Veterans Day Restaurant Freebies Complete Guide To Military Dining Discounts

Nov. 30, 2025, 11:47 a.m.

Tags: day veteran steak longhorn

Veterans Day provides an opportunity for restaurants across the United States to express gratitude to military personnel through complimentary meals and special discounts. This comprehensive overview details the 2025 Veterans Day dining opportunities available to veterans, active-duty military members, and in some cases, their spouses. The information is based on verified reports from multiple sources, though readers should note that offers may vary by location and are subject to change.

Longhorn Steakhouse Veterans Day Offers

Longhorn Steakhouse is honoring military personnel on Veterans Day with a combination of discount and complimentary items. According to multiple sources, veterans and active-duty military members can receive 10% off their meal along with a free appetizer or dessert for their table on November 10 and 11. This offer is available for both dine-in and call-in orders, though it appears to be limited to table service and not applicable to online orders. Military ID or other proof of service is required to avail of this offer.

The restaurant has consistently offered this combined discount and free item promotion in previous years, making it one of the more substantial Veterans Day deals among steakhouse chains. The free appetizer or dessert option allows service members to choose an item that best suits their preferences, while the 10% discount provides additional savings on their entire meal.

Applebee's Military Appreciation

Applebee's is offering a free entree for veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day. The restaurant requires proof of military service for this complimentary meal. Additionally, according to some sources, veterans can choose between several popular entrées including the Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, 6 oz. Top Sirloin, Chicken Tenders Platters, Double Crunch Shrimp, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Oriental Chicken Salad, and Three-Cheese Chicken Penne.

This selection of options allows military personnel to enjoy one of Applebee's most popular menu items at no cost, providing flexibility based on individual preferences. The restaurant's widespread presence across the United States makes this offer accessible to many veterans and active-duty service members.

Bob Evans Veterans Day Breakfast

Bob Evans Restaurants are providing free meals to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day. Diners can select from 10 different breakfast items available throughout the day, with the option of free all-you-can-eat hotcakes. Proof of military service is required for this offer.

The availability of breakfast items throughout the day is notable, as it accommodates various schedules and preferences. The all-you-can-eat hotcakes option is particularly generous, allowing veterans to enjoy as many hotcakes as they desire during their visit. Bob Evans has a history of participating in Veterans Day promotions, making it a reliable option for military personnel seeking a complimentary meal.

Chili's Military Discount

Chili's is offering a free entree for veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day. The restaurant requires proof of military service for this complimentary meal, which is available from a special Veterans Day menu. While the specific menu options aren't detailed in the provided sources, the special menu likely includes popular items that appeal to a wide range of tastes.

Chili's has consistently offered free meals to military personnel on Veterans Day, demonstrating their commitment to honoring service members. The restaurant's casual dining atmosphere and extensive menu make it a popular choice for families and groups celebrating the holiday.

Denny's Hotcake Special

Denny's Restaurants are honoring military personnel with free all-you-can-eat hotcakes for veterans on Veterans Day. While the specific details about proof requirements are not mentioned in the provided sources, this offer appears to be available throughout the day at participating locations. This straightforward promotion provides veterans with a simple, no-strings-attached meal option.

Denny's has a long history of participating in Veterans Day promotions, often featuring their popular breakfast items. The all-you-can-eat format is particularly appealing as it allows veterans to enjoy as much food as they desire during their visit.

Golden Corral Free Dinner

Golden Corral is providing a free dinner for anyone who has served in the military on Veterans Day. The offer is available from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and notably, no ID is required for this promotion, making it accessible to all veterans regardless of whether they carry documentation of their service.

Golden Corral's buffet-style dinner is especially generous, as it allows veterans to enjoy unlimited servings of their choice of items. The lack of ID requirement is significant, as it removes a potential barrier for veterans who may not have documentation readily available. This policy demonstrates the restaurant's commitment to honoring all who have served, regardless of their ability to prove service status.

Hoss's Steakhouse Military Appreciation

Hoss's Steakhouse in Grove City, PA is offering a free meal to veterans on Veterans Day. Unlike some other restaurants, this location requires valid ID for verification of military service. While the specific menu options aren't detailed in the provided sources, the meal likely includes one of the restaurant's popular steak or dinner options.

This Pennsylvania-based chain has a history of honoring military personnel on Veterans Day, though the promotion appears to be limited to their Grove City location. Veterans planning to visit should call ahead to confirm participation and any specific requirements.

Olive Garden Complimentary Entrée

Olive Garden is offering a free entrée for veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day. The complimentary meal comes from a special menu and requires proof of military service. This offer is available on November 11, 2025.

Olive Garden's Italian-themed menu provides a different dining option compared to many of the American-style restaurants offering Veterans Day promotions. The special menu likely includes popular items such as pasta dishes, chicken or veal entrées, or signature soups and salads. The restaurant's family-friendly atmosphere makes it a popular choice for groups celebrating Veterans Day.

Outback Steakhouse Three-Course Meal

Outback Steakhouse is honoring veterans and military service members with a free Aussie 3-course meal on Veterans Day (November 10 and 11). Valid military ID is required for this offer, which is available for dine-in customers only. The three-course meal typically includes an appetizer, entrée, and dessert, providing a complete dining experience at no cost to service members.

This substantial offering is one of the more comprehensive Veterans Day promotions among restaurant chains. The Australian-themed menu offers unique options such as the Bloomin' Onion, various grilled meats, and traditional Australian desserts. The two-day availability (November 10-11) provides flexibility for veterans who may not be able to visit on the actual holiday.

O'Charley's Special Menu

O'Charley's is offering a complimentary meal from the $9.99 menu for veterans and active-duty military on Veterans Day. The restaurant requires ID or proof of service, and the offer is available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both November 10 and 11. The affordable price point of the complimentary meals makes this promotion particularly accessible.

O'Charley's American-style menu includes a variety of options such as burgers, sandwiches, salads, and dinner entrées. The restaurant's relaxed atmosphere and reasonable prices make it a popular choice for casual dining, and the Veterans Day promotion provides an opportunity for veterans to enjoy a meal without cost during the holiday.

Panera Bread Free Combo

Panera Bread is providing a free You Pick Two Combo for military personnel on Veterans Day. While the specific requirements for proof of service are not detailed in the provided sources, this offer is available to veterans and active-duty military members. The You Pick Two option allows customers to choose two items from a selection of salads, sandwiches, and soups, with a side of bread.

This promotion provides a lighter, healthier dining option compared to many of the hearty meals offered by other restaurants on Veterans Day. Panera's focus on fresh ingredients and customizable options makes it a popular choice for those seeking a different kind of dining experience during the holiday.

Texas Roadhouse Lunch Special

Texas Roadhouse is offering free lunch for veterans from a select menu on Veterans Day. Additionally, according to some sources, meal vouchers will be offered to veterans and active-duty military dining at Texas Roadhouse from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on November 11. The restaurant is known for its hand-cut steaks, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and fresh-baked bread.

The combination of complimentary lunch items and vouchers for future visits makes this promotion particularly generous. Texas Roadhouse's casual, energetic atmosphere and focus on comfort food has made it a popular chain for families and groups, and the Veterans Day promotion provides an opportunity for service members to enjoy the restaurant's offerings at no cost.

Additional Restaurant Offers

Several other restaurants are participating in Veterans Day appreciation events:

Buffalo Wild Wings

Buffalo Wild Wings is honoring veterans and current military members with a free order of 10 Boneless Wings and Fries on November 11. This offer is available for dine-in customers or for walk-in orders at Buffalo Wild Wings GO locations, but not for delivery orders.

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse

BJ's Restaurant is offering a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie for dine-in guests with proof of military service. Additionally, current and former military members dining on November 11 will receive a free appetizer coupon for their next visit. Military ID or other proof of service is required.

Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A is offering a free chicken biscuit during breakfast hours and a free sandwich during lunch or dinner hours to veterans and active-duty military personnel. The offer varies by location, so checking with your local store is recommended.

Little Caesars

Little Caesars is offering a complimentary Lunch Combo to veterans and active-duty military from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on November 11. The combo includes four slices of Little Caesars' signature Detroit-style Deep Dish pizza and a 20-ounce beverage.

Logan's Roadhouse

Logan's Roadhouse is honoring veterans with a free meal from a special menu on Veterans Day, November 11, between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This offer requires presentation of a military ID or uniform.

Lucille's Smokehouse BBQ

Veterans can receive a complimentary Pulled Pork Sandwich or personal-sized Fried Chicken Plate for dine-in only on November 10 and 11. Additionally, they receive a $10 bonus card valid from November 24 through December 3.

Main Event

Main Event is offering active-duty military and veterans a free double cheeseburger and 30-minute Fun Card with valid ID on November 11.

Marzoni's Brick Oven & Brewing Co.

Veterans receive a free 12 oz [item not specified in source] on November 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

McDonald's (Northeast Ohio)

Participating McDonald's restaurants in Northeast Ohio are offering complimentary breakfast or lunch/dinner combo meals to veterans with valid military ID on November 11, 2025.

Piada Italian Street Food

Veterans and active military can get a free entrée at Piada Italian Street Food on November 11.

Black Angus Steakhouse

Black Angus Steakhouse is treating all veterans and active military members to a free 6 oz. Top Sirloin meal, paired with home-style mashed potatoes and broccoli drizzled with garlic butter, on November 10 and 11. This promotion applies to in-house and takeout orders at all 32 locations.

Bonefish Grill

Bonefish Grill is offering a free Bang Bang Shrimp and non-alcoholic beverage to active-duty military and veterans on Veterans Day. A valid military ID is required.

Bruegger's Bagels

Bruegger's Bagels is serving free medium hot or iced coffee for veterans on Veterans Day with a breakfast purchase.

Regional and Local Offers

Several regional restaurant chains are also participating in Veterans Day appreciation:

Carrabba's Italian Grill

Carrabba's offers a year-round 10% discount for service members and first responders, though specific Veterans Day offers are not mentioned in the provided sources.

Carolina Ale House

Locations in North Carolina, Tennessee, and Florida are offering a free half-rack rib platter to veterans and active military.

Cattlemen's Steakhouse

California locations provide a free sirloin steak dinner for veterans and active military, along with 50% off an entree and free regular-size gourmet fries. They also offer a 10% military discount year-round.

Chelo's Hometown Bar & Grille

Rhode Island locations usually offer a free meal from a Veterans Day menu (dine-in only) and a free two-item combo for veterans and active military (dine-in only).

Claim Jumper

West Coast locations typically offer a free meal from select menu for veterans.

Cotton Patch Cafe

Texas locations offer free Chicken Fried Steak or Chicken Fried Chicken to veterans and active military personnel, as well as a free Country Scramble for all veterans and active military.

Additional Fast Food Options

Several fast-food chains are also participating:

Dunkin'

Veterans and active-duty military personnel can get a free small hot or iced coffee and a free doughnut of their choice on November 11.

Krispy Kreme

Veterans and active-duty military can get 50% off their dine-in meal on Veterans Day.

Papa John's

All veterans, active-duty military members and their spouses will receive 50% off a MOD-size pizza or salad.

Starbucks

Veterans, military service members and military spouses receive a free tall brewed coffee on Veterans Day.

Subway

Veterans and active duty military members can get a free medium drink on Veterans Day.

Wendy's

Wendy's offers veterans and active duty military a free breakfast combo during breakfast hours on November 11.

Eligibility Requirements and Documentation

Most restaurants require proof of military service for Veterans Day offers. This typically includes:

Military ID (active duty)
Veterans ID card
DD-214 discharge papers
Other official documentation proving service

Some restaurants, like Golden Corral, have explicitly stated that no ID is required for their Veterans Day offer, making it more accessible to those who may not carry documentation. However, most establishments do require some form of verification.

Tips for Maximizing Veterans Day Dining Offers

Check with Local Locations: Many offers are subject to location participation, so it's advisable to call ahead or check the restaurant's website or social media pages.
Bring Proper Documentation: Even if a restaurant doesn't explicitly require ID, having proof of service can prevent any potential issues.
Consider Timing: Some offers are limited to specific timeframes, such as Golden Corral's 4-9 pm window or Texas Roadhouse's 11 am-2 pm meal vouchers.
Check for Carryout Options: While many offers are for dine-in only, some restaurants like Black Angus Steakhouse and Little Caesars also offer takeout options.
Look for Spouse Offers: Some restaurants extend their offers to military spouses, though policies vary by establishment.

Conclusion

Veterans Day provides numerous dining opportunities for military personnel across the United States. From full complimentary meals at establishments like Golden Corral and Denny's to combined discounts and free items at chains like Longhorn Steakhouse and Outback Steakhouse, restaurants are showing their appreciation in various ways. While this article provides a comprehensive overview based on available information, readers should verify details with individual restaurants before visiting, as offers may vary by location and are subject to change.