Applebee's Is Offering Vets and Active Duty Military a Free Entree on Veterans Day (2024)

It's Veterans Day, and restaurants are saying thank you to our nation's service members today with deals ranging from discounts to free meals. Not to be confused with Memorial Day, Veterans Day is the national holiday honoring all of the brave men and women who have served in the military. According the Library of Congress, the first Veterans Day was celebrated November 11, 1919, exactly one year to the day from when the Allies and the Germans ended World War I with a ceasefire agreement. Though it wasn't until after World War II that it was renamed Veterans Day, and it wasn't until the late '70s that the date was officially settled on November 11th.

There are a number of ways to thank a Veteran for their service (here are some ways to help a veteran!), so we love that these restaurants are doing their part to say thank you, too. Before heading out the door for a socially distanced meal or to pick up takeout, make sure you have a military ID or proof of service with you (a uniform will do!). While most locations will be participating in the celebration, it's best to call your local chain to double-check that the deal applies before you plan to visit.

For the last decade, Applebee's has been celebrating our armed forces by offering veterans and active duty military a free entree on Veterans Day — there are seven to choose from, including burgers and salads. Proof of service must be shown to redeem the offer.

What's more American than some good, old fashioned buffalo wings? Buffalo Wild Wings is offering a free order of 10 boneless wings and fries for all past and present armed services members this Veterans Day.

On Veterans Day, all members of the military (veteran, retired or active) can receive a free 20-ounce smoothie of their choosing.

Veterans and active duty military are invited to participating Dunkin’ restaurants nationwide for a free donut of their choice. No purchase is necessary, but we'd suggested getting an iced coffee to wash it down.

This year, Golden Corral will hand out free meal and beverage cards to all active duty and veterans from Nov. 1-30, which you can use until May 31!

Get it while it's hot! Pie Five Pizza locations are offering a free personal pizza to all active or retired members of the military, and current or past members of the Armed Forces or Department of Defense with proof of ID.

Hope you're hungry, because Little Caesars is offering a free Lunch Combo, which includes four slices of Detroit-style Deep Dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi product, for free to veterans and active military members on Veterans Day.

Good news, seafood lovers: Joe’s Crab Shack is offering veterans/military 20% off their entire meal for tables of four or less.

The chain is offering a two-meat combo that can include pork ribs, chicken, and beef brisket ... plus one side and a cornbread muffin for veterans or active military with valid identification.

California Pizza Kitchen is offering select entrees for free to anyone in uniform or with a valid military ID. If you're in the mood for even more pizza, you can also collect a card to get one free offer on pizza, pasta, or salad during a return visit from November 12–18 (they'll go fast!).

This year, Chili's is offering a special Veteran's Day menu that veterans and active duty military can select from, including burgers, chicken tenders, and chili (obviously).

All vets with a sweet tooth should make their way to Cracker Barrel to get a complimentary piece of Double Chocolate-Fudge Coca-Cola Cake or a Crafted Coffee Beverage, including the seriously sweet Goo Goo® Cluster Latte. Also, In recognition of Military Family Appreciation Month, it will donate a $10 Cracker Barrel gift card to Operation Homefront for each Country Fried Turkey Family Meal Basket sold in the month of November.

Lunch is on the house at Texas Roadhouse. Free meal vouchers will be handed out in the parking lot to all Veterans and Active Duty military from 11 am to 2 pm on Veterans Day.

Enjoy a free appetizer or dessert (we vote dessert!) at Red Lobster on November 11 and 12. To redeem this offer, guests must show a military ID or proof of service.

Enjoy one of the Australian-themed steakhouse's signature Bloomin' Onion and Coke product to all active and retired military on for Veterans Day.