Where Veterans and Active Duty Military Can Get Free Food and Deals on Veterans Day

Veterans Day honors the service of veterans and active duty military—and each year, several restaurants and food companies show their appreciation by offering deals and freebies.

For Veterans Day 2019, Applebee’s will once again offer free entrées from a special menu, while Bruegger’s Bagels will provide free breakfast in the form of a bagel and cream cheese. Cici’s is going big with a free unlimited buffet, and Cracker Barrel has sweets covered with the choice of a free Pumpkin Pie Latte or slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake. Check out all of the deals we’ve seen so far below, and keep coming back up until November 11 in case we find more.

Valentyn Semenov / EyeEm/Getty Images
Valentyn Semenov / EyeEm/Getty Images

Applebee’s

Applebee’s will reprise its free entrée deal for veterans and active duty military members.

Bakers Square

On November 11, veterans and active military will get one free “rise & shine,” which includes two eggs served with seasoned hash browns or fresh fruit. (Plus, toast, buttermilk pancakes, an English muffin, a bakery muffin, or a biscuit on the side.)

Bartaco

Between November 9 and November 11, active duty and retired military members will get 20 percent off their bill.

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse

Current and former military can get a free entrée (up to $14.95) on Veterans Day, alongside a free Dr. Pepper. The offer is only valid for dine-in meals, and you need to present a valid Military ID or proof or service in order to redeem.

Boston Market

Between November 11 and 12, buy any individual meal and a drink, and you'll receive a second individual meal for free. The coupon will be available on Boston Market's website.

Bruegger’s Bagels

Bruegger’s is giving away a free bagel and cream cheese upon presentation of a valid military ID on Veterans Day. No other purchase is necessary.

California Pizza Kitchen

Veterans and active U.S. military can enjoy a complimentary meal at California Pizza Kitchen off of the special Veterans Day menu. The spread includes a choice of pizza, full-sized salad, or pasta, alongside a beverage. You’ll need to provide proof of service in order to get the deal. As an added bonus, participating guests will also receive a card for a buy-one, get-one free pizza, pasta, or salad between November 12 and November 20.

Chili’s

Chili’s will offer veterans and active military members a free entrée from a special menu. The spread includes Chicken Crispers, Margarita Grilled Chicken, a bowl of chili or soup & salad, Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas, a Just Bacon Burger, an Old-Timer with Cheese, and Cajun Chicken Pasta.

Cicis

For Veterans Day, those with valid active duty or retired military I.D.s can enjoy a free unlimited buffet. The deal is only valid on November 11—make sure to bring the coupon, too.

Cracker Barrel

Military veterans and active duty military will receive a complimentary Pumpkin Pie Latte or slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake at all Cracker Barrel locations.

Cumberland Farms

Cumberland Farms will give those with a valid military ID a free cup of coffee on November 11.

Denny's

All active, inactive, and military personnel can enjoy a free "Build Your Own Grand Slam" from 5 am to noon on Veterans Day. The offer is dine-in only, and a valid military ID or DD 214 is required to redeem.

Dunkin'

Veterans and active duty military can enjoy a free doughnut of their choice at Dunkin' on Veterans Day. No other purchase is required.

Fogo de Chão

At Fogo de Chão, active duty military and veterans can get 50 percent off their entire meal during Veterans Day weekend (November 8-November 11). Up to three guests for each veteran or military member will also get 10 percent off their meals.

Hooters

With the purchase of a beverage, active duty military and veterans will receive one free entrée from the Hooters Special Veterans Day Menu—options include 10-Piece traditional Wings, 10-Piece Smoked Wings, 10-Piece Boneless Wings, Hooters Burger, Buffalo Chicken Salad, and Buffalo Chicken Sandwich (dine-in only). To get the deal, proof of service or military ID is required.

Manhattan Bagel

At participating Manhattan Bagel locations, all active, former, and retired military personnel can get a free bagel and cream cheese on Veterans Day.

Pilot Flying J

Retired military veterans and active-duty service members can get free breakfast at Pilot Flying J between November 8 and November 11. The deal includes a free coffee (any size), as well as your choice of one free breakfast sandwich, breakfast pizza, or breakfast grill item. To redeem, download the Pilot Flying J app.

Red Lobster

Red Lobster will give a free appetizer or dessert to veterans, active duty military, and reservists on November 11. The deal is valid for dine-in or to-go orders—valid military ID or proof of service is required.

Red Robin

Red Robin will give veterans and active duty military a free Tavern Double Burger with Bottomless Steak Fries on Veterans Day. Make sure you bring proof of service in order to redeem the deal.

Romano’s Macaroni Grill

The restaurant will offer a free Mom’s Ricotta Meatballs + Spaghetti entrée on Veterans Day to veterans and active military with a military ID or proof of service. The deal is available at all U.S. locations for dine-in meals only.

Rubio’s Coastal Grill

When active military and veterans purchase an adult entrée, they'll receive a second one for free on Veterans Day. All you need to do is present a military ID and this coupon.

Smashburger

Smashburger will offer veterans and active duty military a free double burger on November 11 with any purchase. (Military ID is required.)

Sonny’s BBQ

On November 11, veterans and active duty military can get a free Pulled or Sliced Pork Big Deal combo when they present a valid ID.

TCBY

Veterans and active military personnel will get their first six ounces of frozen yogurt free on November 11. To get the deal, you need to present a valid military ID or other proof of service.

White Castle

White Castle will give veterans and active military members a free Combo Meal or Breakfast Combo Meal on Veterans Day—no purchase is required. (Just make sure to bring your military ID.)

This post will be updated as more information becomes available.