Memorial Day Dining Guide: Restaurants Open and Delicious Recipes to Celebrate
Memorial Day is a time for remembrance, reflection, and honoring the brave men and women who have served our country. While it’s a solemn occasion, it’s also a day to spend time with family and friends. Often, that involves enjoying a meal together. But with many businesses operating on holiday schedules, figuring out where to eat can be a challenge. This guide provides a two-pronged approach: first, we’ll discuss which restaurants are typically open on Memorial Day. Second, we’ll offer some delicious and easy recipes for those who prefer to celebrate with a home-cooked meal. Let’s dive in!
Restaurants Open on Memorial Day (Generally)
Before we list specific restaurants, it’s crucial to remember that holiday hours can vary significantly by location and franchise. *Always* call ahead or check the restaurant’s website or social media pages to confirm their hours of operation before heading out. Don’t rely solely on assumptions!
Here are some restaurant chains that generally tend to remain open on Memorial Day, but again, verify locally:
* **Fast Food:** Many fast-food chains remain open with regular or slightly reduced hours. Think McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, Taco Bell, and Chick-fil-A (although Chick-fil-A is always closed on Sundays, regardless of the holiday). Check for specific drive-thru availability.
* **Coffee Shops:** Starbucks and Dunkin’ are often open, providing that much-needed caffeine boost for your day of remembrance and relaxation. Check for modified hours, especially at locations within shopping malls or office buildings.
* **Casual Dining:** Restaurants like Applebee’s, Chili’s, TGI Friday’s, and Olive Garden often maintain regular or close-to-regular hours. Expect potential wait times, especially during peak meal hours.
* **Pizza:** Pizza chains like Domino’s, Pizza Hut, and Papa John’s are usually open for delivery and takeout, making them a convenient option for a casual gathering.
* **Steak Houses:** Some steak houses, such as Outback Steakhouse and LongHorn Steakhouse, may be open, although their hours might be limited. Reservations are highly recommended.
* **Local Restaurants:** Don’t overlook local eateries! Many independent restaurants, diners, and cafes choose to remain open on Memorial Day to serve their communities. Supporting local businesses is a great way to celebrate.
**Important Considerations When Dining Out on Memorial Day:**
* **Reservations:** If you plan to dine at a sit-down restaurant, make reservations well in advance, especially for larger groups. Many people have the day off and choose to eat out, leading to longer wait times.
* **Peak Hours:** Be prepared for potentially longer wait times during peak meal hours (lunch and dinner). Consider dining earlier or later to avoid the crowds.
* **Menu Availability:** Some restaurants may offer a limited menu on holidays. Check with the restaurant beforehand to ensure your desired dishes are available.
* **Staffing:** Restaurants might be operating with reduced staff on Memorial Day. Be patient and understanding with the service staff, as they are working hard to accommodate everyone.
* **Confirm Hours:** *Always, always, always* confirm the restaurant’s hours before you go. This cannot be stressed enough.
Delicious Recipes for a Memorial Day Feast at Home
If you prefer to celebrate Memorial Day with a home-cooked meal, here are some delicious and easy recipes that are perfect for a barbecue, picnic, or casual gathering. These recipes cater to various dietary needs and preferences, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
1. Grilled BBQ Chicken
This classic barbecue dish is always a crowd-pleaser. The key is to use a flavorful marinade and cook the chicken to perfection.
**Ingredients:**
* 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks work well)
* 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
* 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Salt to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Marinade:** In a bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
2. **Marinate the Chicken:** Place the chicken pieces in a large resealable bag or container. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Seal the bag or cover the container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
3. **Preheat the Grill:** Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
4. **Grill the Chicken:** Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Place the chicken pieces on the grill, skin-side down. Grill for 8-10 minutes, or until the skin is nicely browned and slightly charred.
5. **Turn and Cook:** Turn the chicken and continue grilling for another 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
6. **Baste with Sauce:** During the last 5-10 minutes of grilling, brush the chicken with the remaining barbecue sauce. Turn the chicken frequently to prevent burning and ensure it’s evenly coated.
7. **Rest and Serve:** Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
**Tips:**
* For extra flavor, add a splash of liquid smoke to the marinade.
* If the barbecue sauce starts to burn on the grill, move the chicken to a cooler part of the grill or reduce the heat.
* Serve with your favorite sides, such as corn on the cob, potato salad, and coleslaw.
2. Classic Potato Salad
No barbecue is complete without a creamy and delicious potato salad. This recipe is a classic for a reason.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
* 1 cup mayonnaise
* 1/4 cup yellow mustard
* 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
* 2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
* 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
* 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Paprika for garnish (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Boil the Potatoes:** Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender but not mushy. Drain the potatoes and let them cool completely.
2. **Prepare the Dressing:** In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, and sweet pickle relish.
3. **Combine Ingredients:** Add the cooled potatoes, chopped hard-boiled eggs, celery, and red onion to the bowl with the dressing. Gently mix until everything is well combined. Be careful not to mash the potatoes.
4. **Season:** Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasonings as needed.
5. **Chill:** Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
6. **Garnish and Serve:** Before serving, garnish with a sprinkle of paprika, if desired.
**Tips:**
* For a tangier potato salad, add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or white vinegar to the dressing.
* If you prefer a sweeter potato salad, add a tablespoon of sugar to the dressing.
* You can substitute red potatoes for Yukon Gold potatoes.
* Add crumbled bacon for a smoky flavor.
3. Grilled Corn on the Cob with Herb Butter
Grilled corn on the cob is a simple yet flavorful side dish that’s perfect for summer barbecues. The herb butter adds a touch of elegance.
**Ingredients:**
* 6 ears of corn, husks and silk removed
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, chives, and thyme)
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Herb Butter:** In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, fresh herbs, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
2. **Preheat the Grill:** Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
3. **Grill the Corn:** Place the corn directly on the grill grates. Grill for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender and slightly charred.
4. **Butter the Corn:** Remove the corn from the grill and spread the herb butter evenly over each ear of corn.
5. **Serve:** Serve immediately and enjoy!
**Tips:**
* Soak the corn in cold water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent the husks from burning.
* If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs. Use about 1 teaspoon of each dried herb.
* Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the herb butter for a little heat.
4. Watermelon Feta Salad with Mint
This refreshing salad is the perfect way to cool down on a hot Memorial Day. The combination of sweet watermelon, salty feta, and fresh mint is simply divine.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 cups cubed watermelon
* 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
* 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 tablespoon lime juice
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the cubed watermelon, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped mint leaves.
2. **Prepare the Dressing:** In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lime juice.
3. **Dress the Salad:** Pour the dressing over the watermelon mixture and gently toss to combine.
4. **Season:** Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasonings as needed.
5. **Chill:** Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
**Tips:**
* Use a seedless watermelon for convenience.
* If you don’t have lime juice, you can use lemon juice.
* Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness and tang.
* Garnish with extra mint leaves before serving.
5. Grilled Vegetable Skewers with Balsamic Glaze
These colorful vegetable skewers are a healthy and delicious addition to any Memorial Day barbecue. The balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness and acidity.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 red bell pepper, cubed
* 1 yellow bell pepper, cubed
* 1 zucchini, sliced
* 1 yellow squash, sliced
* 1 red onion, cut into wedges
* 8 ounces cherry tomatoes
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
* 1 tablespoon honey
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Vegetables:** Wash and chop all the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Thread the vegetables onto the wooden skewers, alternating colors and types of vegetables.
2. **Prepare the Marinade:** In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. **Marinate the Skewers:** Brush the marinade evenly over the vegetable skewers. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably longer.
4. **Preheat the Grill:** Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
5. **Grill the Skewers:** Place the vegetable skewers on the grill grates. Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
6. **Serve:** Remove the skewers from the grill and serve immediately.
**Tips:**
* Use any vegetables you like, such as mushrooms, eggplant, or asparagus.
* If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can use red wine vinegar.
* Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to the skewers after grilling.
6. Strawberry Shortcake
This classic dessert is the perfect way to end your Memorial Day feast. The sweet strawberries and fluffy biscuits are simply irresistible.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/4 cup sugar
* 1 tablespoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
* 3/4 cup milk
* 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
* 1/2 cup sugar
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/4 cup powdered sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Biscuits:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the milk, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
2. **Shape the Biscuits:** Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
3. **Prepare the Strawberries:** In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and sugar. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes to macerate and release their juices.
4. **Whip the Cream:** In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
5. **Assemble the Shortcakes:** Split the warm biscuits in half. Spoon the strawberries and their juices over the bottom halves of the biscuits. Top with a dollop of whipped cream and the top halves of the biscuits. Serve immediately.
**Tips:**
* Use cold butter and milk to ensure the biscuits are light and fluffy.
* Do not overmix the dough, or the biscuits will be tough.
* You can use store-bought biscuits if you’re short on time.
* Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar to the finished shortcakes.
Making the Most of Your Memorial Day
Whether you choose to dine out at a restaurant that’s open or celebrate with a home-cooked meal, Memorial Day is a time to honor the sacrifices made for our freedom. Take a moment to reflect, spend time with loved ones, and enjoy the day. By confirming restaurant hours ahead of time or preparing a delicious meal at home, you can ensure that your Memorial Day is both meaningful and enjoyable.
No matter how you celebrate, remember the true meaning of Memorial Day – to honor and remember those who gave their lives in service to our country.