Veterans Day is Wednesday, Nov. 11, and restaurants and businesses across southern Ohio are marking it the way they do every year: by feeding veterans for free.
The offers below come from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ 2026 Veterans Day discounts list, which VA says it recreated and verified this year and is updating through Nov. 11. Nearly every offer requires proof of service — a VA Veteran ID Card, a driver’s license with a veteran designation, a DD-214 or a military retiree ID will satisfy most of them — and nearly every meal is dine-in only at participating locations. The VA cautions that offers are subject to change and may not be available in all locations, so call your local restaurant before you go.
Free meals on Wednesday, Nov. 11
Applebee’s — Veterans and active-duty military receive a free dine-in entrée from a special Veterans Day menu. Proof of service required; beverages and gratuity are not included.
Bob Evans — A free meal from a special menu for veterans and active duty, dine-in only, with a valid service ID.
Chili’s — A free entrée from a select Veterans Day menu at participating locations, dine-in only.
Denny’s — A free Original Grand Slam, served from 5 a.m. to noon, dine-in only.
Golden Corral — The annual Military Appreciation Night offers veterans a free buffet, dine-in only.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers — Veterans and active duty who visit on Nov. 11 receive a free combo-meal card, redeemable through Nov. 25.
Circle K — One free medium hot or iced coffee on Nov. 11 at participating locations, no purchase required; just present a valid military ID.
Chipotle — Free chips plus guacamole, queso blanco or salsa with a $5 purchase at participating locations, with ID.
Bar Louie — A free burger (excluding the Big Louie) on Nov. 10–11, dine-in only, with ID.
Beyond the table
Kohl’s takes 30% off in-store purchases for military members, veterans and their families on Nov. 10–11 with valid ID. Great Clips and Sport Clips offer free haircuts to veterans on Veterans Day — check with your local shop for how it is handling the day. And the National Park Service waives entrance fees for all visitors on Nov. 11 at parks that charge them.
Local ceremonies
Southern Ohio marks the day in person, too. The Remembering Camp Sherman program is set for 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Mound City Group Visitor Center in Chillicothe, and a Veterans Day ceremony with Quilts of Valor presentations is set for 4 p.m. Wednesday at Alexandria Point Park in Portsmouth.
Offers were verified against the VA’s 2026 Veterans Day list on Nov. 9. Participation varies by location — confirm with the business before making the trip.
WATCH: Veterans eat free this Wednesday — our full report is in the video below.
