgiving Hours by State
Here’s an estimated schedule for major states (actual hours vary by franchise):
State
Opening Time
Closing Time
Status
Alabama
11:00 AM
6:30 PM
Open
Florida
11:00 AM
7:00 PM
Open
Georgia
11:00 AM
6:00 PM
Open
Tennessee
11:00 AM
6:30 PM
Open
Kentucky
11:00 AM
6:00 PM
Open
Texas
11:00 AM
7:00 PM
Open
Ohio
11:00 AM
6:00 PM
Open
Indiana
11:00 AM
7:00 PM
Open
North Carolina
11:00 AM
6:30 PM
Open
Illinois
11:00 AM
6:00 PM
Open
⚠️ Disclaimer: Hours are approximate and can change at the manager’s discretion.
If Captain D’s Is Closed: Great Alternative Restaurants
If your local Captain D’s happens to be closed on Thanksgiving, don’t worry — plenty of restaurants remain open and serve non-traditional holiday meals.
🥞 Diners (e.g., Denny’s, IHOP)
Most diners are open 24/7 on Thanksgiving.
They serve breakfast, burgers, sandwiches, and often feature limited holiday specials.
🥩 Steakhouses & Seafood Restaurants
Ruth’s Chris Steak House, McCormick & Schmick’s, and Bonefish Grill often stay open.
Expect premium seafood, steak, and holiday cocktails.
🍛 Ethnic Cuisine Options
Many Chinese, Thai, and Indian restaurants remain open.
Great for those craving spicy, flavorful, and non-traditional meals.
🍗 BBQ & Southern Comfort Food
Local BBQ joints sometimes offer smoked turkey, brisket, and mac & cheese sides.
Examples: Panther City BBQ, Smoky Tony’s BBQ, or regional favorites.
🍝 Casual Dining Chains
Restaurants like Applebee’s, Ruby Tuesday, and Cracker Barrel often operate with reduced hours.
Expect pasta, steak, salads, and classic American comfort food.
Thanksgiving Takeout & Pre-Order Options
Even if Captain D’s is closed in your area, you can still enjoy a ready-to-serve meal from many restaurants that offer heat-and-eat or carry-out Thanksgiving dinners.
🦃 Cracker Barrel
Offers the famous “Heat n’ Serve Feast” (serves 4–10 people).
Includes turkey breast, dressing, gravy, cranberry relish, and sweet potato casserole.
Must be pre-ordered and picked up the day before Thanksgiving.
🥧 Black Bear Diner
Traditional Thanksgiving dinner available for dine-in or takeout.
Includes turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, and pumpkin pie.
☕ Denny’s & IHOP
Regular menu available all day, plus takeout platters for breakfast or brunch lovers.
🍖 BBQ Restaurants
Many BBQ joints offer smoked turkeys, ham, or brisket platters.
Check local spots like Cody’s Country Catering or Beyond The Box Catering.
🥘 Italian & Fine Dining
Restaurants like Perry’s Steakhouse or Riverside Italian Eatery sometimes offer carry-out Thanksgiving specials.
🥢 Ethnic Cuisine Takeout
Chinese, Thai, and Indian restaurants often offer Thanksgiving Day takeout, giving a unique twist to your holiday meal.
If you’d prefer to celebrate at home without cooking, grocery chains and local markets have you covered.
Store
Meal Type
Pre-Order Deadline
Pickup Date
Albertsons
Turkey or Ham Dinners
48 hours before
Day before Thanksgiving
Kroger
Traditional Meal Bundles
2 days before
Day before Thanksgiving
Publix
Turkey + Sides Combo
48 hours before
Day before Thanksgiving
The Fresh Market
Complete Feast
72 hours before
Day before Thanksgiving
Whole Foods
Chef-Curated Meals
Early pre-order recommended
By Nov 26
Local Markets
Custom “Heat & Serve” Options
Varies
Varies
🥗 These “heat & serve” meals can range from $60–$150, depending on the number of servings and meal type.
How to Find Restaurants Open Near You
Finding open restaurants for Thanksgiving can be simple if you use the right tools:
Google Maps Search: Type “restaurants open on Thanksgiving near me” or “seafood Thanksgiving dinner near me.”
Yelp or OpenTable Filters: These platforms let you filter results for Thanksgiving reservations or carry-out meals.
Local News Websites: Many local newspapers post holiday dining guides listing restaurants open in your area.
Social Media or Community Groups: Check your city’s Facebook community pages for local restaurant updates.
Expert Tips for Dining Out on Thanksgiving
Tip
Why It Matters
Call Ahead
Confirm hours — some locations close early or open late.
Reserve Early
Limited tables due to holiday crowds.
Pre-Order Meals
Most takeout packages sell out fast.
Check for Delivery Options
Use DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub for convenience.
Consider Non-Traditional Cuisine
Avoid long waits by choosing restaurants like Chinese or Indian cuisine.
Captain D’s Thanksgiving – FAQs
1. Is Captain D’s open on Thanksgiving Day 2026?
Yes, most locations will be open on November 27, 2026, but with reduced hours, typically 11 AM to 6–7 PM.
2. Does Captain D’s have a special Thanksgiving menu?
No, they serve their standard seafood menu — fish, shrimp, hush puppies, and sides.
3. Are all Captain D’s locations open?
Not all. Some franchised restaurants may choose to close. Always verify in advance.
4. Can I pre-order from Captain D’s for Thanksgiving?
Pre-ordering isn’t standard, but you can place large family meal orders for same-day pickup.
5. Does Captain D’s deliver on Thanksgiving?
Delivery availability depends on location and delivery apps (DoorDash, Uber Eats, etc.).
6. Are there Captain D’s Family Meals for groups?
Yes — options like the 10 Piece Fish Family Meal or Catfish Family Meal are ideal for groups.
7. What is the average cost for a Captain D’s meal on Thanksgiving?
Expect to spend around $9–$12 per person or $25–$30 for family combos.
8. Is the drive-thru open on Thanksgiving?
Most locations keep the drive-thru open even during reduced hours.
9. Can I find Captain D’s Thanksgiving hours online?
Yes — use the official website’s store locator or Google Maps’ “holiday hours” listing.
10. What if my Captain D’s is closed?
You can visit alternatives like Denny’s, IHOP, Cracker Barrel, or Ruth’s Chris.
11. Do grocery stores offer seafood Thanksgiving meals?
Yes — some markets like The Fresh Market and Whole Foods offer customizable seafood feasts.
12. Does Captain D’s offer catering?
Some locations provide bulk catering options for parties or offices. Call your local store to confirm.
13. Can I find coupons or discounts for Thanksgiving?
Captain D’s occasionally offers digital coupons via their app or website.
14. Is Captain D’s open on Black Friday?
Yes, all locations return to regular hours on Friday, November 28, 2026.
15. What’s the best alternative if I want seafood on Thanksgiving?
Try Bonefish Grill, Red Lobster, or McCormick & Schmick’s, as they often remain open.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a seafood-based Thanksgiving meal, Captain D’s is a fantastic option — quick, tasty, and affordable.
While they won’t have a turkey-themed menu, you can still celebrate the day with crispy fish, shrimp, and family-style sides.
Whether you’re dining in, ordering takeout, or seeking alternative restaurants open on Thanksgiving, this guide ensures you’re fully prepared for November 27, 2026.
