Veterans and active-duty military members can score free meals, burgers, pizza, coffee and other restaurant deals across the country on Wednesday, Nov. 11, as businesses mark Veterans Day.
Major chains
including Applebee's, Chili's, Denny's, Golden Corral, Olive Garden, Red Robin and Starbucks are among those offering Veterans Day freebies or discounts in 2026. Most promotions require proof of military service, and many are limited to dine-in customers or participating locations, so it's worth checking with your local restaurant before heading out.
Veterans Day traces its roots to Armistice Day, commemorating the end of World War I. Fighting stopped after an armistice between Germany and the Allies took effect at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.
Armistice Day became a federal holiday in 1938. In 1954, Congress changed the holiday's name to Veterans Day to honor American veterans of all wars.
Here are some of the restaurant deals available for Veterans Day 2026.
Veterans Day meal deals
Applebee's
Applebee's is offering veterans, active-duty military, reservists and National Guard members a free full-size entrée from a special menu on Nov. 11, according to a news release emailed to USA TODAY. The offer is dine-in only, and proof of military service is required. Beverages and gratuity are not included.
The menu includes:
- 6 oz. Top Sirloin
- Classic Bacon Cheeseburger
- Chicken Tenders Platter
- Double Crunch Shrimp
- Fiesta Lime Chicken
- Oriental Chicken Salad
- Three-Cheese Chicken Penne
Eligible guests who dine in will also receive a $5 Bounce Back Card to use toward a future dine-in, To Go or delivery purchase through Nov. 29.
Bar Louie
Veterans and active-duty military personnel can get a free burger at participating Bar Louie locations on Nov. 10 and 11. The deal excludes the Big Louie and is available for dine-in only with proof of service.
Blaze Pizza
Veterans and active-duty military personnel can get a free one-topping pizza at participating Blaze Pizza locations on Nov. 11. (not valid for online ordering, delivery, or third-party apps).
Bob Evans
Bob Evans is offering veterans and active-duty military personnel a free meal from a special menu on Nov. 11. The offer is available for dine-in only, and valid proof of service is required.
Bonefish Grill
Veterans, active-duty service members and their families can receive a free order of Bang Bang Shrimp and a nonalcoholic beverage atBonefish Grill on Nov. 11 with valid identification, according to the restaurant chain.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Past and present members of the armed services can get 10 free boneless wings and fries at Buffalo Wild Wings on Nov. 11 with valid proof of service. The deal is available for dine-in, walk-in counter orders and orders placed at Buffalo Wild Wings GO locations
California Pizza Kitchen
Veterans and active-duty military members can receive a free entrée from a special menu and a complimentary nonalcoholic beverage at California Pizza Kitchen on Nov. 11. The offer is available for dine-in only, according to the restaurant chain.
Chili's
Chili's is offering veterans and active-duty military personnel a free meal from a select Veterans Day menu on Nov. 11 at participating locations. The offer is available for dine-in only, and proof of military service is required. Beverages and gratuity are not included.
Chipotle
Active-duty U.S. service members and veterans can receive free chips and their choice of guacamole, Queso Blanco or salsa with a $5 purchase at participating Chipotle restaurants on Nov. 11. The offer is available all day with valid proof of military or veteran status.
Cracker Barrel
Veterans and active-duty military members can get a free Sunrise pancake special at participating Cracker Barrellocations on Nov. 11. The offer is available for dine-in only, and guests must show proof of military service, including a current or expired military ID.
Denny's
Denny's is offering active, non-active and retired military personnel a free Original Grand Slam from 5 a.m. to noon local time on Nov. 11, according to a news release emailed to USA TODAY. Customers must show a valid military ID or DD-214.
Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Veterans and active-duty military personnel who visit Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers on Nov. 11 can receive a free Freddy's Combo meal card. No purchase is necessary, and the card can be redeemed through Nov. 25, 2026, according to the restaurant chain.
Golden Corral
The restaurant chain is offering current service members, retired military and veterans a complimentary buffet and beverage at locations nationwide from 4 p.m. to close on Nov. 11, according to a news release emailed to USA TODAY.
Hard Rock Cafe
Hard Rock Cafe is offering active and retired military members a free Classic Smashed Burger all day on Nov. 11 with valid ID. Veterans can also combine this offer with the chain's 15% military discount, according to a news release emailed to USA TODAY.
International House of Pancakes (IHOP)
Veterans and active-duty military members can get a free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo at participating IHOP locations on Nov. 11 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. Military ID or proof of service required.
The dine-in-only meal includes two buttermilk pancakes topped with glazed strawberries, blueberry topping and whipped topping, plus two eggs, hash browns and a choice of two bacon strips or two pork sausage links.
Krispy Kreme
On Nov. 11, veterans and active military personnel can get a free small coffee, hot or iced, and a free doughnut of their choice at Krispy Kreme locations nationwide. There is a limit of one per guest and can be redeemed in-shop or via the drive-thru, and there is no proof or purchase necessary.
Little Caesars
Little Caesars is offering veterans and active-duty military personnel a free HOT-N-READY Lunch Combo on Nov. 11. The offer is available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time at participating locations and includes four slices of Detroit-style deep-dish pepperoni pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi. Proof of military service is required, according to the company.
LongHorn Steakhouse
LongHorn Steakhouse is offering veterans and active-duty military personnel 10% off their meal and a free appetizer or dessert for their table with the purchase of an adult entrée on Nov. 11. The offer is available for dine-in and call-in orders, according to the restaurant chain.
Olive Garden
Olive Garden is offering veterans and active-duty military personnel a complimentary entrée from a select dine-in menu on Nov. 11. The meal also includes the chain's unlimited breadsticks and choice of soup or salad, according to the restaurant chain.
Red Lobster
Veterans, active-duty military members and reservists can receive a free Shrimp & Chips meal at participating Red Lobster locations on Nov. 11. The meal includes shrimp, fries and coleslaw. The offer is available for dine-in only, and proof of military service is required, according to the restaurant chain.
Red Robin
Veterans and active-duty military members can receive a free Red's Big Tavern Burger with bottomless fries at participatingRed Robin locations on Nov. 11. The offer is available for dine-in only, and proof of military service is required, according to the restaurant chain.
Ruby Tuesday
Ruby Tuesday is offering veterans, active-duty military, Reserve and National Guard members a free entrée, Garden Bar and bottomless drink on Nov. 11. The offer includes select entrées valued at up to $17.99 and is available for dine-in only at participating locations.
Shake Shack
Active military personnel and veterans can get a free single ShackBurger atShake Shack locationsnationwide on Nov. 11. A valid military ID or proof of service are required, according to a news release shared with USA TODAY.
Sheetz
Sheetz is offering veterans and active-duty military personnel a free meal and car wash on Nov. 11. The convenience store chain said all veterans and active-duty military personnel can get a free half turkey sub and a regular size fountain drink for free, including extras and add-ons to the sub.
The car wash portion of the offer is valid for Sheetz's $9.99 car wash option and is available only at stores equipped with a car wash.
Proof of military service is required to redeem the offer, Sheetz said in a news release.
Sizzler
Veterans and active-duty service members can receive a complimentary lunch and nonalcoholic beverage at participating Sizzler locations on Nov. 11. The offer is available from opening until 4 p.m. local time. Guests can choose from a 6-ounce Tri-Tip Sirloin Steak, Malibu Chicken or half-dozen Crispy Shrimp, according to the restaurant chain.
Smashburger
Smashburger is offering veterans and active-duty military personnel a free All-American Smashburger on Nov. 11 at participating locations. A valid military ID or other proof of service is required, according to the restaurant chain.
Starbucks
Veterans, active-duty service members and military spouses can receive a free 12-ounce brewed coffee, hot or iced, at participatingStarbucks locations nationwide on Nov. 11, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Taco John's
Active-duty and retired military personnel can get a free small beef crispy or soft shell taco combo at Taco John's locations nationwide, available exclusively through the Taco John's app, on Nov. 11.
Texas Roadhouse
Texas Roadhouse is offering veterans and active-duty military personnel free meal vouchers from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time on Nov. 11 and are valid through May 31, 2027. The vouchers can be used for one of 10 entrées, two sides and a nonalcoholic beverage, according to the restaurant chain.
TGI Fridays
Veterans and active-duty military personnel can get a complimentary meal at participating TGI Fridays locations with a valid military ID on Wednesday, Nov. 11, the company said in a news release shared with USA TODAY.
The deal is only valid for dine-in from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time, according to the restaurant chain. Guests can choose from a select menu that includes:
- Cheeseburger with fries
- Chicken fingers with fries and coleslaw
- Chicken Caesar Salad
- Cajun shrimp and chicken pasta (half portion)
Torchy's Tacos
Torchy's Tacos is offering veterans and active-duty military personnel a free taco and drink on Nov. 11. The offer is available in-store at participating locations, and proof of military service is required, according to the restaurant chain.
Wendy's
Veterans and active-duty military members can get a free Dave's Single at participating Wendy's restaurantsnationwide on Nov. 11. The offer is available for orders placed inside the restaurant or at the drive thru. Customers only need to identify themselves as a veteran or active-duty service member.
Whataburger
Active-duty military and veterans can get a free taquito until 11 a.m. local time at Whataburger locations nationwide by presenting a valid military ID at the counter, the company said in a news release.
The offer is available in-store only at participating locations, limited to one per qualifying guest.
White Castle
White Castleis offering a free individual combo meal or a breakfast combo meal to all veterans and active-duty service members who dine at participating locations on Nov. 11. A valid military ID is required, according to a news release emailed to USA TODAY.
Yard House
Yard House is offering veterans and active-duty military personnel a free appetizer on Nov. 11. The offer is available at participating locations, according to the restaurant chain.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Veterans Day is Wednesday. Here’s where veterans eat free
