Where Veterans and active duty eat free on Veterans Day 2024

Veterans and active-duty military have lots of options for free meals on Veterans Day, and plenty of the spots giving out the free thank yous are in your area.

Here’s a short list of restaurants that have a presence in the Southeast U.S. that are giving away freebies in honor of our country’s servicemen on Veterans Day, Saturday, November 11th.

We encourage you to look at the small businesses & franchise locations in your own area to find deals and freebies, too.

Military.com has informed us of many of these deals. Proof of service is usually required, and most are dine-in only options, only at select participating locations:

Huddle House – Huddle House is offering a FREE MVP Breakfast Platter available to all active military members and veterans.
Outback Steakhouse – Military veterans and active personnel a free Bloomin’ Onion and Coca-Cola product on Veterans Day with the purchase of an adult entree. Also, the chain has a “daily heroes discount” offering 10% off entire checks to all servicemen and -women, police officers, firefighters and first responders with a valid state or federal service ID.
Buffalo Wild Wings – Free order of 10 traditional or boneless wings and fries. Dine in only.
Bob Evans Restaurants – Free select menu items to Veterans and Active Duty Military on Veterans Day.
Burger King – All Veterans & active military enjoy a free Big Cheese burger to all on Veterans Day, with proof of service, at participating locations only.
Cici’s Pizza – Veterans and active-duty military receive a free pizza buffet meal on Veterans Day.
Denny’s – Veterans can build a free Grand Slam breakfast from 5 am to 12 pm at select locations on Veterans Day.
Chicken Salad Chick – Veterans and active-duty military will receive a free meal at all locations.
Chick Fil-A – Chick-fil-A offers a free chicken sandwich for all active-duty personnel and veterans, at participating franchises only.
Chili’s Grill & Bar – All veterans and active duty military personnel can choose a complimentary meal from a select menu.
Golden Corral – Nothing on Veterans Day, but Golden Corral is hosting their Military Appreciation Night on November 13th from 5pm to close
Hooters – Active-duty military and veterans will receive a free entrée from the Veterans Day Menu with purchase of a beverage at participating locations. Dine-in only.
IHOP – Free Red White & Blueberry pancakes or a Pancake Combo on Veterans Day from 7am to 7pm.
Krispy Kreme – Free doughnut and small coffee for veterans and active military at participating locations.
Dunkin’ Donuts – Free donut at Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants at participating locations nationwide, no purchase necessary.
Little Caesar’s – Free Lunch Combo from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participating locations only.
McDonald’s – Veterans can enjoy one free breakfast combo meal which includes hash browns and any size soft drink, tea or coffee. At participating locations only.
Red Robin – Free Tavern Double Burger with Bottomless Steak Fries. Dine in only.
Shoney’s – Shoney’s says ‘Thank You’ to America’s heroes by offering a free All You Care To Eat breakfast to all veterans and active duty military members from open – 11 am.
Starbucks – Free 12oz tall hot or cold coffee at participating locations.
Texas Roadhouse – Vouchers for a free meal to all Veterans and Active Duty military will be distributed at Texas Roadhouse locations from 11 am to 2 pm on Veterans Day.
Wendy’s – Veterans and active-duty military receive a free breakfast combo from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m., but hours can vary by location. A valid military ID or a Veterans Advantage card is required. The offer can be redeemed in restaurants or at the drive-thru.
Cracker Barrel – Free slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake for veterans with a purchase in-store or online.
Applebee’s – For the 17th year, Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar is giving active military, veterans, Reserves and National Guard a complimentary full sized entree on Veterans Day from a special menu with proof of military service. Vets will also receive a free $5 card to use again in the next 21 days.
Bonefish Grill – Active-duty service members and veterans will receive a complimentary order of Bang Bang Shrimp with a soft beverage on Veterans Day with valid ID.
Carrabba’s – Veterans and active-duty military will receive a complimentary dine-in appetizer or dessert paired with a soft beverage with show of ID.
Dave & Buster’s – Veterans get a free entree (up to $20) and a free $10 Power Card with a valid veterans ID card on Veterans Day.