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, Tuesday, 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 and The Military Wallet have 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 – On November 11, active duty military and veterans can receive a free breakfast platter at participating restaurants. This dine-in-only offer is available with valid proof of service, like a military ID.
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 – Enjoy 10 free boneless wings and fries at Buffalo Wild Wings, available for dine-in or for walk-in counter orders at Buffalo Wild Wings GO locations only. All past and present armed services members (with valid ID) can participate.
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.
Culver’s – Celebrate Veterans Day with a free 1-scoop sundae when you show your military ID, VA veteran ID, or driver’s license with a veterans designation, at most Culver’s locations.
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.
Firehouse Subs – Firehouse Subs is offering veterans and active-duty military a free combo. Stop by any location to enjoy a medium sub, chips or a cookie, and a drink.
Golden Corral – Golden Corral is hosting their Military Appreciation Night on November 11th from 5pm to close. This includes a free “thank you” meal when dining in.
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 on Veterans Day from 7am to 7pm.
Kilwins of Beaufort – Veterans and active-duty military members can enjoy their choice of a free small ice cream (cone or dish) or a free slice of fudge as our way of showing appreciation for their service and sacrifice. Must show proof of military service. Available in store only on Veterans Day,
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 – Little Caesars Pizza is offering a free lunch combo to veterans and active military members from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Veterans Day. The combo includes four slices of their popular Detroit-style deep-dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi product. A valid proof of service is required.
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 – Participating Shoney’s restaurants are offering a free morning meal to veterans and active military until 11 a.m.. Just bring proof of your service and come dine-in.
Starbucks – Free 12oz tall hot or cold coffee at participating locations.
Texas Roadhouse – Texas Roadhouse is offering a free dine-in or carry-out meal voucher to veterans from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., redeemable through May 30, 2026. A valid Military ID or proof of service is required.
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 –Cracker Barrel will offer a free Sunrise Pancake Special to veterans and active duty military
Applebee’s – For the 18th 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.
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.
Outback Steakhouse – Outback Steakhouse will offer veterans and active service members a free bloomin’ onion and Coca-Cola drink. Dine-in or call-in to-go orders are both valid options. The chain also offers a year-round 10% Heroes Discount to service members, police officers, firefighters, and first responders with appropriate identification.
Red Lobster – In honor of Veterans Day and to thank veterans, active-duty military and reservists for their service, Red Lobster is giving away FREE printed meal vouchers* for Veterans Shrimp & Chips—featuring six hand-breaded, butterflied and lightly fried shrimp, served with cocktail sauce, as well as crispy French Fries and Coleslaw—from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Guests must show a valid military ID or proof of service to redeem.
Wawa – On Veterans Day, Wawa, a popular family-owned convenience store, offers free coffee to veterans, active duty military, and their families as a thank you for their service.
Zaxby’s – On Veterans Day, Zaxby’s offers free sandwich to all current and former military members. This deal is only valid at participating locations. The restaurant, known for its hand-breaded chicken sandwiches, provides these specials as part of its rewarding Zax Rewardz program.
