Veterans Day is coming up, and numerous restaurants are offering freebies and discounts to honor those who served.
The holiday falls on Wednesday, Nov. 11 and honors veterans and active service members. To celebrate, many chain restaurants offer special deals each year, and 2026 is no exception.
Whether you're looking for a discounted coffee or a free entree at a sit-down restaurant, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here's a look at what you'll find in the Pittsburgh area.
2026 Veterans Day food deals in Pittsburgh
Numerous restaurants are offering Veterans Day deals on Nov. 11. While not every location will ask for an ID, it's a good idea to bring your military or veteran ID in case it's requested.
Here's a list of places in the Pittsburgh area offering special deals for Veterans
Day, according to RestaurantNews.com:
- 7 Brew: Veterans can get 50% off any drink on Veterans Day.
- Applebee's: Veterans, active-duty military, reserves and National Guard members can get a complimentary full-size entrée when they dine in at Applebee's on Veterans Day.
- Bob Evans: Bob Evans is offering a free meal from a special Veterans Day menu for veterans and active-duty military.
- Bonefish Grill: Veterans, active-duty and retired military members, first responders and families can enjoy a complimentary order of Bang Bang Shrimp and a nonalcoholic beverage when they dine in at Bonefish Grill.
- Chipotle: Active-duty military members and veterans can get a free regular-size order of regular or chili lime chips with guac, Queso Blanco or salsa with a minimum $5 purchase at participating U.S. Chipotle locations.
- Eat'n Park: Throughout the month of November, veterans and active service members will get 10% dine-in orders when they present their military ID. The restaurant chain will also offer veterans and active service members a free Smiley Cookie on Veterans Day.
- Golden Corral: Golden Corral will celebrate its annual Military Appreciation Night on Veterans Day from 4 p.m. to close, offering all active service members, retired military and veterans a free "thank you" buffet and beverage.
- Outback Steakhouse: On both Nov. 10 and Nov. 11, active service members, retired military and veterans can get a free blooming onion and their choice of a Coca-Cola product or domestic draft beer. Rewards members who redeem the offer will earn a free Hero's Meal for a future visit.
- Red Robin: Veterans and active-duty military members can get a complimentary Red's Big Tavern Burger with Bottomless Steak Fries when they dine in on Veterans Day.
- Starbucks: Starbucks is offering veterans, active-duty military members and military spouses a free tall hot or iced coffee at participating locations on Nov. 11.
- Wendy's: On Veterans Day, veterans and active-duty military members can get a free Dave's Single burger at participating Wendy's locations.
Why is Veterans Day celebrated?
Veterans Day honors and thanks all individuals who served honorably in the military, in wartime or peacetime, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Originally known as Armistice Day, Veterans Day became a federal holiday in 1954. It was created by an act of Congress that changed the name to honor veterans of all wars.
Previously, Nov. 11 was established as a legal holiday in 1938, when it was called Armistice Day and commemorated the end of World War I.
Amaris Encinas contributed to this report.
Finch Walker is the Pittsburgh Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Contact Walker at FWalker@usatodayco.com. Instagram: @finchwalker_. X: @_finchwalker.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pittsburgh restaurants offer Veterans Day food freebies, discounts
