Veterans Day 2026 fell on Wednesday, November 11, and restaurants across the US served up free entrées, coffee and doughnuts for veterans and active-duty troops. If you missed the day, or you are still holding a voucher, this guide covers what each chain offered and which deals are still usable today.
Offers below come from Military.com, Veteran.com, The Military Wallet and national news roundups. Participation differs by location, so always call your local restaurant before you visit.
Quick Answer: Is It Veterans Day Today?
No. Veterans Day was yesterday, Wednesday, November 11, 2026. The date is fixed every year. Next year it falls on Thursday, November 11, 2027.
A quick note on a common mix-up: Veterans Day honors everyone who has served in the US military. Memorial Day, the last Monday of May, honors those who died in service. Memorial Day 2027 is on May 31.
Veterans Day 2026 Free Meals at Top Restaurant Chains
Olive Garden Veterans Day 2026
Olive Garden offered veterans and active-duty military a free entrée from a special Veterans Day menu. The menu included never-ending soup, salad and breadsticks, cheese ravioli, spaghetti and meatballs, fettuccine Alfredo and chicken parmigiana.
The rules were simple:
- Dine-in only. No free takeout meals.
- Valid proof of military service required.
- Drinks and tip were not included.
- Family and friends paid full price.
Applebee’s Veterans Day 2026 Menu
Applebee’s is known for being one of the most reliable Veterans Day stops. Eligible guests, including active duty, veterans, reservists and National Guard members, could pick one full-size entrée from a seven-item menu:
- 6 oz. Top Sirloin
- Classic Bacon Cheeseburger
- Chicken Tenders Platter
- Double Crunch Shrimp
- Fiesta Lime Chicken
- Oriental Chicken Salad
- Three-Cheese Chicken Penne
Dine-in guests were also eligible for a $5 Bounce Back Card for a future visit. The offer was not valid with other coupons, and drinks and gratuity were extra.
Chili’s Veterans Day 2026 Menu
Chili’s offered a free meal from a limited menu at participating restaurants, dine-in only. One local report listed Chicken Crispers, Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas, the Oldtimer with Cheese, or soup with a house salad. Menu choices can differ by location, so confirm with your nearest Chili’s.
Chick-fil-A Veterans Day 2026
Chick-fil-A does not run a chain-wide Veterans Day deal. Each restaurant is run by a local franchise operator who decides whether to offer something. Some locations may have a deal and others may not, so call your local store.
Texas Roadhouse Veterans Day 2026
Texas Roadhouse handed out free meal vouchers to veterans and active-duty military from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on November 11. Proof of service, such as a military ID, VA card or discharge papers, was needed.
The voucher is valid through May 31, 2027. It covers a choice of 10 entrées, including a 6 oz. sirloin, plus two sides and a drink.
More Sit-Down Restaurants With Free Meals
- IHOP: Free Red, White and Blueberry Pancake Combo. Dine-in at participating locations.
- Denny’s: Free Original Grand Slam breakfast from 5 a.m. until noon with military ID.
- Cracker Barrel: Free Sunrise Pancake Special with valid ID.
- Golden Corral: Military Appreciation Night, with a free “thank you” meal from 4 p.m. until close.
- Red Lobster: Free Veteran’s Shrimp & Chips, dine-in only.
- Outback Steakhouse: Free Bloomin’ Onion and a beverage on November 10 and 11, plus a Hero’s Meal offer for a later visit through Dine Rewards.
- LongHorn Steakhouse: Not a full free meal. Veterans and active duty got 10% off plus a free appetizer or dessert with an adult entrée, for dine-in and call-in orders.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: 10 free boneless wings and fries for dine-in or counter orders with valid ID.
- Ruby Tuesday, TGI Fridays, Bob Evans and Hooters: Free meals from select menus at participating locations.
Fast Food and Coffee Deals for Veterans Day 2026
Not every freebie needed a sit-down meal. Quick-service chains also joined in:
- Starbucks: Free tall (12 oz) hot or iced brewed coffee for veterans, military members and military spouses at participating US stores.
- Dunkin’: Free donut for active and retired military. In-store only, one per guest, while supplies lasted.
- Krispy Kreme: Free doughnut of choice plus a small brewed coffee at participating shops.
- Chipotle: Free chips with your choice of guac, Queso Blanco or salsa with a $5 purchase and proof of service.
- In-N-Out Burger: A free meal with any burger, fries and a drink, plus a special-edition Veterans Day decal.
- Shake Shack: Free ShackBurger with military ID or proof of service.
- Wendy’s: Free Dave’s Single at participating restaurants, inside or at the drive-thru.
- White Castle: Free individual combo or breakfast combo.
- Little Caesars: Free Lunch Combo from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., in-store only.
- Smoothie King: Free 20 oz smoothie in select flavors from noon to 3 p.m.
- 7 Brew: 50% off a drink for veterans.
- SONIC: Half-price shakes on November 11.
- Sheetz and Casey’s: Free food or drink offers, plus a free car wash where available.
What About McDonald’s, Burger King, Waffle House, Panera and Target?
These were in many search queries, so here is the honest picture. None of them appeared on Military.com’s confirmed 2026 restaurant list. McDonald’s has historically left Veterans Day deals to individual franchise owners, and Panera has been similar, with some locations offering free breakfast items in past years. For Burger King, Waffle House and Target, I could not find a confirmed nationwide Veterans Day 2026 offer. If you plan to visit any of them in future, ask the store directly.
Veterans Day Deals Still Available After November 11
Some offers have a second life. As of November 12, these were still active based on published terms:
- Texas Roadhouse: Voucher redeemable through May 31, 2027.
- Applebee’s: $5 Bounce Back Card for your next visit.
- BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse: Free appetizer coupon usable November 12 to December 31.
- Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: Free Combo meal card, redeemable through November 25.
- Aspen Creek Grill: $15 voucher usable through December 24.
- Hoss’s Steak and Sea House: $10-off-$40 voucher, expires November 25.
- Hof’s Hut and Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ: $10 Thank You cards valid November 27 to December 6.
- Kura Sushi: 20% off through November 15.
- Twin Peaks: 20% off for military with ID or uniform throughout November.
- Eat’n Park: 10% off for military and their party through November 30, dine-in only.
Terms can change, so read the fine print on your voucher or card.
How to Claim a Veterans Day Free Meal
Follow these steps whenever a chain offers a freebie:
- Check your local restaurant. Not all franchise locations take part.
- Carry valid proof. Accepted items usually include a military ID, VA ID card, DD-214, or a driver’s license with a veteran designation.
- Plan for crowds. Popular chains get busy, so call ahead or join the online waitlist.
- Expect dine-in rules. Most free meals exclude delivery, third-party apps and online orders.
- Budget for the extras. Drinks, tax and tip are usually not covered.
How to Find Free Veterans Day Meals Near Me
Start with each chain’s store locator, then call the restaurant. Military.com keeps a running list of confirmed restaurant offers, and Veteran.com and The Military Wallet publish similar guides. For next year, check these pages in late October, since chains usually announce deals close to the holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What day is Veterans Day in 2026?
Veterans Day 2026 was Wednesday, November 11. In 2027, it falls on Thursday, November 11.
Which restaurants gave free meals on Veterans Day 2026?
Olive Garden, Applebee’s, Chili’s, IHOP, Denny’s, Cracker Barrel, Golden Corral, Red Lobster, Buffalo Wild Wings, In-N-Out, Shake Shack, Wendy’s and many more offered free meals or items at participating locations.
Does Chick-fil-A offer a free meal for veterans?
Not chain-wide. Each franchise owner decides, so call your local restaurant.
Do I need proof of service?
Yes, at most places. Bring a military ID, VA card, DD-214 or a state ID showing a veteran designation.
Can family members eat free too?
Usually not. At chains like Olive Garden, only the eligible service member gets the free entrée.
Can I order Veterans Day meals for takeout or delivery?
Mostly no. Many offers, including Olive Garden’s, were dine-in only. A few, such as Wendy’s and Starbucks, worked at the counter or drive-thru.
Are Veterans Day deals still available today?
The main November 11 freebies have ended. Vouchers and bonus cards from Texas Roadhouse, Applebee’s, BJ’s and Freddy’s are still usable. See the list above.
What is the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day?
Veterans Day honors all who have served in the US military. Memorial Day honors those who died while serving.
Final Word
Veterans Day freebies are a small thank-you for a big commitment. If you used a deal this year, remember to tip your server well on the full value of the meal. And if you missed out, use the vouchers above and mark November 11, 2027 on your calendar.
Disclaimer: Offers vary by location and may change without notice. Confirm details with your local restaurant. This article is for information only.
