Free food for veterans on Veterans Day: Here's which restaurants are offering free meals, and which deals last beyond November 11

Veterans Day 2026 sees another wave of free meals, restaurant discounts and special offers for veterans and active duty military personnel across the US. Whilst many of the promotions are only available on 11th November, a few restaurants are giving servicemen yet another reason to come back later.

Dinova's 5th annual Veterans Day Dining Guide has deals from some 30 restaurant brands, including Outback Steakhouse, Bonefish Grill, Red Lobster and Carrabba's Italian Grill. The inputs are taken from The American Legion, Fox Balitimore and Fox News.

Which restaurants are offering free meals on Veterans Day?

Several of the popular chains are in with their promotions this year. Buffalo Wild Wings is offering 10 free boneless wings and fries to veterans and active duty military. Red Robin is giving eligible guests a free Red's Big Tavern Burger and Red Lobster is offering free shrimp.

Smashburger are also in with a free All American Smash. Outback Steakhouse are offering a free Bloomin' Onion and soft drink to eligible customers on November 11.

Other offers include a free meal at selected restaurants and complimentary appetizers or drinks. The participating brands are Bonefish Grill, Carrabba's Italian Grill, Hooters and Lucille's Smokehouse Bar-B-Que.

Can veterans get deals after 11th November?

Some promotions will give you more than just a one day saving. Alison Quinn, President of Dinova, told Fox News Digital that the restaurants are looking beyond a single day when it comes to showing their appreciation for the military.

"What we're starting to see now is that it's going well beyond Veterans Day in terms of giving back to the vets in a more meaningful way," Quinn said. "It's not just about one day, it's about coming back and we'll give you something again."

She pointed to Hofman Hospitality Group which is offering selected meals and a $10 bonus card for a future visit. Lucille's Smokehouse Bar-B-Que is one of their restaurant brands. Outback is also throwing in a return visit reward. Eligible Dine Rewards customers can get a free Hero's Meal after using the Veterans Day offer.

What should veterans bring to claim these offers?

Quinn advised vets and active service members to take ID with them and to check with their local restaurant prior to going. The participation rules and proof of service requirements can vary from location to location.

Here's the list of restaurant deals and free meals:

- Aspen Creek Grill: Current and former military members can collect a $15 voucher on November 11, redeemable through December 24.

- Backyard Taco: Free meal for veterans and active-duty service members.

- Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar: Free All-American Burger with cheese and a classic side, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

- Bandana’s BBQ: Free pulled pork sandwich with one side.

- Benihana: Complimentary five-course hibachi entrée with an appetizer purchase. Choose chicken, steak or salmon.

- BIGGBY Coffee: Free 16-ounce hot or iced brewed coffee.

- BIBIBOP: Free fountain drink or lemonade from November 9–13.

- Biscuit Belly: Complimentary meal on Veterans Day. The restaurant also offers a regular 10% discount to veterans and active-duty service members.

- Blaze Pizza: Free one-topping pizza at participating locations.

- Bob Evans: Free meal from a special Veterans Day menu featuring 11 choices.

- Bonefish Grill: Free Bang Bang Shrimp and a nonalcoholic beverage.

- Brickhouse Tavern + Tap: 20% off dine-in meals for parties of up to four.

- Bruegger’s Bagels: Free bagel with shmear and free coffee.

- Bombshells Restaurant & Bar: Free meal including an appetizer, entrée and dessert. Accompanying family members receive 20% off.

- Bubbakoo’s Burritos: Free chicken or beef burrito or bowl.

- Bubba’s 33: Free lunch from a selection of entrées until 4 p.m.

- Buca di Beppo: Free lunch entrée from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

- Buffalo’s Café: 25% off dine-in meals.

- Buffalo Wild Wings: 10 free boneless wings and fries. Participating GO locations offer the deal with a $5 minimum purchase. A 15% military discount is also available year-round at participating locations.

- Calhoun’s: Free meal for veterans.

- California Pizza Kitchen: One complimentary entrée and one beverage from a select menu.

- California Tortilla: One free taco.

- Casey’s: Free fountain drink or coffee for veterans on November 11.

- Carolina Ale House: Free half-rack rib platter at participating locations in North Carolina, Florida and Tennessee.

- Cattlemens Steakhouse: Complimentary sirloin steak dinner at California locations from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. A certificate can also be redeemed November 12–18.

- CentraArchy Restaurants: 50% off any entrée at participating restaurants.

- Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen: Free appetizer or dessert, with no purchase necessary.

- Chicken Salad Chick: 50% off a meal with up to two sides and a regular drink.

- Chili’s: Free meal from a select Veterans Day menu at participating restaurants.

- Chipotle: Free chips and dip with an in-store purchase of at least $5.

- Claim Jumper: Free meal from a special Veterans Day menu.

- Clique Hospitality restaurants: 15% off for active-duty and retired military personnel throughout November at participating Las Vegas locations.

- Colton’s Steak House & Grill: Free meal from a select menu between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

- Cotton Patch Café: Free small or regular chicken-fried steak or chicken-fried chicken.

- Cracker Barrel: Complimentary breakfast for veterans and active-duty military.

- Crooked Pint: Free select menu item, including a classic Lucy, chicken platter, crispy chicken sandwich or apple pecan chicken salad.

- Dave & Buster’s: Free unlimited gameplay on selected games all day, plus a free dessert with an entrée purchase.

- Denny’s: Free Original Grand Slam from 5 a.m. to noon.

- Dickey’s Barbecue Pit: Free pulled pork sandwich for dine-in or carryout.

- Dog Haus: Free entrée for veterans.

- Eat’n Park: 10% off the entire party’s dine-in bill throughout November.

- Eddie Merlot’s: Free prime cheeseburger and chips.

- Fazoli’s: Free spaghetti with marinara or meat sauce.

- Firebirds Wood Fired Grill: Complimentary meal for a veteran or active-duty service member with the purchase of another entrée.

- Mitchell’s Fish Market: 20% off the meal for parties of up to four, according to the provided listing.

- Mo’ Bettahs: $5 off for Makana Rewards members on November 11.

- Native Grill & Wings: Free meal from a selection of combos and sandwiches.

- Oar & Iron: Free prime rib dinner with the purchase of a beverage.

- Off the Hook: Free shrimp platter with fries, hush puppies and Hook Sauce.

- Ojos Locos: Buy six bone-in wings and get six free, plus $3 16-ounce draft beers. Military members also receive a year-round food discount.

- Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom: Free meal from a select Veterans Day menu.

- Olive Garden: Complimentary entrée from a special menu, with unlimited breadsticks and soup or salad.

- Outback Steakhouse: Free Bloomin’ Onion and a Coca-Cola product or domestic draft beer. Dine Rewards members can also earn a free Hero’s Meal for a future visit.

- Perry’s Steakhouse: Free dinner-cut pork chop or a three-course $39 military menu.

- Pinstack: Free personal pizza, plus a 10% military discount year-round.

- PJ’s Coffee: Free 16-ounce hot coffee or cold brew.

- Playa Bowls: 50% off bowls.

- Pluckers Wing Bar: Free meal worth up to $17.

- Polly’s Pies: Free slice of pie on November 10 and 11.

- Prince St. Pizza: One free slice of pizza.

- Quaker Steak & Lube: 50% off any entrée.

- Red Robin: Free Red’s Big Tavern Burger with Bottomless Fries.

- Rock & Brews: Free pulled pork sandwich or Strawberry Fields salad.

- Rubio’s Coastal Grill: Buy one entrée, get one entrée.

- Ruby Slipper: Free entrée, with 15% off for accompanying family members. A 15% military discount is also available year-round.

- Ruby Tuesday: Free Everyday Fresh Meal valued at up to $17.99, including a selected entrée, Garden Bar and bottomless drink.

- Scooter’s Coffee: Free medium drink.

- Shake Shack: Free ShackBurger.

- Shane’s Rib Shack: Free chopped barbecue pork or chicken plate.

- Shoney’s: Complimentary breakfast fresh food bar until 11 a.m.

- Sizzler: Free lunch and nonalcoholic beverage until 4 p.m., with a choice of tri-tip sirloin, Malibu chicken or crispy shrimp.

- Smashburger: Free All-American Smashburger.

- Sonny’s BBQ: Free Pork Big Deal, including a pulled or sliced pork sandwich, a side and a drink.

- Starbucks: Free beverages for current and former military members.

- Sullivan’s Steakhouse: Free signature Angus burger and fries.

- TCBY: First 6 ounces of frozen yogurt free.

- Tender Greens: 50% off dine-in orders.

- Teriyaki Madness: Free junior or regular-sized bowl.

- Texas Roadhouse: Free meal voucher for one of 10 selected entrées, two sides and a drink. Vouchers can be redeemed through May 31, 2027.

- The All American Steakhouse & Sports Theater: Free sandwich or burger with fries.

- Tocaya: 50% off dine-in orders.

- Torchy’s Tacos: One free taco and a regular fountain drink.

- Tumble 22: Free dine-in meal and soft drink from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

- Twin Peaks: Free entrée from a select menu. Military members can also receive 20% off throughout November.

- Viva Chicken: Complimentary entrée with the purchase of a qualifying guest entrée.

- Wendy’s: Free Dave’s Single at participating U.S. restaurants.

- White Castle: Free individual combo meal or breakfast combo meal.

- Wings and Rings: Free lunch combo, plus a 10% military discount year-round.

- Yard House: Complimentary appetizer.