Veterans Day 2024 Restaurant Freebies & Deals

Once again this year, national chain restaurants, sandwich chains and coffee shops are thanking our veterans and active military members on Veterans Day with FREE or discounted food or services on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024.

Also, on Veterans Day, admission to National Parks is FREE for everyone, whether or not you are a veteran or active military member.

Free admission is to all national parks, memorials and historic sites on Veteran’s Day, November 11, including Mt. Rushmore and the Statue of Liberty.

Veterans Day Freebies and Deals

Some deals are available for veterans only, while others are valid for both veterans and active military personnel, and some deals are valid the day before or day after Veterans Day.

Proof of military status is required for most offers, so if you are not in uniform, be prepared to show an ID verifying your service.

Participation may vary, so be sure to check with your local restaurant to confirm that they’ll be offering the Veterans Day special.

Unless otherwise specified, the Veterans Day deals are on Nov. 11 only.  Gratuity not included, so tip your server on the basis of the full price.

In alphabetical order, because that’s the only fair way.

Applebee’s   – Every year on Veteran’s Day, Applebee’s serves a  free meal to active duty and veteran military service members. Although most locations participate, not all do, so call your local franchise and ask about requirements.

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse   -Dine in and enjoy a FREE Chocolate Chunk Pizookie® with no minimum food purchase purchase. In addition, veterans receive a bounce back coupon for a FREE appetizer. Valid between November 12 and December 31, 2024, the bounce back can be used for dine in or take out.The deals are for all current and former military personnel with a valid ID.

Army & Air Force Exchange Service – Deals include 15% off food purchases at participating restaurants for MILITARY STAR cardmembers.

Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar -Veterans and active-duty military get a free 5 oz. BD’s All American Burger with cheese and choice of side. Offer available with valid military ID from 11am to 3pm.

Bandana’s BBQ — Veterans and active-duty military members get a free pulled pork sandwich with choice of one side with a military ID or proof of service. Dine in only.

Bar Louie — Veterans and active-duty military receive a free burger from November 10 to 11. Excludes the Big Louie. Upgrade to the Impossible Burger for $4. Must show military ID to receive offer. Available for dine-in only.

Biggby Coffee – Veterans and active-duty service members receive a free 16oz latte hot/iced/frozen with military ID.

Biscuit Belly – Veterans eat free with choice of Bacon Egg & Cheese, Sausage Egg & Cheese, or Chicken Biscuit Sandwich and a hot drip coffee or fountain drink. All locations are participating, dine in only. Open from 7:30am – 2:00pm.

Bob Evans – Veterans and active-duty military get a free meal from a select menu. Dine-in only.

Bonefish Grill – Active-duty service members and veterans get a complimentary order of Bang Bang Shrimp with a soft beverage with valid ID.

Bruegger’s Bagels — Veterans and active-duty military get a free hot or iced coffee (any size) with a purchase in-store.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. — Veterans get 20% off their meal when they dine-in.

Buffalo Wild Wings – Veterans and active-duty service members get 10 free boneless wings and fries with valid ID. Available for dine-in or, if ordering from a Buffalo Wild Wings GO location, available for walk-in/orders placed at the counter only.

California Pizza Kitchen – Veterans and active-duty military members get a complimentary meal from a select menu.  They also receive a BOGO offer to redeem for a pizza, pasta or salad that can be redeemed for a future visit between November 12 through November 25, 2024.

Carrabba’s – From November 8 through 10, order an entrée when you dine-in and take home another entrée of equal or lesser value for free. Then on November 11, order a complimentary dine-in appetizer or dessert paired with a free nonalcoholic beverage. Veterans and active-duty military are asked to show a service ID.

Chicken Salad Chick – Veterans and active-duty military receive a free meal at all locations.

Dunkin’ – Active and retired military get a free donut. Limit one per guest while supplies last. Offer available in-store only. Not available for orders placed online.

Eddie Merlot’s — Veterans and active-duty military get a free Prime Cheeseburger with Fries. Dine-in only. While supplies last.  Proof of military service required.

Einstein Bros. Bagels — Veterans and active-duty military get a free hot or iced coffee (any size) with a purchase in-store.

Farmer Boys — veterans and active-duty military personnel get a free Big Cheese burger at participating locations. Valid for dine-in only with proof of service.

Friendly’s — Veterans get a free All American Burger with cheese and a beverage, dine-in only, from 11am to 5pm. Must show military ID or honorable discharge document to receive the offer.

Fogo de Chão — Veterans and active-duty personnel get a 50% discount off the Full Churrsaco Experience and three of their guests will receive a 10% discount. Dine-in only.

Gordon Biersch — Veterans get 20% off of all dine in and carry out orders with a military ID/

Gold Star Chili — 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 – The buffet chain invites all active-duty military, retirees, reservists, guardsmen and veterans to enjoy a complimentary dinner buffet and beverage from 4 p.m. until close for its 23rd annual Military Appreciation Night. Valid at all locations for dine-in only and does not extend to spouses, friends, or other family members. Military identification is not required to receive the complimentary meal.

In addition to serving free meals to those who have bravely served, Golden Corral is continuing its partnership with Disabled American Veterans. Local DAV chapters will be stationed at restaurants , where guests can contribute through direct donations or by rounding up their checks at the register. All proceeds will go toward providing essential services to disabled veterans and their families.

In 2023, Golden Corral served nearly 190,000 complimentary “Thank You” meals and raised more than $1 million for local DAV chapters on Military Appreciation Night. Since the inception of Military Appreciation Night in 2001, Golden Corral has raised over $19.5 million and provided nearly 6.5 million free meals.

The chain also continues its strong support of military families through Camp Corral — a nonprofit that provides summer camp experiences for children of wounded, ill, and fallen military heroes at no cost to the families. Since 2011, Golden Corral and DAV have helped raise over $16 million for Camp Corral, giving thousands of children the chance to experience this life-changing opportunity.

Good TimesBurgers & Frozen Custard — Veterans and active-duty military get a free Deluxe Cheeseburger Combo. Offer available with valid military ID from 11am to 3pm for dine-in only.

Greene Turtle — Veterans receive a free meal up to $15 with valid ID at participating locations.  Available for dine-in only and cannot be combined with other offers, discounts, happy hour, or Greene Turtle rewards.

Hacienda Mexican Restaurant — Veterans and active-duty military receive a free Large Wet Burrito for dine-in or carryout.

Hof’s Hut — Veterans get a free Hofburger + 1 side or Pancakes Combo, with one $10 bonus card.

Hooters — Retired and active-duty military who present proof of service or a military ID, with purchase of a beverage, may order one free meal from a special Veterans Day Menu, for dine-in only at participating locations.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar — Veterans and active-duty military get a free classic burger.  Available for dine-in only.

Hoss’s Steak and Sea House — Veterans and active-duty military receive free soup, salad, bread, nacho, and dessert bar and iced tea.  Dine-in only. No other discounts apply. In addition, veterans will receive a $10 off $40 voucher to be used on a future visit in the month of November. Must show proof of military service.

Huddle House — Active and retired military get a free MVP Breakfast Platter. Available at participating locations for dine-in only.

IHOP — Veterans and active-duty military get a free Red, White, and Blueberry Pancake Combo from 7am to 7pm. Dine-in only, at participating restaurants.

In-N-Out Burger — Veterans, active-duty military, reserves and National Guard receive a complimentary meal, including any burger, fries, and beverage on In-N-Out Burger’s menu. Present proof of military service.

Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant — Veterans and active-duty service members with proof of service who dine in get a complimentary burger or sandwich along with a non-alcoholic beverage.

J. Christopher’s — Veterans get a free meal with a valid ID. Valid only at participating locations.

Krystal — Get a free Breakfast Sandwich from opening to 11am,. Show proof of service (military ID) and choose from select breakfast sandwiches.

Lion’s Choice – Free original roast beef sandwich for active-duty and retired military members by showing a  valid ID at check-out.

Little Caesars — From 11:00am to 2:00pm, veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a complimentary Lunch Combo, which includes four slices of Little Caesars signature Detroit-style Deep Dish pizza and a 20-ounce beverage.

Logan’s Roadhouse– From 11am to 3pm,  all veterans and active-duty military personnel get a FREE meal,  choosing from a special menu of fan favorites like cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, pork chops and more.

In addition to the Veterans Day meal, Logan’s is highlighting its ongoing commitment to veterans through its support of K9s For Warriors – the nation’s leading provider of highly-trained service dogs for veterans battling PTSD and other invisible wounds of war. This initiative, which raised over $50,000 during Logan’s summer Bounceback Promotion, is just one way the brand helps improve the lives of America’s veterans beyond November 11.

Throughout the year, Logan’s offers a 10% military discount to both veterans and active-duty service members and provides employment opportunities for hundreds of veterans across its nearly 130 locations nationwide. Through its ongoing collaboration with K9s For Warriors, Logan’s contributes to the mental health and well-being of veterans by funding the training and placement of service dogs. This summer’s Bounceback Promotion, where guests who donated $5 to the organization received a $10 discount on future visits, helped raise significant funds to support veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury and other invisible wounds of war.

LongHorn Steakhouse — Veterans and active-duty military get 10% off their meal, along with a free appetizer or dessert for their table. This offer is available for dine-in and call-in orders only.

Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ — On November 10 and 11, veterans get a complimentary Pulled Pork Sandwich or personal-sized Fried Chicken Plate for dine-in only.  Plus, they receive a $10 bonus card valid November 24-December 3.

Main Event –– Active-duty military and veterans get a free double cheeseburger and 30 minute Fun Card with ID.

Marzoni’s Brick Oven & Brewing Co. — Veterans receive a free 12 oz draft or soft drink, no purchase required.  In addition, veterans will receive a $10 off $40 Voucher to be used on their next visit in the month of November.

McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants — On November 10, Active-duty military, veterans, National Guard, Gold Star Parents, and Gold Star Spouses can enjoy a select half-priced entrée.Dine-in only. Must show valid ID. Reservations are strongly recommended.

Metro Diner — Active-duty and retired military receive 50% with valid military ID.

MOD Pizza — Buy one MOD-size pizza or salad, get one pizza or salad free with proof of military service. Valid in-store only.

Next Level Burger — Veterans, active-duty military and their families get 20% off. In-store only.

Old Chicago — Active-duty military and veterans get a complimentary entrée from an exclusive Veterans Day Menu with proof of service.  Cannot be combined with other offers or rewards. Non-water beverage purchase required.

Olive Garden — Get a complimentary entrée from a special menu at lunch.  Dine-in only.

On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina –   All active military and veterans with a Military ID or proof of Military service who dine in can enjoy a free Choose 2 Combo Meal. The create-your-own combo offers a selection of Tex-Mex favorites including beef or chicken tacos and enchiladas served with Mexican rice and beans.

Outback Steakhouse — Active-duty military and veterans get a free Bloomin’ Onion and beverage with the purchase of an adult entree in-restaurant.

Peet’s Coffee — Veterans get one free drip coffee or tea of any size. Valid only at participating Peet’s retail coffeebar locations, and excludes online purchases, locations within airports, supermarkets, and other licensed locations.

Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille — Veterans get a free Dinner-Cut Pork Chop when accompanied by a guest purchasing one dinner entree. If dining alone or with other veterans, they will receive a dinner-cut pork chop for half off original price. The Military Menu will be available for extended hours, 4pm to close. Must have military ID or proof of service, not available for group dining.

Polly’s Pies — Veterans and active-duty military personnel get a free slice of pie, no purchase necessary, with military ID. In-store only.

QDOBA — Veterans and active-duty military members receive 50% off any full-size entrée. In-restaurant only at participating locations, with a valid military ID at checkout.

Raising Cane’s — Any active or nonactive military and their spouses get 10% off their entire purchase when they mention the Hero Discount Program at the register. Valid ID required to receive the discount.

Red Lobster — Veterans, active-duty military and reservists get free Veteran’s Shrimp & Chip – featuring six Walt’s Favorite Shrimp, served with cocktail sauce and ketchup, as well as crispy French Fries and Coleslaw. Show a valid military ID or proof of service to redeem this dine-in only offer.

Red Robin – Veterans and active-duty military guests can enjoy a complimentary  Big Tavern Burger and Bottomless Side when dining in at participating restaurants.

Rock and Brews — Active-duty military and veterans get complimentary “We Salute You” Pulled Pork Sandwich or Strawberry Fields Salads.

Shane’s Rib Shack — Active, inactive, and retired military personnel get a free Slow-Smoked BBQ Pork or Chopped BBQ Chicken Plate.  Offer valid for dine-in only, with proof of service.

Shoney’s –  Veterans and active-duty military can get a  free Breakfast Fresh Food Bar or All-American Burger this Veterans Day.

Sizzler — Participating locations offer a free lunch to any active-duty military or veteran until 4pm.  Choose between a free Half Dozen Crispy Shrimp, Malibu Chicken, or 6oz Tri-Tip Steak entree.

SONIC Drive-In —  Get half price shakes in any size and flavor, including both Classic and Master Shakes.

Starbucks — Get a free tall (12-ounce) brewed coffee (hot or iced) for veterans, military service members and military spouses at participating U.S. stores and licensed locations.

Sullivan’s Steakhouse — Veterans and active-duty military get a free Signature Angus Burger with Fries. Dine-in only. To redeem, show proof of military service to your server.

Taziki’s — Veterans get a complimentary Grilled Chicken Gyro meal, which includes chips and a choice of a side. Dine-in only and only at participating locations.

Texas Roadhouse — At participating locations, active-duty military and veterans can dine-in and order from a specific menu, between 11am and 2pm, or receive a meal voucher from 11am to 2pm with a  military ID. The vouchers are good for dine in or carry out through  May 30, 2025.

TGI Fridays — Veterans and active-duty military personnel get a free meal from 11am to 3pm from a select menu.

Tim Hortons — Guests who are in any US military uniform or present a valid veteran’s ID in participating restaurants receive a free classic donut with a valid ID.

Twin Peaks — Veterans and active-duty service members get a free lunch from a select menu on from 11am to 3pm, for dine-in only.

Taffer’s Tavern — November 11 through 17, veterans and active-duty service members receive 50% off plates and handhelds with valid ID

TooJay’s — Active-duty military and veterans get 25% off on their total bill.  Present a valid military ID, VA card or other proof of service for dine-in or takeout orders.

Veggie Grill by Next Level — Veterans, active-duty military and their families get 20% off.  In-store only.

Wendy’s – Free Breakfast Combo, no purchase required, during breakfast hours.  Choose from any  breakfast combos like a savory Sausage Egg & Cheese English Muffin, a hearty Breakfast Baconator, or a craveable Honey Buddy Chicken Biscuit Combo. Each combo comes complete with small seasoned potatoes and a beverage. Receive the free breakfast combo by notifying the crew member at the register or showing your WeSalute+ Card, no military ID required.

Whataburger — Veterans and active-duty military members in uniform or with a valid ID get a free 16-ounce Hot or Iced Coffee. Offer valid in-store only at participating locations.

White Castle — Veterans and active-duty military get a free individual combo meal or a breakfast combo meal when dining at a participating restaurant.

Yard House — Veterans and active-duty military members receive a complimentary appetizer.  For dine-in only.

This list has been published annually since 2015 and updated annually, including  for Veterans Day 2024.

Thanks to Military.com and similar sources and also the businesses which contact ecoXplorer directly for the information on this list.

ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter is a journalist with 25+ 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).

ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter also is a 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