This Veterans Day, over a dozen restaurants are offering free meals and discounts to thank retired and active-duty military personnel for their service.
Most businesses will require proof of service, such as a military ID. Discharge papers, VA cards, and veteran organization membership cards are also commonly accepted at some restaurants.
Most of the discounts are only available on the federal holiday, so check with your local restaurant to see if they have a discount before dining.
Applebee's
This is the 14th year in a row that Applebee's Neighborhood Grill + Bar is offering military service members a complimentary entree from a special menu on November 11. The special includes all active military, veterans, Reserves, and National Guard.
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Guests will also receive a $5 bounce back card to redeem for dine-in, to-go, or delivery within three weeks, according to a press release from Applebee's. Complimentary meals from the Veterans Day menu will be available for dine-in at more than 1,500 Applebee's locations nationwide. Guests are encouraged to call their local Applebee's restaurant in advance to inquire about specific location hours.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings is offering free wings and fries on Veteran's Day. Active and retired military service personnel can receive 10 boneless wings and an order of french fries for dine-in or takeout, according to the restaurant. All forms of proof of service will be accepted.
California Pizza Kitchen
Veterans and active military get a complimentary entree and beverage when they dine-in and show proof of service on Thursday. All veterans who dine with California Pizza Kitchen will receive an exclusive offer for their next visit redeemable through November 20.
Chili's
Chili's is offering free meals off of a pre-selected menu for military personnel. The offer is available dine-in only, according to the restaurant's website.
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Denny's
Denny's is offering all active and inactive military personnel a free "Build Your Own Grand Slam" meal for dine-in only with a valid military ID or discharge papers. The Grand Slam is a "fully customizable breakfast" with "more than 10 choices" to build your entree, according to a press release from Denny's.
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This deal is only offered from 5 am to 12 pm at participating Denny's locations on Thursday.
Dunkin Donuts
Dunkin Donuts is offering veterans a free donut of their choice on Thursday. No purchase is necessary to participate in this deal and the donuts will be available in-stores while supplies last. According to Dunkin, no ID is required.
IHOP
Veterans can get free pancakes at IHOP this Veteran's Day. The chain is offering all military personnel a choice between two limited-time menu items: Red, White, and Blue Pancakes or a Pancake Combo from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. when dining in. Proof of service is required.
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Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme is offering veterans a free glazed donut and a free coffee, hot or iced, on Thursday. The promotion is available in stores and at the dive-through. ID is required to redeem this deal.
Olive Garden
Veterans and active service members can receive a free meal from a special menu at participating Olive Garden restaurants on Thursday. The offer is for dine-in only and includes freshly baked garlic breadsticks and the choice of homemade soup or house salad, according to the US Department of Veteran's Affairs.
Outback Steakhouse
Veterans who chose to dine at Outback Steakhouse on Thursday will receive a free Bloomin' Onion and Coca-Cola product, according to the restaurant.
Outback also offers a "daily heroes discount" which includes 10% off entire checks to all service personnel, police officers, firefighters, and first responders with a valid state or federal service ID.
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Red Lobster
Red Lobster is offering a free appetizer or dessert from a special menu on Thursday. Participating guests must dine-in and show a military ID to redeem this offer.
Starbucks
Starbucks is offering a free tall 12-ounce hot brewed coffee at participating US locations for active and retired military personnel and their spouses, according to the coffee company.
For every cup of hot brewed coffee sold that day, Starbucks is donating 25 cents and allocating proceeds evenly between Headstrong and Team Red, White, & Blue to support mental health efforts within military communities.
The offer is valid on cafe and drive-through orders only and is limited to one per customer.
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Texas Roadhouse
Texas Roadhouse will pass out vouchers for free meals, according to the Veteran's Affairs website. The vouchers will be provided in the parking lots from 11 am to 2 pm on Thursday and are redeemable until May 30, 2022.
Wawa
Wawa is offering free coffee for veterans, active military members, and their families on Thursday. The coffee can be any size, according to a press release from the company.
Wendy's
The fast-food chain is offering a free breakfast combo to retired or current US military personnel. The offer is available from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and can be redeemed in-store or at the drive-through by showing a form of military ID.
