Veterans Day is Wednesday, November 11, 2026, and several restaurants are saying thank you to veterans and active-duty military with free food. I pulled together the offers I could confirm from each restaurant’s own announcement, so you can pick a favorite (or pass this along to the veterans in your life).
A few tips before you go: most of these are dine-in only at participating locations, drinks and tip usually aren’t included, and many restaurants ask for proof of service. Bring your military ID or other proof, and call your local restaurant ahead of time to make sure it’s participating.
Applebee’s – Free Entrée From a Veterans Day Menu
- Veterans, active-duty military, Reserves and National Guard get a free full-size entrée on Wednesday, Nov 11, 2026 at participating Applebee’s.
- Choose one: 6 oz. Top Sirloin, Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, Chicken Tenders Platter, Double Crunch Shrimp, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Oriental Chicken Salad, or Three-Cheese Chicken Penne.
- Dine-in only, one meal per person. Beverages and gratuity aren’t included, and it can’t be combined with other coupons or discounts.
- Proof of service options include a U.S. Uniformed Services ID or retired ID card, a current LES, a veterans organization card (like American Legion or VFW), a photo of yourself in uniform, a DD-214, or wearing your uniform.
- Bonus: dine-in veterans and active-duty guests also get a $5 Bounce Back Card for a future visit (dine-in, To Go or delivery). It expires 11/29/26, is single use, one per party/table/visit, and excludes tax, alcohol, delivery fees, gift cards and gratuity.
- Source: Applebee’s Veterans Day page and Applebee’s Nov 3, 2026 announcement
Chili’s – Free Meal From a Veterans Day Menu
- Veterans and active military get a free meal on Nov 11, 2026 at participating Chili’s.
- Choose one: Chicken Crispers, Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas, Oldtimer Burger with Cheese, or Soup & House Salad.
- Dine-in only from the limited menu. No substitutions, can’t be combined with other offers, and beverages and gratuity aren’t included.
- Chili’s page doesn’t say what proof of service it accepts, so call your local Chili’s if you have questions.
- Source: Chili’s Veterans Day page
Red Robin – Free Red’s Big Tavern Burger + Bottomless Steak Fries
- Veterans and active-duty military get a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger with Bottomless Steak Fries on Wednesday, Nov 11, 2026 only.
- Show a valid military ID or proof of service. No purchase necessary.
- Dine-in only at participating Red Robin restaurants.
- Modifications and other burger styles aren’t included (substitutions, additions or premium sides cost extra). Not valid with other offers, including Red Robin Royalty rewards.
- Source: Red Robin press release (Oct 22, 2026) · RedRobin.com/Veterans-Day
Bob Evans – Free Entrée From an 11-Item Veterans Day Menu
- Veterans and active-duty military get one free entrée from Bob Evans’ Veterans Day menu on Wednesday, Nov 11, 2026, served all day.
- The menu runs from breakfast to dinner, including the Country Biscuit Breakfast, The Classic Breakfast and Smaller Portion Turkey & Dressing.
- Dine-in only. Proof of service is required, such as a U.S. Uniformed Services ID or retired card, a current LES, a veterans organization card (like American Legion or VFW), or a photo of yourself in uniform.
- Bonus: each veteran and active-duty guest also gets a thank-you offer for a free cup of sausage gravy and biscuits on a future visit.
- Source: Bob Evans Veterans Day page and Bob Evans’ Oct 27, 2026 press release
Ruby Tuesday – Free Everyday Fresh Meal (Worth Up to $17.99)
- Wednesday, Nov 11, 2026, all day during regular hours at participating Ruby Tuesday restaurants.
- For U.S. veterans, retired, active-duty and Reserve service members with proof of military service. One free meal per eligible guest.
- You get one Everyday Fresh Meal from any price tier (worth up to $17.99): your choice of entrée, The Garden Bar and a bottomless drink.
- Proof of service options include a U.S. Uniformed Services ID or Retired ID, a current LES, a veterans organization card (like American Legion or VFW), a DD-214, a citation or commendation, or a photo of yourself in uniform.
- Dine-in only (tables or the bar). Not valid for to-go, delivery, TueGo or third-party delivery, and not at Guam, Hawaii or airport locations.
- No purchase or Ruby Rewards membership needed. While supplies last. Extras, add-ons and premium sides cost extra; can’t be combined with other offers; tax and gratuity not included.
- Source: Ruby Tuesday Veterans Day page
Golden Corral – Free “Thank You” Buffet Dinner on Military Appreciation Night
- Wednesday, Nov 11, 2026, from 4 p.m. until close.
- For anyone who has served in the U.S. military: veterans, retirees, active duty, National Guard and Reserve. Includes the buffet and a beverage.
- Dine-in only: no takeout and no rain checks. Family and friends pay regular prices.
- Golden Corral’s page doesn’t say whether ID is required, so check with your local restaurant.
- Source: Golden Corral Military Appreciation page
Yard House – Free Appetizer
- Veterans and active-duty military get one complimentary appetizer on Wednesday, Nov 11, 2026 only.
- One per person, dine-in only, no purchase necessary.
- Yard House doesn’t say which appetizers are included or what ID is needed, so ask your server for details.
- Source: Yard House Veterans Day page
Freddy’s – Free Combo Meal Card
- Veterans and active-duty military who visit Freddy’s on Wednesday, Nov 11, 2026 get a free combo meal card, good for any combo meal.
- No purchase necessary. Valid military ID required.
- The card can be used through Nov 25, 2026, so this one is great if you can’t make it out on Veterans Day.
- Source: Freddy’s press release (Oct 27, 2026) · Freddy’s Veterans Day page
A big thank you to every veteran and service member. If you know someone who served, share this with them! 💙
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