Outback's free Bloomin' Onion starts a day early, on Tuesday, Nov. 10, and Outback says no military ID is needed. Texas Roadhouse hands out vouchers Wednesday that stay good until May 31, 2027.
Veterans Day lands on Wednesday, Nov. 11, and a veteran with a big appetite could eat free from 5 a.m. to closing time. Denny's serves a free Original Grand Slam until noon, Applebee's has a seven-entree free menu, and Golden Corral opens its buffet to veterans at 4 p.m.
Applebee's confirmed its deal in a Nov. 2 release. Veterans, active-duty troops, Reserves and National Guard members who dine in get a free full-size entree, plus a $5 Bounce Back card for a later visit. The card expires Nov. 29 and can't be used the same day.
John Peyton, Applebee's president and Dine Brands CEO, called Veterans Day "one of our Team Members' favorite days of the year."
Golden Corral is marking the 26th anniversary of its Military Appreciation Night. The free "thank you" buffet and drink are for the person who served. Family and friends pay regular prices, and there's no takeout or rain check.
Most deals are dine-in only, at participating locations, with proof of service, so call ahead. We covered Veterans Day theme park deals on Nov. 6. This is the food list.
Which restaurants give veterans a free meal on Veterans Day 2026?
These run Wednesday, Nov. 11, per the chains and the 2026 lists from VA News, the American Legion and Fox 35 Orlando.
Applebee's: free entree from a seven-item menu that includes a 6-ounce top sirloin, Double Crunch Shrimp and Three-Cheese Chicken Penne. Dine-in only.
Denny's: free Original Grand Slam, 5 a.m. to noon, dine-in only, with military ID or a DD-214.
Chili's: free entree from a select Veterans Day menu, dine-in at participating restaurants.
Golden Corral: free buffet and drink, 4 p.m. to close.
IHOP: free Red, White and Blueberry Pancake Combo, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., at participating restaurants.
Red Lobster: free Shrimp and Chips, dine-in, with ID.
Red Robin: free Red's Big Tavern Burger with Bottomless Fries, dine-in.
Bob Evans: free meal from a special Veterans Day menu, dine-in.
Buffalo Wild Wings: 10 free boneless wings and fries with proof of service, dine-in at participating locations.
Little Caesars: free HOT-N-READY Lunch Combo.
Wendy's: free Dave's Single at participating restaurants.
In-N-Out Burger: free burger, fries and drink with proof of service.
Which Veterans Day deals start early or last longer?
Outback Steakhouse starts Tuesday, Nov. 10, the Marine Corps' birthday. Veterans and service members get a free Bloomin' Onion and a Coca-Cola drink on Nov. 10 and 11. Outback says no purchase or military ID is required. Just tell your server. Honor system, onion edition.
Dine Rewards members who dine in and order that onion-and-drink combo also earn a free Hero's Meal for later, good from Nov. 16 through May 2, 2027.
Texas Roadhouse hands out meal vouchers from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday. The voucher covers one of 10 entrees and a drink, and it's good through May 31, 2027.
Where can veterans get free coffee on Veterans Day?
Starbucks: free 12-ounce hot or iced brewed coffee for veterans, service members and military spouses at participating stores.
Circle K: free medium hot or iced coffee with military ID, no purchase needed, at participating U.S. stores.
Which Florida chains have Veterans Day deals?
Heading to Disney World this week? Fox 35 Orlando's list includes a few Florida-based chains.
Sonny's BBQ: free Pork Big Deal, a pulled or sliced pork sandwich with a side and a drink.
Tijuana Flats: 50% off an adult entree in-store with code VETDAY26 and a $9.99 minimum.
Metro Diner: 50% off a meal for active-duty and retired military with ID.
What ID do you need for Veterans Day free meals?
It depends on the chain. Applebee's accepts the longest list: a Uniformed Services ID or retired ID card, a Leave and Earnings Statement, a veterans group card like the American Legion or VFW, a photo of you in uniform, or a DD-214 with a citation or commendation.
Denny's asks for a military ID or DD-214. Texas Roadhouse wants a military or VA card or discharge papers. Outback, again, doesn't ask.
Most free meals leave out drinks, tax and tip. Tipping on what the meal would have cost is a nice move.
What about Olive Garden, Dunkin' and Krispy Kreme?
The American Legion's 2026 list includes a free Olive Garden entree from a special menu. VA News' list doesn't, and we couldn't find an Olive Garden announcement. Call first.
Dunkin' and Krispy Kreme hadn't posted 2026 Veterans Day offers as of Sunday, Nov. 8.
Article compiled and written by Kambrea Pratt (editor-in-chief), Derek Gibbs (beat editor) and the Pirates & Princesses newsroom. Pirates & Princesses is part of WebReef Media.
Pirates and Princesses is your destination for Disney news, theme park updates, and the pop culture you love. From Disney cruises and travel tips to Disney fashion, food, collectibles, and movie news, PNP covers it all. Visit us at piratesandprincesses.net for daily coverage. Follow PNP on Facebook and Instagram, and listen to the Pirates & Princesses podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
Hat Tips:
Applebee's (Dine Brands) (Nov. 2, 2026), the free entree menu, Bounce Back card, accepted ID list and John Peyton quote
Golden Corral (2026), Military Appreciation Night hours, anniversary and rules
VA News (Oct. 26, 2026, updated Nov. 6), Denny's, Chili's, Starbucks, Red Lobster, Red Robin, Bob Evans, In-N-Out and Circle K offers
The American Legion (Nov. 5, 2026), Texas Roadhouse voucher terms, IHOP, Little Caesars, Wendy's, Buffalo Wild Wings and the Olive Garden listing
Fox 35 Orlando (Nov. 4, 2026, updated Nov. 6), Outback's two offers, Denny's ID rules, Sonny's BBQ, Tijuana Flats and Metro Diner
AI Disclosure: All articles are assigned, edited and reviewed by an experienced human editor before posting. Like most modern newsrooms, WebReef Media uses a variety of AI tools to help with accuracy and efficiency. Ways AI may be used in article creation include research, grammar, fact-checking and ideation, as well as occasional AI generated or enhanced thumbnails or graphics. No articles are generated or posted without human oversight or involvement.