Veterans Day is Wednesday, November 11, and nowhere is the military community stronger than in San Antonio — also known as Military City, USA. To celebrate those who have served this country, several restaurants are giving out big deals on food and more. Here’s where to look for discounts and freebies in San Antonio, because you might be able to eat for free all day.
These Veterans Day deals require a valid military ID or proof of service — and many are only available at participating locations. So it’s not a bad idea to call ahead to make sure your closest locations are included.
Applebee’s
On November 11, veterans and active-duty service members can grab a free dine-in meal at Applebee’s from a special menu. They must show proof of service to claim the deal, and a beverage and tip are not included. Customers can choose from a six-ounce Top Sirloin, Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, Chicken Tenders Platter, Double Crunch Shrimp, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Oriental Chicken Salad or Three-Cheese Chicken Penne. There are nine Applebee’s restaurants across San Antonio, including North Star, Windsor Park, Cornerstone, SW Loop 410, Colonade, Broadway, Marbach, South Park, and Silverado.
Chick-fil-A
Participating Chick-fil-A locations in San Antonio are giving veterans, active-duty military, National Guard members and reservists a free Chicken Biscuit during breakfast hours (store open to 10:30 a.m.) on November 11. No app is required, but there’s a limit of one entrée per eligible guest.
Chili’s
Veterans and active-duty military can order a free entrée from a limited menu at participating Chili’s restaurants on November 11. The deal, which is available for dine-in only, does not include drinks or tips. Diners can expect to find a chicken tenders meal, quesadilla, a burger and a salad among the options on the freebie menu. There are over a dozen locations in San Antonio, so go online to find the closest one.
Chipotle
At participating Chipotle locations on November 11, veterans and active-duty military can get free chips (classic or Chili Lime) plus their choice of guacamole, queso blanco or salsa with a $5 purchase. The offer is available all day and requires proof of military or veteran status. There are over 20 Chipotle locations in San Antonio, so you’re sure to be near one.
Denny’s
If you dine in person at Denny’s and bring your military ID, veterans and active-duty service members can order a free Original Grand Slam from 5 a.m. to noon on November 11. There are several locations in San Antonio, so look up your closest and check if it’s participating.
Golden Corral
Golden Corral’s annual Military Appreciation Night falls on November 11, 2026. From 4 p.m. until closing, retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard or Reserves can enjoy a free buffet and beverage. Family members must pay full menu price, and the offer is not valid for take-out. There are three Golden Corral locations in San Antonio: one on NW Loop 410, another on SE Military Drive and one in Universal City.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is offering a free Freddy’s Combo meal card to all veterans and active-duty personnel who visit on Veterans Day. No purchase is necessary to receive the card, and it is redeemable through November 25, 2026. There are eight locations in San Antonio, including the Quarry, Park Oaks, South Park, Hill Country, Park North, Potranco, The Rim and Alamo Ranch.
In-N-Out Burger
Get a free meal, including any burger, fries and beverage on the menu, if you’re retired, active-duty military, Reserve or National Guard. All current and former members of the military will also get a Veterans Day decal. There are currently only three In-N-Out locations in San Antonio, which can be found on Culebra Road, Highway 281 and Windcrest.
McDonald’s
Participating San Antonio McDonald’s restaurants are offering a free Breakfast Combo to veterans and active-duty military members who show a valid military ID or arrive in uniform on November 11. The breakfast combo includes a hash brown, medium sized soft drink, iced tea or roast coffee.
Red Lobster
At Red Lobster, veterans, active-duty military and reservists can receive a free Shrimp & Chips meal on November 11 when they dine in and provide a military ID. There are four locations in San Antonio to choose from: SW Loop 410, NW Loop 410, IH-35 North and N Loop 1604 West. Just call ahead to make sure your closest restaurant is participating.
Red Robin
Veterans and active duty can get a free Red Robin Big Tavern Burger with bottomless fries on November 11. The deal is for dine-in only and does require ID. You can find Red Robin at Northwoods, The Rim, Alamo Ranch and Selma.
Shake Shack
On Veterans Day, active-duty military and veterans can show proof of service and receive a free single ShackBurger at Shake Shack. No purchase is required, but the offer is available in-store only. You can find Shake Shack in San Antonio at Park North on San Pedro Avenue and near Brackenridge Park on Broadway.
Starbucks
At participating Starbucks stores, veterans, service members and spouses can get a free 12‑oz hot or iced brewed coffee on November 11.
Texas Roadhouse
Texas Roadhouse will distribute free meal vouchers to veterans and active-duty service members on November 11. The vouchers will be available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and can be redeemed for a choice from 10 entrées, with two sides and a selection of drinks, until May 31, 2027. Provide proof of service to redeem the deal. There are a handful of these in San Antonio, including SE Military Drive, Cinema Ridge, San Pedro Avenue, Live Oak, Alamo Ranch and Leon Springs.
Torchy’s Tacos
Torchy’s Tacos, which has five locations in San Antonio, is offering veterans and active-duty service members a free taco and drink on November 11. To claim the deal, dine in and provide proof of service. Locations can be found in Lincoln Heights, Sonterra, the Medical Center, The Rim and Bandera Road.
Twin Peaks
At any Twin Peaks restaurant on November 11, veterans and active-duty service members can get their choice of a free entrée from Cheeseburger & Fries. Chicken Tenders & Fries, Chicken Caesar Salad, OG Pepperoni Flatbread or Boneless Wings & Fries. San Antonio has four: Park North, Westover Marketplace, De Zavala and Live Oak.
Yard House
Veterans and active-duty military can get a free appetizer at Yard House on November 11. According to the Yard House website, they can choose from several different options, including poke nachos, classic sliders, wings, the onion ring tower and many more. No purchase is necessary, but the offer is good for one appetizer per person, dine-in only. Find it at the River Walk and the Shops at La Cantera…