On Veterans Day — Wednesday, November 11, 2026 — dozens of US restaurants thank veterans and active-duty service members with a free meal, entrée or drink. This page lists the offers announced for 2026, and clearly marks the ones that are still unannounced, so you never plan a trip around last year's deal. This is an informational roundup, not an official page of any chain.
Free meals announced for 2026
| Restaurant | 2026 Veterans Day offer |
|---|---|
| Applebee's | Free entrée from a special Veterans Day menu, Nov. 11 |
| Chili's | Free meal from a 4-item menu: Chicken Crispers, Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas, Oldtimer Burger with Cheese, or Soup & House Salad |
| Red Robin | Free Red's Big Tavern Burger + Bottomless Steak Fries, Nov. 11 |
| Golden Corral | Free thank-you buffet and drink, 4 p.m. to close, Nov. 11 |
| Bob Evans | Free meal from an 11-option Veterans Day menu, Nov. 11 |
| Ruby Tuesday | Free meal offer announced for 2026 — check the chain's Veterans Day page for the exact item and terms |
| Freddy's | Free meal offer announced for 2026 — check the chain's Veterans Day page for the exact item and terms |
| Denny's | Free Original Grand Slam, 5 a.m. to noon, Nov. 11 — announced for 2026 per the Military.com 2026 list and multiple roundups; confirm at your location |
| IHOP | Free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo, dine-in, Nov. 11 — announced for 2026 per the Military.com 2026 list and multiple roundups; confirm at your location |
| Outback Steakhouse | Free Bloomin' Onion and a drink, Nov. 10–11, plus a free Hero's Meal for a later visit through Dine Rewards — announced for 2026 per the Military.com 2026 list and multiple roundups; confirm at your location |
| Starbucks | Free tall (12 oz) brewed coffee, hot or iced, Nov. 11, including military spouses per the Military.com list — announced for 2026; confirm at your location |
| Texas Roadhouse | Free meal VOUCHER handed out 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Nov. 11, redeemable on a later visit through May 31, 2027 — announced for 2026 per the Military.com 2026 list and multiple roundups; this is a voucher, not a same-day meal |
Note on sources: the first seven offers above were confirmed on the chains' own announcements as of November 2. The Denny's, IHOP, Outback, Starbucks and Texas Roadhouse offers were still unconfirmed on the chains' own sites on November 2, but appear as announced for 2026 in the Military.com 2026 list (updated November 1) and several independent roundups checked November 3 — so they are listed here as announced, with a confirm-at-your-location note, rather than as fully chain-confirmed.
Not yet announced for 2026 — do not rely on last year's terms
| Restaurant | Status |
|---|---|
| Cracker Barrel | No announced 2026 Veterans Day terms as of November 3 — check back before Nov. 11 |
| Wendy's | No announced 2026 Veterans Day terms as of November 3 — check back before Nov. 11 |
| Little Caesars | No announced 2026 Veterans Day terms as of November 3 — check back before Nov. 11 |
We have deliberately not copied 2025 terms for these chains: last year's offer is not a promise for this year.
Before you go — checklist
- Bring proof of service: military ID, VA card or discharge papers (DD-214). Most offers require it.
- Call ahead: participation varies by location and franchise, and some offers are dine-in only.
- Expect exclusions: tax, gratuity and alcohol are typically not included; most offers are one per veteran.
- Texas Roadhouse is different: you pick up a voucher on Nov. 11 and eat free on a later visit — it is not a same-day meal.
- Outback runs two days: its free Bloomin' Onion and drink offer covers Nov. 10 and Nov. 11.
FAQs — Veterans Day free meals 2026
Who qualifies for Veterans Day free meals?
Veterans and active-duty US military, with proof of service. Some offers, like Starbucks', also include military spouses. Each chain sets its own eligibility — check before you go.
Do I need to dine in?
Most free-meal offers are dine-in only. Outback allows dine-in or phone-ordered to-go for its Nov. 10–11 offer; Texas Roadhouse vouchers are picked up in person.
Are these offers at every location?
No — participating locations only, and franchise locations may opt out. Always call ahead.
When is Veterans Day 2026?
Wednesday, November 11, 2026.