Pei Wei Asian Diner Opening Breakfast Lunch And Holiday Hours can be tricky to track because their wok stations fire up for lunch and dinner with a gap in between. Planning around their service windows prevents disappointment, especially if you show up expecting a morning menu. Most locations do not serve breakfast, so you need to aim for the lunch or dinner rush to get your fix.
Here is a clear breakdown of when you can actually order food, what days are affected, and how to avoid showing up to a dark restaurant. Let’s get straight to the times that matter for your schedule.
Pei Wei Asian Diner Opening Breakfast Lunch And Holiday Hours
First, the bad news for early birds. Pei Wei does not have a breakfast menu at nearly all of its locations. The kitchen typically opens around 10:30 AM or 11:00 AM to start lunch service. If you arrive before that, the doors might be open for staff prep, but you cannot place an order.
Your best bet is to treat lunch as the first meal of the day. The lunch window usually runs from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM, depending on the specific franchise. After that, they close the woks for a short break before dinner service starts.
Standard Lunch Service Windows
- Monday to Friday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM
- Sunday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM
These times are not universal. Some mall locations might open earlier or later. You should always check the specific store page on the official website before heading out.
Dinner Service And The Afternoon Break
Do not expect continuous service. There is often a 30 to 60 minute gap between lunch and dinner. This is when they clean the woks and restock ingredients. If you walk in at 3:45 PM, you might be told to wait.
Dinner service generally starts at 4:00 PM and runs until 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM. Friday and Saturday nights often extend to 10:30 PM or 11:00 PM. The closing time varies heavily by location, so do not assume late night hours.
Holiday Schedule And Closures
Holidays are where most people get confused. Pei Wei does not follow a standard national schedule for every single holiday. However, there are some consistent patterns you can rely on.
- Thanksgiving: Closed all day. Do not even try.
- Christmas Day: Closed all day.
- New Year’s Day: Usually opens at 11:30 AM, but hours are reduced.
- Fourth of July: Often open but closes early, around 7:00 PM.
- Easter Sunday: Typically closed or limited hours.
For holidays like Memorial Day or Labor Day, they usually operate on a Sunday schedule. That means opening at 11:30 AM and closing around 9:00 PM. It is safer to call ahead on these days.
How To Confirm Your Local Store Hours
Do not rely on third-party apps like Yelp or Google Maps alone. These are often outdated. The most reliable method is to use the store locator on the official Pei Wei website. Enter your zip code and look for the “Hours” tab on the specific location.
Another trick is to order online. If the online ordering system is active, the store is likely open. If it says “unavailable” during normal hours, they might be on a break or closed for a holiday.
Phone Calls Work Best
For holiday hours specifically, a quick phone call is the best move. The recorded message often states holiday hours. If a human answers, ask directly. They will know if they are closing early for a private event or a holiday.
Breakfast Options Near You
Since Pei Wei does not serve breakfast, you might wonder what to do. There is no workaround here. You cannot order a wok-fired meal at 9:00 AM. If you are desperate for Asian flavors in the morning, look for a local dim sum place or a fast-food spot with breakfast bowls.
Do not expect Pei Wei to add breakfast anytime soon. Their model is built around lunch and dinner traffic. The woks need high heat and volume, which does not happen in the morning hours.
Tips For Avoiding Closed Doors
- Check the official website before any holiday weekend.
- Avoid the 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM gap on weekdays.
- Call the store directly for same-day hours.
- Use the app to see if online ordering is live.
- Look for signs on the door about reduced hours.
One thing to note is that mall locations might follow the mall’s holiday schedule. If the mall opens late, Pei Wei opens late. If the mall closes early on Christmas Eve, Pei Wei will close early too. This is a common trap for shoppers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Pei Wei Serve Breakfast At Any Location?
No. Pei Wei does not serve breakfast at any standard location. The earliest you can order is around 10:30 AM or 11:00 AM for lunch.
What Time Does Pei Wei Close On Thanksgiving?
They are closed on Thanksgiving day. There are no exceptions. Plan for a different meal that day.
Is Pei Wei Open On Christmas Eve?
Most locations close early on Christmas Eve, usually around 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM. Check with your local store because it varies.
Why Is Pei Wei Closed Between 3 PM And 4 PM?
This is the break between lunch and dinner service. The staff uses this time to clean and prep. You cannot order during this window.
Are Holiday Hours The Same For All Pei Wei Locations?
No. Holiday hours vary by franchise owner and location. Always verify with the specific store before visiting.
In short, your safest bet is to stick to lunch or dinner hours and never assume they are open on major holidays. A quick phone call saves you a wasted trip. Keep this guide handy and you will never get locked out again.