Veterans Day 2026 Freebies: Where Military Eat Free
Veterans eat free Nov. 11 at listed chains — see menus, hours, voucher pickup, and ID to bring.
Veterans Day 2026 is Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026. Veterans and active-duty military can eat free that day at participating Chili's, Golden Corral, Bob Evans, Applebee's and Texas Roadhouse locations.
These are dine-in thank-you meals for people who served. Menus, hours and proof rules differ by chain, so check your location before you go.
Verification note: Program terms and availability can change. This page was checked against linked sources on November 02, 2026.
Which free sit-down meals are offered Nov. 11?
Chili's gives veterans and active military one free dine-in entrée from a limited Veterans Day menu. Choices include Chicken Crispers, Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas, Oldtimer Burger, or Soup and Salad, according to Chili's Veterans Day page. Bob Evans gives veterans and active-duty military a free dine-in meal chosen from its special Veterans Day menu of 11 homestyle favorites.
The offer is not combinable with other offers. Applebee's gives veterans and active-duty members a free dine-in entrée from a special Veterans Day menu upon showing proof of service, with beverages and gratuity excluded, as listed in the VA's 2026 Veterans Day discounts roundup.
What evening and later-use options exist?
Golden Corral hosts its 26th Military Appreciation Night on Nov. 11 from 4 p.m. to close.
Any person who served, including retirees, veterans, active duty, Guard and Reserves, receives a free thank-you buffet plus beverage, according to Golden Corral's Military Appreciation page. Texas Roadhouse takes a different approach with vouchers. Veterans and active-duty military can pick up free-meal vouchers on Nov.
11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The vouchers are redeemable through May 31, 2027 for 1 of 10 entrées plus sides and drink.
What proof do you need to bring?
Bring eligible service documentation. Accepted proof can include Uniformed Services ID, retired ID, LES, DD214, veterans-organization card or a photo in uniform. Offers are dine-in only at participating locations.
A military or VA card or discharge papers may be requested at pickup, such as for the Texas Roadhouse voucher window.
How should you plan your visit?
Confirm participation, hours and menu with your local restaurant ahead of time. Locations can run out or set their own serving limits for the day.
- Bring service documentation for each diner claiming an offer
- Go inside the stated window, such as 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. pickup or after 4 p.m. seating
- Ask about dine-in rules, beverage exclusions and gratuity before ordering
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Veterans Day 2026 on Nov. 11?
Yes. It falls on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026.
Can the Texas Roadhouse meal be used on Nov. 11?
No. Pick up the voucher Nov. 11 from 11 a.m.
to 2 p.m. and redeem it later through May 31, 2027.
Are beverages and tip included?
No. At Applebee's, beverages and gratuity are excluded, and other chains also limit the offer to the specified food.