Veterans Day 2024 honors military heroes with free meals, discounts and more

With Veterans Day approaching, restaurants across America are honoring our nation’s heroes with delicious discounts and limited-time offers that are too good to miss.

From free, heartwarming meals to special offers on sweet treats, check out all the places to thank and celebrate those who have served or are serving on Monday, November 11th.

RELATED: What is open and closed on Veterans Day 2024?

While this list includes national and regional chains, be sure to check your favorite local establishments and restaurants for additional offerings to support independent restaurants in your area as well.

Free coffee at Starbucks

Veterans, active military members and military spouses can receive a free large coffee, hot or iced, at participating U.S. Starbucks locations on Monday.

IHOP is offering veterans a free pancake combo

When veterans and active military dine at IHOP on Monday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., they can enjoy a free combination of red, white and blueberry pancakes.

Options include either two buttermilk pancakes with glazed strawberries, blueberry topping and whipped cream or two eggs with hash browns and a choice of hickory-smoked bacon or pork sausage links.

Free breakfast at Denny’s for Veterans Day

Former and current military members can participate in a free Original Grand Slam on November 11th from 5 a.m. to noon with a valid military ID or DD214.

Free thank you meal at Golden Corral

On Veterans Day, all active military, retirees, reservists, Guardsmen and veterans will receive a free “Thank You” buffet and drinks from 4 p.m. until the end.

Military Appreciation Night will take place at all Golden Corral restaurants with no purchase or military ID required to receive the free meal.

Applebee’s serves free meals to veterans

On Monday, for the 17th consecutive year, Applebee’s is offering veterans, active military, reservists and National Guard members a special free lunch or dinner.

You can choose from some of the restaurant’s most popular entrees: a classic bacon cheeseburger, a 6-ounce top sirloin, chicken tenders platters, double crunch shrimp, fiesta lime chicken, oriental chicken salad or three-cheese chicken penne.

Veterans will also receive a $5 bounce back card for a future visit within a three-week redemption window.

Free Pizookie at BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse

Military members dining on Veterans Day will receive a free pizookie – a cookie baked in a large cast iron skillet. Veterans and active military members can also receive a free entree during a future visit between November 12 and December 31, 2024.

Free Veteran Shrimp & chips at Red Lobster

To thank veterans, active military and reservists for their service, Red Lobster is offering free Veteran’s Shrimp & Chips – six Walt’s Favorite shrimp served with cocktail sauce and ketchup, fries and coleslaw – on Monday, November 11th.

Guests simply need to present a valid military ID or proof of service to redeem this dinner-only offer.

Additionally, Red Lobster shows its appreciation to its veterans every day by offering a 10% discount on their check when they dine at the restaurant and show proof of service or a valid military ID.

Free combo meal at White Castle

The popular fast food chain known for its sliders has created a special offer for former and current military members to enjoy a free custom combo meal or breakfast combo meal while staying in one on November 11th at participating White Castle restaurants.

“This gesture symbolizes our admiration and respect for those who currently serve or once wore the uniform in any branch of the U.S. military,” White Castle Vice President Jamie Richardson said in a news release. “The sacrifices of the men and women in our nation’s military are appreciated every day. This free meal on Veterans Day underscores our desire to say ‘thank you.’

White Castle will also serve its Veterans Day sliders in special patriotic packaging designed with red and white stripes beneath the White Castle logo on the front and 50 white stars on a navy blue background on the side.

Whataburger serves free coffee to veterans and active military all year round

This Veterans Day, Whataburger thanks the men and women who have served and continue to serve our country with a free 16-ounce hot or iced coffee.

Starting November 11, veterans and active military members in uniform or with a valid ID can stop by any dining hall to get their free coffee any day, year-round.

Free meal for military members at In-N-Out Burger

On Monday, veterans, active military, reserve and National Guard members can enjoy a free meal – including any burger, fries and drinks on In-N-Out Burger’s menu – upon presentation of proof of military service.

Special half price offer for Veterans Day at Fogo de Chão

The popular tableside Brazilian steakhouse is honoring military heroes with a special offer for veterans and active military members to enjoy 50% off their complete churrasco experience. Three of their guests also receive a 10% discount when they dine at the restaurant.

Krispy Kreme is serving free coffee and a donut for Veterans Day

At all locations, veterans and active military members receive a free small hot coffee or iced coffee and a donut of their choice.

Free boneless wings for veterans at Buffalo Wild Wings

Veterans and active military members who present valid ID will receive a free order of 10 boneless wings and fries on November 11th. Offer valid for dine-in only and Buffalo Wild Wings GO locations are included for walk-in orders at the meter.

Free burgers at Johnny Rockets

To honor veterans and active military, the restaurant chain is offering a free single burger with the purchase of a drink or shake on Nov. 11 when dining with a veteran or military ID or wearing a military uniform.

Free spaghetti at Fazoli

All active military members and veterans can enjoy a free spaghetti with marinara or meat sauce at participating locations with proof of service while dining in-person or using the online code “Vet24” on November 11th.

Dave & Busters Promotion for Veterans and Active Military

Veterans and active military receive free admission valued up to $20 and a $10 Power Card on November 11th. They also receive 15% off all food and beverage purchases every day, year-round, with a valid veteran or military ID.

15% discount on Round Table Pizza

From November 8th to November 11th, guests at participating locations will receive 15% off their dine-in, takeout and delivery orders.

Chicken Salad Chicks

Chicken Salad Chick is bringing back its annual offering, which the company says has distributed more than 130,000 free meals to veterans across the country since its inception.

On November 11, veterans and active military at all locations can receive a free chick meal and regular fountain drink, which includes either a scoop or sandwich and a fresh side dish.

Free Playa Bowls for Veterans Day

All veterans and military members with valid military ID can receive a free Playa Bowl on Veterans Day. The offer will only be available in the shop at selected locations.

Free coffee at Duck Donuts

On Monday, all veterans and active military with a valid ID or VIC card can receive a free medium hot coffee or cold brew coffee, no purchase necessary, in-store only.

The Sheetz Veterans Day freebie includes food, drink and a car wash

The major Mid-Atlantic restaurant and convenience chain is showing respect and gratitude to veterans and active-duty military members by offering a free half turkey sub and regular soda drink.

In addition, Sheetz provides free car washes valued at $9 to veterans and active military members with military ID or proof of service.

Customers are also encouraged to donate their loyalty points to the United Service Organizations (USO) in November – 200 loyalty points equals a $1 donation to the USO via the Sheetz app.

Hurricane Grill & wings

All veterans and active military can enjoy a free entree from a select menu this Veterans Day. Options include 10 bone-in wings and fish battered in Yuengling beer & Chips, Steakburgers, Chicken Caesar Salad, Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Sandwich or Chicken BLT Tacos.

Offer valid for dinner on November 11th at participating locations only and requires presentation of ID or wearing military uniform.

Firehouse Subs Veterans Day Offer

Veterans and active-duty military members can visit any Firehouse Subs location on November 11 and receive a free combo that includes a medium sub, chips or a cookie and a drink.

Free meal at California Pizza Kitchen for Veterans Day

On Monday, CPK will honor U.S. veterans and active military members with a free entree and drink from a prix-fixe menu while dining on site.

As a further thank you for their service, these customers will also receive a Buy One, Get One voucher for any pizza, pasta or salad, which can be redeemed on a future visit between November 12th and 25th, 2024.

STK Steakhouse

From November 8th to 11th, all veterans and active military receive 50% off groceries.