Veterans Day Free Meals 2023

Plus Other Veterans Day Freebies for 2023

Quesadilla lunch

The Spruce / Karen Hibbard

Updated November 10, 2023. Keep checking back for more updates!

Veterans Day free meals are up for grabs again this year! As a thank you for your service, various popular and local restaurants are giving veterans free meals and discounts on Saturday, November 11, 2023.

Important: Please read through my Veterans Day Free Meals FAQ for important information you need to know before getting your freebie or a free meal, like military qualifications, restaurant participation details, and lots more.

You can find even more freebies for vets on my list of Veterans Day Freebies and Discounts for 2023. Here you'll find freebies like free haircuts, car washes, and even hotel stays.

IHOP (2023)

IHOP logo

This year on Saturday, November 11, IHOP will be honoring veterans and active military men and women with a free stack of Red, White, and Blueberry pancakes or Pancake Combo.

More Details on the Veterans Day Free Meal at IHOP

Individuals might need to show proof of service before receiving this dine-in offer, such as coming in their uniform, showing a photo of them in their uniform, or showing a military ID card.

Chili's (2023)

Chili's logo

Visit a participating Chili's on Saturday, November 11, 2023, to get your Veterans Day free meal if you're a veteran or on active military duty.

Details of Chili's Free Veterans Day Meal Options

You might need to show proof of military service to get your Veterans Day free meal. It's for dine-in only.

Texas Roadhouse (2023)

Texas Roadhouse logo

To celebrate Veterans Day, Texas Roadhouse will give away free lunches from a special menu on Saturday, November 11, from 11 AM to 2 PM.

Details on the Texas Roadhouse Veterans Day Free Meal

Proof of service is necessary. This can include a military or VA card, or discharge papers.

Applebee's (2023)

Applebee's logo

Stop into a participating Applebee's on Saturday, November 11, 2023, to get your Veterans Day free meal, plus a discount card for a future meal.

Details of the Free Veterans Day Meal at Applebee's

Check out the link above for everything you need to know about this Veterans Day free meal, including what sorts of ID they consider valid, the full list of menu items you get to choose from, who is eligible, etc.

Denny's (2023)

Denny's logo

Stop by Denny's on Friday, November 10, 2023, and all active, non-active, and retired military personnel can get a free Build Your Own Grand Slam Breakfast from 5 AM to Noon.

Details of the Free Veterans Day Breakfast at Denny's

Visit the link above for the full menu to see all the different items you can put together in a Grand Slam Breakfast at Denny's.

Most Denny's locations should be participating in this promotion, and you'll need to bring a valid military ID along with you. This is for dine-in only.

Starbucks (2023)

Starbucks logo

Starbucks is honoring veterans, active duty service members, and military spouses this year for Veterans Day by offering a free coffee on Saturday, November 11, 2023.

Details on the Starbucks Veterans Day Free Coffee

It's possible that not all U.S. company-operated stores are participating, so be sure to check ahead of time and bring military ID with you to get your free coffee.

Red Robin (2023)

Red Robin logo

Veterans and active duty military can stop into any participating Red Robin location on November 11 to get a free Red's Big Tavern Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries.

More Details on the Red Robin Veterans Day Free Meal

You must show proof of service to qualify for this Veterans Day freebie.

Golden Corral (2023)

Golden Corral logo

On November 13, Golden Corral will be giving out Veterans Day free meals to active duty military members and veterans.

Details of the Golden Corral Free Veterans Day Buffet

All Golden Corral locations will be participating, and no identification is required to get your free dinner buffet.

Over the last 22 years, Golden Corral served several million veterans a Veterans Day free meal!

TGI Fridays (2023)

Picture of the TGI Fridays logo

TGI Fridays will be having a free lunch meal deal for all veterans and active-duty military on Saturday, November 11, 2023, from 10 AM until 3 PM.

Details of the TGI Fridays Free Veterans Day Meal

This offer is valid at participating locations only and is only valid after a military ID is shown for proof of service. Be sure to contact your local TGI Fridays for specific details.

Smokey Bones (2023)

smokey bones logo

All Smokey Bones locations are offering a free Create Your Own Combo for veterans and active military with ID on Saturday, November 11.

Details of the Smokey Bones Free Veterans Day Meal

This Veterans Day deal is for dine-in only, and there's no purchase necessary.

O'Charley's (2023)

O'Charley's logo

Veterans and active duty military can stop into an O'Charley's location and get a free meal (plus pie!) from their special Veterans Day menu on Friday, November 10 and Saturday, November 11.

Details of the O'Charley's Free Veterans Day Meal

This deal is available only at participating O’Charley’s restaurants, military ID is necessary, and it's for dine-in only.

Additionally, O’Charley’s provides a 10% military discount all year long.

Dunkin' Donuts (2023)

Dunkin' Donuts logo

To show their support, Dunkin' Donuts is giving away free donuts to active duty military and veterans on Saturday, November 11, 2023.

This free Veterans Day donut is limited to one per customer, but no purchase or military ID is required. It's available in-store only.

It's possible that not every Dunkin' Donuts location is participating, so be sure to call ahead to double-check.

Red Lobster (2023)

Red Lobster logo

Active duty military, reserve, and military veterans can stop by a Red Lobster location between 11 AM and 4 PM on November 11, 2023, for a free meal voucher.

This voucher is for Veterans Shrimp & Chips, featuring six fried shrimp served with cocktail sauce, as well as fries and coleslaw. It can be redeemed for a dine-in meal between November 13 and December 10.

Menchie's (2023)

Menchie's logo

This is the 11th Veterans Day that Menchie's Frozen Yogurt has given out a freebie for Veterans Day. Veterans can get the first 6 oz. of frozen yogurt for free.

This offer is valid all day long at participating Menchie's locations, and you need to show military ID to receive this Veterans Day freebie. 

Perkins (2023)

Perkins logo

Perkins Restaurant & Bakery

Any veteran with valid military ID can visit a Perkins Restaurant & Bakery on Saturday, November 11, for a free Magnificent 7 platter, which consists of two eggs, two strips of bacon, and three pancakes.

It's possible that not every Perkins location is participating, so be sure to call ahead of time to make sure.

Little Caesars (2023)

Little Caesars logo

Veterans and active military members can visit Little Caesars on Saturday, November 11th, from 11 AM to 2 PM for a $5 HOT-N-READY Lunch Combo.

This Veterans Day free meal includes four slices of Little Caesars DEEP!DEEP!™ Dish pizza with pepperoni, plus a 20 oz Pepsi product.

You don't need a coupon to redeem this free meal for Veterans Day. Just mention this offer and present proof of service, which can include an ID card with a veteran designation, a DD-214 form, or a current military-issued ID card.

Logan's Roadhouse (2023)

Logan's Roadhouse logo

Logan's Roadhouse will serve all military branches a free meal from a special menu this Veterans Day in honor of their service. The free meal offer is valid from 11 AM to 3 PM only, on Saturday, November 11.

To qualify, either present military ID or come in uniform. Find a Logan's Roadhouse near you to take advantage of this free meal, but call ahead before you arrive to ensure they're participating.

Old Chicago (2023)

Old Chicago logo

On Veterans Day, Old Chicago is offering a free lunch for veterans and active military members from an exclusive menu.

Wear your uniform or show a military ID to get the deal. It's available until 4 PM, is dine-in only, and is valid at participating Old Chicago locations only.

Sheetz (2023)

The red Sheetz logo

Sheetz

Sheetz will be giving veterans and active military members a free lunch on Saturday, November 11. The free Veterans Day lunch includes a half turkey sub and a regular size fountain drink.

All 700+ Sheetz locations are participating, but it wouldn't hurt to call your local restaurant for specifics, like to confirm they're participating and ask if you need to bring in proof of service.

Sheetz will also provide a free car wash to veterans and active duty military. This offer only applies to the $9 car wash option and is only available at Sheetz locations with a car wash. Military ID or proof of service is necessary for the car wash.

Freddy's (2023)

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers logo

Visit a Freddy's near you this Veterans Day, November 11, to get a free Freddy’s Original Double with Cheese combo meal card.

You must be a veteran or active duty military to pick up the Veterans Day free meal card—no purchase necessary, but it can be redeemed by anyone through November 30, 2023.

Farmer Boys (2023)

Farmer Boys logo

If you're a veteran, stop by a Farmer Boys on Veterans Day, Saturday the 11th, for a free Big Cheese cheeseburger.

Check with your local Farmer Boys to see if they're having this deal. Military personnel need to show proof of service when ordering. The deal is not valid on delivery or mobile ordering.

Bob Evans (2023)

Bob Evans logo

Veterans and active military personnel can stop into any Bob Evans location any time on Saturday, November 11, to receive a free meal.

The Veterans Day free meal choices include Country Biscuit Breakfast, The Mini Sampler, The Classic Breakfast, Brioche French Toast, Banana Berry Oatmeal, Sausage Gravy & Biscuits, Sunrise, Buttermilk Hotcakes, Down-Home Country-Fried Steak, and Bowl of Rolled-Oat Oatmeal.

This is for dine-in only, and beverages and gratuity aren't included.

You'll need to bring proof of military service to get your Veterans Day free meal. This can include a US Uniformed Services ID Card, US Uniformed Services Retired Card, current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), veterans organization card (i.e. American Legion, VFW), photograph of yourself in uniform, wearing uniform, DD214, or citation or commendation.

Cotton Patch Cafe (2023)

Cotton Patch Cafe logo

Cotton Patch Cafe is giving out free Veterans Day meals to veterans and active military on November 11, 2023.

You can get a free chicken fried steak or chicken fried chicken as long as you bring along a form of military ID to your local Cotton Patch Cafe when you dine-in on Veterans Day.

If other guests are interested in celebrating Veterans Day at Cotton Patch Cafe, the restaurant will donate $1 to Homes for Our Troops for every chicken fried steak or chicken fried chicken sold on November 11.

City Barbeque (2023)

City Barbeque logo

All military members and veterans can visit City Barbeque all day on Saturday, November 11, to get a free sandwich, one side, and a drink.

This Veterans Day free meal deal is valid at all City Barbeque locations.

This offer is only valid in-store, for dine-in, or for carryout (i.e., you can't redeem it for orders placed online, in the app, over the phone, or via third-party delivery services).

Huddle House (2023)

Huddle House logo

Huddle House honors active duty, retired, and veteran military members this year with a free MVP Platter on Veterans Day.

You can visit any participating Huddle House restaurant on Saturday the 11th to get this Veterans Day free meal offer. Proper military ID is required.

Cicis Pizza (2023)

Cicis pizza logo

Cici Enterprises

Any active or retired military member with proof of service can get a free adult buffet at Cicis on November 11 for Veterans Day. This includes pizza, salad, desserts, and more.

This is for dine-in only at your local Cicis, and taxes and drinks are excluded.

White Castle (2023)

White Castle logo

White Castle is giving out a free Combo Meal or a free Breakfast Combo Meal to any veteran or other military members who come in on Veterans Day, Saturday, November 11.

A military ID might be required to get the complimentary meal. Be sure to contact your local White Castle restaurant ahead of time to confirm that they're participating.

California Pizza Kitchen (2023)

California Pizza Kitchen logo

California Pizza Kitchen is having a Veterans Day free meal as well. Veterans who dine-in at a participating California Pizza Kitchen location on Saturday, November 11, 2023, get a free meal and drink.

In addition to the complimentary meal, eligible guests will also receive a BOGO (pizza, pasta, or salad) that can be redeemed from November 12 to November 21.

Visit the link above for the full menu options. You'll need to come in uniform or bring your military ID or another proof of service to redeem this offer.

TCBY (2023)

TCBY logo

This year for Veterans Day, all vets and active military members get their first 6 oz of frozen yogurt absolutely free.

This Veterans Day freebie is valid at participating TCBY locations only, so be sure to call and confirm before you head out on Saturday the 11th. Proof of military service is required.

Nekter (2023)

Nekter Juice Bar logo

If you're a veteran or active military member, you can stop in to Nekter's on Veterans Day, November 11, for a free 16oz smoothie or juice.

You can take advantage of this free Veterans Day offer at your local Nekter location, but it's possible that not all of them are participating, so call ahead to double-check.

Military ID is required, and add-ons are extra.

Claim Jumper (2023)

Claim Jumper logo

This year on Monday, November 13, Claim Jumper locations are offering a free meal for veterans. Visit that link for the special Veterans Day menu.

Veterans and active military members will likely need to show official verification of their service to take advantage of this free Veterans Day dine-in meal offer. Tax and gratuity aren't included, and Golden Nugget locations are excluded from the offer.

Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza (2023)

Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza & Wings logo

Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza & Wings

On November 11, veterans and active duty military get a free 12" cheese pizza at Anthony's.

This free Veterans Day meal is valid at participating locations only — check with your local Anthony's to confirm participation. It's valid only when dining in, and military ID is necessary.

Rock & Brews (2023)

Screenshot of the Rock & Brews logo

Another place to get free food on Veterans Day is Rock & Brews. They're giving veterans, armed forces, and first responders a complimentary Pulled Pork Sandwich and Strawberry Fields Salad.

All 20+ Rock & Brews locations are participating. Proof of service might be required; you can call ahead to check.

Pilot Flying J (2023)

Pilot Flying J logo

In honor of Veterans Day, a free meal is available for all US military veterans and their families who visit any of the 750+ participating Pilot Flying J Travel Centers across the country on November 10, 11, or 12.

This Veterans Day free food offer can be valued up to $12. You need to use the myRewards Plus app, and be verified through ID.me, to get the food.

Green Mill (2023)

Green Mill logo

This Veterans Day free offer from Green Mill is for veterans and active-duty military who show proof of service.

Eligible customers can pick from any of these items: Small 2-Topping Deep Dish Pizza, Desert Fire Pasta, Millhouse Club, or Cobb Salad with Chicken.

This offer is for dine-in only, and beverages and gratuity are not included. Contact your local Green Mill Restaurant & Bar to see if they're participating.

Famous Dave's (2023)

Famous Dave's logo

The Veterans Day free meal at Famous Dave's is a Georgia chopped pork sandwich plus one side. This offer is valid all day on Saturday, November 11, at participating Famous Dave's locations

Valid for dine-in or to to-go, only on 11/11/23. Online ordering is permitted (use code VETERAN), but the deal is not valid for delivery. Only one meal per veteran or active military person with valid proof of service.

Hy-Vee (2023)

Hy-Vee logo

Veterans and active duty military can stop into a Hy-Vee store on Friday morning, November 10, to receive a free Veterans Day breakfast. It's valid from 6 AM through 10 AM.

Find a Hy-Vee near you to confirm that they will be participating, and to check the hours for this deal.

Additionally, eligible customers will receive a 15% discount on groceries all day Friday.

54th Street Grill (2023)

54th Street Grill logo

54th Street will be having a free meal up to a $10 value for veterans and active military on Veterans Day.

This is for dine-in only and is valid on November 11, 2023, only. Proof of military service is appreciated and can be shown via military ID or by visiting in uniform or showing a photo in uniform.

Find out where a 54th Street Grill is near you.

Crooked Pint Ale House (2023)

Crooked Pint Ale House logo

Another way veterans can get a free meal on Veterans Day in 2023 is from Crooked Pint Ale House. Options include Classic Lucy and Fries, Grilled Clubhouse and Fries, Chicken Pot Pie, or Bourbon Cranberry Chicken Salad.

I recommend contacting a Crooked Pint Ale House location near you to confirm that they're participating there before you head out. Proof of service is necessary, it's for dine-in only, and beverages and gratuity aren't included.

Crooked Pint also saves vets 10% every day of the year.

Handel's Homemade Ice Cream & Yogurt (2023)

Handel's Homemade Ice Cream and Yogurt logo

Handel's Homemade Ice Cream

Veterans can enjoy a free scoop of ice cream at participating Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream & Yogurt's across the country this year on Veterans Day.

Be sure to bring military ID and contact them ahead of time to see if your local store is offering this deal.

Bad Daddy's Burger Bar (2023)

Bad Daddy's Burger Bar logo

All active, retired, and former military members who stop into a Bad Daddy's Burger Bar location on Veterans Day will receive a complimentary All-American Burger with a side of chips.

This Veterans Day free food offer is valid only for dine-in, from 11 AM to 3 PM. You need to show your military ID card, veteran ID card, or discharge papers.

Wienerschnitzel (2023)

Wienerschnitzel logo

Wienerschnitzel sells millions of hot dogs every year, and for Veterans Day this November 11, eligible customers can have a chili dog and small fries free, plus a small soda.

There are hundreds of locations, but not all of them may be participating, so be sure to contact your local Wienerschnitzel to double-check.

This Veterans Day free food is for both active military members and veterans who can provide military ID or who show up in their military uniform.

Shoney's (2023)

Shoney's logo

Participating Shoney's will be having a Veterans Day free all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet in 2023 for veterans as well as active duty military.

Proof of military service might be required, it's for dine-in only from open until 11 AM on November 11th, and beverages, tax, and gratuity aren't included in the free offer. Find a Shoney's near you.

Although this free Veterans Day offer isn't compatible with other offers and discounts, Shoney's also gives out a 15% discount all year long to the Armed Forces, Police, Fire Department, EMT Units, and anyone else with proof of service.

LaMar's Donuts (2023)

LaMar's Donuts logo

Veterans and active military personnel can visit a participating LaMar's Donuts and Coffee location to get a free donut and 12 oz. coffee on Saturday, November 11.

No coupon or purchase is necessary, but the offer doesn't apply to specialty donuts. You might need to bring proof of service, which could include bringing military ID or wearing your uniform.

Chicken Salad Chick (2023)

Chicken Salad Chick logo

On November 11, 2023, all Chicken Salad Chick locations are giving out a free Chick Special and regular size drink in honor of Veterans Day.

Veterans and active-duty military can take advantage of this Veterans Day free meal. Proof of service (uniform or military ID) is required, and the deal is valid only for in-restaurant orders (not online or delivery orders).

Max & Erma's (2023)

Max & Erma's logo

Max & Erma's will be honoring veterans and active military personnel by giving out a free Best Cheeseburger in America with endless seasoned fries, a fresh-baked chocolate chip cookie, and a fountain drink on Veterans Day.

This Veterans Day free meal offer is valid only at participating Max & Erma's, so be sure to contact your local restaurant before heading out on Saturday November 11. Proof of military service is necessary.

Coco's (2023)

Coco's Bakery logo

Active military and veterans who visit Coco's on November 11, 2023, will receive a free Homestyle Breakfast. Just be sure to come in with your military ID so they can confirm that you are or were in the military.

Not all locations are participating in this Veterans Day free meal deal, so be sure to contact your local Coco's to see if yours is.

The Greene Turtle (2023)

The Greene Turtle logo

The Greene Turtle will be honoring past and present members of the military with a free entree on Saturday, November 11.

This Veterans Day free meal is dine-in only, starts at 10 AM, requires military ID, is for any meal up to $15, can't be combined with other discounts or offers, and is only valid at participating The Greene Turtle locations.

Primanti Bros (2023)

Primanti Bros logo

On Friday the 10th and Saturday the 11th, veterans and active duty military get a free classic Primanti Bros sandwich at all locations except FL, Airport, Stadium, and Kennywood.

This Veterans Day free meal is for dine-in only.

Proof of service is likely required, such as DD214, US Uniform Services ID Card, wearing a uniform, Current Leave and Earning Statement, etc.

Texas Corral (2023)

Texas Corral logo

Veterans and active duty service members can eat free at Texas Corral on Saturday, November 11, 2023.

This Veterans Day free meal includes your choice of an entree from their special Veterans Day menu, plus any soft drink or coffee.

Visit your local Texas Corral for this free meal and be sure to come in uniform or bring along your U.S. Uniform Services ID Card, U.S. Uniform Services Retired ID Card, DD214, Current Leave and Earnings Statement, Veterans Organization Card, or a photograph of you in uniform.

Bandana's Bar-B-Q (2023)

Bandana's Bar-B-Q logo

On Saturday, November 11, veterans and active military eat free at Bandana's Bar-B-Q.

This free Veterans Day food offer is your choice between a pulled chicken or pulled pork Budget Buster, or a pulled chicken or pulled pork sandwich. This is also served with your choice of one regular side.

Proof of service is necessary, so be sure to bring your military ID or some other proof with you when you visit your local Bandana's Bar-B-Q.

Mission BBQ (2023)

Mission BBQ logo

On Veterans Day, November 11, Mission BBQ locations will be giving away free sandwiches to veterans.

Military ID is not required to get this Veterans Day free food offer.

Ledo Pizza (2023)

Ledo Pizza logo

Visit a Ledo Pizza location on Saturday, November 11, for free pizza. This Veterans Day free meal is an 8-inch cheese pizza, available to all active and retired military members.

To redeem this deal, be sure to show up with your ID or come to the restaurant in uniform.

Free Meals That Require a Food Purchase (2023)

Real Army Family Outdoor
DanielBendjy / Getty Images

These Veterans Day free meals or free food require a purchase:

  • Outback Steakhouse - Active and retired military members can stop in to Outback on November 11 for a free Bloomin' Onion and beverage with the purchase of an adult entree. They'll also receive a $10 coupon that can be redeemed from 11/12/23 through 12/17/23.
  • Rock Bottom Brewery - All day on Saturday, November 11, Rock Bottom is inviting all active and retired military members with proper ID 20% off their purchases. It's valid for dine-in and to-go orders.
  • BurgerFi - On Veterans Day this year, veterans and active duty military get 20% off their whole order.
  • Cracker Barrel: Veterans can receive a complimentary slice of Coca Cola cake in-store when they make a purchase on November 11.
  • BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - Anyone can receive a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie with a minimum purchase of $11.95 at BJ's on November 11, 2023. Current and former military members will also receive a free appetizer coupon, also valid only with meal purchases of at least $11.95.
  • CentraArchy Restaurants - On November 11, any veteran or active duty member of the armed forces with I.D. is invited to enjoy any entrée from the full menu at half price. It's for dine-in only, and guests are encouraged to book reservations online in advance and bring valid military ID.
  • 99 Restaurant & Pub: All 99 Restaurant & Pub locations are offering active military members and veterans a free meal on Veterans Day when they purchase another. This is valid on November 10 only, from open until 5 PM. Proof of service is necessary, and the free meal choice can come from this Veterans Day menu.
  • bb.q Chicken - All day on November 11, bb.q Chicken is offering 25% off to all military vets and active duty service members who show valid ID.
  • Glory Days Grill: Veterans can enjoy 50% off individual meals on Friday, November 10 and Saturday, November 11.

Location-Specific Free Meals (2023)

A family greeting veterans.

 

Ariel Skelley / Getty Images

Below are even more free meal deals, but they're valid at only one or two locations.

  • The Copperfield - Veterans and active duty military will get a free menu item on Saturday, November 11, when they dine in at The Copperfield in Mendota Heights, MN. Options include: The Usual (available until 3 PM), Mac Daddy Burger, Copperfield Club, Cobb Salad, or Stuffed Shells (available 4 PM to close).
  • Calhoun's - Calhoun's Restaurant in Tennessee is having free food for veterans and members of the Armed Forces on November 11 at all Calhoun's locations, all day long. Military ID is likely required.
  • San Angelo TX Elks Lodge - Veterans and first responders can get free food at San Angelo Elks Lodge on Saturday, November 11, following a Veterans Day parade. This includes burgers, hotdogs, chips, dessert, and a drink. It's for dine-in or carryout until 2 PM.
  • Bombshells Restaurant & Bar - All locations in Texas will provide free meals and drinks for veterans and active service members on November 11, plus 20% off other items. Accompanying family members will receive a 20% discount on their meals. Valid military ID is requested.
  • Tuscan Kitchen - In honor of Veterans Day, Tuscan Kitchen invites veterans to eat for free on November 10. Make a reservation through that link before you head out.
  • Tap House Grill - All active, inactive, and retired military members can dine-in for free at Tap House Grill on November 11.