Every year on Veterans Day, restaurants across America say thank you with a free meal for the people who served. This page lists thirty-five of them for Wednesday 11 November 2026 — each checked on 11 November 2026 on the restaurant's own official page, except for the ones that are listed on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' official 2026 list or on Military.com's 2026 Veterans Day list, which we say clearly next to each of them. All thirty-five are dine-in only, and all thirty-five are free with no purchase.
Checked on 11 November 2026. Bring proof of service — a military ID, VA card or DD-214 — and call your local restaurant first: every offer is at participating locations only. Golden Corral is the one exception on ID: it asks for none.
Free Veterans Day meals — Wednesday 11 November 2026
Thirty-five free meals, one day only. Dine-in, proof of service, no purchase needed at any of them.
Applebee's — free entrée + $5 Bounce Back Card
One full-size entrée from a seven-item menu, free for veterans, active-duty military, Reserves and National Guard — dine-in on Wednesday 11 November 2026, with proof of service. You also get a $5 Bounce Back Card to use on a return visit by 29 November 2026. Valid until: 11 November 2026 (one day only). See the announcement →
Chili's — free Veterans Day meal
One free entrée from a limited menu — Chicken Crispers, Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas, the Oldtimer Burger, or Soup & House Salad — for veterans and active military members. Dine-in only, at participating restaurants. Valid until: 11 November 2026 (one day only). Claim it at Chili's →
IHOP — free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo
A free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo — two buttermilk pancakes with glazed strawberries and blueberry topping, two eggs, hash browns and bacon or sausage — for veterans and active-duty military, 7am to 7pm on Wednesday 11 November 2026, dine-in at participating restaurants, one per guest, with a military ID or proof of service. Valid until: 11 November 2026 (one day only). Confirmed for 2026 by IHOP itself, as listed in the 2026 Veterans Day guides — we could not find a 2026 page for this offer on IHOP's own site, so call your local restaurant before going. See the 2026 Veterans Day guide →
Golden Corral — free buffet dinner
A full endless buffet dinner plus a beverage, free for anyone who has served in the U.S. Military — retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard and Reserves. Served 4pm to close on 11 November 2026, dine-in only, and no military ID is required. Family and friends are welcome but pay regular prices. Valid until: 11 November 2026, 4pm–close. Claim it at Golden Corral →
Denny's — free Original Grand Slam
One free Original Grand Slam for active, non-active and retired military — served 5am to noon on 11 November 2026, dine-in only, with a valid military ID or DD-214. Valid until: 11 November 2026, 5am–noon. See the announcement →
Outback Steakhouse — free Bloomin' Onion + drink
A free Bloomin' Onion plus a Coca-Cola product — or, for guests 21 and over, a 16 oz domestic draft beer — for active and retired military and veterans, dine-in 10–11 November 2026. Dine Rewards members who dine 10–11 November also earn a free Hero's Meal for a future visit, redeemable 16 November 2026 to 2 May 2027. Valid until: 10–11 November 2026. Claim it at Outback →
Red Robin — free burger + bottomless fries
A free Red's Big Tavern Burger with Bottomless Steak Fries — no purchase needed — for veterans and active-duty military, dine-in on 11 November 2026, with a valid military ID or proof of service. Valid until: 11 November 2026 (one day only). See the announcement →
Ruby Tuesday — free Everyday Fresh Meal
Any Everyday Fresh Meal — an entrée plus the Garden Bar and a bottomless drink, up to $17.99 — free for veterans, retired, active and Reserve military, dine-in all day on 11 November 2026, with proof of service. Excludes Guam, Hawaii and airport locations. Valid until: 11 November 2026 (one day only). Claim it at Ruby Tuesday →
Bob Evans — free Veterans Day meal
A free meal from a special Veterans Day menu for veterans and active duty, dine-in on Wednesday 11 November 2026, with a valid service ID. Valid until: 11 November 2026 (one day only). Listed on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' official 2026 Veterans Day list — we could not find a 2026 page for this offer on Bob Evans's own site, so call your local restaurant before going. See the VA list →
In-N-Out Burger — free Veterans Day meal
A complimentary meal — any burger, fries and a beverage — plus a special-edition Veterans Day decal, for current and former members of the U.S. military, on Wednesday 11 November 2026. Present proof of military service. Valid until: 11 November 2026 (one day only). Listed on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' official 2026 Veterans Day list — we could not find a 2026 page for this offer on In-N-Out's own site, so call your local restaurant before going. See the VA list →
Shake Shack — free ShackBurger
One free single ShackBurger for active military personnel and veterans who show a valid military ID or proof of service — no purchase required — at Shacks nationwide on Wednesday 11 November 2026. Valid until: 11 November 2026 (one day only). Listed on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' official 2026 Veterans Day list — we could not find a 2026 page for this offer on Shake Shack's own site, so call your local restaurant before going. See the VA list →
Freddy's — free combo-meal card
A free combo-meal card for veterans and active duty who visit on Wednesday 11 November 2026 — the card itself is redeemable through 25 November 2026, so you don't have to eat the same day. Valid until: pick up 11 November 2026; redeem by 25 November 2026. Listed on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' official 2026 Veterans Day list — we could not find a 2026 page for this offer on Freddy's's own site, so call your local restaurant before going. See the VA list →
Circle K — free coffee
One free medium hot or iced coffee on Wednesday 11 November 2026 — no purchase required — for veterans, at participating Circle K locations across the US. Present a valid military ID at purchase. Valid until: 11 November 2026 (one day only). Listed on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' official 2026 Veterans Day list — we could not find a 2026 page for this offer on Circle K's own site, so call your local restaurant before going. See the VA list →
Starbucks — free brewed coffee
One free 12-oz hot or iced brewed coffee on Wednesday 11 November 2026 for veterans, service members and spouses, at participating Starbucks stores. Valid until: 11 November 2026 (one day only). Listed on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' official 2026 Veterans Day list — we could not find a 2026 page for this offer on Starbucks's own site, so call your local restaurant before going. See the VA list →
Sizzler — free lunch
A complimentary lunch and a non-alcoholic beverage on Wednesday 11 November 2026, from open until 4pm, for veterans and active duty service members. Choose between three dishes: 6 oz Tri-Tip Sirloin Steak, Malibu Chicken or half a dozen Crispy Shrimp. Valid until: 11 November 2026, open–4pm. Listed on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' official 2026 Veterans Day list — we could not find a 2026 page for this offer on Sizzler's own site, so call your local restaurant before going. See the VA list →
Smashburger — free Smashburger
A free All-American Smashburger on Wednesday 11 November 2026 for veterans, at participating locations, with ID. Valid until: 11 November 2026 (one day only). Listed on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' official 2026 Veterans Day list — we could not find a 2026 page for this offer on Smashburger's own site, so call your local restaurant before going. See the VA list →
Torchy's Tacos — free taco + drink
A free taco plus a drink for veterans and active duty on Wednesday 11 November 2026, in-store only, with proof of service. Valid until: 11 November 2026 (one day only). Listed on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' official 2026 Veterans Day list — we could not find a 2026 page for this offer on Torchy's Tacos's own site, so call your local restaurant before going. See the VA list →
Twin Peaks — free entrée
A complimentary entrée all day on Wednesday 11 November 2026 at any Twin Peaks restaurant nationwide, for veterans and active-duty service members with a valid military ID. Choose from five meals, including a Cheeseburger & Fries, Chicken Tenders & Fries, Chicken Caesar Salad, OG Pepperoni Flatbread or Boneless Wings & Fries. Valid until: 11 November 2026 (one day only). Listed on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' official 2026 Veterans Day list — we could not find a 2026 page for this offer on Twin Peaks's own site, so call your local restaurant before going. See the VA list →
Bar Louie — free burger
A free burger (excluding the Big Louie) for veterans and active duty on 10–11 November 2026, dine-in only, with ID. Valid until: 10–11 November 2026. Listed on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' official 2026 Veterans Day list — we could not find a 2026 page for this offer on Bar Louie's own site, so call your local restaurant before going. See the VA list →
Biscuit Belly — free breakfast biscuit + drink
A free breakfast biscuit sandwich plus a coffee or fountain drink for veterans and active duty on Wednesday 11 November 2026, dine-in only. Valid until: 11 November 2026 (one day only). Listed on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' official 2026 Veterans Day list — we could not find a 2026 page for this offer on Biscuit Belly's own site, so call your local restaurant before going. See the VA list →
Bonefish Grill — free Bang Bang Shrimp
A free Bang Bang Shrimp entrée plus a non-alcoholic beverage for veterans, active duty and families on Wednesday 11 November 2026, with ID. Valid until: 11 November 2026 (one day only). Listed on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' official 2026 Veterans Day list — we could not find a 2026 page for this offer on Bonefish Grill's own site, so call your local restaurant before going. See the VA list →
Cotton Patch Cafe — free entrée
A free Chicken Fried Steak or Chicken Fried Chicken entrée for veterans and active duty on Wednesday 11 November 2026, dine-in only, with military ID. Valid until: 11 November 2026 (one day only). Listed on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' official 2026 Veterans Day list — we could not find a 2026 page for this offer on Cotton Patch Cafe's own site, so call your local restaurant before going. See the VA list →
Hot Dog on a Stick — free lemonade
A free 16 oz Original Lemonade for veterans and active duty military members on Wednesday 11 November 2026, at participating locations nationwide. Redeem in-store with a valid military ID; no purchase necessary. Valid until: 11 November 2026 (one day only). Listed on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' official 2026 Veterans Day list — we could not find a 2026 page for this offer on Hot Dog on a Stick's own site, so call your local restaurant before going. See the VA list →
Yard House — free appetizer
A free appetizer for veterans and active duty military on Wednesday 11 November 2026 — ask your server for details. Valid until: 11 November 2026 (one day only). Listed on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' official 2026 Veterans Day list — we could not find a 2026 page for this offer on Yard House's own site, so call your local restaurant before going. See the VA list →
World of Beer — free Smash Burger + fries
A complimentary meal at participating World of Beer locations nationwide on Wednesday 11 November 2026 — a free Smash Burger and a side of fries — for veterans and active-duty service members. Valid until: 11 November 2026 (one day only). Listed on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' official 2026 Veterans Day list — we could not find a 2026 page for this offer on World of Beer's own site, so call your local restaurant before going. See the VA list →
Aspen Creek Grill — free $15 meal voucher
A free $15 meal voucher for veterans and active duty on Wednesday 11 November 2026, available 11am–6pm, dine-in only, with ID. The voucher is redeemable through 24 December 2026. Valid until: pick up 11 November 2026; redeem by 24 December 2026. Listed on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' official 2026 Veterans Day list — we could not find a 2026 page for this offer on Aspen Creek Grill's own site, so call your local restaurant before going. See the VA list →
Hoss's Steak and Sea House — free bar + iced tea
A free Soup, Salad, Bread, Nacho & Dessert Bar and an Iced Tea for veterans on Wednesday 11 November 2026, dine-in only. After dining, veterans also receive a $10 off $40 voucher for a next visit, while supplies last (voucher expires 25 November 2026). Valid until: 11 November 2026 (one day only). Listed on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' official 2026 Veterans Day list — we could not find a 2026 page for this offer on Hoss's's own site, so call your local restaurant before going. See the VA list →
Marzoni's — free draft beer or drink
One free 12 oz draft beer or non-alcoholic drink for veterans on Wednesday 11 November 2026, dine-in only, one drink per veteran. Valid until: 11 November 2026 (one day only). Listed on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' official 2026 Veterans Day list — we could not find a 2026 page for this offer on Marzoni's's own site, so call your local restaurant before going. See the VA list →
Prince St. Pizza — free slice
A complimentary slice for veterans and active duty military members at all Prince St. Pizza locations nationwide on Wednesday 11 November 2026. Valid until: 11 November 2026 (one day only). Listed on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' official 2026 Veterans Day list — we could not find a 2026 page for this offer on Prince St. Pizza's own site, so call your local restaurant before going. See the VA list →
California Pizza Kitchen — free entrée + drink
A free entrée from a special Veterans Day menu plus a free non-alcoholic drink for veterans and active-duty military, dine-in at participating locations on Wednesday 11 November 2026, with military ID or other proof of service (or in uniform). You also get a buy-one-get-one coupon valid 12–25 November. Valid until: 11 November 2026 (one day only). Listed on Military.com's 2026 Veterans Day list (updated 8 November 2026) — we could not find a 2026 page for this offer on California Pizza Kitchen's own site, so call your local restaurant before going. See California Pizza Kitchen's site →
Blaze Pizza — free one-topping pizza
A free one-topping pizza for veterans and active-duty military members who order in-store on Wednesday 11 November 2026, at participating locations. No purchase required. Valid until: 11 November 2026 (one day only). Listed on Military.com's 2026 Veterans Day list (updated 8 November 2026) — we could not find a 2026 page for this offer on Blaze Pizza's own site, so call your local restaurant before going. See Blaze Pizza's site →
Little Caesars — free lunch combo
A free HOT-N-READY Lunch Combo — four slices of Detroit-Style Deep Dish pepperoni pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi product — for veterans and active military, 11am–2pm local time on Wednesday 11 November 2026, in store only (not online, app or delivery). Show proof of service at the counter; while supplies last. Valid until: 11 November 2026, 11am–2pm. Listed on Military.com's 2026 Veterans Day list (updated 8 November 2026) — we could not find a 2026 page for this offer on Little Caesars's own site, so call your local restaurant before going. See Little Caesars's site →
Buffalo Wild Wings — 10 free boneless wings + fries
10 free boneless wings and fries for veterans and active-duty service members on Wednesday 11 November 2026, with a valid ID or WeSalute+ ID card. Dine-in, counter walk-in or Buffalo Wild Wings GO orders — note that GO locations require a $5 purchase for the offer. Valid until: 11 November 2026 (one day only). Listed on Military.com's 2026 Veterans Day list (updated 8 November 2026) — we could not find a 2026 page for this offer on Buffalo Wild Wings's own site, so call your local restaurant before going. See Buffalo Wild Wings's site →
Texas Roadhouse — meal voucher (pick up 11 Nov)
A meal voucher for one of ten entrées plus two sides and a drink, for veterans and active-duty military. Pick it up in person on 11 November 2026 between 11am and 2pm with proof of service — the voucher itself stays good through 31 May 2027. Valid until: pick up 11 November 2026; voucher good through 31 May 2027. Listed on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' official 2026 Veterans Day list — we could not find a 2026 page for this offer on Texas Roadhouse's own site, so call your local restaurant before going. See the VA list →
Red Lobster — free Veterans Shrimp & Chips
A Veterans Shrimp & Chips meal — six Walt's Favorite Shrimp, fries and coleslaw — free for veterans, active duty and reservists, dine-in on 11 November 2026, with a military ID or proof of service. Valid until: 11 November 2026 (one day only). Listed on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' official 2026 Veterans Day list — we could not find a 2026 page for this offer on Red Lobster's own site, so call your local restaurant before going. See the VA list →
Also free on Veterans Day
Not a meal, but free on the same day — a haircut and a national park.
Great Clips — free haircut
A free haircut for veterans and active duty on Wednesday 11 November 2026, at participating Great Clips salons. Anyone getting a haircut that day can also request a free haircut card to give to a veteran. Valid until: 11 November 2026 (one day only). Listed on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' official 2026 Veterans Day list — we could not find a 2026 page for this offer on Great Clips's own site, so call your local restaurant before going. See the VA list →
National Parks — free entry for everyone
Free entry to every US national park on Wednesday 11 November 2026 — for all visitors, not only veterans. Veterans and active duty also qualify for free annual and lifetime passes year-round. Valid until: 11 November 2026 (one day only). Listed on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' official 2026 Veterans Day list — we could not find a 2026 page for this offer on National Park Service's own site, so call your local restaurant before going. See the VA list →
🔗 See also
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for a free Veterans Day meal?
Veterans, active-duty military, and in most cases retirees, Reservists and National Guard members. Each restaurant sets its own rules — Golden Corral covers anyone who served, including retirees and Guard/Reserves, and Outback covers active and retired military and veterans. Bring proof of service.
What ID or proof of service do I need?
A valid military ID, VA card or DD-214 is accepted at most places. Golden Corral asks for no ID at all. Texas Roadhouse asks for proof of service when you pick up the voucher. Call your local restaurant if you are unsure.
Are the meals dine-in only?
Yes, all thirty-five are dine-in only. Golden Corral's free dinner cannot be taken out, and Chili's and Red Robin serve from a limited dine-in menu. No takeout, no delivery.
Is the free meal really free — any purchase needed?
Yes, free with no purchase at all nine restaurants. The only extras are drinks and tips, which are not included. Outback's free drink is a Coca-Cola product or, for guests 21 and over, a 16 oz domestic draft beer.
Can my family eat free too?
No — the free meal is for the person who served. Family and friends are welcome to come along and pay regular menu prices. Outback's Dine Rewards bonus (a free Hero's Meal for a future visit) is earned when a member dines on 10–11 November.
What about Texas Roadhouse and Red Lobster?
Both are listed on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' official 2026 Veterans Day list, but we could not find a 2026 page for either offer on the chain's own website — so call your local restaurant before going. The Texas Roadhouse voucher is picked up in person on 11 November, 11am–2pm, and is redeemable through 31 May 2027.
What if my local restaurant is not participating?
All the offers are at participating locations only, so call ahead before you go — Chili's says so on its own page. If your nearest branch is not taking part, try another chain on this page.
Which meals are only on the official Veterans Day lists?
Twenty-three of the meals on this page are listed on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' official 2026 Veterans Day list, and four more — California Pizza Kitchen, Blaze Pizza, Little Caesars and Buffalo Wild Wings — are on Military.com's 2026 Veterans Day list. We could not find a 2026 page for any of them on the chain's own website, so each one is marked clearly and you should call your local restaurant before going. The other seven meals are confirmed on the restaurants' own pages.
Sources
- Applebee's — Veterans Day free meals (press release)
- Chili's — free Veterans Day meal
- Golden Corral — Military Appreciation Night
- Denny's — Veterans Day free Grand Slam (press release)
- Outback Steakhouse — Military Mates Veterans Day offer
- Red Robin — free Veterans Day burger (press release)
- Ruby Tuesday — Veterans Day free meal
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — 2026 Veterans Day discounts and free meals
- US Military — 2026 Veterans Day free meals (IHOP confirmed by the company)
- Buffalo Wild Wings — official site
- Blaze Pizza — official site
- Little Caesars — official site
- California Pizza Kitchen — official site
Every offer on this page was checked on 11 November 2026 against the official page linked above. Offers change or end without notice — always re-check the official page before you sign up. Prices after a trial are the prices shown on the official page on 11 November 2026 and can change.