Veterans Day falls on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, and restaurants across the country are offering free meals, coffee and other discounts to thank veterans and active-duty military members for their service.
Popular chains, including Applebee’s, Chili’s, Starbucks, Golden Corral and Olive Garden, are participating in this year’s promotions. Several museums and attractions are also offering complimentary admission.
Most restaurant deals are available for one day only, and some require customers to dine inside the restaurant or order from a limited menu.
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, offers can vary by location and may change. Veterans and military personnel should check with their local restaurants before visiting and bring identification or proof of service when required.
Applebee’s, Chili’s and Olive Garden Offer Free Veterans Day Meals
Applebee’s is offering veterans and active-duty military personnel a free entrée from a special Veterans Day menu on November 11. The promotion is available for dine-in customers.
Chili’s is also providing a complimentary entrée to veterans and active-duty service members at participating locations.
Customers must select their meal from the restaurant’s designated Veterans Day menu and provide military identification or proof of service. The offer is available for dine-in orders only.
Olive Garden is participating with a free entrée from a special menu for veterans and active-duty military members.
Starbucks, Golden Corral and Red Lobster Announce Veterans Day Freebies
Starbucks is offering a free tall, 12-ounce hot or iced coffee on Veterans Day.
The promotion is available to veterans, active-duty military members and military spouses at participating U.S. locations.
Golden Corral will host its annual Military Appreciation Night on November 11, offering a complimentary buffet to eligible veterans.
The promotion begins at 4 p.m. and runs until closing. Customers must dine inside the restaurant to receive the free meal.
Red Lobster is also participating with a complimentary Veteran’s Shrimp & Chips meal.
The November 11 offer is available for dine-in customers who provide valid military or veteran identification or other acceptable proof of service.
Some locations may accept a military uniform as proof, although customers should verify identification requirements before visiting.
Denny’s, IHOP and In-N-Out Burger Join Veterans Day Promotions
Denny’s is giving veterans and active-duty military members a free Original Grand Slam breakfast on November 11.
According to Military.com, the promotion runs from 5 a.m. until noon and is available for dine-in customers who provide proof of service.
IHOP is offering a complimentary Red, White, and Blueberry Pancake Combo to veterans and active-duty personnel at participating restaurants.
The offer also requires proof of military service and is available for dine-in orders only.
In-N-Out Burger is providing a free meal that includes a burger, fries and a drink.
The promotion is open to veterans, active-duty personnel, Reserve members and National Guard members.
Eligible customers who provide proof of service will also receive a special-edition Veterans Day decal.
National Parks and Museums Offer Free Admission for Veterans Day 2026
Veterans Day promotions extend beyond restaurants, with several attractions offering complimentary admission.
The National Park Service is waiving entrance fees for all visitors on November 11.
Veterans and military personnel may also qualify for free annual or lifetime passes to national parks.
Colonial Williamsburg in Williamsburg, Virginia, is offering free admission from November 6 through November 11.
The promotion includes active-duty military personnel, retirees, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and dependents. Identification is required.
The Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is offering free admission on November 11 to veterans and active-duty service members.
Eligible visitors can bring one adult and up to four children at no charge.
The museum is also offering a 10 percent discount at its shop and restaurant.
In California, the Aquarium of the Pacific is providing complimentary admission to veterans and active-duty military members on November 11.
Reservations are required because capacity is limited.
Veterans Day 2026 Free Meals and Deals: Where Military Members Can Eat Free on November 11