Veterans Day is a significant occasion in the United States, dedicated to honoring those who have served in the armed forces. As part of this national recognition, many businesses across the country offer complimentary meals and discounts to veterans and active-duty military personnel. These promotions often extend to breakfast, providing a special way for restaurants and eateries to show appreciation. The following guide details the breakfast-focused Veterans Day freebies available, drawing from a compilation of participating brands and their specific offers. The information is based on publicly available data regarding nationwide and regional promotions. It is important for veterans and active military members to note that offers can vary by location, and it is always advisable to confirm details with local establishments prior to visiting.
Many national fast-food and casual dining chains participate in Veterans Day promotions. For example, Starbucks offers a free coffee or tea to veterans and military personnel, with a limit of one per person. Dunkin’ provides a free donut for veterans, with some locations potentially offering more. Wendy’s extends a free breakfast combo or coffee to veterans, while Taco Bell gives a free Beefy 5-Layer Burrito with a military ID. It is noted that some of these chains may only provide a small item like a donut or coffee, which is a thoughtful gesture but may not constitute a full meal.
Beyond the major chains, many local diners, buffets, and regional restaurants also participate. Golden Corral is known for its annual Veterans Day buffet, offered free to veterans from 4 PM to 9 PM. Local diners and cafes often provide discounts or free meals, and checking local town or city websites for regional deals is recommended.
A wide variety of other restaurants across different states and regions offer specific breakfast items or meals for Veterans Day. The following list compiles these offers based on the provided data. Veterans and active military personnel should be prepared to present valid identification, such as a military ID, and note that many offers are dine-in only unless otherwise specified.
Nationwide and Regional Breakfast Offers
Many restaurants offer free breakfast items or meals specifically on Veterans Day. These offers often require the individual to be present and to show proof of service.
National Chains and Large Regional Groups
- Denny’s: Offers a free “Build Your Own Grand Slam” breakfast, dine-in only.
- McDonald’s: While there isn’t an official company-wide promotion, it is common for local franchises to offer free breakfast combos or coffee to veterans and active military on Veterans Day. It is recommended to contact the local McDonald’s for specific offer information.
- Applebee’s: Provides a free full-size entrée from a special Veterans Day menu, dine-in only.
- Texas Roadhouse: The Veterans Day deal includes a free meal on Veterans Day or a voucher redeemable through May 2026. The free meal is from a select menu, available from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and can be dine-in or takeout.
Regional Restaurant Offers (Including Breakfast)
The following establishments, primarily operating in specific regions of the United States, have been noted to offer free breakfast or meals on Veterans Day. This list is not exhaustive and offers may vary.
Northeast Region: * Bill Gray’s (New York): Free World’s Greatest Cheeseburger, regular fries, and a soda. * D’Angelo’s Sandwiches (Northeast): 50% off orders for veterans and active duty; dine-in or carry-out; not valid on lobster or gift cards. * DeFelice Bros (Ohio): Free pasta dinner for service members and veterans. * Eat’n’Park (Ohio, Pennsylvania): Free smiley face cookie on Veterans Day; 10% off for the month of November. * Egg Harbor Cafe (Illinois, Wisconsin, Georgia): Free dine-in meal for all veterans.
Southeast Region: * Biscuit Belly (Southeast): Free breakfast sandwich and coffee or beverage. * Bombshells (Texas, Colorado): Free entree for veterans; families with veterans, as well as active duty and their families, will get a 20% discount. * Duffy’s Sports Grill (Florida): Usually offers a free meal (up to $15) or 40% off for veterans and active military, depending on location (dine-in only). * El Fenix (Texas): Free taco or enchilada plate. * El Torito (California): Free dine-in meal for veterans and active military. * Emmet’s Social Table (North Carolina): Free dine-in meal for veterans and military. * Farmer Boys (Southwest): Free Big Cheese sandwich for veterans and active military (dine-in only). * Georgia’s (North Carolina): Free Georgia Chopped Pork Sandwich with a side, for both dine-in and to-go orders. * Mighty Fine Burger (Texas): Buy one, get one free burger, tender, or sandwich for veterans and active military (dine-in only). * Sweet Buzz Bean & Bistro (Pennsylvania): Free breakfast meal on Veterans Day for veterans, active military, and first responders, plus $5 off a refillable 20-ounce tumbler; free drip coffee or tea and 20% discount on other items year-round. * Taffer’s Tavern (Georgia, Florida): Usually offer 50% off plates and handhelds for veterans and active military. * Texas Corral (Indiana, Michigan): Usually offer a Free meal from select menu, plus a fountain drink or coffee, for veterans and active military (dine-in only).
Midwest Region: * Aspen Creek Grill (Indiana, Kentucky, Texas): $15 meal voucher for veterans and active military. * Bagger Dave’s (Michigan, Indiana, Ohio): Free Great American Cheeseburger and fries (dine-in only). * Bandana’s BBQ (Midwest): Free pulled pork sandwich and a side for veterans and active military (dine-in only). * Black Rock Bar & Grill (Michigan, Ohio, Florida, Maryland): Usually offer 20% discount for veterans and service members around Veterans Day. * Cotton Patch Cafe (Texas): Free Chicken Fried Steak or Chicken Fried Chicken to veterans and active military personnel. * Dairi-O (North Carolina): Free combo meal for veterans and active duty. * Davanni’s Pizza and Hot Hoagies (Minnesota): Free solo 1-item pizza and soda for veterans and active military (dine-in or takeout). * Delia’s (Texas): Free dozen tamales and a drink or coffee, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 11 (dine-in only). * Free State (West Coast): Free meal from select menu for veterans. * McGrath’s Fish House (PNW): Free meal on Veterans Day for veterans and active military. * Native Grill and Wings (Arizona): Dine big and select a ½ LB Stripper Combo, ½ LB Boneless Combo, Native Chicken Sandwich with fries or #MyNative Burger with fries. * Tap House Grill (Illinois): Free meal for veterans and active military, as well as a Sam Adams pint glass giveaway (while supplies last) at participating locations.
West Coast Region: * Black Angus Steakhouse (West Coast): Free meal on or near Veterans Day; 15% discount year-round. * Black Rock Bar & Grill (Michigan, Ohio, Florida, Maryland): Usually offer 20% discount for veterans and service members around Veterans Day. * Buffalo Wild Wings: The Veterans Day offer is 10 free boneless wings and fries (dine-in only). * California Pizza Kitchen: Offers a free lunch or dinner entrée (dine-in only). * Cotton Patch Cafe (Texas): Free Chicken Fried Steak or Chicken Fried Chicken to veterans and active military personnel. * El Torito (California): Free dine-in meal for veterans and active military. * Farmer Boys (Southwest): Free Big Cheese sandwich for veterans and active military (dine-in only). * Free State (West Coast): Free meal from select menu for veterans. * Genghis Grill: Usually offer a free entree or meal; may vary by location. * Native Grill and Wings (Arizona): Dine big and select a ½ LB Stripper Combo, ½ LB Boneless Combo, Native Chicken Sandwich with fries or #MyNative Burger with fries. * Sweet Buzz Bean & Bistro (Pennsylvania): Free breakfast meal on Veterans Day for veterans, active military, and first responders, plus $5 off a refillable 20-ounce tumbler; free drip coffee or tea and 20% discount on other items year-round.
Important Considerations for Veterans and Active Military
While the list of participating restaurants is extensive, veterans and active military personnel should be aware of several key points when seeking these freebies:
- Proof of Service: Most establishments require proof of military service. This is typically a valid military ID, a VA card, or a driver’s license with veteran designation. It is advisable to carry an acceptable form of identification.
- Dine-In vs. Takeout: Many offers are specified as "dine-in only." Some restaurants may offer takeout options, but this is less common. Always check the specific terms of the offer.
- Location Variability: For national chains, offers can vary by franchise location. It is crucial to contact the local restaurant ahead of time to confirm their participation and the specific details of their Veterans Day promotion.
- Time Restrictions: Some offers are only valid during specific hours, such as the breakfast period or a limited window on Veterans Day. Plan accordingly to avoid missing out.
- Additional Discounts: Beyond Veterans Day, many of these restaurants offer year-round military discounts. For example, Black Angus Steakhouse offers a 15% discount year-round, and Sweet Buzz Bean & Bistro provides a 20% discount on other items year-round. Veterans can often benefit from these ongoing promotions.
Conclusion
Veterans Day provides a valuable opportunity for restaurants and eateries across the United States to honor military service members through complimentary meals and discounts. From national fast-food chains offering a free donut or coffee to regional restaurants providing full breakfast or lunch meals, there are numerous options available. The offers listed in this guide are based on historical and current promotional data, highlighting a diverse range of participating brands and their specific terms. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, veterans and active military personnel should verify offers directly with their local restaurants. By planning ahead and confirming details, service members can fully enjoy the appreciation extended to them on this significant day.