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.

1. O’Charley’s

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.

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2. Applebee’s

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.

3. Chili’s Grill & Bar

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.

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4. Red Robin

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.

5. Romano’s Macaroni Grill

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.

6. Buffalo Wild Wings

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.

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7. On The Border

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.

8. Ruby Tuesday

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.

9. The Cheesecake Factory

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.

10. Bonefish Grill

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.

11. Hooters

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.

12. BJ's Restaurants & Brewhouse

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.

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13. Fuddruckers

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.

14. Benihana

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.

15. Texas Roadhouse

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.

Bottom line

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.

Money tips that can work for everyone

No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.

Focus on paying off your debt . Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.

Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.

Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).