15 Great Alternatives to TGI Fridays, as the Company Announces Closures

TGI Fridays is one of the most popular restaurants in the country, and is a great place to stretch your restaurant budget. But in 2024 alone, the chain has announced 36 restaurant closures, citing the locations as “underperforming.”

In light of the dozens of closures, where can you go for a comparable dining experience? It might be time to try one of these 15 great alternatives to TGI Fridays.

When thinking of TGI Fridays alternatives, many diners’ minds immediately go to Nashville-based chain O’Charley’s.

It has a similar dining environment. Some fans of O’Charley’s sing the praise of the fried chicken tenders, which are crisped to perfection.

Applebee’s is another restaurant with an atmosphere that reminds you of TGI Fridays. The chain’s price points might even be a little better, especially during its well-known happy hour.

Chili’s Grill & Bar has a similar casual dining atmosphere to that of TGI Fridays and others on this list. Come here to enjoy an expansive menu of American fare, TVs on every wall, and the upbeat staff.

Like TGI Fridays, Red Robin is known for its burgers. Red Robin also has a variety of lighter options, and endless steak fries when you dine in.

Romano’s Macaroni Grill serves big groups with family-style dining and incredible pasta dishes. The restaurant’s focus is Italian food, and you do not want to leave without ordering the tiramisu.

While Buffalo Wild Wings leans more into the “sports bar” category than TGI Fridays, the family friendly atmosphere is still alive and well. The menu isn’t as wide-ranging, but the drinks are up to par.

On The Border focuses on Mexican food, but still has a menu with a variety of options and comparable pricing to TGI Fridays. Head here for a great margarita and free chips and salsa.

Even though they both have days of the week in their names, Ruby Tuesday and TGI Fridays aren’t always considered similar. The good news? Ruby Tuesday has more dessert and pasta options and a bigger kids menu.

The Cheesecake Factory is your next hot spot if you like pasta, cheesecake, and really great salad options. Like TGI Fridays, this chain has a loyal fan base.

Bonefish Grill focuses on seafood and a variety of menu items that others on the list do not. However, the restaurant’s dining area is like a less kitschy version of TGI Fridays.

The wait staff at Hooters is kind, the atmosphere is fun, and if you haven’t experienced Hooters’ hot wings, you are definitely missing out. Pro tip: Try the top-notch curly fries.

California-born BJ’s Restaurants & Brewhouse has a wide-reaching menu with more than 140 options. That tops many of the restaurants on this list. The chain does dessert right, too, especially its famous Pizookie desserts.

While the Fuddruckers dining experience is nostalgic, it feels more casual than that of TGI Fridays. But this restaurant has a surprising amount of high-quality meat options on its menu, including bison burgers.

Benihana serves Japanese-style fare, so the menu is different from that of TGI Fridays. But both chains launched flagship stores in New York in the 1960s and maintain similar neighborhood-centric atmospheres.

Like TGI Fridays, Texas Roadhouse has gluten-free and vegetarian items on its expansive menu. Head there for the family friendly atmosphere, free rolls, and a generous happy hour.

If your local TGI Fridays is closing its doors, don’t despair. Instead, try this restaurant hack: Visit one of the alternatives on this list.

You might just discover a new favorite.