5 restaurants that are open on the 4th of July when you don’t want to cook

The Fourth of July is synonymous with backyard barbecues, sizzling burgers and smoky grills, but not everyone wants to spend the holiday cooking. Between prepping food, standing over a hot grill and cleaning up afterward, hosting a cookout can quickly turn into more work than relaxation. Fortunately, plenty of well-known restaurant chains remain open on Independence Day, making it easy to enjoy a meal without the stress of planning one yourself.

Whether you're heading out before the fireworks, grabbing breakfast before a day at the beach or looking for a quick dinner after holiday shopping, Reader’s Digest highlighted the national chains that continue serving customers on July 4.

The options cover nearly every craving imaginable. Diners can choose classic American comfort food, burgers, barbecue, seafood, pizza, steak, breakfast favorites and even coffee for the road. Many restaurants also continue offering takeout, curbside pickup and delivery, making it simple to celebrate wherever you plan to spend the day.

If you're skipping the backyard barbecue this year, these restaurant chains offer convenient alternatives without sacrificing variety. From early morning coffee runs to late-night comfort food after the fireworks end, there's no shortage of places ready to serve hungry holiday travelers, families and anyone looking for a break from cooking.

Here are five dining options that are usually open on the Fourth of July.

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If you're looking for a reliable sit-down meal without firing up the grill, Applebee's is one of the easiest options on the Fourth of July. Reader's Digest reports that most Applebee's locations remain open during their regular business hours, making it a convenient choice whether you're grabbing lunch before a parade or dinner before the fireworks begin. 

The casual dining chain offers familiar American favorites, making it easy to satisfy a variety of tastes if you're dining with family or friends. Since most Applebee's restaurants are independently owned, Reader's Digest recommends calling your local location before heading out to confirm holiday hours. Even so, the chain remains one of the most dependable options for anyone looking to skip cooking while still enjoying a classic Independence Day meal. Whether you're celebrating with a small group or simply want a relaxing dinner after a busy day of festivities, Applebee's provides a familiar atmosphere without the cleanup that comes with hosting your own barbecue. 

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For families craving homestyle cooking on Independence Day, Cracker Barrel remains a dependable choice. Reader's Digest notes that most locations stay open on the Fourth of July, allowing guests to dine in or pick up meals to enjoy at home. 

If you're hosting friends but don't want to prepare every dish yourself, takeout from Cracker Barrel can also help simplify the holiday. Since individual locations may adjust their schedules, Reader's Digest recommends confirming holiday hours before visiting. The combination of generous portions, family-friendly meals and convenient takeout options has made Cracker Barrel a popular stop for travelers and holiday diners alike. Instead of spending the afternoon cooking and cleaning, guests can enjoy a relaxing meal while leaving the work to someone else.

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Many people associate the Fourth of July with grilling steaks at home, but Texas Roadhouse offers a way to enjoy that same experience without managing the barbecue yourself. Reader's Digest reports that Texas Roadhouse locations are open on Independence Day for both dine-in and takeout service. It's an appealing choice for anyone craving steak but wanting to avoid the summer heat and cleanup that come with cooking outdoors. 

The restaurant also offers a broad menu that includes chicken, ribs and family-friendly sides, making it easy to accommodate different preferences. Reader's Digest notes that checking your local restaurant's holiday schedule is always a good idea, since hours can vary by location. For families, couples or groups of friends looking for a more substantial holiday meal, Texas Roadhouse provides an easy way to enjoy classic cookout flavors while spending more time celebrating and less time preparing dinner.

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When convenience matters most, Domino $DPZ's remains one of the easiest Fourth of July dining options. Reader's Digest says the pizza chain is typically open during its regular business hours on Independence Day, although some locally owned stores may adjust their schedules. Pizza works especially well for holiday gatherings because it feeds groups with very little planning, cleanup or preparation. 

Whether you're watching fireworks, relaxing at home or hosting friends for the evening, ordering a few pizzas can be far easier than managing a backyard cookout. Reader's Digest recommends calling ahead to verify your neighborhood store's holiday hours before placing an order. For families looking for an affordable, crowd-pleasing meal that doesn't require anyone to spend time in the kitchen, Domino's offers one of the simplest solutions available on the holiday.

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Not every Fourth of July stop revolves around lunch or dinner. Sometimes all you need is a cup of coffee before heading to the beach, a parade or a fireworks display. Reader's Digest reports that most Starbucks $SBUX locations remain open on Independence Day, although some stores may operate with reduced holiday hours. 

Since each location sets its own schedule, checking the Starbucks app or calling ahead can help avoid disappointment. Whether you're grabbing your usual morning coffee, cooling off with a refresher or picking up drinks before meeting friends, Starbucks remains a convenient stop throughout the holiday. Its widespread locations also make it an easy choice for travelers spending the Fourth of July on the road. For anyone looking to fuel up before a busy day of celebrations, Starbucks continues to be one of the most dependable holiday options.