Which restaurants give free meals on Veterans Day 2026?

Confirmed so far: Applebee’s, Chili’s, Denny’s, Red Robin, Golden Corral, Bob Evans, Red Lobster, Ruby Tuesday, In-N-Out, Smashburger, White Castle, Cotton Patch Cafe, Sizzler and Pilot and Flying J, among others.

Does Starbucks give free coffee to veterans on Veterans Day 2026?

Yes. Veterans, service members and military spouses get a free 12 oz hot or iced brewed coffee at participating Starbucks stores on November 11.

Is Denny’s giving a free Grand Slam on Veterans Day 2026?

Yes. Veterans and active-duty military get a free Original Grand Slam, dine-in, from 5 AM to noon on November 11, with ID.

Do I need ID for Veterans Day free meals?

Usually yes. A military ID, VA card, DD214, veterans organization card or a photo in uniform is commonly accepted.

Are Veterans Day free meals dine-in only?

Most sit-down offers are. Some, like Pilot’s app offer and Freddy’s meal card, work differently. Check each chain’s rules.

Veterans Day Free Meals 2026: Every Restaurant Deal for November 11

Short answer: On Wednesday, November 11, 2026, veterans and active-duty military can get free meals at Applebee's, Chili's, Denny's, Red Robin, Golden Corral, Bob Evans, In-N-Out, Smashburger, Red Lobster and more, plus free coffee at Starbucks. Most offers are dine-in only and need proof of service. Offers are at participating locations, so call ahead.

Fast food and coffee: free on Veterans Day 2026

Chain	Veterans Day 2026 offer	How
Starbucks	Free 12 oz hot or iced brewed coffee for veterans, service members and military spouses	Participating stores
In-N-Out Burger	Free burger, fries and drink, plus a decal	Proof of service; includes Reserve and National Guard
Smashburger	Free All-American Smashburger	ID; participating locations
White Castle	Free combo meal or breakfast combo	Participating restaurants
Freddy's	Free combo meal card, good through Nov 25	Visit on Nov 11
Pilot and Flying J	Free sandwich + coffee or fountain drink	Claim in the Pilot app, verified with ID.me
Torchy's Tacos	Free taco + drink	In-store, proof of service
Chipotle	Free chips + guac, queso blanco or salsa with a $5 purchase	ID; participating restaurants
Rubio's	Buy one entrée, get one free	Code VETS26, in-store, military ID

Sit-down restaurants: free meals on Veterans Day 2026

Chain	Free meal	Rules
Applebee's	Free entrée from a Veterans Day menu	Dine-in, proof of service; drinks and tip not included
Chili's	Free entrée from a Veterans Day menu	Dine-in, ID, participating restaurants
Denny's	Free Original Grand Slam	Dine-in, 5 AM to noon, ID
Red Robin	Free Red's Big Tavern Burger + Bottomless Steak Fries	Dine-in, ID, no purchase needed
Golden Corral	Free buffet on Military Appreciation Night	Dine-in
Bob Evans	Free entrée from an 11-item Veterans Day menu, served all day	Dine-in, proof of service, plus a coupon for a later visit
Red Lobster	Free Shrimp & Chips	Dine-in, ID
Ruby Tuesday	Free entrée, Garden Bar and drink (up to $17.99)	Dine-in, proof of service
Cotton Patch Cafe	Free Chicken Fried Steak or Chicken Fried Chicken	Dine-in, military ID
Sizzler	Free lunch + drink	Until 4 PM
Bonefish Grill	Free Bang Bang Shrimp + drink	ID
Bar Louie	Free burger (not the Big Louie)	Dine-in, Nov 10–11

Bob Evans serves its free menu all day, dine-in only. Pick one: Country Biscuit Breakfast, The Classic Breakfast, Banana Berry Oatmeal, Sunrise, The Mini Sampler, Brioche French Toast, Cup of Sausage Gravy & Biscuits, Buttermilk Hotcakes, Down-Home Country-Fried Steak, Smaller Portion Turkey & Dressing or Hickory-Smoked Ham Steaks.

What counts as proof of service?

Most chains accept any of these:

US Uniformed Services ID or retired military ID
VA ID card or a veteran ID on your driver's license
DD214 or a Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)
Veterans organization card (American Legion, VFW)
Photo of you in uniform, or a citation or commendation

Bob Evans lists all of these. Pilot verifies through ID.me in its app.

Tips for Veterans Day free meals

Most are dine-in only. Takeout and delivery usually don't count.
Go early or late. Lunch is the busiest time, especially at Applebee's, Chili's and Golden Corral.
Drinks and tip are extra at most sit-down chains.
Franchise locations can opt out. Call your local restaurant first.

Which chains haven't announced yet?

Texas Roadhouse, Outback, IHOP, Krispy Kreme, 7-Eleven, Little Caesars and Wendy's haven't posted 2026 Veterans Day offers as of November 1. Several gave free meals or coffee in past years. We'll add them as they're announced.

Also on the deals calendar: Halloween fast food deals.