From a Grand Slam at sunrise to a buffet after dark, 10 national chains are picking up the check for those who served, as long as you know when to show up.

Veterans Day brings a familiar thank-you from America’s biggest restaurant chains, and on Wednesday that annual ritual rolls out again from coast to coast. Veterans and active-duty service members can eat for free from breakfast through dinner at some of the most familiar names in casual dining, from pancake houses to steakhouses.

The catch is the clock. Several of the most generous offers run on tight windows, a few are limited to dine-in guests, and nearly all require proof of service at the register. For the many Black families with a parent, grandparent or sibling who wore the uniform, the day offers an easy excuse to gather around a table and say thanks in person.

Here is a look at 10 of the most popular chains taking part, along with the details that matter before heading out.

Breakfast Deals Start Before Sunrise

Early risers have the edge. Denny’s opens its offer at 5 a.m., serving a free Original Grand Slam to active, non-active and retired military until noon local time at participating restaurants. Guests need a valid military ID or a DD-214, and the deal is dine-in only.

IHOP keeps its griddles going longer. From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., participating locations will serve veterans and active-duty service members a free red, white and blueberry pancake combo. The plate stacks two buttermilk pancakes with glazed strawberries, blueberry topping and whipped topping, alongside two eggs, hash browns and a choice of bacon or pork sausage.

For anyone who simply needs caffeine, Starbucks is handing out free beverages to current and former military members throughout the day.

Casual Dining Favorites Roll Out Veterans Menus

Applebee’s is marking its 19th straight year of Veterans Day meals, letting veterans and active-duty military pick from a lineup of entrées at restaurants nationwide. The offer is dine-in only.

Chili’s is serving a free meal from select items at participating Grill & Bar locations, also in-restaurant only. Because menus can vary, the chain suggests calling the local restaurant ahead of time with any questions.

Olive Garden is offering dine-in military guests a complimentary entrée from a special menu that includes chicken parmigiana and fettuccine Alfredo. As usual, the meal comes with unlimited breadsticks plus soup or salad.

Fast Food Picks for a Quick Stop

Not every celebration requires a reservation. Wendy’s is giving veterans and active-duty military a free Dave’s Single at participating U.S. restaurants, a quick option for those squeezing in a stop between Veterans Day ceremonies.

Buffalo Wild Wings is serving 10 free boneless wings with fries to those with valid proof of service at participating sports bars, dine-in only. At participating Buffalo Wild Wings GO spots, the same deal applies to walk-in orders with a $5 minimum purchase. The chain also offers a 15% discount year-round to active military, veterans and first responders at participating locations.

A Steak Voucher That Outlasts the Holiday

Texas Roadhouse takes a different approach that rewards anyone who cannot sit down for a meal on Wednesday. Every location will hand out meal vouchers from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and those vouchers stay good through May 31, 2027. Proof of service is required, and acceptable forms include a military or VA card or discharge papers.

The voucher covers one of 10 entrées, including a 6-ounce sirloin with two made-from-scratch sides, plus a Coca-Cola product, sweet or iced tea or coffee. The key detail is the three-hour pickup window. Miss it, and the voucher is gone.

Golden Corral Saves the Biggest Spread for Last

Golden Corral closes out the day with its annual Military Appreciation Night, running from 4 p.m. to close. Current service members, retired military and veterans can enjoy a free buffet and beverage. The tradition dates to 2001 and has served nearly 6.9 million free meals while raising more than $21.5 million for local Disabled American Veterans chapters.

Before heading out, a little planning goes a long way. Participation varies by location, and offers can change without notice, so a quick call to the nearest restaurant can save a wasted trip. Bring a military ID, VA card, DD-214 or a driver’s license with a veteran designation, and expect busy dining rooms during peak hours.

The meal may be free, but for many families the real value is in the time spent together honoring someone who served.

Source: American Legion