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San Jose
Serving San Jose, California (Santa Clara County)Vol. 1, No. 15
Life

Veterans eat free Wednesday at In-N-Out, Denny’s, Applebee’s and other chains, the VA’s Veterans Day list shows

Most offers on Nov. 11 require proof of military service and are for dine-in customers.  Not every location takes part, so call ahead.

Life desk
Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026In the Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026 edition
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An AI-generated illustration of veterans and uniformed service members of various ages being served burgers, pancakes and breakfast at a diner, with a small American flag on the table and a “Thank you, veterans” banner, and no restaurant logos.
An AI-generated illustration of veterans and service members being served a meal at a diner on Veterans Day. — Illustration:  AI-generated

Veterans and active-duty service members can get free meals at dozens of national restaurant chains on Wednesday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day, according to a list kept by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).  Most offers require proof of military service, and many are for dine-in customers only.

The VA says it checked the list Oct. 22 and keeps updating it through Veterans Day.  It warns that offers can change and may not be available at every location, and that sharing the list is not an endorsement.

Free meals

  • In-N-Out Burger:  any burger, fries and a drink for veterans, active-duty troops and Reserve and National Guard members, plus a special Veterans Day decal.
  • Denny’s:  an Original Grand Slam breakfast from 5 a.m. to noon, dine-in only.
  • Applebee’s:  an entrée from a special Veterans Day menu, dine-in only; drinks and tip not included.
  • Chili’s:  an entrée from a limited Veterans Day menu at participating restaurants, dine-in only.
  • Red Robin:  a Red’s Big Tavern Burger with bottomless fries, dine-in only.
  • Shake Shack:  a single ShackBurger, no purchase required.
  • Red Lobster:  a Shrimp & Chips meal, dine-in only.
  • Sizzler:  lunch and a nonalcoholic drink from opening until 4 p.m., with a choice of tri-tip steak, Malibu chicken or crispy shrimp.

Coffee, deals and haircuts

  • Starbucks:  a free 12-ounce hot or iced brewed coffee for veterans, service members and military spouses at participating stores.
  • Rubio’s:  buy one entrée, get one free in the restaurant with the code VETS26 and a military ID.
  • Chipotle:  free chips and guacamole, queso blanco or salsa with a $5 purchase at participating restaurants.
  • Great Clips:  a free haircut for veterans and active-duty members.
  • Target:  20% off one purchase through Nov. 11 for verified military members, veterans and their families who belong to its free Target Circle program.

Before you go:  Bring a military ID or other proof of service, and call your local restaurant to confirm it is taking part.  The VA’s full list includes more chains, stores and attractions.

Source:  U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs:  2026 Veterans Day discounts, free meals and other retail offers, checked Nov. 10, 2026.

Drafted by AI from the linked public source. Approved by a Daily News Editor.

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