Free food for Veterans Day 2026: Texas Roadhouse, Applebee's, IHOP, and more participating restaurants

This Wednesday, November 11, restaurants across the United States are offering free meals, breakfasts, and drinks to veterans and active-duty military members as part of Veterans Day 2026 celebrations. Participating chains include Texas Roadhouse, Applebee's, IHOP, Chili's, Denny's, and Golden Corral.

The promotions include hamburgers, full breakfasts, entrees, steak dishes, and even free buffets. However, each restaurant sets its own conditions: some require dining in, presenting a military ID, or visiting during specific hours.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a list of establishments participating in this day, with offers that may vary by location.

What restaurants offer free food for Veterans Day 2026?

These are some of the chains that confirmed free promotions for veterans and active-duty military personnel this November 11:

1. Texas Roadhouse: voucher for a free meal

The Texas Roadhouse chain is keeping its tradition of offering free food to veterans and active members of the Armed Forces.

This Wednesday, they are handing out vouchers to choose from 10 items, including a six-ounce sirloin, accompanied by two restaurant-made sides and a drink.

Voucher distribution is scheduled from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Recipients can redeem them until May 31, 2027.

It is necessary to present a military ID or a document proving service.

2. Applebee's: free full-size entree

Applebee's offers a full-size entree from their special Veterans Day menu to veterans, active-duty military, reservists, and members of the National Guard.

Among the available options are:

• Top Sirloin de seis onzas.
• Hamburguesa Classic Bacon Cheeseburger.
• Chicken Tenders Platter.
• Double Crunch Shrimp.
• Fiesta Lime Chicken.
• Oriental Chicken Salad.
• Three-Cheese Chicken Penne.

The promotion is valid for dine-in and requires presenting an ID or proof of military service.

In addition, those who take advantage of the free meal receive a five-dollar promotional card for a future visit, valid until November 29, 2026.

3. IHOP: free pancake breakfast

IHOP offers their Red, White & Blueberry Pancake combo to veterans and active-duty military.

The breakfast includes two buttermilk pancakes with glazed strawberries, blueberry compote, and whipped cream. It also contains two eggs, hash browns, and bacon or sausage.

The promotion is available from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, only for dine-in.

A military ID or proof of service is required. The offer is subject to availability at participating restaurants.

4. Chili's: free meal from a special menu

Chili's offers a free meal from a limited menu to veterans and active-duty military.

Among the options announced are:

• Chicken Crispers.
• Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas.
• Oldtimer Burger with Cheese.
• Sopa y ensalada de la casa.

The promotion is valid on November 11, exclusively for dine-in. It does not include drinks or tips and cannot be combined with other offers.

5. Denny's: Original Grand Slam breakfast

Denny's offers a free Original Grand Slam breakfast to veterans and active, inactive, or retired military personnel.

The dish includes two buttermilk pancakes, two eggs, two strips of bacon, and two sausages.

The promotion will be available from the opening of each establishment until 12:00 PM on November 11.

It is necessary to present a valid military ID or DD-214 form. The offer is for dine-in and does not include drinks.

6. Golden Corral: free buffet

Golden Corral celebrates its traditional Military Appreciation Night this Wednesday.

Veterans can enjoy a free buffet during the special day, available from 4:00 PM until closing.

The promotion is for dine-in. It is recommended to confirm the requirements and availability with the nearest branch.

7. In-N-Out Burger: hamburger, fries, and drink

In-N-Out Burger offers a free meal to veterans, active-duty military, reservists, and National Guard members.

The benefit allows you to choose a burger from the menu, french fries, and a drink.

To receive it, it is necessary to present proof of military service.

8. Red Lobster: free Shrimp & Chips

Red Lobster offers veterans, active-duty military, and reservists a free Shrimp & Chips meal.

The dish includes breaded shrimp, french fries, and coleslaw.

The promotion is valid on November 11 for dine-in and requires military ID.

9. Red Robin: burger with unlimited fries

Red Robin offers a free Red's Big Tavern Burger, accompanied by unlimited french fries.

The promotion is aimed at veterans and active-duty military, who must present an ID or proof of service.

It is valid for dine-in.

10. Shake Shack: free ShackBurger

Shake Shack offers a free single ShackBurger to veterans and active-duty military.

To take advantage of the promotion, it is necessary to go to a participating branch and present a military ID or proof of service. No other purchase is required.

11. Ruby Tuesday: meal up to $17.99

Ruby Tuesday offers a free meal from their Everyday Fresh Meals menu, valued at up to $17.99.

Recipients can choose from 13 entrees, accompanied by the Garden Bar and a drink with unlimited refills.

The promotion includes veterans, active-duty military, reservists, and National Guard members. It is valid for dine-in and requires proof of service.

12. Bob Evans: meal from a special menu

Bob Evans offers a free meal from a special menu for veterans and active-duty military.

The promotion is valid this November 11, only for dine-in and with a valid military ID.

13. Freddy's: card for a free combo

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers gives veterans and active-duty military a card to redeem a free combo.

The benefit is obtained by visiting an establishment on November 11. The card can be used until November 25, 2026.

Where to get free coffee for Veterans Day?

In addition to the restaurants offering full meals, some chains participate with free drinks.

• Starbucks: café preparado caliente o helado de 12 onzas para veteranos, militares activos y cónyuges de militares.
• Circle K: café mediano caliente o helado para veteranos, sin compra adicional.
• Hot Dog on a Stick: limonada Original de 16 onzas para veteranos y militares activos.
• Biggby Coffee: café preparado caliente o helado de 16 onzas para veteranos y militares activos.

Promotions are subject to branch participation and may require military ID.

What ID do you need to receive free food?

In general, restaurants request an ID that proves the person served or is serving in the United States Armed Forces.

Among the documents that may be accepted are:

• Identificación militar vigente o de retiro.
• Tarjeta de identificación de veterano.
• Documento DD-214, que acredita la separación del servicio militar.
• Identificación de organizaciones de veteranos, como American Legion o VFW.
• Comprobante de servicio o documentación militar, según las condiciones de cada cadena.

Not all establishments accept the same documents, so it is advisable to check their policies before going.

Do all restaurants offer free food to veterans?

No. Veterans Day 2026 promotions depend on each chain and, in some cases, the specific branch.

Also, not all offers mean a completely free meal. For example, Chipotle offers chips and a choice of guacamole, queso, or salsa with a minimum purchase of five dollars.