Veterans Day is on Tuesday, November 11, and many restaurants nationwide are honoring veterans with special discounts and free meals.
Depending on the establishment, you might need to show proof of service, like a military ID, or you might simply be able to join in if you’re a veteran. Families of veterans can usually participate too.
Here’s a list of some promotions to check out this Veterans Day.
Applebee’s
For the 18th year in a row, Applebee’s is offering all active military and veterans a free full-size appetizer from a special Veterans Day menu on November 11. This offer is for dine-in only and includes popular choices like Top Sirloin, Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, and Double Crunch Shrimp.
Buffalo’s Cafe
Veterans and active duty personnel can receive a 25% discount on meals (excluding alcohol) by presenting a military ID or uniform. It’s a nice way to save on a meal!
California Pizza Kitchen
For veterans and active military members, CPK is offering a free entree and drink from a special menu on Tuesdays. You’ll need to show a valid military ID, but no purchase is required. They also have a “Buy One Get One” card for future visits.
Chipotle
On November 11, military members can enjoy free refills on any entree at Chipotle from 4 PM to 8 PM. You can also contribute to the United Service Organizations through a rounding-up donation feature on their app and website.
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
Veterans and active military and their spouses can stop by participating locations for a free drink with military ID. There’s also a holiday promotion where buying a $25 gift card gets you a $5 coupon for future use.
Dave & Buster’s
This Veterans Day, Dave & Buster’s is giving away a free entree valued up to $20 and a $10 Power Card for gameplay. Just show your military ID. They also offer a 15% discount year-round for the military.
Fazoli’s
At Fazoli’s, veterans can get a free spaghetti with marinara or meat sauce by using code “VET25” while showing their military ID.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburger
Freddy’s is giving a free Combo Meal Card to veterans and current military members at participating locations, which can be redeemed until the end of 2025.
Great Greek Mediterranean Grill
In honor of Veterans Day, veterans can enjoy 25% off all gyros and gyro combo meals during the day at Great Greek Mediterranean Grill.
Hard Rock Cafe
Hard Rock Cafe is offering a free Classic Smash Burger all day to veterans and active military with ID. You can also stack this with their 15% military discount.
Hurricane Grill & Wings
Veterans and active military with identification can choose a free entree, including a variety of options like bone-in wings or chicken sandwiches.
IHOP
Participating IHOP locations will offer free meals to veterans and active military on November 11, featuring a special pancake combo, among other things.
Lime Fresh Mexican Grill
LIME will provide a free meal to veterans on November 11 and offer a challenge coin, good for a recurring free meal each month. It’s an ongoing way to celebrate those who have served.
Native Grill & Wings
Veterans and service members can choose from several combo meal options at Native Grill & Wings when they dine in and show military ID.
Raising Cane’s
On November 11, Raising Cane’s offers a 10% discount to all active or inactive military and first responders and their families when they mention the Hero Discount Program.
Round Table Pizza
Until November 14, participating Round Table Pizza locations are offering 15% off orders with the code “RTP321.”
Shake Shack
Veterans can grab a free Big Shack burger on Veterans Day with their military ID, featuring a significant stacked burger experience.
Sheetz
Sheetz is giving veterans and active military a free half-turkey sub and drink on Veterans Day as well as a free car wash at participating locations. Donating loyalty points to the USO is also encouraged.
Smoky Bones
Veterans and active military can enjoy a free meal such as a bacon cheeseburger or chicken tenders platter, as long as they present their military ID while dining in.
Smoothie King
Smoothie King honors veterans with a free 20 oz. smoothie available from 12 PM to 3 PM on Veterans Day, offering a few themed options.
Taco John’s
On Veterans Day, veterans and active military members can fetch a free taco combo when they show their military ID at Taco John’s.
TGI Fridays
This Veterans Day, TGI Fridays is serving free meals for veterans with valid military ID from 11 AM to 7 PM, featuring several popular choices.
Tim Hortons
Tim Hortons will give a free Classic Donut to guests in military uniform or with ID on November 11, only available in-store.
Wendy’s
For those who have served, Wendy’s is offering a free breakfast combo without any purchase necessary on November 11, during breakfast hours.
Whataburger
Starting on November 11, active military and veterans can enjoy a free taquito at Whataburger during breakfast hours every Tuesday until the end of December.
They also provide a year-round complimentary coffee option for veterans and active military members, which pairs nicely with a breakfast taquito.
