Veterans Day • November 11, 2026
Veterans Day is an opportunity to honor the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Each year, businesses across the country show their appreciation by offering free meals, special discounts, and other benefits to veterans and active-duty military personnel.
This Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11, 2026, several popular restaurant chains are continuing that tradition. From complimentary breakfasts to steak dinners, here are 10 Veterans Day deals worth checking out, based on information provided by The American Legion.
1. Applebee’s – Free Veterans Day Meal
Applebee’s is celebrating its 19th consecutive year of honoring veterans and active-duty military personnel with a complimentary meal. Eligible guests can choose from a selection of entrées on November 11. The offer is available for dine-in customers only.
2. Denny’s – Free Grand Slam Breakfast
Veterans and military personnel can start their Veterans Day with a free Original Grand Slam breakfast at participating Denny’s restaurants. The offer is available from 5 a.m. until noon on November 11. Guests must provide a valid military ID or DD-214, and the meal is available for dine-in only.
3. Golden Corral – Free Buffet Dinner
Golden Corral is bringing back its annual Military Appreciation Night on November 11. From 4 p.m. until closing, veterans, retired military members, and active-duty servicemembers can enjoy a complimentary buffet dinner and beverage. The restaurant has been honoring military personnel through this tradition since 2001.
4. IHOP – Free Pancake Combo
IHOP is serving a patriotic breakfast in appreciation of America’s veterans. Eligible veterans and active-duty military members can receive a free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo, featuring pancakes, eggs, hash browns, and bacon or sausage. The offer runs from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at participating restaurants on November 11.
5. Chili’s – Free Meal from a Special Menu
Chili’s is thanking veterans and active-duty military members with a complimentary meal from a selection of menu items. The offer is available on November 11 at participating Chili’s locations and is limited to in-restaurant dining.
6. Texas Roadhouse – Free Meal Voucher
Texas Roadhouse is continuing its Veterans Day tradition by distributing complimentary meal vouchers to veterans and active-duty military personnel. Vouchers will be available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on November 11 and can be redeemed through May 31, 2027. Guests can select from 10 entrées, including a six-ounce sirloin with two sides and a beverage. Proof of military service is required.
7. Olive Garden – Free Italian Entrée
Veterans and active-duty military personnel can enjoy a complimentary entrée from a special Veterans Day menu at Olive Garden. Popular selections include chicken parmigiana and fettuccine Alfredo. The dine-in offer also includes Olive Garden’s unlimited breadsticks and choice of soup or salad.
8. Buffalo Wild Wings – Free Wings and Fries
Buffalo Wild Wings is honoring veterans and active-duty servicemembers with 10 free boneless wings and fries on November 11. The offer requires proof of military service and is available for dine-in at participating sports bars. Participating Buffalo Wild Wings GO locations also offer the deal for walk-in orders with a minimum $5 purchase.
9. Red Robin – Free Burger and Fries
Red Robin is showing its appreciation with a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger and Bottomless Fries. Veterans and active-duty military personnel can enjoy this special meal on November 11 when dining in and providing proof of military service.
10. Bob Evans – Free Homestyle Meal
Bob Evans is offering veterans and active-duty military personnel a complimentary meal from its special Veterans Day menu. Guests can choose from 11 homestyle favorites at participating restaurants on November 11. It’s a comforting way to celebrate the holiday while enjoying a traditional American meal.
A Small Thank-You for a Lifetime of Service
Veterans Day is about much more than free meals and discounts. It’s an opportunity to recognize the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of those who have served our country. These offers are one way businesses can express their gratitude.
Veterans planning to take advantage of these deals should bring proof of military service and contact their local restaurants beforehand. Participation, eligibility requirements, and available menu items may vary by location.
For additional Veterans Day discounts, free meals, and special offers, visit The American Legion’s complete 2026 Veterans Day deals list.
To all our veterans, thank you for your service and sacrifice.
For more news and information that’s important to Veterans and older Americans, check out more posts on 82 & Up.
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