Veterans Day 2026 Restaurant Deals

Once again this year, many national restaurant chains are offering free meals to Veterans and Active Duty service members on Veterans Day 2026, Wednesday, Nov. 11.

Most of the deals are dine-in only, and all require proof of service, including a military ID, DD-214, VA card or veteran designation on a driver’s license.

Here’s the list from our friends at the restaurant trade publication Restaurant News, in alphabetical order.

Applebee’s

On Veterans Day,Active Duty Military, Veterans, Reserves, and National Guard members who dine in at participating locations will receive a complimentary full-size entrée from an exclusive Veterans Day menu. as a heartfelt thank-you for their service.

The special Veterans Day Menu features a choice of seven popular entrées including 6 oz. Top Sirloin, Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, Chicken Tenders Platter, Double Crunch Shrimp, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Oriental Chicken Salad and Three-Cheese Chicken Penne.

Veterans and Active Duty military guests who dine in on November 11 will also receive a $5 Bounce Back Card, redeemable for dine-in, To Go, or delivery within a three-week redemption period.

2026 marks the 19th consecutive year Applebee’s has honored service members and veterans with complimentary meals on Veterans Day. Since the tradition began, more than 12.7 million free meals have been served.

Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar

On November 11, all veterans and active-duty service members will receive a FREE BD’s All-American Burger with cheese and a classic side from 11-4 PM as a small thank you for their service. Offer valid on Wednesday, November 11 from 11-4 p.m. for dine-in customers only.

Must show valid military ID or proof of service.

Blaze Pizza

On November 11, veterans and active-duty military personnel are invited to visit participating locations nationwide for a free one-topping pizza.

Dog Haus

On November 11, veterans can enjoy any entrée free. The offer is available for dine-in only and can be redeemed by showing proof of service at checkout, including a military ID, DD-214, VA card or veteran designation on a driver’s license. Limit one free entrée per veteran.

Offer is not available through the Haus Rewards app. Terms apply.

Eddie Merlot’s

On November 11, those who have served can get a free Eddie’s Prime Cheeseburger. A valid military ID is required, available for dine-in only.

Friendly’s

All active and retired military service members can get a free Veterans Day burger with cheese, fries and beverage from 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. at all locations for dine-in only.

Guests must have a valid military ID or honorable discharge card, certain restrictions apply.

Group of veterans surrounded by balloons_ecoxplorer — Photo: Golden Corral

Golden Corral

The chain’s annual Military Appreciation Night on Wednesday, November 11, from 4 p.m. to close. All current U.S. service members, retired military and veterans are invited to enjoy a FREE “Thank You” buffet and beverage.

Since 2001, Golden Corral’s Military Appreciation Night has served nearly 6.9 million free meals and raised more than $21.5 million for local DAV chapters.

Guests can also support the cause through Golden Corral’s Round Up fundraising campaign, with DAV chapters fundraising in participating restaurants through November 29.

Haven Hot Chicken

All active and retired military service members can get a FREE Tendie duo combo with valid military ID or are in uniform. The Tendie Duo Combo includes two jumbo tendies, garlic dill pickles, toast, choice of house made sauce with a side and 22-ounce beverage.

Hot Dog on a Stick

This Veterans Day, those who have served can get a FREE 16-ounce Original Lemonade. Offer available in-store at participating locations with a valid military ID.

No purchase necessary.

Irv’s Burgers

This Veterans Day, those who have served with a FREE Roadside Single Burger on the house with proof of service. Offer only available for a Roadside Single Burger. One free burger per person. Must show valid proof of service.

Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom

This Veterans Day, veterans and active-duty military can get a FREE meal from a select Veterans Day menu. The offer is available all day for dine-in guests.

Proof of military service is required.

Polly’s Pies

Get a free slice of pie to all veterans and active-duty military personnel with a valid military ID on Tuesday, November 10, and Wednesday, November 11.

No purchase necessary.

Prince St. Pizza

On November 11, all active service members and veterans receive a free slice of pizza of their choosing with proof of service. Offer available for any slice. One slice per person.

Must show valid proof of service.

Ruby Slipper

On Veterans Day, those who have served can get one complimentary entrée of their choice with valid military ID or proof of service.

Families of veterans dining with them will receive 15% off their ticket.

Ruby Slipper also offers a year-round 15% discount on meals for active-duty military, veterans and retired service members.

Shoney’s

On November 11, from opening until 11 AM, all veterans and active-duty military personnel can get a complimentary, all-you-care-to-eat Breakfast Fresh Food Bar at participating restaurants, dine-in only. The offer cannot be combined with other offers or discounts.

Menu selections and participation may vary by location.
Valid military ID or proof of service required
Beverage, tax and gratuity not included.

Sullivan’s Steakhouse

On Veterans Day, those who have served can get a free Signature Angus Burger, with a valid military ID.

Available for dine-in only.

Tender Greens

On Veterans Day, veterans and active-duty military personnel get 50% off dine-in orders with a valid military ID.

Teriyaki Madness

On November 11, all veterans and active-duty heroes get a FREE junior or regular-sized bowl of their choice with a valid military ID or proof of service.

Offer valid at participating shops. For in-store customers only. Not available online or in the app.

Tocaya

50% off dine-in orders for veterans and active-duty military personnel with a valid military ID on November 11.

Twin Peaks

On Veterans Day, veterans and active-duty military members nationwide can get a free entrée from a select menu that includes a Cheeseburger & Fries, Chicken Caesar Salad with an optional shrimp sub, Chicken Tenders & Fries, OG Pepperoni Flatbread, or Six Boneless Wings & Fries, just by showing a valid military ID.

The support rolling through November and December with 20% off for military members all November with a valid ID or uniform, a Tunnel to Towers fundraiser where donating five dollars gets you a five-dollar bounceback for December with no purchase required to donate.

ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter is an award-winning 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.