Military personnel on active duty and those who have served can discover complimentary meals and special discounts across various eateries nationwide when Veterans Day, Nov. 11 arrives.
Dining Guide Expands Restaurant Offers
- Dinova’s 2026 Veterans Day Dining Guide features roughly 30 restaurant brands, offering both immediate freebies and future visit incentives.
- The American Legion compiled a separate verified list detailing nationwide discounts ranging from free milkshakes to percentage-off entrées.
- Participating businesses frequently require a valid military ID or proof of service, and offers can vary significantly by location.
Dinova Guide Highlights Return Vouchers
Service members and military veterans can access complimentary food items and promotions at dining establishments nationwide on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. Some offers also give customers a reason to return for another deal later. Roughly 30 dining establishments are featured within the 2026 Dinova Veterans Day Dining Guide, as noted by Alison Quinn, who serves as the Florida-based president of the organization, according to reporting by foxnews.com.
Now in its fifth year of publication, the directory highlights both nationwide chains and regional favorites such as Outback Steakhouse, Bonefish Grill, Red Lobster, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, and Hooters, as stated by foxnews.com. “What we’re starting to see now is it’s going beyond Veterans Day, to try to give back to the vets in a way that is more meaningful,” Quinn told foxnews.com.
“Just not about one day but come back, and we’ll give you something again,” Quinn told foxnews.com. Quinn said that California’s Hofman Hospitality Group is presenting specific meal selections to veterans along with a $10 bonus voucher for a subsequent visit, based on foxnews.com coverage. Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que is among the group’s brands.
At Outback Steakhouse, patrons can receive a complimentary soft drink and Bloomin’ Onion, paired with a future dining incentive, she noted. Additional promotions featured in the directory encompass 10 complimentary boneless wings alongside fries from Buffalo Wild Wings, a complimentary Red’s Big Tavern Burger provided by Red Robin, free shrimp options at Red Lobster, and a complimentary All-American Smash at Smashburger, as reported by foxnews.com.
Dinova Shares Dining Offers with Veterans and Active-Duty Military
The publication of this guide was initiated by Dinova to extend special offers to veterans and, in certain instances, active-duty service personnel, according to Quinn. The enterprise network managed by the company encompasses approximately 25,000 dining locations and 600 corporate partners, she noted.
Quinn mentioned that user downloads for the guide have grown steadily over time, noting that these discounts can prove particularly beneficial for veterans or active-duty personnel experiencing financial difficulties or “living under a tight budget,” as reported by foxnews.com.
Asked which deal she would choose, Quinn singled out Eddie Merlot’s complimentary cheeseburger. Noting that her father is a veteran of 85 years of age, she mentioned she intends to share the details of the program with him, according to foxnews.com.
Quinn recommended that individuals currently serving or who have served in the military carry proper identification and verify details with their neighborhood dining spots prior to arrival. Participation and ID requirements can vary by location and offer.
Alongside the Dinova selections, the American Legion presents its annual list of Veterans Day deals and discounts for veterans, servicemembers and their families, legion.org reported. This list was compiled by staff research and verified, wherever possible, with the business, legion.org reported.
Participating brands include 7 Brew offering 50% off drink orders on Nov. 11, and 54th Street Grill & Bar offering up to $10 off any entrée for dine-in customers, legion.org reported.
Restaurant Brand Offers and Times for Veterans Day
| Restaurant Brand | Offer Details | Date and Time |
|---|---|---|
| 99 Restaurants | Free lunch from Veterans Day menu with entrée purchase | Nov. 11, opening to 4 p.m. |
| Applebee’s | Special Veterans Day meal selection | Wednesday, Nov. 11 (Dine-in) |
| Aspen Creek Grill | $15 meal voucher for future redemption | Nov. 11, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
| Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar | Free BD’s All-American Burger with cheese and classic side | Nov. 11, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. |
Other locations participating in the Legion’s compilation include 110 Grill offering a complimentary lunch from a select menu until 4 p.m. on Nov. 11, legion.org reported. Another Broken Egg Café is inviting veterans, active-duty and retired servicemembers to enjoy a free Patriot French toast combo and coffee on Nov. 11, legion.org reported.
Complimentary dining vouchers are being provided by Aspen Creek Grill to all active military personnel and veterans visiting their restaurants on Nov. 11, according to legion.org.
Individuals with a current or past military background are welcome to stop by any Aspen Creek Grill branch between the hours of 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Nov. 11 to receive a $15 voucher applicable toward the eatery’s menu selections, as noted by legion.org. The voucher will be eligible for redemption at any Aspen Creek Grill location starting immediately on Nov. 11 through Dec. 24, legion.org reported.
Backyard Taco is providing a free meal for veterans and active-duty servicemembers on Nov. 11 across all locations with valid military ID, legion.org reported.
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar is offering a free BD’s All-American Burger with cheese and a classic side from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 11, legion.org reported. Bandanas BBQ is offering a free pulled pork sandwich with one side for dine-in guests presenting military ID on Nov. 11, legion.org reported.
Please note that these offers are subject to change and may not be available in all areas, legion.org reported. It is recommended that you verify with the restaurant, retailer or other business you plan to visit, legion.org reported.
