“Over 6.7 million free meals have been served to America’s heroes since 2001.” That staggering figure from Golden Corral underscores just how much restaurants value the service and sacrifice of veterans and active-duty military personnel nationwide. Every year, November 11 becomes more than just a date on the calendar-it becomes the day when dining chains across the nation open their doors with heartfelt gratitude and generous offers.
From heartier breakfasts to more indulgent dinners, these deals are far more than about food; they’re about connection, recognition, and community. Whether it’s sharing a stack of pancakes with another veteran or enjoying a gourmet burger with family, the gesture speaks volumes. This year’s lineup is bigger than ever, as some chains add extra perks or extend the offers beyond Veterans Day itself. Here are 11 top offers where great meals meet true respect for military service.
1. Applebee’s Keeps an 18-Year Tradition Alive
It’s the 18th consecutive year Applebee’s has honored veterans and active-duty military with a free entrée off of a select menu. This offer is dine-in only, and in some locations, guests get a little something extra: a $5 Bounce Back Card good on their next visit. This is one long-standing tradition many service members count on to give them a warm meal and a friendly atmosphere every Veterans Day.
2. Buffalo Wild Wings Serves Wings and Fries
In return, Buffalo Wild Wings is offering all its veterans and currently serving members 10 free boneless wings, along with fries. The deal is available for dine-in or walk-in orders across participating locations in the country. With a sports-bar feel, Buffalo Wild Wings turns Veterans Day into a flavor-filled thank you with this mouthwatering combo.
3. California Pizza Kitchen Adds a Sweet Bonus
The complimentary meal at California Pizza Kitchen comes with an entrée and a non-alcoholic beverage from a special prix fixe menu. Options include pizzas, pasta, and full-size salads. Adding a little extra to the appreciation for the day is the buy-one-get-one bounce-back card, which guests will also get for use later in November.
4. Chili’s serves up comfort food favorites.
At Chili’s, veterans and active-duty military will receive a free meal from their limited menu, which includes items like Oldtimer with Cheese, Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas, or Soup and Salad. The offer is available to dine-in guests so the guests can enjoy the meal in a relaxed atmosphere.
5. Chipotle’s Share-a-Meal Promotion
Chipotle is inviting veterans to share a meal with someone they care about. Between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., guests who purchase an entrée and present military ID receive a second entrée free. “Their courage and commitment inspire us every day, and we’re honored to serve those who serve our country,” said Chris Brandt, Chipotle’s chief brand officer.
6. Cracker Barrel’s All-Day Pancake Special
The Cracker Barrel Sunrise Pancake Special will be available all day for dine-in guests and includes two buttermilk pancakes plus eggs or a breakfast meat. “Sharing a warm, delicious meal is one of the simplest yet most sincere ways to say, ‘Thank you,’” said Sarah Moore, chief marketing officer for Cracker Barrel.
7. Denny’s Original Grand Slam Breakfast
Denny’s is offering all veterans and active-duty military members its signature Original Grand Slam-two pancakes, two strips of bacon, two sausage links, and two eggs-for free from 5 a.m. to noon. The offer is for dine-in guests only and available at participating locations nationwide.
8. Golden Corral’s Military Appreciation Night
Golden Corral’s 25th Annual Military Appreciation Night offers a free dinner buffet from 4 p.m. to close. The event has served millions of meals since it started and has helped raise more than $20 million for Disabled American Veterans. As CEO Lance Trenary says, it is “a powerful reminder of why this tradition matters so much.”
9. IHOP’s Red, White & Blueberry Pancakes
IHOP is serving its patriotic Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo to veterans and active-duty military. Paired with eggs, hash browns and your choice of bacon or sausage, the colorful plate is available from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. for dine-in customers.
10. Outback Steakhouse’s Aussie 3-Course Meal
Outback Steakhouse offers active and former service members a free Aussie 3-Course Meal. The meal consists of a soup or salad starter, a select entrée, and a New York-style cheesecake dessert. It’s a hearty way to honor service with a taste of Australia.
11. Whataburger’s Year-Round Taquito Tuesdays
While Whataburger is offering a free breakfast Taquito to veterans on Veterans Day morning, the Texas-based chain extends the gesture every Tuesday through year’s end. Veterans also get a free 16-ounce hot or iced coffee year-round, making this one of the most enduring offers in the lineup. Veterans Day restaurant deals go far beyond free food; they are moments of gratitude served up in familiar dining rooms across America. From national chains with decades-long traditions to local favorites adding heartfelt touches, these offers reflect a shared respect for military service. For veterans and active-duty members themselves, the day reminds them that their commitment is recognized not just in words but in warm meals and open doors.
