Activities Hobbies Free Veterans Day Meal at Applebee's 2023 Get a Free Meal and Discount Card at Applebee's on Veterans Day Print GMVozd / Getty Images Hobbies Frugal Living Food Savings Bargain Shopping Household Savings Do-It-Yourself Grocery Savings Money Management Beauty & Health Care Contests Couponing Freebies Fine Arts & Crafts Astrology Card Games & Gambling Cars & Motorcycles Playing Music Learn More By Stacy Fisher Updated on 11/01/23 Every year since 2008, Applebee's restaurants have been thanking veterans for their service by giving them a free meal. It's so popular that it's one of Applebee's busiest days of the year. In fact, they've given out over 11 million free meals to veterans and active-duty military! Applebee's is just one of many restaurants that give out free meals on Veterans Day. Some of the more popular restaurants that usually participate each year include Denny's, Chili's, T.G.I. Friday's, Red Robin, Outback Steakhouse, Texas Roadhouse, LongHorn Steakhouse, IHOP, BJ's, Olive Garden, Golden Corral, and Red Lobster. Restaurants aren't the only places giving out Veterans Day deals this year. See my list of Veterans Day Freebies and Discounts to find which businesses are handing out retail discounts, free zoo admission, free car washes, and more. Availability Applebee's serves their free meals on Veterans Day, which this year is on Saturday, November 11. The offer is valid on this day only, from when they open to when they close their doors. Although over 1,500 locations are participating in 2023, I suggest calling ahead to your local Applebee's before you head out to verify that yours is, too. Eligibility Some restaurants let guests or family members participate in the free Veterans Day meal, but this year at Applebee's, only active military, veterans, Reserves, and National Guard are invited to get the Veterans Day free meal. If you're eligible, you'll need to bring proof of military service in order to pick something off the special Veterans Day menu. Proof of service may include any of the following: U.S. Uniformed Services ID CardU.S. Uniformed Service Retired ID CardCurrent Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)Veterans Organization Card (such as American Legion or VFW)Photograph of yourself in uniformWear your uniformDD214Citation or commendation Only one of these is required for your free meal. If you don't have any identification, call the Applebee's you plan on visiting before you head out on Saturday, and ask if there's something else you could bring as proof of service—they may or may not be able to work with you. Special Menu Applebee's has a special Veterans Day menu that's built especially for Veterans Day. One item can be chosen from this menu: 6 oz. Top SirloinClassic Bacon CheeseburgerChicken Tenders PlatterDouble Crunch ShrimpFiesta Lime ChickenOriental Chicken SaladThree-Cheese Chicken Penne Also, when dining in at Applebee’s on November 11, eligible guests will receive a $5 bounce back card to redeem for dine-in, To Go, or delivery between 11/12/23 and 12/2/23. Restrictions The free Veterans Day meal from Applebee's is limited to participating Applebee's (remember to call ahead to see if your location is having this free meal) and is only valid for one day: Saturday, November 11, 2023. The free meal at Applebee's is for dine-in only at most locations, so you can't just stop by, order, and take your meal with you. This deal is also restricted to the menu items you see listed above. Beverages and gratuity are not included.