Veterans Day Free Meals and Restaurant Deals 2026
Veterans Day 2026 is Wednesday, November 11, and several chains have lined up free meals for veterans and active-duty troops. Golden Corral and Chili’s are the most widely reported 2026 offers so far, and a few more chains are reported for this year. Many other big names gave away food in 2025 but have not shared 2026 plans yet, so check the brand app before you go.
Which restaurants have free meals for veterans in 2026?
Nine restaurant chains are listed for Veterans Day 2026 at the time of writing. Golden Corral and Chili’s are the most widely reported, and the rest are reported by military news outlets. Offers are usually dine-in only and can differ by location, so call your local restaurant if you are unsure.
| Restaurant | 2026 offer | Details / ID needed |
|---|---|---|
| Golden Corral | Free dinner buffet and drink | Nov 11 from 4 p.m. to close, dine-in only. Veterans, active duty, retirees, National Guard and Reserves. Bring military ID or proof of service. |
| Chili’s | Free meal from a short list (Chicken Crispers, Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas, Oldtimer Burger with cheese, or soup and house salad) | Nov 11, dine-in at participating locations. Military ID or proof of service. |
| Wendy’s | Free breakfast combo (sandwich, seasoned potatoes, coffee or soft drink) | Reported. Nov 11, breakfast hours only, participating U.S. stores. Not valid on digital or delivery orders. Veteran or military ID. |
| Bob Evans | Free meal from a select menu | Reported. Dine-in only. Military ID. |
| Bonefish Grill | Bang Bang Shrimp and a non-alcoholic drink | Reported. Veterans and active duty with valid ID. |
| Hoss’s Steak and Sea House | Free soup, salad, bread, nacho and dessert bar with iced tea | Reported. Dine-in. Veterans get a $10 off $40 voucher too. Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio and Florida. |
| In-N-Out Burger | Free burger, fries and drink | Reported. West Coast and Southwest locations. Veterans, active duty, Reserves and National Guard. |
| Rubio’s | Buy one entree, get one free with code VETS26 | Reported. In store only. Military ID. CA, AZ, NV and CO. |
| Sizzler | Free lunch and non-alcoholic drink (Tri-Tip Sirloin, Malibu Chicken or Crispy Shrimp) | Reported. Served until 4 p.m. Mostly Western U.S. |
What does Golden Corral give veterans on Veterans Day 2026?
Golden Corral serves a free dinner buffet and a drink to anyone who served, from 4 p.m. until close on November 11, 2026. The offer is dine-in only and does not cover family members, who pay as usual. Expect a line on this night, so arrive early or call ahead. Our Golden Corral menu with prices shows what the regular buffet costs.
What ID do I need for a Veterans Day free meal?
Most restaurants accept a military ID, a VA card, a state ID with a veteran mark, or a DD-214 discharge paper. Some also take a photo in uniform or a veterans group membership card. Carry one of these every time, because staff are told to ask. Rules differ by chain, so read the fine print in the app.
Which restaurants offered veterans deals last year but have not confirmed 2026?
These chains ran Veterans Day deals in 2025 but had not announced 2026 plans when this page was updated. Treat this list as last year’s offers, not a promise for this year. Check the brand app, the website or the store locator before you visit.
- Applebee’s: a free meal from a select menu, dine-in only, in 2025.
- Denny’s: a free Original Grand Slam from 5 a.m. to noon in 2025. See the Denny’s menu.
- IHOP: free Red, White and Blueberry Pancakes or a pancake combo in 2025. See the IHOP menu.
- Texas Roadhouse: a free meal voucher, valid 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., in 2025.
- Outback Steakhouse: a free three-course Aussie meal on November 10 and 11 in 2025.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: ten free boneless wings and fries in 2025.
- Cracker Barrel: a free Sunrise Pancake Special in 2025. See our Cracker Barrel holiday guide.
- Chipotle: buy one, get one free from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in 2025.
- Red Robin, Hooters, Shake Shack, Smashburger, Firehouse Subs and Little Caesars: each had a free meal or combo in 2025.
- Dunkin’, Krispy Kreme, Starbucks and Wawa: a free donut or coffee in 2025.
How can I find Veterans Day deals near me?
The fastest way is the brand’s own app or store locator, because franchise owners often set their own rules. Search the restaurant name plus “Veterans Day” a few days before November 11. Many chains post their final offer the week of the holiday. Also look at local news lists, since small regional chains often join in.
Tips for getting your free meal
- Go early or off-peak, as many places are busy on November 11.
- Ask if the offer is dine-in only. Takeout and delivery are often excluded.
- Note the time window. Breakfast offers end by late morning, and some lunch offers end at 2 or 3 p.m.
- Bring ID even if the restaurant says it uses the honor system.
- Drinks, tax and tip are usually not included.
Planning the rest of the holiday season? See restaurants open on Thanksgiving and Black Friday restaurant deals.
Frequently asked questions
What restaurants have free meals for veterans on Veterans Day 2026?
Golden Corral and Chili’s are reported to offer free meals for November 11, 2026. Wendy’s, Bob Evans, Bonefish Grill, Hoss’s, In-N-Out, Rubio’s and Sizzler are also reported for 2026. Offers are mostly dine-in and need proof of service.
When is Veterans Day 2026?
Veterans Day 2026 is Wednesday, November 11. It is a federal holiday, and many restaurants run their offers only on that day.
Is Golden Corral free for veterans on November 11, 2026?
Yes, according to 2026 deal reports. Golden Corral offers a free dinner buffet and drink to veterans, active duty, retirees, National Guard and Reserves from 4 p.m. to close, dine-in only. Family members pay the regular price.
What ID do I need for a free veterans meal?
A military ID, VA card, veteran-marked state ID or DD-214 is accepted by most restaurants. Some also accept a photo in uniform. Check the brand’s rules in its app.
Do Applebee’s and Denny’s have Veterans Day deals in 2026?
Neither had announced a 2026 offer when this page was updated. In 2025 Applebee’s offered a free meal from a select menu and Denny’s a free Original Grand Slam. Check each brand’s app or store locator before you go.
Are Veterans Day free meals dine-in only?
Most are dine-in only. Some chains allow carryout, and a few give a voucher for a later visit. Always confirm with your local restaurant.
Can military family members get a free meal on Veterans Day?
Usually not. Most offers are only for veterans and active-duty service members, and family members pay the regular price. Check the fine print for each restaurant.
Prices are typical U.S. prices before tax and can vary by location. Menus Info is not affiliated with any restaurant mentioned. See how we check prices.
