Veterans Day 2026: free meals, discounts, and deals at top restaurants

Veterans Day takes place on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026. To honor veterans and active-duty military personnel, numerous restaurants and retailers across the country are providing complimentary meals, beverages, special discounts, and promotions.

About 30 restaurant brands are participating in this year’s national promotions, with some offers even providing return deals. Participation and terms differ by location, and many deals require proof of military service.

Here’s a list of some free meals and deals available this Veterans Day:

Applebee’s

Veterans and active-duty military can choose from seven free entrées on Nov. 11. Options are a 6 oz. Top Sirloin, Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, Chicken Tenders Platter, Double Crunch Shrimp, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Oriental Chicken Salad and Three-Cheese Chicken Penne. The offer applies only for in-restaurant diners. 

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse

Current and former military members who dine in on Nov. 11 get a complimentary Chocolate Chunk Pizookie.

Buffalo Wild Wings

Veterans get 10 free boneless wings and a side of fries to all past and present members of the U.S. armed services for dine-in or walk-in counter orders. 

Chick-fil-A

Any Veterans Day discounts are at the discretion of individual restaurant operators and vary by location.

Chili’s Grill & Bar

Veterans can get a free meal from a select menu, which includes chicken crispers, chicken bacon ranch quesadillas, cheeseburger or a soup and house salad. 

Denny’s

Veterans and active-duty military can get a free Original Grand Slam from 5 a.m. to noon.

Dunkin’

Retired veterans and active-duty military get a free doughnut, in-store only. 

IHOP

Veterans can choose between free Red, White & Blueberry Pancakes or a free Pancake Combo, with pancakes, eggs, a breakfast meat and golden hash browns. 

Little Caesars

Veterans get a free HOT-N-READY lunch combo from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

LongHorn Steakhouse

Veterans receive 10 percent off their meal, plus a free appetizer or dessert available for dine-in or call-in orders.

McDonald’s

Individual franchise owners determine whether to offer Veterans Day discounts; offers vary by location.

The Melting Pot

Individual franchise owners determine whether to offer Veterans Day discounts; offers vary by location.

Olive Garden

Veterans can get a free entrée from a special menu, including the chain’s unlimited soup or salad and warm garlic breadsticks. 

Outback Steakhouse

Veterans and active-duty military can get a free Bloomin’ Onion and beverage on Nov. 10 and 11. Outback also offers a 10% Military Mates discount year-round. Dine-in only.

P.F. Chang’s

Veterans and active-duty military can get a complimentary Lunch Special from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 11 at participating locations nationwide.

Raising Cane’s

Veterans, active-duty military, first responders and their families receive a 10% Hero Discount on the entire purchase on Nov. 11, for dine-in and drive-thru diners. 

Red Robin

Veterans can get a complimentary Red’s Big Tavern Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries when dining in at participating restaurants.

Shake Shack

Veterans can get a free Big Shack – their signature double patty cheeseburger – with no additional purchase necessary. 

Smoothie King

A free 20-ounce smoothie from noon to 3 p.m. for veterans. Options include the Strawberry X-Treme, Blueberry Heaven or Vanilla Slim-N-Trim.

Starbucks

Veterans, active-duty service members and military spouses can get a free tall (12-ounce) brewed coffee, hot or iced, at participating stores.

Texas Roadhouse

A free Texas Roadhouse meal voucher card is being offered at participating locations for in-restaurant or for carry-out diners. 

Wendy’s

Wendy’s offers a free Dave’s Single hamburger to veterans and active-duty military members at participating U.S. locations.