Once again this year, restaurant and fast-food chains are honoring current and retired military with free or discounted meals on Veterans Day, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023.
Some deals are for the entire weekend, Nov. 10-12, others include coupons valid for additional days.
Expect to show a military ID to get the deal – or show up in uniform.
Note that these discounts and freebies are for the military member only. Non-military spouses, partners, children or other guests pay full price.
We will continue to add new offers as we receive them, so be sure to check back daily.
Thank you for your service.
See Also
75+ Military Deals & Discounts Year-Round
Since not all locations in a chain are participating, it’s best to check the website or phone your location of choice, to make sure.
In alphabetical order, because that’s the only fair way.
Applebee’s – This is the 16th consecutive year the chain is offering complimentary full-size entree for active and retired military. On November 11, chose from an exclusive menu including 6 oz Top Sirloin, Classic Bacon Cheeseburger and Double Crunch Shrimp. Additionally, when dining in-restaurant, guests recieve a $5 Bounce Back Card to redeem for dine-in, To Go, or delivery within a three-week redemption window.
bb.q Chicken — Veterans and active-duty military get 25% off all orders placed in-store on November 11.
Biggby Coffee — Veterans and active-duty service members receive a free 24oz brewed coffee on November 11.
Bob Evans — Veterans and active-duty military get a free meal from a select menu on November 11. Dine-in only.
Bonefish Grill — Active-duty service members and veterans get a complimentary order of Bang Bang Shrimp with a soft beverage on November 11 with valid ID.
BurgerFi – Veterans and active duty military get 20% off their whole order on Nov. 11
California Fish Grill – free taco and soft drink on Nov. 11, no purchase necessary. Valid at all 54 California Fish Grill locations across Arizona, California, and Nevada.
California Pizza Kitchen – free meal and drink on at participating locations. In addition, eligible guests also receive a BOGO that can be redeemed from November 12 to November 21.
Caribou Coffee — Veterans, active-duty military members and their spouses with a valid ID receive a free Small Hot Brewed Coffee of the Day or Cold Press, excluding nitro on November 11.
Carrabba’s — On November 11, veterans and active-duty military get a complimentary dine-in appetizer or dessert paired with a soft beverage.
Chicken Salad Chick — On November 11, veterans and active-duty military receive a free meal at all locations.
Chili’s — Veterans and active-duty service members get a free meal from a select menu on November 11 with proof of service. Available for in-restaurant only.
Claim Jumper Steakhouse & Bar – free dine in meal for all veterans and active military members on November 11. . The free meal options include BBQ Chicken Salad, Classic Cheeseburger, Black Tie Chicken Pasta, Meatloaf & Mashed Potatoes, Country Fried Steak, and Southern Fried Chicken.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store: – Free slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola® Cake with in-store purchase on November 11. Through Nov. 13, all Cracker Barrel customers can show their support for our U.S. armed forces during Military Family Appreciation Month by offering 25% off U.S. military-themed products in stores and online.
Farmer Boys — Veterans and active-duty military receive a free Big Cheese burger on November 11 at participating locations with proof of service. Not valid on delivery or mobile ordering.
Famous Dave’s – free Georgia chopped pork sandwich plus one side on November 11, dine-in or to-go, at participating locations. \Online ordering is permitted (use code VETERAN), but the deal is not valid for delivery.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers — Veterans and active-duty military personnel who visit on November 11 will receive a free Freddy’s Original Double with Cheese combo meal card that can be redeemed through November 30.
Gold Star Chili — On November 11, veterans and active-duty military get a complimentary meal of their choice up to $12 off their order with proof of service. For dine-in, carry out or drive-thru.
Golden Corral — Golden Corral is hosting their Military Appreciation Night on November 13 from 5pm to close. This includes a free “thank you” meal when dining in.
Hacienda Mexican Restaurant — Veterans with proof of ID get a free Large Wet Burrito for dine-in or carryout on November 11.
Hard Rock Café: Selected locations will offer a complimentary Legendary® Burger to all active duty and retired military members Nov. 11. This offer is also redeemable with Hard Rock Cafe’s 15% military discount.
Hooters — Active-duty military and veterans get a free entrée from the Veterans Day Menu with purchase of a beverage at participating locations on November 11. Dine-in only.
Hoss’s Steak and Sea House — Veterans and active-duty military receive a 20% discount on their meal and drink on November 11. The offer is dine-in only and available all day. In addition, after dining at Hoss’s on November 11, veterans also receive a $10 off $40 Voucher to use on their next visit. Vouchers are valid through November 30 and available while supplies last.
Huddle House – free MVP Platter on November 11 with valid ID
IHOP – Red, White, and Blueberry pancakes or Pancake Combo on November 11 with valid ID.
Kings Family Restaurants – free meal for all veterans and active military members on Monday, Nov. 13. The free meal options include Double Down Breakfast, Biscuits & Sausage Gravy Breakfast, Classic Burger, and Smothered Chicken.
Kona Grill — Veterans and active-duty military receive 50% off food from November 10 to 13.
Lion’s Choice — Active-duty and retired military members get a free original roast beef sandwich on November 11. Request their free sandwich at check-out by stating you are a veteran or showing a valid ID.
Logan’s Roadhouse — Veterans and active-duty military personnel get a free meal with a valid ID from a special menu at participating locations on November 11. This offer is available for dine-in only and only between 11 am – 3 pm.
Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt– Free 6 oz. frozen yogurt on November 11 at participating locations..
Metro Diner — Active-duty and retired military receive 50% with valid military ID on November 11.
O’Charley’s – free lunch on Friday, Nov. 10 and Saturday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, The chain also is offering its annual “Give $5 Get $5” and all-new “Give $10 Get $15” campaigns to raise money for The Folded Flag Foundation. Through November 12, dine-in guests are being invited to Give $5 or Give $10 to the Folded Flag Foundation and receive a coupon for $5 or $15 off their next in-store meal, respectively. Online guests can choose to Give $5 and receive an immediate $5 off their online purchase. The Give $10 Get $15 offer is only offered in-store.
Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom – free lunch from an exclusive menu on November 11. It’s available until 4 PM, dine-in only, and only participating locations.
Outback Steakhouse – On November 11 for a free Bloomin’ Onion and beverage with the purchase of an adult entree. You’ll also get a $10 coupon that can be redeemed from 11/12/23 through 12/17/23.
Peet’s Coffee — Active-duty military and veterans get a free small drip coffee or tea on November 11 at participating locations with proof of service.
Perkins – free Magnificent 7 platter, which consists of two eggs, two strips of bacon, and three pancakes on November 10 not Nov. 11. At participating locations only, so call ahead to be sure your location of choice is participating.
Pilot Flying J — Service members and their families get a free meal at participating locations November 10 to 12 through a special offer in the app.
Red Lobster — Veterans, active-duty military and reservists get free printed meal vouchers for Veterans Shrimp & Chips from 11:00am to 4:00pm local time on November 11 with a valid military ID or proof of service. The voucher can be redeemed beginning November 13 through December 10 for dine-in only.
Red Robin – Veterans and active-duty military get a complimentary Red’s Big Tavern Burger and bottomless fries on November 11 with valid ID. Dine-in only, not valid for online or to-go orders. The free meal also comes with an endless side of steak fries.
Rock Bottom Brewery – All day on Saturday, November 11, Rock Bottom is inviting all active and retired military members with proper ID 20% off their purchases. It’s valid for dine-in and to-go orders.
Sheetz – free lunch on Saturday, November 11. The free Veterans Day lunch includes a half turkey sub and a regular size fountain drink. All 700 locations are participating. Sheetz will also provide a free car wash to veterans and active duty military. This offer only applies to the $9 car wash option and is only available at Sheetz locations with a car wash.
Shoney’s, – free breakfast on November 11, including such new menu items as Biscuit & Gravy Strata, Sweet Heat Crispy Chicken Biscuits, and Churro Donuts in addition to its traditional staples: scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits, gravy, pancakes, fresh fruit – for which the brand is renowned.
Shrimp Basket — Veterans, active-duty military and Reserves get a free popcorn shrimp basket from any location on November 11 with valid military ID. Dine-in only.
Sizzler — On November 11, participating locations are offering a free lunch to active-duty military and veterans until 4:00pm. Choose between a free Half Dozen Crispy Shrimp, Malibu Chicken, or 6oz Tri-Tip Steak entree.
Smokey Bones – free Create Your Own Combo for veterans and active military with ID on November 11. Dine-in only, and there’s no purchase necessary.
Smoothie King — Active-duty military and veterans get a free smoothie from one of three red, white, and blue smoothies at participating locations on November 11 with a valid ID.
Starbucks – free tall (12-ounce) hot or iced brewed coffee on Veterans Day. The offer is limited to one per customer and must be ordered in store or by drive-though, not through the Starbucks app. Cold brew is not included.
Sugarfire Smoke House — Sugarfire Smoke House offers active-duty and retired military members a free cheeseburger special on November 11.
White Castle — Veterans and active-duty military get a free individual combo meal or a breakfast combo meal when dining at a participating restaurant on November 11.
These national chains offered Veterans Day deals 2022, but are not participating in 2023 or have not confirmed any information.
Remember that the next time you are looking for a place to eat.
- Bar Louie
- Buffalo Wild Wings
- Denny’s
- Dickey’s Barbeque Pit
- Olive Garden
- Taco John’s
- TCBY
- TGIFriday’s
- Twin Peaks
- Sonic
- Wendy’s
Thanks to Military.com, Restaurants.com and other sources we researched this annual list.
ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter is a journalist with 20+ years of experience as a newspaper and magazine writer, radio & TV news producer & reporter, and author of guidebooks and smartphone apps – all focusing on travel, automotive, the environment and your rights as a consumer.
ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter currently serves as President of the International Motor Press Assn. (IMPA), a former Board Member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and a current member of the North American Travel Journalists Assn. (NATJA) and the North American Snowsports Journalists Assn. (NASJA).
Contact me at evelyn@ecoxplorer.com.
Copyright (C) Evelyn Kanter
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