Top Memorial Day Restaurant Specials and BBQ Menus to Try
Top Memorial Day Restaurant Specials and BBQ Menus to Try This Weekend
Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial kickoff to summer. It is a time to honor fallen heroes, gather with family, and share great food. While firing up your backyard grill is a classic tradition, smoking briskets and prepping endless sides can turn a relaxing weekend into hard labor. Thankfully, local smokehouses and national restaurant chains make it easy to skip the kitchen with holiday catering packages, ready-to-heat BBQ bundles, and exclusive dining deals. Here is how to find the top Memorial Day restaurant specials and BBQ menus to try this weekend.
Why Leave the Memorial Day Cooking to the Pros?
Outsourcing your holiday menu saves hours of prep and cleanup, giving you more time to actually enjoy the long weekend. More importantly, professional pitmasters bring specialized equipment to the table. Achieving a deep, smoky bark on a 14-hour beef brisket or maintaining the perfect low temperature for fall-off-the-bone ribs is tough to pull off on a standard backyard gas grill. Getting takeout or dining out lets you enjoy competition-grade barbecue and craft cocktails without the stress.
Pre-Ordered Memorial Day BBQ Platters & Family Feasts
If you want to host a backyard block party without spending the day sweating over hot coals, pre-ordered BBQ platters are your best bet. Regional smokehouses and national barbecue spots offer curated, family-style packages designed to feed groups of all sizes.
The Ultimate BBQ Checklist: What to Order
- Texas-Style Smoked Brisket: Look for brisket smoked over post oak or hickory. It should have a dark, peppery bark and a distinct pink smoke ring. Ask for a mix of “moist” (fatty) and “lean” slices to satisfy everyone.
- St. Louis-Style or Baby Back Ribs: Look for ribs with a caramelized glaze. St. Louis cut ribs are meatier and flatter, while baby backs are leaner and cook faster. A light brush of sweet, tomato-based sauce adds the perfect finish.
- Carolina Pulled Pork: Slow-smoked pork shoulder, shredded and tossed with a tangy apple cider vinegar-based sauce to cut through the rich fat.
- Classic Southern Sides: No platter is complete without three-cheese baked macaroni and cheese, a crisp vinegar-based coleslaw to balance the heavy meats, slow-simmered baked beans sweetened with brown sugar and bacon, and warm honey-butter cornbread.
Crowd-Pleasing Vegetarian BBQ Alternatives
Barbecue is no longer just for meat lovers. Many modern smokehouses offer delicious vegetarian alternatives that hold up to heavy smoke and spice:
- Smoked Pulled Jackfruit: This plant-based star mimics the texture of shredded pork. When seasoned with a classic brown sugar rub and simmered in a tangy barbecue sauce, it is incredibly satisfying.
- Marinated Portobello Caps: Thick, meaty mushrooms marinated in a savory balsamic-herb vinaigrette and charred on the grill.
- Wood-Fired Mac & Cheese: A rich, bubbling blend of sharp cheddar and gruyere with a hint of hickory smoke, topped with toasted breadcrumbs.
Average Cost of BBQ Takeout Packages
| Feast Size | Servings | Average Price | Typical Menu Items |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Family Pack | 2–4 people | $45 – $65 | 1.5 lbs of meat (brisket/pulled pork), 2 pints of sides, 4 cornbread muffins |
| Medium Party Pack | 6–8 people | $90 – $130 | 1 full rack of ribs, 2 lbs of meat, 3 large sides, sandwich buns |
| Large Feast Package | 10–12 people | $160 – $220 | Multiple meats, full rack of ribs, 4 extra-large sides, house-made dessert |
National Restaurant Deals & Grill-at-Home Kits
Many national restaurant chains roll out limited-time dining deals and menu items specifically for the holiday weekend.
Casual Dining and Steakhouse Specials
National steakhouse chains and casual grilles often run holiday promotions, featuring thick-cut ribeyes, loaded burger platters, and low-country seafood boils. Keep an eye out for holiday happy hours offering half-priced appetizers like loaded potato skins or spinach artichoke dip, alongside local draft beer specials.
Gourmet Burger Bundles
If you enjoy the act of grilling but want to skip the grocery store lines, look for gourmet burger kits. Many premium burger spots sell uncooked packages featuring custom-blend beef patties, soft brioche buns, sharp cheddar slices, signature house sauces, and fresh toppings like heirloom tomatoes and crisp butter lettuce.
Festive Summer Cocktails & Sweet Treats
No holiday meal is complete without festive drinks and sweets. Restaurants are leaning into the summer theme with patriotic-inspired menu additions.
Patriotic Drinks
Cool down with layered frozen margaritas (featuring strawberry, coconut, and blue curaçao), berry-infused white sangrias, or crisp summer shandies. Many spots package these in sealed, travel-friendly pouches or 64-ounce growlers, making them perfect for backyard picnics.
Summer Desserts
Round out your heavy meal with light, fruit-forward desserts. Look for classic strawberry shortcakes with fresh whipped cream, warm peach and blackberry cobblers topped with melting vanilla bean ice cream, or a tart, buttery key lime pie.
Military & Veteran Dining Discounts
To show appreciation for active-duty military members and veterans, many restaurants run special promotions throughout the holiday weekend.
- Percentage Off: Many national chains offer a 10% to 20% discount on the entire bill for active-duty personnel and veterans with a valid military ID.
- Free Starters or Desserts: Some spots offer a complimentary appetizer or a free dessert with the purchase of any main course.
- Important Exclusions: These deals are almost always for dine-in customers only and rarely cover alcoholic beverages. It is always smart to call your local franchise ahead of time to confirm their policy.
Tips for Ordering Your Holiday BBQ Feast
Barbecue joints get incredibly busy over this three-day weekend. Planning ahead ensures you get the meal you want without the stress.
- Place Your Order Early: Most local smokehouses require at least 48 to 72 hours of lead time for party platters. Aim to finalize your order by the Wednesday or Thursday before the holiday.
- Ask for Reheating Instructions: If you are picking up your food a day early, ask the restaurant for reheating tips. Low-and-slow heat in the oven with a splash of apple juice or beef broth is usually the key to keeping smoked meats juicy.
- Check Holiday Hours: Some family-owned barbecue spots operate on modified hours or close early on Memorial Day Monday. Confirm your pickup window so you do not arrive to a locked door.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are restaurants open on Memorial Day?
Yes, most national chains and local restaurants remain open on Memorial Day, though some independent spots may have modified holiday hours. It is always a good idea to check their social media pages or call ahead to confirm.
Do restaurants offer free meals for veterans on Memorial Day?
While free meals are more common on Veterans Day, many eateries still offer generous military discounts, free appetizers, or special deals for active-duty personnel and veterans on Memorial Day with a valid ID.
When should I place my catering order for Memorial Day BBQ?
For large group platters and catering orders, try to order at least 48 to 72 hours in advance. Placing your order by the Wednesday or Thursday before the weekend ensures you get your preferred pickup slot.
Can I get Memorial Day drink specials to go?
This depends entirely on your local and state liquor laws. Many areas allow restaurants to sell sealed craft beer growlers, bottled wines, or pre-packaged cocktails to-go with food purchases. Ask the restaurant when placing your order.
Support Your Neighborhood Spots This Summer
Whether you choose to grab a table on a sunny patio, pick up a box of slow-smoked ribs, or grill gourmet burger kits in your backyard, letting professional kitchens do the heavy lifting is a great way to kick off the summer. Ordering from local neighborhood spots or your favorite national chains supports local kitchen staff while giving you a completely stress-free holiday weekend with family and friends.
