What Time Does Olive Garden Open and Close? (Updated 2025)
If you’re craving a delicious Italian meal, knowing Olive Garden’s hours can make your dining experience smoother. Whether you’re planning a lunch with friends or a cozy dinner with family, it’s essential to find out when this popular restaurant opens and closes.
Typically, Olive Garden opens at 11 AM and closes at 10 PM on weekdays, with slightly extended hours on weekends. However, these hours can vary by location, so it’s always a good idea to check your local restaurant for the most accurate information. With a little planning, you can enjoy those endless breadsticks and hearty pasta dishes at just the right time.
Olive Garden Hours Overview
Knowing Olive Garden’s hours helps ensure a seamless dining experience. Typically, the restaurant opens at 11 AM and closes at 10 PM on weekdays, while weekend hours may extend.
Typical Opening and Closing Times
| Day | Opening Time | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 11:00 AM | 10:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 11:00 AM | 10:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM | 10:00 PM |
| Thursday | 11:00 AM | 10:00 PM |
| Friday | 11:00 AM | 11:00 PM |
| Saturday | 11:00 AM | 11:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM | 10:00 PM |
Lunch Hours: Lunch is served daily from 11 AM to 4 PM.
Dinner Hours: Dinner hours run from 4 PM until closing.
Variations by Location
Olive Garden hours can vary significantly based on your location. While most branches follow the typical hours listed above, some restaurants might open earlier for breakfast or close later during holidays. It’s advisable to contact your local Olive Garden or check their website for specific times. This ensures you enjoy Olive Garden’s well-loved menu, including their renowned lunch specials and festive holiday offerings, without any inconvenience.
Special Hours and Holiday Schedules
Understanding Olive Garden’s special hours and holiday schedules ensures you enjoy your meal without unexpected closures. Regular hours may change during holidays and special events.
Holiday Hours
Olive Garden adjusts its hours during holidays. Common holiday hours often differ from regular times. The following table outlines typical holiday hours:
| Holiday | Opening Time | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 11 AM | 9 PM |
| Thanksgiving | 11 AM | 8 PM |
| Christmas Eve | 11 AM | 8 PM |
| Christmas Day | Closed | N/A |
| Easter | 10 AM | 9 PM |
Check with your local Olive Garden for specific hours, as they may vary by location.
Special Events and Promotions
Olive Garden frequently hosts special events and promotions, impacting operating hours. For instance, during limited-time promotions, extended hours often allow guests to enjoy exclusive offerings. Keep an eye out for:
- Family Meal Deals: Extended hours on weekends to accommodate gatherings.
- Valentine’s Day: Special dinner hours may extend later into the evening.
- Loyalty Programs: Members often receive notifications about exclusive event hours and promotions.
Contact your local restaurant or visit the Olive Garden website for timely updates on events and related hours.
Tips for Visiting Olive Garden
Knowing the best times to visit Olive Garden enhances your experience. Recognize peak hours and plan accordingly to enjoy a more relaxed meal.
Best Times to Avoid Crowds
To avoid crowds, consider visiting during off-peak times. Generally, mid-afternoon between 2 PM and 4 PM sees lower traffic. Weekdays offer a quieter atmosphere than weekends. Dining during early lunch hours or late dinners, after 8 PM, also helps you sidestep busy periods. By planning your visit around these suggestions, you can enjoy a more comfortable experience without the hustle of large crowds.
Making Reservations
Reservations can simplify your dining experience, especially during busy times. Olive Garden allows reservations for larger parties, generally accommodating groups of eight or more. For special occasions or weekend dining, securing a table in advance is beneficial. Use the Olive Garden website or mobile app for convenience when making reservations. Keeping this in mind can enhance your visit and reduce wait times upon arrival.
| Day | Opening Time | Closing Time | Lunch Hours | Dinner Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday – Thursday | 11 AM | 10 PM | 11 AM – 4 PM | 4 PM – 10 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM | 11 PM | 11 AM – 4 PM | 4 PM – 11 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM | 11 PM | 11 AM – 4 PM | 4 PM – 11 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM | 10 PM | 10 AM – 4 PM | 4 PM – 10 PM |
Holiday Hours
Holiday hours differ from standard times. During holidays like New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, Olive Garden typically adjusts its operating hours. To avoid disappointment, confirm local hours during special occasions. Check with your local Olive Garden or visit the website for updated holiday schedules. Knowing these details helps ensure a smooth dining experience during festive seasons.
Customer Experience and Feedback
Customer feedback plays a crucial role in enhancing your experience at Olive Garden. Understanding the nuances of visiting—like choosing between dine-in and takeout—adds to your satisfaction.
Dine-In vs. Takeout
Dine-in offers an enjoyable ambiance, complete with attentive service. You can savor a variety of dishes, including the famous unlimited soup, salad, and breadsticks. Takeout provides convenience for those with busy schedules. Ordering takeout allows you to enjoy Olive Garden’s signature dishes without the wait. Regardless of your choice, expect consistent quality that emphasizes freshness and flavor.
Popular Menu Items During Peak Hours
During peak hours, certain menu items stand out based on customer preference. You’ll find that favorites like the Chicken Alfredo, Five-Cheese Ziti al Forno, and Shrimp Scampi dominate orders. Additionally, the Tour of Italy remains popular for those wanting a taste of multiple dishes. To better navigate the dining experience, consider the following table, showcasing Olive Garden’s operating hours, including peak times for lunch and dinner:
| Day | Opening Time | Lunch Hours | Dinner Start | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 11 AM | 11 AM – 4 PM | 4 PM | 10 PM |
| Tuesday | 11 AM | 11 AM – 4 PM | 4 PM | 10 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM | 11 AM – 4 PM | 4 PM | 10 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM | 11 AM – 4 PM | 4 PM | 10 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM | 11 AM – 4 PM | 4 PM | 11 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM | 11 AM – 4 PM | 4 PM | 11 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM | 10 AM – 4 PM | 4 PM | 10 PM |
Checking the specific hours for your local Olive Garden guarantees that you get your favorite meals when they are most accessible.
Conclusion
Knowing Olive Garden’s hours is key to enjoying your dining experience. Whether you’re craving their famous breadsticks or a hearty pasta dish it’s essential to plan your visit accordingly. Remember that hours can vary by location and special events may influence when you can dine.
Checking your local Olive Garden’s hours before heading out ensures you won’t face unexpected closures. Taking the time to plan around peak hours can also enhance your experience. With a little preparation you can savor every moment at Olive Garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Olive Garden’s typical operating hours?
Olive Garden usually opens at 11 AM and closes at 10 PM on weekdays. On weekends, it operates until 11 PM on Friday and Saturday, and opens early at 10 AM on Sundays. These hours may vary by location, so it’s best to check with your local Olive Garden.
Does Olive Garden have special holiday hours?
Yes, Olive Garden’s hours can change on holidays like New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Easter. It’s advisable to confirm holiday hours directly with your local restaurant or on their website for accurate information.
What time is lunch and dinner served at Olive Garden?
Lunch is served daily from 11 AM to 4 PM, while dinner hours start at 4 PM and run until closing. These times can vary, so checking with your nearby restaurant is recommended for any changes.
How can I avoid crowds at Olive Garden?
To avoid crowds, visit during off-peak times such as mid-afternoon between 2 PM and 4 PM or early lunch and late dinner hours, typically after 8 PM. Planning your visit during these times can enhance your dining experience.
Should I make a reservation at Olive Garden?
Making a reservation is highly recommended, especially for larger groups or during busy times. This helps ensure a smoother dining experience and minimizes wait times, particularly during peak hours.
What are popular menu items at Olive Garden?
Some popular menu items include Chicken Alfredo, Five-Cheese Ziti al Forno, and Shrimp Scampi. The Tour of Italy is a favorite for customers looking to enjoy a variety of dishes in one meal.
How do I check local Olive Garden hours?
To find the most accurate hours for your local Olive Garden, you can either contact the restaurant directly or visit their official website. This ensures you have the latest information, including holiday hours and special promotions.