Veterans Day 2026: Where to Find the Best Food Deals

Photo: Gemini AI

This November 11 marks Veterans Day, and restaurants across the United States are celebrating by offering special deals to honor those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. From burgers and pizza to breakfast favorites and drinks, participating chains are giving away free food and offering discounts to active-duty service members, reservists, and National Guard members. Here’s a roundup of the deals you can take advantage of this Veterans Day.

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Veterans Day 2026 food deals

The offers range from free meals and menu items to discounts at participating restaurants. While some deals are available throughout the day, others have specific hours, purchase requirements, or redemption conditions. A few chains are also extending their promotions beyond November 11. Here’s what veterans and eligible service members can get this year:

  • Wendy’s: Free Dave’s Single with no purchase necessary at participating locations.
  • In-N-Out Burger: Free meal consisting of any burger, fries, and a drink.
  • Shake Shack: Free ShackBurger while supplies last.
  • Applebee’s: Free entrée from a special holiday menu, plus a $5 gift card.
  • Chili’s: Free entrée from a special Veterans Day menu.
  • Buffalo Wild Wings: 10 free boneless wings and fries.
  • Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop: Free small sandwich for veterans and active-duty service members with a valid military ID.
  • California Tortilla: Free order of cheese fries with any purchase for veterans with a valid military ID.
  • Dunn Brothers Coffee: Free small drip or cold brew coffee for active-duty, retired, and former military members.
  • Escalante’s: Free queso with any purchase.
  • Fat Rosie’s: 50% off dine-in entrées.
  • Keke’s Breakfast Cafe: Free Classic Two-Egg Breakfast Combo at participating locations from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. No purchase necessary.
  • MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes: MOOYAH Rewards members who buy a burger and a shareable order of fries get a second burger free at participating locations.
  • Perkins Restaurant & Bakery: Free Magnificent Seven breakfast.
  • Huddle House: Free Original French Toast for dine-in customers only.
  • Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe: Free Grilled Chicken Gyro with a valid military ID.
  • Tijuana Flats: 50% off an adult entrée on dine-in orders with a valid ID and a minimum purchase of $9.99. Customers must mention promo code VETDAY26 when paying.

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  • Dickey’s Barbecue Pit: Free pulled pork sandwich.
  • Olive Garden: Free entrée from a special menu with dine-in service.
  • Red Robin: Free meal at participating locations.
  • Denny’s: Free Original Grand Slam breakfast from 5 a.m. to noon.
  • Golden Corral: Free buffet and drink from 4 p.m. until closing.
  • Krispy Kreme: Free small coffee and doughnut.
  • Dunkin’: Free doughnut while supplies last.
  • IHOP: Free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Cracker Barrel: Free Sunrise Pancake meal.
  • Whataburger: Free Taquito until 11 a.m.
  • Little Caesars: Free lunch combo with four slices of Detroit-style pepperoni pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi, available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Blaze Pizza: Free one-topping pizza.
  • Paisano’s: Free large one-topping pizza.
  • Firehouse Subs: Buy one sandwich and get another one free.
  • Smashburger: Free All-American Single Smash or Americana Big Dog.
  • Hard Rock Cafe: Free Classic Smashed Burger.
  • Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar: Free BD’s All-American Cheeseburger with a classic side, available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Ford’s Garage: Free American Standard Burger or up to $16 off another entrée.
  • Hawaiian Bros: Free Classic Lunch.
  • Hooters: Free meal from a special menu with the purchase of a drink.
  • Twin Peaks: Free entrée, with five menu options to choose from.
  • LongHorn Steakhouse: 10% off the meal, plus a free appetizer or dessert to share with the purchase of an adult entrée.
  • Outback Steakhouse: Free Bloomin’ Onion and drink on November 10 and 11.
  • California Pizza Kitchen: Free entrée and drink, plus a buy-one-get-one-free offer for a pizza, pasta, or salad on a future visit.
  • P.F. Chang’s: Free lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • TGI Fridays: Free meal from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Ruby Tuesday: Free Everyday Fresh meal.
  • Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen: Free appetizer or dessert.
  • Yard House: Free appetizer.
  • BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: Free chocolate chunk Pizookie.
  • Fazoli’s: Free spaghetti with marinara or meat sauce. No purchase necessary.
  • Dickey’s Barbecue Pit: Free pulled pork sandwich.
  • Bubbakoo’s Burritos: Free chicken or beef burrito or bowl.
  • Dog Haus: Free entrée.
  • Hurricane Grill & Wings: Free entrée from a special menu.
  • Native Grill & Wings: Free meal, with four options to choose from.
  • Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom: Free meal from a special Veterans Day menu.
  • Ninety-Nine Restaurants & Pub: Free entrée with the purchase of another entrée during lunch.
  • Kona Grill: Free entrée with the purchase of an appetizer.
  • Condado Tacos: Free taco with a purchase of equal or greater value.
  • Good Times: Free Deluxe Cheeseburger Combo.
  • Aroma Joe’s: Free 24-ounce coffee or AJ’s Rush energy drink.
  • 7 Brew: 50% off any drink.
  • Smoothie King: Free 20-ounce smoothie from noon to 3 p.m.
  • Baya Bar: Free smoothie.
  • Juice It Up!: Free medium Classic Smoothie.
  • Einstein Bros. Bagels: Free coffee of any size and a bagel with any cream cheese spread.
  • Tim Hortons: Free medium hot or iced coffee.
  • PJ’s Coffee: Free 16-ounce hot or iced coffee.
  • Honey Dew: Free coffee of any size.
  • Paris Baguette: Free medium hot or iced coffee with any purchase. No military ID required.
  • Hot Dog on a Stick: Free 16-ounce Original Lemonade.
  • TCBY: Free six ounces of frozen yogurt.
  • Sheetz: Free half turkey sandwich and regular-size drink. Participating locations are also offering free car washes.
  • Dave & Buster’s: Free unlimited gameplay for veterans and active-duty service members, a free dessert with the purchase of an entrée, and half-price games for all customers.
  • Grimaldi’s Pizzeria: 25% off on November 11. The chain also offers a 15% military discount year-round.
  • MOD Pizza: 50% off a regular-size pizza or salad.
  • Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza & Wings: 10% off dine-in orders.
  • Peter Piper Pizza: 10% off year-round.
  • Yogurtland: 15% off the purchase.
  • Playa Bowls: 50% off bowling games.
  • Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: Free combo meal card, redeemable through November 25.
  • Taco John’s: Free small Beef Crispy or Softshell Taco Combo for rewards members.
  • White Castle: Free individual combo or breakfast combo.

Why is Veterans Day celebrated?

Veterans Day was established to commemorate the end of World War I, with the armistice going into effect on November 11, 1918. Beyond marking that historic event, the day is meant to honor all veterans who have defended the nation throughout its history. It’s a time to express gratitude for their courage and service, recognizing the vital role they play in maintaining the country’s freedom and security.

How is Veterans Day celebrated in the United States?

Veterans Day celebrations vary across the country but often include parades, official ceremonies, and community or school events. Many cities hold public gatherings to pay tribute to veterans with speeches, patriotic music, and moments of silence. In addition, some veterans receive discounts or free meals at restaurants as a token of appreciation.

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From burgers and pizza to breakfast and drinks, restaurants will offer free items and discounts to military members on Veterans Day Read More