Veterans Day falls on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, and restaurants, landmarks, and parks across DC, Maryland, and Virginia are saying thank you with free meals, half-price tables, and free admission. Few regions are home to as many veterans and military families as ours, and we are grateful for every one of you. Bookmark this page and share it with someone who served.
Local Thank Yous Worth Planning Around
Founding Farmers takes 50% off dine-in brunch, lunch, or dinner for active duty, retired military, and veterans at locations including Foggy Bottom, Potomac, Reston, Tysons, and Alexandria. Bring ID, a DD 214, or wear your uniform, and reserve ahead. The discount excludes alcohol, tax, and gratuity and cannot be combined with other offers; no to-go or delivery orders.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon admits active duty, former, and retired service members free from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the Harmony Heritage Singers at 11 a.m., U.S. Army Woodwind Quintet at 12:30 p.m., U.S. Air Force Strings at 2 p.m., and a 1 p.m. ceremony at Washington’s tomb. Free tickets are available on arrival for service members only, not family members or guests.
Veterans can also pick up a coupon for a complimentary bread sample from the Half Crown Bakehouse, while supplies last. National Park Service sites that charge entry, including Great Falls Park, waive fees for U.S. citizens and residents.
Reserve at Founding Farmers
DC Prime in Ashburn serves veterans a complimentary 9-ounce Top Sirloin on November 11. Bring proper ID, dine in, and reserve ahead; tax and gratuity are not included. Participating Metro DC Chick-fil-A restaurants offer veterans a free selected entrée from open to close on November 11 with proof of service. Breakfast choices run until 10:30 a.m., followed by a chicken sandwich, spicy chicken sandwich, or eight-count regular or grilled nuggets. Check the participating-location list; mobile and delivery orders do not qualify.
MISSION BBQ thanks veterans and active duty military with free sandwiches and cake on November 11 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., with the National Anthem at noon.
The National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle adds free America the Beautiful screenings on November 11, free flags to place in Semper Fidelis Memorial Park November 7–11 while supplies last, and complimentary birthday cake November 10 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Veterans can redeem donated beer vouchers at Tun Tavern November 6–11; the tavern is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. We, the Marines screenings November 7–11 are set-your-price, with a $2.50 minimum.
Staying in town? Grand Hyatt Washington offers active duty service members, veterans, retired military, and their families up to 12% off a stay and a commemorative anniversary keepsake through December 31, 2026. This is a military leisure offer, not a Veterans Day-only special.
Free Meals From Chains Near You
Most of these require dine-in and proof of service on November 11, per VA News. Applebee’s and Chili’s offer a free entrée from special menus. Ruby Tuesday includes a selected entrée, the Garden Bar, and a bottomless drink. Denny’s serves a free Original Grand Slam from 5 a.m. to noon. Red Lobster serves free Shrimp and Chips, Red Robin gives a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger with bottomless fries, and Bonefish Grill offers veterans, active duty military, and families a free Bang Bang Shrimp entrée plus a nonalcoholic beverage with ID. Golden Corral hosts a free buffet night.
Shake Shack gives veterans and active military a free single ShackBurger in-Shack on November 11 with military ID or proof of service, no purchase required. Bob Evans serves veterans and active duty a free meal from a special menu with service ID, dine-in only. Freddy’s gives veterans and active duty who visit November 11 a free combo-meal card redeemable through November 25. Smashburger offers veterans a free All-American Smashburger with ID, and Torchy’s Tacos serves veterans and active duty a free taco and drink in-store with proof of service. Bar Louie starts a day early: veterans and active duty get a free burger, excluding the Big Louie, November 10–11 with ID, dine-in only. Unless otherwise noted, these offers are for November 11 at participating locations, per VA News.
Coffee, Snacks, and Small Extras
Starbucks pours a free 12-ounce hot or iced brewed coffee for veterans, service members, and spouses. Chipotle adds free chips with guac, queso blanco, or salsa with a $5 purchase. Yard House serves a free appetizer (just ask your server).
Offers run at participating locations only, so confirm participation, bring ID or proof of service, and go early. Pricing beyond the free items varies. Pair your day with a visit to the National Desert Storm and Desert Shield Memorial.
Follow The Washington Lobbyist for informed coverage of Washington DC travel, hotels, restaurants, and events.
