Happy Veterans Day! 2016 Veterans Day Free Meals and Discounts (themilitarywallet.com)

Updated: Nov 11, 2016 (check back for daily updates!). Veterans Day is soon approaching and there are many restaurants and companies who want to thank our veterans by providing them with discounts or a free meal. To those companies offering veterans a free meal or discount, the military community gives a collective thanks!

Download a PDF List of Veterans Day Meals & Deals!

Two notes before jumping in:

• Proof of Military Service. Most companies require some form of military ID. These include: a Military ID Card (active/reserve/retired), VA ID card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), Drivers License with Veterans Designation, Photograph in uniform, wearing your uniform (if your service permits), Veterans Organization Card (e.g., American Legion and VFW), DD214, discharge paperwork, or other form of identification. Note, there is a New Federal Veterans ID Card coming soon. Other restaurants and companies may go by the honor system.
• Participation. Second, always call ahead to verify locations, times, and participation. Many of the listed companies are franchises and may have different policies. We will do our best to keep this page updated as we find new info.

Please credit this resource: We are frequently updating this list with new deals and offers for the military community. If you use items in this list, please direct your visitors to this page so they can find the most up to date information: http://themilitarywallet.com/veterans-day-free-meals-and-discounts/ Thanks!

2016 Free Veterans Day Meals

Note: We are frequently updating this page with 2016 offers as they become available. Please verify dates, participation, and availability.

Applebee’s, Nov. 11, 2016: Last year, Applebee’s served over one million free meals to military veterans and active servicemembers. Applebee’s is again offering a free meal to military veterans and active-duty service members on Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 11, 2016. There will be 7 entrées to choose from. All current and former military personnel will also receive a $5 coupon to be redeemed on additional food and beverage offerings or for a later time. Military ID or proof of service required. Locations.

Baker’s Square, Nov. 11, 2016. Free breakfast choice of Buttermilk Pancakes, three pieces of French Toast, or a Belgian Waffle for veterans and active duty military members. Bring proof of military service. More info.

Bar Louie, Nov. 11, 2016. Free appetizer or entrée. More info.

BJs Restaurant and Brewhouse, Nov. 11, 2016. Free entree, up to $12.95 value. Offer valid to all active duty military and veterans, with proof of service. Guests over the age of 21 are also invited to raise a glass to veterans for just $5 each. They can choose from BJ’s award-winning 11 signature beers and cider on tap. More info. Locations.

Black Angus Steakhouse, Nov. 11, 2016. Veterans and active military will receive a delicious Certified Angus Beef® Top Sirloin Steak, served with home-style mashed potatoes, broccoli with garlic butter and Sweet Molasses Bread. I.D. required. Locations.

Bob Evans, Nov. 11, 2016. Free select breakfast, lunch, and dinner items. For active duty military and veterans with ID or proof of service. More Info. Locations.

Bonanza Steakhouse, Nov. 11, 2016. Free Veterans Day buffet for active members and veterans at participating locations. More info. Locations.

Bonefish Grill, Nov. 11, 2016. Free Bang Bang Shrimp from Bonefish Grill for veterans and active duty military. Valid military ID required. Locations.

Boston Market, Nov. 11, 2016. Free Brownie or Cookie with any purchase for all veterans, service members, and their families. No ID required. Locations.

Brann’s Steakhouse and Grille, Nov. 11, 2016. Free 6oz. sirloin steak with 2 side choices for all veterans and current military members. Bring proof of service. Locations.

Buehler’s Grocery, Nov. 11, 2016. Free breakfast menu meal for veterans and active duty military. From 7:00 am until 11:00 am at participating locations. Locations.

Buffalo Wild Wings, Nov. 11, 2016. Free order of wings and a side of fries to veterans and current military members. Dine-in only. Bring proof of military service. Locations.

Burntwood Tavern, Nov. 11, 2016. Free lunch or dinner for all active duty military and veterans. Proof of service or ID required. Available at all locations. Visit website.

Calhoun’s Restaurant, Nov. 11, 2016. Free meal, choice of Hickory Smoked Bar-B-Que Half Slab of Ribs, Hickory Smoked Bar-B-Que Pork Plate, “Ale” Steak, Fresh Chicken Calhoun, and Southern Fried Catfish. Proof of Service required. Locations.

California Pizza Kitchen, Nov. 11, 2016. Choose a pizza, full size salad, or pasta from the special Veterans Day Menu. Dine-in only. Please come in uniform or bring your military I.D. or other proof of service. Find a location near you.

Carraba’s, Nov. 7 – Nov. 13, 2016. Free appetizer of your choice for active duty servicemembers and veterans. Military ID or proof of service required. Locations.

Cattlemens Steakhouse, Nov. 11, 2016. Free 8 oz Sirloin Steak Dinner on Veterans Day. Call your local Cattlemen’s for details and to verify participation. Proof of service required. Locations.

CentraArchy Restaurants, Nov. 11, 2016. Free meal for veterans and 25% off meals for accompanying guests at Fiesta del Burro Loco, all California Dreaming restaurants, Carolina Roadhouse, all Chophouse 47 restaurants, Gulfstream Cafe, Joey D’s Oakroom all New York Prime restaurants, and The Tavern at Phipps. Locations.

Charlie Brown’s Steakhouse, Nov. 11, 2016 (11am – 3pm). Free meal for active and former military members with ID or other valid proof of service. Find a location near you.

Cheeseburger in Paradise, Nov. 11 2016. Free All-American Burger with fries with purchase of beverage and military ID or proof of service. Available to active military or veterans. Beverages and gratuity not included, dine-in only, and participating locations only. More info. Find a location near you.

Chili’s – Free meal, Nov. 11 2016. Chili’s is offering all military veterans past and present their choice of any lunch combo, or your choice of a dinner meal from a select menu. Offer only available at participating Chili’s in the U.S. only. Dine-in from limited menu only; beverages and gratuity not included. Veterans and active duty military simply show proof of military service. Visit their website to find locations.

Chipotle, Nov. 11, 2016. Buy One Get One Free from 3pm-close on Nov. 11th, 2016, at all Chipotle locations in the U.S. More info.

City Barbeque, Nov. 11, 2016. Free sandwich platter at participating locations. Proof of service required. Locations.

Claim Jumper, Nov. 14, 2016. Free entrée from select menu, with official proof of service. Dine-in only. Not valid at Golden Nugget Lake Charles and Golden Nugget Las Vegas locationsLocations.

Country Cookin, Nov. 15, 2016 (2pm – 8pm). Free meal for current and former military. Proof of service required. Please note the date – this is valid the Tuesday after Veterans Day! Locations.

Cracker Barrel, Nov. 11, 2016. Complimentary slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola® Cake. More info.

CraftWorks Restaurants & Breweries, Nov. 11, 2016. Complimentary craft beer to active and retired military personnel. Locations that are prohibited from providing a free craft beer will offer a free appetizer. Over 200 locations participating. Some of the participating breweries include: Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurants, Rock Bottom Restaurants & Breweries, Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom and ChopHouse & Brewery, Big River Grille, Bluewater Grille, A1A Ale Works, Ragtime Tavern Seafood & Grill and Seven Bridge Grille & Brewery. More info.

Denny’s, Nov. 11, 2016. Free Build Your Own Grand Slam® on Nov. 11, from 5 a.m. to noon for all active, inactive, and retired military personnel. Participating locations only. Please call ahead. Locations.

Famous Dave’s, Nov. 11, 2016. Free 2 Meat Combo served with choice of side and corn bread muffin – for veterans and current military members. Bring proof of service. Participating locations only more details.

Fatz Café, Nov. 11, 2016. Free World Famous Calabash Chicken® meal for current and former military members, 11am until close. Proof of service required. Locations.

Fazoli’s. Nov 11, 2016. Free Build Your Own Pasta Bowl for veterans. Please bring proof of military service. Locations.

Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse, Nov. 11, 2016. 50% off for veterans and active duty military. 10% off for up to three additional guests. Website.

Friendly’s, Nov. 11, 2016. Free Big-Two-Do® breakfast (choice of two slices of French toast, two buttermilk pancakes or two slices of toast; two strips of crispy bacon or two sausage links and two made-to-order farm fresh eggs), or All American Burger (fries and a beverage ) during lunch or dinner. Dine-in only. Limited to one per person. Offer available for active military and veterans with ID or discharge papers. Participating locations only. Locations.

Glory Days, Nov. 11, 2016. Free appetizer or an order or boneless wings. Dine-in only and at only at participating locations. Locations.

Gold Star Chili, Nov. 11, 2016. Free 3-Way & Drink. More info.

Golden Corral, Nov. 14, 2016 (5pm – 9pm): The 15th annual Golden Corral Military Appreciation dinner will is available to any person who has ever served in the United States Military. If you are a veteran, retired, currently serving, in the National Guard or Reserves, you are invited to participate in Golden Corral’s Military Appreciation dinner. For more information visit http://www.goldencorral.com/military/.

Special thanks to Golden Corral: To date, Golden Corral restaurants have provided over 4.7 million free meals and contributed over $11.5 million to the Disabled American Veterans organization. Amazing!

Granite City Food and Brewery, Nov. 11, 2016. Free lunch and Coke for veterans and active duty military. Locations. http://www.gcfb.com/locations/

Green Mill, Nov. 11, 2016. Free menu item for lunch or dinner. Offer includes any single item from our menu. Some limitations. Proof of military service required. Locations.

Grub Burger Bar, Nov. 11, 2016. 50% off of meal, and a free Caramel Apple shake. Proof of military service required. More Info. Locations.

Hooters, Nov. 11, 2016. Hooters invites all veterans and current servicemen and women to enjoy a free meal from a select menu. Requires drink purchase. Only valid at participating locations. Locations.

Hoss’s Family Steak & Sea House, Nov. 11, 2016. Free choice between four meals for all veterans and active duty military. Dine-in only, valid ID or proof of service required. Valid at participating restaurants only. Locations.

Hurricane Grill & Wings, Nov. 11, 2016. Free meal from special menu at participating locations. Proof of service required. Locations.

Hy-Vee, Free Breakfast, Nov. 11, 2016. Free Veterans Day breakfast from 7am – 11am at all participating Hy-Vee supermarkets with in-store dining. More info.

IHOP, Nov. 11, 2016, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Free Red, White and Blue pancakes. Participating locations only. Please call ahead to verify participation. Locations.

Krispy Kreme – Free doughnut and small coffee, Nov. 11, 2016. Available only at participating Krispy Kreme stores. Offer available to all active-duty, retirees, & veterans. Be sure to call ahead to verify your local Krispy Kreme is participating. Locations.

Little Caesars® Pizza, Nov. 11, 2016. Free pizza or $5 HOT-N-READY Lunch Combo to all US Armed Forces veterans and active military members between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. With proof of military service, at participating stores nationwide. Call ahead to verify participation. Locations.

Logan’s Roadhouse, Nov. 11, 2016. Free entrée from select menu for veterans and active duty military personnel. Call your local Logan’s Roadhouse for details and to verify participation. Locations.

LongHorn Steakhouse, Nov. 11, 2016. Free appetizer or dessert (no purchase required, no restrictions). Additional 10% off for guests that dine with Veterans on November 11. Offer good for Veterans and active-duty military members. Proof of service required. Visit their site to find a location near you.

Max & Erma’s, November 11, 2016. Participating Max & Erma’s locations are offering military members and veterans a free Best Cheeseburger in America Combo, which includes seasoned fries and a fountain drink. Dine-in only. Call ahead to verify participation. ID or proof of service required. Locations.

McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants – free lunch or dinner, Sunday Nov 6, 2016: McCormick & Schmick’s is celebrating their 18th annual Veteran’s Appreciation Event on Sunday, November 6th. Veterans will be able to choose a complimentary lunch or dinner entrée from a special menu. Veterans must provide proof of military service. No ID needed for Gold Star Family members (parents or spouse). Be sure to contact your local McCormick & Schmick’s as this is valid at participating restaurants only. Space is limited and reservations are highly recommended. For more information visit: McCormick and Schmick’s Veterans Appreciation Event.

Menchie’s, Nov. 11, 2016. All veterans and current servicemembers will receive a free 6 oz. frozen yogurt on Veterans Day. Locations.

Mimi’s Café, Nov. 11, 2016. Free entrée on select menu items for veterans and active duty members. Proof of service required. More info.

Mission BBQ, Nov. 11, 2016. Free sandwiches and cake for active duty military members and veterans at participating locations. While supplies last. Locations.

O’Charley’s, Nov. 11, 2016. Free meal for veterans and active duty service members on November 11th. Find a location near you.

Olive Garden, Nov. 11, 2016. Free entrée from a special menu. Entrées are served with unlimited soup or house salad and garlic breadsticks. Offer good for veterans and active duty military; proof of service required. Locations.

On The Border, Nov. 11, 2016. Veterans and current servicemembers will receive a free choose 2 or choose 3 “Create Your Own Combo”. Dine-in only, proof of service required. Find a location near you.

Outback Steakhouse, Nov. 11, 2016. Outback Steakhouse is honoring America’s military veterans by offering active duty military and veterans a free Bloomin’ Onion and a non-alcoholic beverage. This offer is available to Military Personnel and veterans with ID. Also receive 15% off your purchase from Nov. 12-Dec 31, 2016. Locations.

Perkin’s Restaurant & Bakery, Nov. 11, 2016. Participating restaurants are offering current servicemembers and veterans a free Magnificent Seven meal which includes two eggs, three buttermilk pancakes, and a choice of two bacon strips or two sausage links. Beverage not included. Call ahead to verify participation. ID or proof of service required. Locations.

Pinnacle Entertainment (Casino Chain), Nov. 11, 2016. Select locations are offering a free buffet meal for current military members and veterans. Please call ahead to verify times and participation. ID or proof of service required. More info and locations.

• Centennial Buffet, Ameristar Casino Resort Spa, Black Hawk, CO
• Heritage Buffet, Ameristar Casino hotel, Council Bluffs, IA
• Heritage Buffet, Ameristar Casino Hotel, East Chicago, IN
• The Buffet, Belterra Casino Resport, Florence, IN
• Cattleman’s Buffet, Boomtown Casino & Hotel Bossier City, LA
• Boomtown Market Buffet, Boomtown Casino & Hotel, New Orleans, LA
• Le Beaucoup Buffet, L’Auberge Lake Charles, Lake Charles, LA
• Bon Temps Buffet, L’Auberge Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge LA
• Horizons, Buffet, Ameristar Casino Hotel, Kansas City, MO
• Landmark Buffet, Ameristar Casino Resort Spa, St. Charles, MO
• The Great Food Exposition, River City Casino & Hotel, St. Louis, MO
• Heritage Buffet, Ameristar Casino Hotel Vicksburg, Vicksburg MS
• Market Buffet, Belterra Park Gaming, Cincinnati, OH
• The Carvery Buffet, Meadows Raceetrack & Casino, Washington, PA

Ponderosa Steakhouse, Nov. 11, 2016. Free Veterans Day buffet at participating locations only. More info. Locations.

Primanti Bros, Nov. 11, 2016.. Free Sandwich for veterans and active duty military. From 4pm to close at participating locations. More info. Locations.

Red Hot & Blue, Nov. 9 – 11, 2016. Veterans and Active duty members – Free entrée with the purchase of two drinks and a second entrée of equal or greater value (up to a maximum value of $10). Proof of military service required. More info, Coupon. Locations.

Red Lobster, November 10 – 11, 2016. Free Appetizer or Dessert during the week of Veterans Day with military ID or proof of service. Vets may choose from a select list of appetizers and desserts. Find a location near you.

Red Robin, Nov. 11, 2016. Free Red’s Tavern Double and Bottomless Steak Fries for all Red Robin guests with a military ID or proof of service. Locations.

Rock & Brews, Nov. 11, 2016. Complimentary pulled pork sandwich with a side choice of natural fries, house potato salad, pasta salad or coleslaw. Proof of military service required. Locations.

Ruby Tuesday’s, Nov. 11, 2016. Free appetizer (up to $10) at participating locations, proof of service required. More info. Locations.

Sagebrush Steakhouse, Nov. 11, 2016, 11am-11pm. Free meal from select menu for veterans and current military members. Includes non-alcoholic beverage. Bring proof of military service. Locations.

Sheetz, Nov. 11, 2016. Free lunch at participating locations. Free car wash also available at participating locations, Proof of service required. Locations.

Shoney’s, Nov. 11, 2016. Free All-American Burger to veterans and active duty servicemembers. Dine-in only, Proof of Service required. Shoney’s also offers a 15% everyday hometown heroes discount (military, fire, Police, EMT). Locations.

Sizzler Restaurants, Nov. 11, 2016. Free lunch served until 4pm. Choice of 3 entrees, and a free coffee, tea, or fountain drink. Not valid for salad bar or gratuity. Valid with proof of military service. Dine-in only at participating locations. Locations.

Spaghetti Warehouse, Nove 11th – Nov 13, 2016. Buy one entrée, get one free. Coupon Required (available on their website and FaceBook page on Nov. 4). Choose any of 11 Original Recipe Spaghetti entrées and receive a second entrée free. Friends and relatives are encouraged to treat a veteran to a meal. More Info. Locations.

T.G.I. Friday’s, Nov. 11, 2016. Free lunch for all current military members and veterans from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Valid ID or proof of service required. Dine-on only at participating locations. Be sure to contact your local T.G.I Friday’s for details. More info. Locations.

Tap House Grill, Nov. 11, 2016. Complimentary meal on Veterans Day, November 11th. For servicemembers and veterans with proof of service. Dine-in only. Locations.

Texas Corral, Nov. 11, 2016. Free meal from special menu, plus lemonade, iced tea, or coffee for veterans and current military personnel. Bring proof of military service. Locations.

Texas De Brazil Churrascaria, Nov. 11, 2016. 50% off for all current and former servicemembers, plus one guest. 20% off for up to 6 additional guests. At participating locations (please call ahead). Locations.

Texas Roadhouse, Nov. 11, 2016. Free meal from special menu. Includes sides and a soft drink, coffee, or tea. Proof of service required. Dine-in only. More info. Find locations.

Tijuana Flats, Nov. 11, 2016. Free lunch at participating locations. Locations.

Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery, Nov. 11, 2016. Free Classic Burger. Only at participating locations (ID required or proof of service). Please contact your local pub by visiting the Tilted Kilt website.

Travel Centers of America, Nov. 11, 2016. Free meal and beverage from select menu for military members and veterans who are CDL holders. Participating locations only; proof of service required. More info.

Twin Peaks, Nov. 11, 2016. Free menu item at participating locations. Please call ahead to verify participation. Locations.

Village Inn, Nov. 11, 2016. Free INN-credible V.I.B. breakfast for veterans and active duty military. Valid on 4 INN-credible items: Cheese Omelette, Strawberry Crepe, Hickory-Smoked Bacon or French Toast. Call ahead to verify participation of your local Village Inn. Locations.

White Castle, Nov. 11, 2016. Free Breakfast Combo or Castle Combo meal #1-6 for veterans and active duty military. Bring proof of military service. More info.

Wienerschnitzel, Nov. 11, 2016. A complimentary Chili Dog, small fries and 20 oz. drink is redeemable at participating Wienerschnitzel locations on Friday, November 11 only, with valid military ID or by wearing a military uniform. Contact your local Wienerschnitzel Locations to verify participation.

World of Beer. Nov. 11, 2016. Free select draught beer or $5.00 off your entire bill. Participating locations only. Bring proof of military service. More info.

54th Street Grill, Nov. 11, 2016. Free entree for Veterans and Active Duty Military. Proof of service required. (source). Locations.

Download a PDF List of Veterans Day Meals & Deals!

See more Military Discounts and Veterans Day Deals.

More Veterans Day Discounts! Please click through to Veterans Day Activities, Events, & Attractions and Veterans Day Retail Discounts & Special Offers to see more Veterans Day deals, including free National Park Admission, Amusement parks, and retail and regional discounts.

Buffalo’s Cafe, Nov. 11, 2015. Free meal at participating locations. Locations.

Cotton Patch Café, Nov. 11, 2015. Free meal for current and former military members. Choices include full-size chicken fried steak, or chicken fried chicken. Proof of service required. Locations.

Fox & Hound and Bailey’s Sports Grille, Nov. 11, 2015. Free Sandwich or Entree (up to $10) for active duty military and veterans with ID or proof of service. Dine-in only and at only at participating locations. Locations.

See more Military Discounts and Veterans Day Deals.

MOD Pizza, Nov. 11, 2015. free pizza or salad to for active duty military and veterans with ID or proof of service. Dine-in only and at only at participating locations. Locations.

Orange Leaf, Nov. 11, 2015. Free frozen yogurt (up to 11 0z.). Proof of service required. Locations.

PDQ Tenders, Nov. 11, 2015. PDQ Free 3 piece Tenders or Sandwich with a military ID or uniform. PDQ also offers 50% off the entire order for all active/retired military personnel on the first Monday every month. Locations.

Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza & Grill, Nov. 11, 2015. Free garlic cheese bread or hummus with grilled herb flatbread for active duty military and veterans with ID or proof of service. Dine-in only and at only at participating locations. Locations.

Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill, Nov. 11, 2015. Free meal from special Veterans Day menu at participating locations only. Locations.

StarBucks, Nov. 11, 2015. Free tall brewed coffee for active duty, veterans, and their spouses. Participating stores only. Please call ahead.

Tony Roma’s, Nov. 11, 2015. Free half rack Baby Back Ribs at select Florida locations. For current and former military members with valid proof of service. Valid at select locations only. Please call ahead to verify participation. Locations.

Tubby’s Sub Shops, Nov. 11, 2015. Free small Grilled Steak N’ Cheese or Tubby’s Famous Sub at participating Tubby’s locations. Take out only. Locations.

Uno Chicago Grill, Nov. 11, 2015. Free individual pizza or entrée with the purchase of a pizza or entrée of equal or greater value. Available for all active duty and veterans. No coupon necessary; proof of service required. Don’t forget to tell the staff you are there that day to support Wounded Warrior Project, and a portion of your party’s check will go to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project, an awesome military charity. Find a location near you.

Previous Offers (Not Confirmed for 2016 – Verify First!):

Many restaurants and companies offer an annual Veterans Day promotion. The following deals were active last year, but have not yet been confirmed for 2016. Please feel free to contact me if you have information about 2016. Please do not assume these deals are in place for 2016 – call ahead to verify! (We will continue to update this list until Veterans Day 2016, so check back!).

• Champps Americana, Nov. 11. Participating Champps locations are offering veterans and active duty servicemembers a free cheeseburger. Dine in only, valid at participating locations (call ahead to verify local participation). Locations.
• Chick-fil-A, Nov. 11. Participating locations are offering a free meal to all veterans and those currently serving. ID required. Please call ahead to verify. Locations.
• East Coast Wings, Nov. 11. Free Appetizer or Desert. Proof of service required. Locations.
• Einstein Bros Bagels, Nov. 11. Free coffee at participating locations. Available to all active duty members and veterans with ID or proof of service. Locations.
• Fire & Ice Grill & Bar, Nov. 11. Free meal for military and veterans. Proof of service required. Locations.
• HoneyBaked Stores, Nov. 11 – Nov. 17, 2013. Free lunch to current servicemembers and veterans with valid ID. Lunch includes sandwich, chips, cookie, and a drink. Valid only at the St. Louis, Knoxville, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City and Albuquerque locations, Please call ahead to verify participation. Locations.
• Noah’s Bagels, Nov. 11. Free coffee for active duty and veterans. Proof of service required. Locations.
• Rib City (St. Louis, Missouri), Nov. 11. 50% Military Appreciation Meal Discount everyday to all Veterans and Active Duty Military. Eat in or carry out. (Des Peres and Cottleville, MO) More info.
• Ruby’s Diner, (Awaiting update – this is last year’s offer). Free Cinnamon Roll French Toast until 11:30am. Valid for all military service members past and present. Coupon required.
• Souplantation & Sweet Tomatoes, (Awaiting update – this is last year’s offer). Free meal with purchase of another regular priced meal. Available to current and former military members with valid ID. Available at all Souplantation and Sweet Tomatoes locations. More info.
• Texas Land and Cattle Steak House, Nov. 11. Free appetizer or shared plate for current servicemembers and veterans. ID or proof of service is required. Locations.
• Tim Hortons, Nov. 11. All US locations are offering a free donut to all active duty servicemembers and veterans. No purchase necessary. Proof of service required. Locations.