Veterans Day 2026 is bringing a wide range of free food and restaurant discounts for military veterans and active-duty service members across the United States. Several national and regional restaurant chains are offering complimentary meals, burgers, pizza, coffee, smoothies and desserts to recognize the service and sacrifices of America’s military community.
Veterans Day falls on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. Many promotions are available for one day only, while some restaurants are extending their offers across several days or providing vouchers that can be redeemed later.
A November 10 roundup from TODAY highlighted 65 Veterans Day food deals and restaurant discounts. The offers include everything from free entrées to half-price drinks. However, eligibility rules, participating locations and proof-of-service requirements differ between businesses.
Here is a guide to some of the notable Veterans Day 2026 restaurant offers and what eligible customers should know before visiting.
Veterans Day 2026: Free Meals and Restaurant Deals
Several popular restaurant chains are offering free meals or special menu items on November 11. Some promotions are limited to dine-in customers, while others may allow in-store pickup.
1. Applebee’s
Applebee’s is offering veterans and active-duty military members a free full-size entrée from a special Veterans Day menu on November 11.
The menu includes seven choices, such as a 6-ounce Top Sirloin, Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, Chicken Tenders Platter, Double Crunch Shrimp, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Oriental Chicken Salad and Three-Cheese Chicken Penne.
Eligible customers who dine in will also receive a $5 Bounce Back Card for a future purchase. The card can be redeemed through November 29, 2026. Proof of military service is required, and the offer is available at participating locations.
2. 7 Brew
7 Brew is giving veterans 50% off any drink on Wednesday, November 11. The offer provides a discount for customers who prefer coffee and other specialty beverages rather than a full restaurant meal.
Veterans should check with their nearest participating stand for redemption requirements.
3. Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza & Wings
Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza & Wings is offering veterans and active-duty military members 10% off their dine-in purchase on Veterans Day.
Customers must present valid military identification to receive the discount. Alcohol purchases are excluded.
4. Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar is offering a free BD’s All-American Burger with cheese and a classic side to veterans and active-duty service members.
The offer is available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on November 11. Customers must dine in and show valid military identification or other proof of service.
5. Baya Bar
Baya Bar is offering veterans and active-duty military members a complimentary smoothie on Veterans Day.
Customers should contact their local Baya Bar before visiting to confirm participation and any identification requirements.
6. BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse is giving current and former military members a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie when they dine in on November 11.
The dessert offer gives eligible customers another option for celebrating Veterans Day without purchasing a full meal.
7. Blaze Pizza
Participating Blaze Pizza locations are offering veterans and active-duty military personnel a free one-topping pizza on November 11.
Customers should confirm that their nearest restaurant is participating and ask about the required proof of service.
8. Bubbakoo’s Burritos
Bubbakoo’s Burritos is offering veterans and active-duty military members a free chicken or beef burrito or bowl on November 11.
The offer is available all day for in-restaurant orders with valid military identification. Additional charges may apply for modifications and extra toppings.
More Confirmed Veterans Day 2026 Food Offers
Beyond the restaurants highlighted in the TODAY roundup, several other chains have announced Veterans Day promotions through their own websites or military and veterans’ organizations.
9. In-N-Out Burger
In-N-Out Burger is offering veterans, active-duty military members, Reservists and National Guard members a complimentary meal on November 11.
Eligible customers can choose a burger, fries and beverage from the restaurant’s menu. Proof of military service is required.
10. Red Robin
Red Robin is offering a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger with bottomless fries to veterans and active-duty military members.
The promotion is available for dine-in customers at participating restaurants. Customers must provide proof of service.
11. Red Lobster
Red Lobster is offering eligible veterans, active-duty military members and Reservists a free Shrimp & Chips meal on November 11.
The offer is dine-in only, and customers must show valid military identification.
12. Golden Corral
Golden Corral is continuing its annual Military Appreciation Night on November 11.
Veterans, active-duty service members and eligible retired military personnel can receive a complimentary Thank You buffet and beverage from 4 p.m. until closing. The promotion is available for dine-in customers.
13. Denny’s
Denny’s is offering eligible veterans and active-duty military members a free Original Grand Slam breakfast from 5 a.m. until noon on November 11.
Customers must visit participating restaurants and provide a valid military ID or DD-214 to redeem the offer.
14. Chili’s
Chili’s is offering a free entrée from a special Veterans Day menu to veterans and active-duty military members at participating locations.
The promotion is available for dine-in customers on November 11. Proof of military service is required.
15. Bonefish Grill
Bonefish Grill is offering veterans, active-duty military members and eligible family members a complimentary Bang Bang Shrimp entrée and a nonalcoholic beverage on November 11.
Customers should confirm the offer with their local restaurant before visiting.
16. Bob Evans
Bob Evans is offering veterans and active-duty military members a free meal from a special Veterans Day menu.
The offer is available for dine-in customers on November 11, with valid proof of military service required.
17. Circle K
Circle K is offering veterans one free medium hot or iced coffee on November 11.
The promotion is available at participating locations, and veterans must present valid military identification. No additional purchase is required.
18. Hot Dog on a Stick
Hot Dog on a Stick is giving veterans and active-duty military members a free 16-ounce Original Lemonade on November 11.
The offer is available at participating stores, and no purchase is necessary. Customers must show valid military identification.
19. Ruby Tuesday
Ruby Tuesday is offering veterans, active-duty military members, Reservists and National Guard members a complimentary Everyday Fresh Meal valued at up to $17.99.
The meal includes one entrée from a selection of 13 options, access to the Garden Bar and a bottomless drink. The promotion is for dine-in customers at participating locations.
20. Shake Shack
Shake Shack is offering veterans and active military personnel a free single ShackBurger on November 11.
Eligible customers can redeem the offer in participating restaurants by presenting a valid military ID or other proof of service. No purchase is required.
21. Sizzler
Sizzler is offering veterans and active-duty service members a complimentary lunch and nonalcoholic beverage on November 11, from opening until 4 p.m.
Eligible customers can choose from a selection that includes Tri-Tip Sirloin Steak, Malibu Chicken or Crispy Shrimp.
22. Smashburger
Smashburger is offering veterans a free All-American Smashburger at participating locations on November 11. Customers must provide proof of military service.
23. Aspen Creek Grill
Aspen Creek Grill is offering veterans and active-duty military members a free $15 meal voucher.
Eligible customers can collect the voucher between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. on November 11. It can be redeemed through December 24, 2026, at participating locations. The offer is dine-in only.
24. Buffalo Wild Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings is offering veterans and active-duty military members 10 free boneless wings and fries at participating sports bars.
The offer is available for dine-in customers with valid proof of service. Participating Buffalo Wild Wings GO locations may have separate redemption conditions.
25. California Pizza Kitchen
California Pizza Kitchen is offering veterans and active-duty military members a complimentary entrée and beverage from a special menu on November 11.
The promotion is available at participating restaurants and requires proof of service.
26. Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme is offering veterans and active-duty military members a free doughnut of their choice and a small hot or iced coffee on November 11 at participating locations.
Customers should confirm local availability before visiting.
27. Little Caesars
Little Caesars is offering veterans and active-duty military members a free HOT-N-READY Lunch Combo on November 11.
The combo includes four slices of Detroit-style Deep Dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi beverage. The offer is available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at participating locations.
28. LongHorn Steakhouse
LongHorn Steakhouse is offering veterans and active-duty military members 10% off their meal, along with a free appetizer or dessert on November 11.
Customers should check with their local restaurant about eligible orders and proof-of-service requirements.
29. IHOP
IHOP is among the restaurants included in 2026 Veterans Day deal roundups. Veterans and active-duty military members should check participating locations for the current breakfast promotion and its eligibility requirements before visiting.
30. Rubio’s
Rubio’s is offering veterans a buy-one-get-one-free entrée promotion on November 11 using the code VETS26.
The offer is valid for in-store purchases at participating locations, with military identification required.
What Veterans Should Bring to Claim Free Meals
Although many restaurants are offering complimentary meals, customers may need to show proof of military service before receiving their discounts.
Accepted documents can vary by restaurant, but commonly include:
- A valid military identification card.
- A Veterans Affairs identification card.
- A retired military identification card.
- A DD-214 discharge document.
- A current Leave and Earnings Statement.
- A state-issued driver’s license with a veteran designation.
- A photograph of the customer in military uniform, where accepted.
Some restaurants accept multiple forms of documentation, while others require a specific military ID. It is best to check the restaurant’s official promotion details before leaving home.
Important Rules Before Visiting a Restaurant
Veterans Day promotions are not identical across all restaurant locations. Some deals are available nationwide, while others apply only to selected regions or participating outlets.
Many free meals are dine-in only. Some offers exclude beverages, alcohol, taxes, gratuity or additional menu items. A free entrée does not necessarily mean that the entire restaurant bill will be covered.
Customers should also check whether the promotion is limited to veterans, active-duty military members, Reservists, National Guard members or a combination of these groups.
Calling the restaurant before visiting can help avoid confusion, especially during busy Veterans Day lunch and dinner hours.
Why Restaurants Offer Veterans Day Free Meals
Veterans Day is observed every November 11 to recognize Americans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Restaurants and other businesses use the occasion to express appreciation through complimentary food, discounts and community programs.
For some restaurant chains, the annual promotions have become a long-standing tradition. Applebee’s, for example, says it has served more than 12.7 million complimentary Veterans Day meals over the past 19 years.
These offers are a small gesture of appreciation for the service and sacrifices made by military members and their families.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Veterans Day 2026?
Veterans Day 2026 is Wednesday, November 11.
Which restaurants are offering free meals on Veterans Day 2026?
Participating restaurants include Applebee’s, In-N-Out Burger, Red Robin, Red Lobster, Golden Corral, Denny’s, Chili’s, Blaze Pizza, Bob Evans and several others.
Do veterans need military ID to get free food?
Many restaurants require a valid military ID or other proof of service. Accepted documents vary by business.
Can active-duty military members claim Veterans Day food deals?
Yes. Many participating restaurants extend their promotions to active-duty military members, although eligibility differs by offer.
Are Veterans Day restaurant deals available for family members?
Some businesses include family members in their promotions, but many free meals are limited to the eligible veteran or service member. Check the individual restaurant’s terms.
Are all Veterans Day food deals available nationwide?
No. Some offers are limited to participating locations or specific regions. Customers should confirm availability with their local restaurant.
Do free Veterans Day meals include drinks and tips?
Not always. Some promotions cover only a selected entrée, while others include a beverage or side. Taxes and gratuity may remain the customer’s responsibility.
Final Word
Veterans Day 2026 offers a variety of free meals, restaurant discounts and special treats for America’s veterans and active-duty military community. From Applebee’s complimentary entrée and In-N-Out’s free meal to coffee, pizza, burgers and desserts, eligible customers have several ways to enjoy the promotions on November 11.
Before visiting, check the restaurant’s official website, confirm local participation and bring acceptable proof of military service. Offers can change, and individual locations may apply additional restrictions.
Most importantly, Veterans Day is about recognizing the people who served the country. These restaurant promotions are one way businesses are expressing their appreciation.