Free Veterans Day meals, deals and goodies on Wednesday, Nov 11, 2026: well-known national chains plus confirmed local offers across the Chicago South Suburbs (Illinois) and Northwest Indiana, with the military ID or proof of service each one requires.
Wednesday, Nov 11, 2026 is Veterans Day, and restaurants across the Chicago South Suburbs and Northwest Indiana are honoring veterans and active military with free meals, desserts and coffee. Most national chains serve these offers dine-in only and ask for a valid military ID or another proof of service, while a few local favorites skip the proof entirely. Offers are at participating locations, time-limited to Veterans Day and change year to year, so call ahead or check each restaurant before you go.
Illinois
Chicago South SuburbsFree meals and goodies listed alphabetically by business name for Illinois.
Applebee's
Free entrée from the exclusive Veterans Day menu, dine-in only
Requirement
Valid military ID or proof of service
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
Free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie dessert
Requirement
Valid military ID
Bob Evans
Free meal from a select menu, dine-in only
Requirement
Valid military ID or proof of service
Bonefish Grill
Free Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer with a nonalcoholic drink
Requirement
Valid military ID, near Frankfort
Buffalo Wild Wings
10 free boneless wings with fries, dine-in only
Requirement
Valid military ID, New Lenox location
Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen
Free appetizer or dessert
Requirement
Valid military ID or proof of service
Chili's
Free meal from a select menu, dine-in only
Requirement
Valid military ID, Orland Park or New Lenox
Cracker Barrel
Free Sunrise Pancake special plus 25% off military apparel
Requirement
Valid military ID or proof of service
Dave & Buster's
Free entrée up to $20 with a $10 Power Card
Requirement
Valid military ID
Denny's
Free Original Grand Slam, 5 a.m. to noon
Requirement
Valid military ID or DD214
Dunkin'
Free donut, in-store only
Requirement
No ID needed, while supplies last
Golden Corral
Free buffet and beverage
Requirement
No ID required, dining in
IHOP
Free Red White & Blueberry pancakes
Requirement
Valid military ID, participating locations
Red Lobster
Free Veteran's Shrimp & Chips
Requirement
Valid military ID or proof of service
Starbucks
Free tall hot brewed coffee
Requirement
No ID needed, in-store
Indiana
Northwest IndianaFree meals and goodies listed alphabetically by business name for Indiana.
Applebee's
Free meal from the exclusive Veterans Day menu, dine-in only
Requirement
Valid military ID, Schererville or Merrillville
DOC's Smokehouse
10% off for veterans and active military, a year-round deal
Requirement
Veteran or military ID, Dyer
Golden Corral
Free buffet and beverage
Requirement
No ID required, Merrillville or Schererville
IHOP
Free Red White & Blueberry pancakes
Requirement
Valid military ID, Merrillville or Schererville
Mission BBQ
Free sandwich
Requirement
Valid military ID, Merrillville
Parlor Doughnuts
15% off for active duty, veterans and first responders, a year-round deal
Requirement
Veteran or military ID, Crown Point or Munster
Round the Clock
Free meal for veterans and active-duty
Requirement
Valid military ID, Schererville or Highland
Texas Corral
Free meal from a limited menu with a soft drink or coffee
Requirement
Valid military ID, Highland or Schererville
Texas Roadhouse
Free Veterans Day lunch meal with a drink and two sides
Requirement
Valid military ID or proof of service, Dyer or Portage
White Castle
Free combo meal
Requirement
Valid military ID, participating locations
Offers are at participating locations, time-limited to Wednesday, Nov 11, 2026, and change from year to year. Call ahead or check each restaurant before you go.
Spots to Check Out
Veterans Day on the Federal Holiday Calendar
Veterans Day 2026 falls on Wednesday, Nov 11. National chains and local restaurants across both states serve their free offers that day, most dine-in and at participating locations.
