Ultimate Olive Garden Closing Time? Tips for Night Owls 2025

There’s something about Olive Garden that makes it more than just a restaurant. Maybe it’s the warmth, the familiarity, or just those endless breadsticks. I’ve personally found myself many times finishing up a long day and thinking, “Is it too late for some Zuppa Toscana and a glass of wine?” That’s where knowing the Olive Garden closing time really matters.

I’ll be honest — I’ve pulled into their lot at 9:58 p.m., hoping for one last meal, only to find the doors locked. That’s a disappointment you don’t forget. So if you’re like me — someone who doesn’t want to risk missing dinner — this guide is for you. From weekday hours to holiday exceptions, let’s break down exactly when you can expect your local Olive Garden to close its doors.

Typical Olive Garden Closing Hours Nationwide

While Olive Garden operates under a consistent schedule in most areas, there are slight variations depending on the region, mall location, or local laws. Still, there’s a pretty standard pattern when it comes to Olive Garden closing time.

Below is a simple breakdown of typical closing hours for Olive Garden across the U.S.:

Monday to Thursday Standard Closing Times

During the week, Olive Garden locations generally maintain predictable hours — making them a solid go-to for post-work dinner plans. But keep in mind, even if the closing time says 10:00 PM, the kitchen often winds down a bit earlier. If you’re placing a to-go order or planning to dine in, I always recommend arriving at least 30–40 minutes before closing.

Standard Weekday Closing Hours:

These times apply to most standalone Olive Garden restaurants. If you’re visiting a location inside a mall or near a college campus, the hours may shift by an hour in either direction.

Friday and Saturday Night Closing Schedule

Here’s where things get a little later — and that’s a good thing. Friday and Saturday nights are prime dining hours for many Olive Garden fans, myself included. Whether it’s a casual dinner with friends or a date night, you’ll be happy to know that most locations extend their hours on the weekend.

Typical Weekend Closing Hours:

I’ve personally found this extra hour on weekends to be a lifesaver. That 11:00 PM Olive Garden closing time means you can finish errands, take your time getting ready, and still sit down for a warm, relaxed meal.

Just remember — last seating is often 30 minutes before close. Some locations even start cleaning up earlier, so call ahead or check online if you’re planning a late visit.

Sunday Hours and What to Expect

Sundays at Olive Garden feel different — slower-paced, family-oriented, and comfort-driven. And that’s reflected in their slightly earlier closing schedule. Most locations shut down by 10:00 PM, though some may close even earlier depending on location and foot traffic.

Sunday Typical Closing Time:

In my experience, if you’re planning to dine after 9 PM on a Sunday, it’s always a good idea to call ahead or place your order online first. Many Olive Garden locations start winding down early on Sunday evenings, especially in suburban areas.

Olive Garden Holiday Closing Hours (2025 Update)

Holidays can be tricky. You might assume your local Olive Garden will be open — only to show up and find a note taped to the door. I’ve been there. So let’s clear up what to expect when it comes to Olive Garden closing time around major holidays in 2025.

Some holidays involve reduced hours, while others see a full closure. If you’re planning a holiday meal, this section is worth bookmarking.

Which Holidays Is Olive Garden Always Closed?

There are only a couple of days each year when all Olive Garden locations shut down completely — and they’re the big ones.

Here are the holidays when Olive Garden is always closed:

• Thanksgiving Day – All locations nationwide are closed.
  
• Christmas Day – Every Olive Garden location shuts down to give staff the day off.
  
• Fourth of July (some locations) – Not all, but many suburban Olive Gardens are closed for Independence Day.
  

And honestly, I respect them for this. As someone who’s worked in restaurants during the holidays in my early twenties, I appreciate brands that give their staff time with family.

Reduced Hours on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve

Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve come with adjusted schedules. Most Olive Garden locations operate on shortened hours, and they usually post those hours online or on the front doors a few days in advance.

Here’s what to expect:

If you’re planning a holiday dinner at Olive Garden, try to arrive early — and ideally, make a reservation if your location allows it. These nights are busy and time-restricted, so the sooner you’re seated, the better your experience will be.

Is Olive Garden Open on Easter or Independence Day?

This one trips people up — especially since other restaurants close or adjust their hours. The good news? Olive Garden tends to stay open on both Easter and the Fourth of July, but not always with full hours.

Here’s what I’ve seen over the past few years:

• Easter Sunday: Most Olive Gardens are open, typically from around 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM. But again, the vibe is more laid-back, and some locations might close early based on traffic.
  
• Independence Day: This is hit or miss. Many suburban and small-town locations close early or close completely. Urban locations tend to stay open, but hours may vary.
  

So, what should you do? Two things:

1. Call ahead — It sounds old-school, but it works.
   
2. Use the Olive Garden website or Google Business listing — they’re often updated with holiday hours a few days in advance.
   

Does Olive Garden Close Earlier in Certain Locations?

Absolutely — and I’ve learned this the hard way. If you think all Olive Gardens close at the same time, think again. Depending on where you are, Olive Garden closing time can shift by 30 to 90 minutes. One night I was on a work trip and expected the same 11 PM close time I was used to back home. Showed up at 9:40 PM — and the place was already shut tight.

Let’s break down the most common factors that cause location-based differences.

Location-Based Variations: Malls vs. Standalone

If your Olive Garden is inside or next to a shopping mall, it’s probably going to close earlier — often right when the mall itself does. On the flip side, standalone locations (especially those in shopping plazas or near highways) tend to stay open later.

Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison to give you an idea:

This is why it’s so important to check ahead. Just because your Olive Garden back home closes at 10:00 PM doesn’t mean the one you’re traveling to will do the same.

How Urban Areas May Affect Closing Times

Urban Olive Garden locations — like those in the middle of cities or near business districts — tend to follow the late-night pattern. Think of places like downtown Chicago, Los Angeles, or Atlanta. These spots stay busy later into the evening, especially on weekends.

Here’s what I’ve personally noticed:

• Weeknight closing times: Usually 10:00 PM
  
• Weekend closing times: Often stretch to 11:00 PM or even 11:30 PM
  
• Happy Hour or late-night specials: Some urban locations extend kitchen hours during promotions
  

Again, this isn’t universal, but if you’re in a city that doesn’t sleep — neither will your local Olive Garden.

Why Smaller Cities Often Close Sooner

In contrast, Olive Gardens in smaller towns or rural areas generally shut their doors earlier. I grew up in a small Midwest town, and trust me — by 9 PM, the place was winding down. The demand just isn’t the same.

Typical closing times in smaller cities:

• Sunday to Thursday: Usually closes by 9:00 PM
  
• Friday and Saturday: 10:00 PM at most
  

In these areas, foot traffic dies down earlier, and staffing tends to be lean. That means the kitchen wraps up sooner, and even if they say they close at 10, you won’t get seated after 9:15.

How to Check Olive Garden Closing Time Near You

Now that we’ve covered how much closing times vary, here’s how you can quickly and accurately check Olive Garden closing time for the location near you. There are a few reliable methods I use — and a couple of tips to avoid bad info.

Using the Official Olive Garden Location Finder

This is the most accurate source because it comes straight from Olive Garden itself.

Here’s how I use it:

1. Go to Official Website
   
2. Click on “Find a Location” at the top.
   
3. Enter your ZIP code or city name.
   
4. Select your preferred location.
   

You’ll instantly see the address, contact info, and up-to-date Olive Garden closing time — including special holiday hours if they’ve posted them. It’s also a great place to check whether a location takes reservations or offers carside pickup.

Pro Tip: They update these hours seasonally, so check back before major holidays.

What Google and Apple Maps Can Tell You

I often use Google Maps on the fly, especially when I’m driving or out and about. Google usually gets the hours right, and sometimes you’ll even see a note like “Closes soon” or “Closing in 30 minutes.”

Here’s what makes Google and Apple Maps useful:

• They reflect real-time user behavior, so if a location tends to close early, the algorithm adjusts.
  
• Many franchise owners update their hours on Google Business manually.
  
• You’ll also see popular times and live crowd estimates.
  

Just be cautious — if you’re cutting it close, call the restaurant directly. Google’s data isn’t always perfect.

Calling the Restaurant Directly: What to Ask

I’ve found that a quick phone call can save a lot of headaches. It takes less than 2 minutes and gives you the clearest picture of what to expect — especially on holidays or bad weather days.

Here’s what I always ask:

• “Hi, what time are you closing the dining room and kitchen tonight?”
  
• “Are you still seating customers up until that time?”
  
• “Is there a last call for takeout orders?”
  

These details matter because a location might close at 10 PM, but stop seating at 9:15 or takeout at 9:30.

Olive Garden Closing Time During Special Events and Seasons

While Olive Garden has set business hours, things do shift throughout the year. Whether it’s summer vacation season, a big sports game, or a brand promotion like the Never Ending Pasta Bowl, expect Olive Garden closing time to flex a little.

Let’s break it down.

Seasonal Adjustments for Summer and Holidays

During the summer months — especially in beach towns or tourist hubs — Olive Garden locations tend to stay open longer. Families are dining later, travelers are hitting restaurants after long days, and demand spikes.

Common summer adjustments:

In contrast, during the post-holiday slowdown in January, some locations temporarily shorten hours due to lower traffic.

Closing Time Shifts During Promotions (e.g., Never Ending Pasta Bowl)

Promotions like the Never Ending Pasta Bowl or Buy One, Take One bring in more foot traffic. That means kitchens often extend hours by 30–60 minutes to accommodate demand — especially on weekends.

What I’ve noticed:

• Locations may stay open an extra hour on Fridays/Saturdays during national promotions.
  
• To-go service is often extended, even after dine-in ends.
  
• These changes aren’t always posted online — so again, call ahead.
  

If you’re planning a visit during one of these high-traffic specials, get there early or prepare for a short wait.

Sports Events or Local Festivals May Affect Hours

Whether it’s Super Bowl Sunday, a local college game, or a downtown food festival, special events often affect Olive Garden closing time — but not always in the way you’d expect.

Sometimes, hours get extended due to heavy demand. Other times, restaurants shut down early because everyone’s at the stadium or main street.

Real example: My Olive Garden in Indianapolis closed at 8:00 PM during the NCAA Final Four — just too much traffic and not enough staff.

So if you know there’s a big event happening in town, here’s what to do:

• Call that morning and ask about any changes to hours.
  
• Check Olive Garden’s local Facebook page, if they have one — it’s often updated faster than the website.
  
• Plan ahead — especially for to-go orders or curbside pickup.
  

Can You Still Be Seated Close to Closing Time?

If you’ve ever pulled into the parking lot 15 minutes before closing and wondered, “Can I still grab a table?” — you’re not alone. I’ve done it more times than I’d like to admit. Sometimes I get lucky. Sometimes I walk into that awkward “we’re closed” stare.

So what’s the rule? It depends — but there are a few things you should absolutely know if you’re trying to beat the clock and still enjoy that final bowl of soup and salad.

Last Call for Orders and Seating Policies

Most Olive Garden locations have an unofficial “last seating” window that hits about 30 to 45 minutes before the official closing time. That’s when hosts start letting people know the kitchen’s winding down.

Typical practices I’ve seen:

• Kitchen closes 30 minutes before the posted time (especially in smaller towns)
  
• Servers may stop taking new dine-in guests 20–30 minutes before closing
  
• To-go orders may be accepted slightly longer — but not always
  

It’s not about being rude — it’s about allowing staff time to clean, prep for the next day, and lock up on time. But if you’re polite and arrive just before close, most places will still seat you (if you’re not walking in with a group of ten).

What Happens If You Arrive 10 Minutes Before Close?

You’re cutting it close — but it’s possible.

Here’s what I’ve personally experienced when arriving just under the wire:

• If the dining room is still open and someone greets you at the host stand, they’ll usually ask, “Are you okay with limited time?”
  
• You’ll likely get seated, but the server will mention the kitchen is closing in 5–10 minutes.
  
• Expect a limited experience — fast service, no lingering, and possibly no appetizer or dessert rounds.
  

Pro tip: Be respectful. If they do seat you, don’t stay past closing time. Order quickly, tip well, and be gracious.

Is Takeout or Online Ordering Available After Dining Closes?

This is where a lot of folks get confused. Just because dine-in is closed doesn’t always mean takeout is done — but it’s not guaranteed, either.

Here’s the breakdown:

If you’re hoping to place a late-night online order, check Olive Garden’s app or website early in the evening. You’ll usually see a countdown or “ordering ends in X minutes” notification.

Most Common Questions About Olive Garden’s Closing Time

You’d be surprised how many people still have last-minute questions about Olive Garden closing time, even after seeing the hours online. Whether it’s about dessert, menu availability, or weird early closures — let’s clear up the confusion with some quick insights I’ve learned from experience and staff conversations.

Why Does Olive Garden Close So Early in Some Cities?

It all comes down to demand and location type. If the town is small, suburban, or family-centered, restaurants simply don’t get much traffic past 8 or 9 PM — especially on weeknights. In these areas, Olive Garden closing time often shifts earlier to save labor and reduce overhead.

Examples of places with earlier closing times:

• Suburban neighborhoods
  
• College towns during off-semester
  
• Rural cities with early dining culture
  

Don’t take it personally — it’s just business.

Can I Still Get Dessert Close to Closing?

Usually, yes — but don’t expect the full experience.

If you’re seated 15–20 minutes before closing:

• You can order dessert, but it’ll be served quickly, often alongside your entrée.
  
• Cheesecake, tiramisu, and dolcini are typically pre-prepped, so they’re easier to plate and serve last-minute.
  
• Some locations may limit options if the kitchen is halfway cleaned up.
  

When I’ve asked servers about this, most of them say they’ll do it — as long as the ticket gets in before final kitchen shutdown.

Is the Full Menu Available Until Close?

Not always.

While most items stay available until the very last order is taken, certain dishes — especially ones that take longer to prepare or use ingredients that run out — might be limited closer to closing.

Here’s what might be affected:

• Grilled or pan-seared items (kitchen may have already broken down stations)
  
• Appetizer platters or family-style meals (require more prep)
  
• Fresh soup refills — sometimes the pot is already empty by 9:30 PM
  

That said, staples like pasta, salad, and breadsticks are usually fair game until the last second.

Final Thoughts on Olive Garden Closing Hours

If there’s one thing I’ve learned after years of grabbing late dinners, picking up pasta after work, and even surprising my wife with to-go tiramisu, it’s this: Olive Garden closing time isn’t just about a number on the door. It’s about timing your visit right — respecting the team working behind the scenes, and knowing how your location operates.

Whether you’re walking in for a last-minute meal or placing a quick order online, knowing what to expect can make the difference between a relaxed evening and a closed-door disappointment.

So next time you’re planning dinner at Olive Garden, check the hours early, call ahead if you’re unsure, and always aim to arrive 30–45 minutes before close. That way, you’re not just squeezing in a meal — you’re enjoying it the way it’s meant to be.

FAQs – Olive Garden Closing Time (Quick Answers)