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Veterans Day 2026: Where Veterans and Active-Duty Military Can Score Free Burgers and Meals
For Veterans Day, restaurants nationwide are rolling out the red carpet with mouthwatering freebies and deals to thank those who have served. If you’re a veteran or active-duty service member looking to grab a great meal on November 11, you have plenty of options on the table. From classic bacon cheeseburgers to gourmet smash burgers, dozens of popular spots are treating heroes to a completely free burger and fries. Just be sure to bring along your valid military ID and check ahead for dine-in restrictions so you can claim your well-earned meal.
Applebee’s
Applebee’s is welcoming active-duty military, veterans, reserves, and National Guard members with a complimentary full-size entrée when dining in. Guests can choose from an exclusive menu featuring favorites like the Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, 6 oz. Top Sirloin, Chicken Tenders Platter, and more.
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar
Bad Daddy’s honors veterans and active-duty service members with a free BD’s All-American Burger with cheese and a classic side from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for dine-in customers only with a valid military ID or proof of service.
Eddie Merlot’s
Eddie Merlot’s shows its appreciation for those who have served with a free Eddie’s Prime Cheeseburger and chips for all veterans and active service military members. Guests with a valid military ID can enjoy the steakhouse favorite at no charge, available for dine-in only.
Farmer Boys
Farmer Boys treats veterans and active-duty service members to a free Big Cheese burger as a thank-you for their service. This fan favorite comes stacked with a fresh, quarter-pound beef patty, American cheese, crisp lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion, and house-made Thousand Island on a premium brioche bun. To get yours, just pop in-store with valid proof of service (limit one per guest; combo upgrades and delivery orders are excluded).
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Freddy’s continues its tradition of honoring those who serve our nation by offering veterans and active-duty military personnel a free Freddy’s combo meal card suitable for any combo meal. No purchase is necessary to receive this special offer. A valid military ID is required, and cards may be redeemed through November 25, 2026.
Friendly’s
Friendly’s invites all active and retired military service members to enjoy a free Veterans Day burger with cheese, fries, and a beverage from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at all locations for dine-in only. Guests must present a valid military ID or honorable discharge card.
Frisch’s Big Boy
Frisch’s Big Boy thanks veterans and active-duty military with a free Big Boy burger, fries, and a drink. The offer is available for dine-in only at participating locations, and guests must present a valid military ID.
Good Times Burgers & Frozen Custard
Active-duty military and veterans receive a free Deluxe Cheeseburger Combo (consisting of a famous deluxe cheeseburger, small fries, and small drink) all day at Good Times Burgers & Frozen Custard. Dine-in only. Not available for online ordering or through third-party delivery apps. Proof of service is required.
Hickory Tavern
Hickory Tavern honors veterans, active-duty military, and reservists across all 16 Carolina locations with a free entrée (no purchase required) with valid ID. Eligible options include any burger, Fish & Chips, Chicken Tenders, Fiesta Salad, or the Buffalo Chicken Wrap.
Hof’s Hut
Hof’s Hut thanks veterans and active-duty military personnel with a free Hofburger or Pancakes Combo, plus a $10 bonus card while supplies last. The offer is valid for dine-in only with a military ID or proof of service (no purchase necessary).
Hopdoddy Burger Bar
All veterans and active military personnel are invited to enjoy a free Classic Burger or Classic Burger with Cheese, available for dine-in only at all Hopdoddy locations nationwide with valid identification.
Hurricane Grill & Wings
Veterans and active-duty military members can enjoy a complimentary entrée when dining in at participating locations with proof of veteran or military status. Guests can choose from a Steakburger, 10 bone-in or boneless wings, beer-battered fish & chips, and more.
Irv’s Burgers
Irv’s Burgers honors those who have served with a free Roadside Single Burger on the house. All active service members and veterans can stop by Irv’s and enjoy a free burger with valid proof of service (limit one per person; in-store only).
Logan’s Roadhouse
From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., veterans and active-duty military members can enjoy a free entrée from a special five-item menu featuring the All-American Cheeseburger, mesquite-grilled steak tips, BBQ grilled pork chop, hand-breaded chicken tenders, and chopped steak.
Main Event
Participating Main Event centers nationwide treat active-duty military and veterans with a valid ID to a free double cheeseburger and fries paired with 30 minutes of free gameplay (timecards exclude crane/prize games). In addition to this one-day offer, Main Event supports military families year-round with a 10% discount on food, non-alcoholic beverages, activities, video games, and bowling shoe rentals for military personnel, first responders, and up to five guests.
Max & Erma’s
Veterans and active-duty military are invited in for a free cheeseburger with a side of fries and a fountain drink. Simply show proof of service.
MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes
MOOYAH Rewards members who purchase a burger and a shareable fry can receive a second burger for free at participating locations. The offer is open to all guests through the MOOYAH Rewards app, and new users who download and register will receive the offer in their account the same day.
Ninety Nine Restaurant & Pub
Ninety Nine Restaurant & Pub invites veterans and active-duty military members to enjoy a free lunch from an exclusive menu when purchasing any entrée from opening until 4:00 p.m. The special dine-in offer features options like the All American Cheeseburger, grilled teriyaki chicken, chopped sirloin, and more with a valid military ID or proof of service.
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers
Red Robin offers veterans and active-duty military members a complimentary Red’s Big Tavern Burger with bottomless steak fries when they dine in.
Russ’ Restaurants
Russ’ Restaurants honors veterans with a complimentary meal at all 12 locations. Eligible guests can choose between an All-American Breakfast served before 11:00 a.m. or an American Classic Burger and fries with a beverage served after 11:00 a.m.
Shake Shack
Shake Shack honors veterans and active-duty military personnel with a free Single ShackBurger. The promotion is available for in-person orders placed directly with a team member at participating locations, and eligible guests must present a valid military ID or proof of service. The offer applies to in-Shack orders only and excludes digital orders through the app, website, third-party delivery services, and locations in airports or stadiums.
Smashburger
Smashburger thanks veterans and active-duty military members with a free All-American Single Smash or Americana Big Dog. The offer is available for in-restaurant dining only at participating locations nationwide, and eligible guests just need to show a valid military ID to claim their meal.
Sullivan’s Steakhouse
Sullivan’s Steakhouse honors those who have served with a free Sullivan’s Signature Angus Burger and fries for all veterans and active service military members. Guests with a valid military ID can enjoy the signature burger at no charge, available for dine-in only.
TGI Fridays
TGI Fridays honors veterans with a complimentary dine-in meal from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at participating U.S. locations. Veterans who present a valid military ID can choose a free entrée from a select menu of guest favorites, including a Cheeseburger with fries, Chicken Fingers with fries and coleslaw, a Chicken Caesar Salad, or a half portion of Cajun Shrimp & Chicken Pasta.
The All American Steakhouse
Veterans receive one free burger or sandwich of choice with fries for dine-in only. Must mention the promotion in order to receive it. Proof of veteran status required (no substitutions for fries).
Twin Peaks
Twin Peaks thanks veterans and active-duty military members nationwide with a free entrée from a select menu that includes a Cheeseburger & Fries, Chicken Tenders & Fries, Six Boneless Wings & Fries, and more just by showing a valid military ID. The support continues through November and December with 20% off for military members all November, a Tunnel to Towers fundraiser, and Military Mondays where Twin Peaks Girls wear camouflage tops.
Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux
As a thank-you for their service, Walk-On’s offers active-duty military members and veterans a complimentary Scholarship Burger for dine-in. Guests can redeem the offer by presenting a valid military ID.
Wendy’s
Wendy’s honors veterans and active-duty military with a free Dave’s Single at participating U.S. restaurants.
World of Beer
Veterans can enjoy a free single smash burger and fries as WOB’s small way of saying thank you for your service. Must show a military ID, VA card, or other form of military identification (limit one per customer, in-store only, at participating locations).
- For even more, check out RestaurantNews.com’s full list of Veterans Day Free Meals & Deals 2026.