Veterans Day provides an annual opportunity for military service members and veterans to access a variety of complimentary meals and discounts from national restaurant chains and local establishments. Based on current promotional data, numerous brands are offering free entrées, combo meals, and special menu items to honor those who have served. These offers typically require proof of military service and are valid for dine-in or specific service windows on November 11.
The following guide details the verified Veterans Day offers available to U.S. veterans and active-duty personnel, outlining eligibility requirements, redemption processes, and specific deal structures.
Verified Veterans Day Meal Offers
Many national restaurant chains have confirmed specific free meal offers for Veterans Day. The availability of these deals often varies by location, and most require valid military identification.
Major Chain Offers
Applebee’s Applebee’s is offering a free meal to veterans and active-duty military personnel. The offer generally requires proof of service, such as a military ID or veteran status verification.
Cracker Barrel Cracker Barrel provides a free sunrise pancake special on Veterans Day. This offer is valid on November 11, while supplies last, and is available for dine-in service only. Proof of military service is required.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Dickey’s is inviting veterans and active-duty military personnel to enjoy a free pulled pork sandwich. The offer is available for both dine-in and carryout service with a valid military ID. There is a limit of one free item per guest for the day.
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill Firebirds offers a complimentary meal to veterans and active-duty service members on Veterans Day. The offer is valid for dine-in service only with no other stated restrictions.
Friendly’s Friendly’s provides a free meal to veterans and active-duty military personnel. Proof of service is typically required.
Golden Corral Golden Corral hosts an annual Military Appreciation Night. In 2024, this event was scheduled for Monday, November 11, from 4 p.m. until close. The restaurant offers a free "thank you" meal to any person who has served in the U.S. military, including retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard, and Reserves.
IHOP IHOP locations offer a red, white, and blue pancake special for Veterans Day. Availability may vary by location.
Little Caesars Little Caesars offers a free Hot-N-Ready Lunch Combo to veterans and active-duty military members. This offer is valid on November 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The combo includes four slices of Detroit-style Deep Dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi beverage.
Logan’s Roadhouse Logan’s Roadhouse offers free meals to military personnel on Veterans Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Olive Garden Olive Garden provides a free entrée from a special menu to veterans and active-duty military personnel. The entrée is served with unlimited soup or house salad and garlic breadsticks. Proof of service is required.
Red Lobster Red Lobster offers a free Walt’s Favorite Shrimp, Fries, and Coleslaw to veterans, active-duty military, and reservists. The meal features six hand-breaded, butterflied, and lightly fried shrimp with cocktail sauce, French fries, and coleslaw.
Starbucks Starbucks provides a free cup of coffee to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day.
Fast Food and Casual Dining Offers
Buffalo Wild Wings Buffalo Wild Wings offers 10 free boneless wings and fries to past and present armed services members with valid ID. The offer is available for dine-in or at walk-in counters at Buffalo Wild Wings GO locations.
Dunkin’ Dunkin’ offers a free donut to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day.
Hamburger Stand Hamburger Stand provides a free hamburger, regular fries, and a small soda to veterans and active-duty military personnel on November 11.
Lion’s Choice Lion’s Choice offers a free original roast beef sandwich for Veterans Day at locations in Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. Guests can request the sandwich at check-out by stating they are a veteran or showing a valid ID. Lion’s Choice also offers a standing 20% heroes discount year-round for veterans and active-duty military.
On The Border On The Border offers a free Pick-2 Combo Meal to veterans and current service members. This offer is dine-in only and requires proof of service. Participation is limited to specific locations.
Peet’s Coffee Peet’s Coffee offers a free small drip coffee or tea to active military and veterans on Veterans Day. A valid ID showing active military or veteran status is required. The offer is valid at participating Peet’s retail coffeebar locations.
Quaker Steak & Lube Quaker Steak & Lube offers a free entrée up to $15 and a free non-alcoholic beverage. Participating locations also offer 25% off on Military Mondays.
Sheetz Sheetz offers freebies to veterans on Veterans Day. Specific details on the type of freebie are available at participating locations.
Wawa Wawa offers freebies to veterans on Veterans Day. Specific details on the type of freebie are available at participating locations.
Discount-Based Offers
Some establishments offer substantial discounts rather than entirely free meals, though these still provide significant value.
Freebirds Freebirds offers 50% off any order for military members, veterans, and active-duty service personnel on Veterans Day.
Houlihan’s Houlihan’s offers 50% off specific entrees for Veterans Day, including Shrimp Scampi, Houlihan’s Cheeseburger, Whole Grain Veggie Burger, Meatloaf No. 9, Fish and Chips, Stuffed Chicken Breast, Heartland Grilled Chicken, and Chicken Parmesan. The offer is dine-in only.
Outback Steakhouse Outback Steakhouse offers a free Bloomin’ Onion and a choice of any Coca-Cola product. This offer is available for dine-in or call-in to-go orders (not available online). Additionally, Outback offers a 10% off Heroes Discount year-round for service members, police officers, firefighters, and first responders with corresponding state or federal service ID.
Eligibility and Redemption Requirements
Accessing Veterans Day freebies generally requires adherence to specific verification and redemption protocols.
Proof of Military Service
Most participating restaurants require proof of military service or veteran status. Acceptable forms of identification typically include: * Military ID (CAC card) * VA Card * Driver’s License with Veteran designation * Uniformed Services ID Card * Discharge Papers (DD214)
Some locations may accept self-identification by wearing a uniform, though this is less common and often at the discretion of management.
Service Restrictions
- Dine-In Only: Many offers, such as those from Cracker Barrel, Firebirds, and Olive Garden, are restricted to dine-in service only.
- Time Windows: Specific time restrictions apply to offers like the Little Caesars Lunch Combo (11 a.m. – 2 p.m.) and Logan’s Roadhouse (11 a.m. – 3 p.m.).
- Participating Locations: Not all locations of a national chain may participate in Veterans Day promotions. It is recommended to call ahead or check the specific brand’s website for local participation.
- Menu Restrictions: Some offers are limited to specific menu items (e.g., Red Lobster’s Walt’s Favorite Shrimp) or special prix fixe menus (e.g., Olive Garden). Exclusions often apply to appetizers, desserts, beverages, and alcohol.
Local and Regional Offers
In addition to national chains, various local and regional businesses participate in Veterans Day promotions. For example, Old Texas Brewing Co. offers a free meal from a limited menu, free live music, and a challenge coin to the first 100 veterans. Sagebrush Steakhouse sells ribbons to raise funds for Holiday Meal Packages for veteran families. Consumers are encouraged to check local news sources and community boards for hyper-local deals not listed in national compilations.
Conclusion
Veterans Day offers a wide array of free meals and discounts from major restaurant chains across the United States. From breakfast items at Cracker Barrel and Dunkin’ to full entrées at Olive Garden and Red Lobster, the options cater to various preferences. The primary requirement across all offers is proof of military service or veteran status, and consumers should verify specific terms such as dine-in requirements, time restrictions, and participating locations before visiting.