Veterans Day 2026 is Wednesday, Nov. 11, and dozens of national chains are thanking veterans and active-duty service members with free meals, discounts and free admission. We checked every offer below against the VA's official 2026 list and Military.com's list of company-confirmed offers, and we'll keep updating this page through Veterans Day.
A few things to know before you go:
- Bring proof of service. A military ID, VA health ID card, Veteran ID Card, a state driver's license with a veteran designation, or a copy of your DD-214 all work at most places.
- Franchises can opt out. Not every location of a national chain participates, so call your local restaurant before you drive over.
- Most free meals are dine-in only and come from a limited Veterans Day menu. Drinks and tip are usually not included.
- Some offers start early or last longer. Target's discount runs Nov. 5–11, and several restaurants hand out vouchers you can use later in November or beyond.
Free Meals on Veterans Day 2026
All offers below are on Nov. 11 for veterans and active-duty military unless noted. Offers verified Nov. 2, 2026, from VA News and Military.com.
| Restaurant | Free offer | Fine print |
|---|---|---|
| Applebee's | Entrée from a special Veterans Day menu | Dine-in only; proof of service; drinks and tip not included |
| Bob Evans | Meal from a special Veterans Day menu | Dine-in only; service ID required |
| Chili's | Entrée from a select Veterans Day menu | Dine-in only; participating locations; ID required |
| Denny's | Original Grand Slam | 5 a.m. to noon; dine-in; ID required |
| Golden Corral | Buffet at Military Appreciation Night | 4 p.m. to close; dine-in |
| IHOP | Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo | Dine-in; participating locations; proof of service |
| Olive Garden | Entrée from a special Veterans Day menu | Dine-in; proof of service |
| Red Lobster | Shrimp & Chips | Dine-in; veterans, active duty and reservists; ID required |
| Red Robin | Red's Big Tavern Burger with Bottomless Steak Fries | Dine-in; participating locations; ID required |
| Texas Roadhouse | Voucher for a free meal (10 entrées, 2 sides, drink) | Pick up 11 a.m.–2 p.m.; redeem through May 31, 2027 |
| Buffalo Wild Wings | 10 boneless wings and fries | Dine-in or counter order; valid ID or WeSalute+ card |
| Outback Steakhouse | Bloomin' Onion and a beverage | Nov. 10 and 11; plus a free Hero's Meal for a later visit via Dine Rewards |
| Dave & Buster's | Entrée up to $20 plus a $10 Power Card | In-store; military ID required |
| Ruby Tuesday | Everyday Fresh Meal (13 entrées) with Garden Bar and drink | Dine-in; includes Reserve and Guard |
| In-N-Out Burger | Any burger, fries and drink, plus a decal | Includes Reserve and Guard; proof of service |
| Hard Rock Cafe | Classic Smash Burger | All day; stacks with its 15% military discount |
| Bonefish Grill | Bang Bang Shrimp and a nonalcoholic drink | Includes families; valid ID |
| Cotton Patch Cafe | Chicken Fried Steak or Chicken Fried Chicken | Dine-in; military ID |
| California Pizza Kitchen | Entrée from a special menu and a nonalcoholic drink | |
| Lazy Dog | Fireside Favorites entrée, dessert and soda | Includes retirees, Reserve and Guard |
| Logan's Roadhouse | Meal from the Veterans Day menu | 11 a.m.–3 p.m. |
| Sizzler | Lunch and a nonalcoholic drink | Open to 4 p.m. |
| Shoney's | Legendary Breakfast Bar | Open to 11 a.m.; dine-in |
| White Castle | Combo or breakfast combo | Dine-in; participating locations |
| Sheetz | Half turkey sub and fountain drink, plus a free car wash | All locations; ID or proof of service |
| Pilot / Flying J | Sandwich and coffee or fountain drink | Claim in the Pilot app after ID.me verification |
| Mission BBQ | Sandwich | Veterans |
| Smashburger | All-American Smashburger | Participating locations; ID required |
| Hooters | Entrée from the Veterans Day menu | With a beverage purchase; dine-in |
| Twin Peaks | Entrée from a select menu | Plus 20% off for military all November |
| Freddy's | Card for a free combo meal | Redeem through Nov. 25, 2026 |
| Aspen Creek Grill | $15 meal voucher | Pick up 11 a.m.–6 p.m.; redeem through Dec. 24, 2026 |
| Starbucks | Tall brewed coffee, hot or iced | Also military spouses; participating stores |
| Dunkin' | Donut | Active and retired military; in-store only |
Veterans Day Restaurant Discounts
These restaurants are offering a discount or a free item with purchase rather than a full free meal.
| Restaurant | Offer | When |
|---|---|---|
| Chipotle | Free chips plus guac, queso blanco or salsa with a $5 purchase | Nov. 11, all day |
| Rubio's | Buy one entrée, get one free with code VETS26 | Nov. 11, in-store |
| Joe's Crab Shack | 20% off your meal | Nov. 11, dine-in |
| Eat'n Park | 10% off for you and your whole party, plus a free Smiley Cookie on Nov. 11 | All of November |
| Fogo de Chão | 50% off the Full or Indulgent Churrasco; 10% off for guests | Nov. 7 |
| McCormick & Schmick's | Half-priced select entrée (also Gold Star families) | Nov. 8 |
| CentraArchy Restaurants | 50% off your entrée | Nov. 11 |
| 54th Street Grill | Up to $10 off any entrée | Nov. 11, dine-in |
| BJ's Restaurant | Free Pizookie, plus a free appetizer coupon for Nov. 12–Dec. 31 | Nov. 11 |
| Yard House | Free appetizer | Nov. 11, dine-in |
| SONIC | Half-price shakes for all guests | Nov. 11 |
Veterans Day Retail, Travel and Attraction Deals
Retail and service offers below are from VA News and Military.com. Who qualifies varies more here, so check the fine print.
Shopping
| Store | Offer | When | Who |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target | 20% off | Nov. 5–11 | Active duty, veterans and families |
| Kohl's | 30% off, in-store | Nov. 10–11 | Military, veterans, retirees and families |
| Walgreens | 20% off eligible regular-price items, in-store | Veterans Day promotion | Veterans, active duty and families |
| Rack Room Shoes | 20% off, in-store | Nov. 11 | Veterans, active duty and dependents |
| Publix | 10% off groceries | Nov. 11 | Veterans, active duty and families |
| Food Lion | 10% off, in-store, with MVP card | Nov. 11 | Veterans and active duty |
| Tractor Supply | 10% off through Hometown Heroes | Veterans Day | Verified military |
| Exchange (AAFES) | Sales on electronics, clothing and shoes | Nov. 6–12 | Exchange shoppers |
| DEVIL-DOG Dungarees | 50% off sitewide | Nov. 2–13 | Military, veterans, spouses and families |
Haircuts and car care (Nov. 11)
- Great Clips: free haircut for veterans and active duty.
- Sport Clips: free or discounted haircuts at participating locations.
- AutoNation: 15% off service, parts and accessories.
- Grace for Vets: free car washes at participating washes nationwide.
Attractions and museums
| Attraction | Offer | When |
|---|---|---|
| National parks | Free entry for everyone | Nov. 11 |
| Colonial Williamsburg | Free admission for military, veterans and dependents | Nov. 6–11 |
| LEGOLAND Florida and New York | Free admission for military and veterans; discounted guest tickets | Oct. 1–Nov. 30 |
| San Antonio Zoo | Free admission; 50% off for up to four family members | All of November |
| Mount Vernon | Free admission for active duty and veterans | Nov. 11 |
| Museum of the American Revolution | Free admission, including Blue Star families | Nov. 8–11 |
| National WWI Museum and Memorial | Free admission for veterans and active duty | Nov. 6–9 and 11 |
| Harley-Davidson Museum | Free admission plus a guest and up to four kids | Nov. 11 |
| Aquarium of the Pacific | Free admission; reservations required | Nov. 11 |
| American Revolution Museum at Yorktown and Jamestown Settlement | Free admission plus up to three family members | Nov. 11 |
Tips for Veterans Day
- Call ahead. Franchise locations can skip national promotions, and hours for some offers are short (Denny's ends at noon; Golden Corral starts at 4 p.m.).
- Go early or late. Lunch and dinner rushes on Nov. 11 are long at the biggest chains. Mid-afternoon is usually quietest.
- Grab the vouchers. Texas Roadhouse, Freddy's, Aspen Creek Grill and Outback give you something to use later, so you can spread the thank-yous across the month.
- Tip on the full value. Your server is working the busiest shift of the year.
- Remember the year-round discounts. Many of these brands offer a military discount every day, not just on Veterans Day. Browse them all in our military discounts directory.
Veterans Day is one day; military discounts are all year. Join My Military Lifestyle for free and get 2,000+ verified military discounts in one place. Join free →
Veterans Day 2026 FAQ
When is Veterans Day 2026?
Veterans Day 2026 is Wednesday, Nov. 11. It's a federal holiday observed on the day itself.
Do veterans eat free on Veterans Day?
Yes. More than 30 national chains offer a free meal on Nov. 11, including Applebee's, Chili's, Olive Garden, Red Robin, Denny's, Bob Evans and Golden Corral. Most are dine-in only and come from a limited menu.
Do active-duty service members get Veterans Day free meals too?
At most chains, yes. Nearly every restaurant above includes active duty; some, like Ruby Tuesday, In-N-Out and Lazy Dog, also name Reserve and National Guard members.
Can military spouses and families get Veterans Day deals?
Some offers include them. Starbucks includes military spouses, Bonefish Grill includes families, and Target, Kohl's, Walgreens and Publix extend their discounts to families. Most free meals are for the service member or veteran only.
What ID do I need for Veterans Day discounts?
A military ID, VA health ID card, Veteran ID Card, a driver's license with a veteran designation, or a copy of your DD-214. Some offers, like Pilot's, verify you online through ID.me.
Is Applebee's giving free meals on Veterans Day 2026?
Yes. Veterans and active duty get a free entrée from a special Veterans Day menu on Nov. 11, dine-in only, with proof of service.
Offers are set by each business and can change or vary by location. Sources: VA News 2026 Veterans Day list, Military.com restaurant list, Military.com Veterans Day deals.
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