12 Restaurant Chains With Incredible Military and Veteran Discounts

More than 18 million veterans and 1.3 million active service members live in the United States, representing around 6% of the adult population. Across the country, countless restaurants show appreciation for the men and women who serve by offering military discounts. From fast food chains to fine dining establishments, these gestures are a meaningful way to say thank you.

Whether you're on active duty, a veteran, or a military family member, this guide highlights where you can enjoy great food while stretching your eating-out budget through savings designed just for you.

Editor's note: Discount availability may vary by location.

At Outback Steakhouse, all military veterans and servicemembers, police, firefighters, first responders, nurses, doctors, and medical staff receive 10% off their entire check — all day, every day. This offering is the Heroes Discount and excludes alcohol and applicable taxes. Only one discount per table is available, and it cannot be combined with Dine Rewards, AARP, or any other promotions. A valid medical, state, or federal service ID is required.

Applebee's has offered veterans and active-duty personnel a Veterans Day meal for nearly two decades. Enjoy a complimentary lunch or dinner, selecting from some of their most popular entrées. Additionally, diners will receive a $5 credit for a future visit (which must be used within the next three weeks). This free meal is valid on November 11 and requires proof of service. Participating locations also offer 10% off veterans' meals year-round.

On Veterans Day, participating Chili's locations offer veterans and active-duty military personnel a free meal. Diners can choose from select items and must bring a valid military ID or other proof of service. This offer is dine-in only and cannot be combined with other coupons or discounts.

At Texas Roadhouse, active military personnel and veterans receive 10% off their meals year-round. This discount applies to all branches of the military, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. When dining at Texas Roadhouse, inform your server and present a valid military ID or proof of service. Free meal vouchers apply to dine-in or carry-out entrees on Veterans Day.

Most Buffalo Wild Wings locations offer a 10% discount to veterans as part of the WeSalute program, but you'll want to call ahead to confirm with your local restaurant.

On Veterans Day, you could enjoy the "Wings for Heroes" promotion (free dine-in order of 10 boneless wings and fries). Proof of service is required.

On Veterans Day, military veterans receive a free Original Grand Slam®. Veterans and active-duty military personnel must present a valid military ID or a DD-214. This offer is available from 5 am until noon, is dine-in only, and cannot be combined with other promotions. Depending on the location, WeSalute members can enjoy up to 20% off. Confirm military appreciation discounts with your local Denny's.

At Famous Dave's BBQ, veterans and active service members can enjoy a meal on the house. The most recent deal was a free two-meat lunch combo (two meats + one side + cornbread muffin). This act of appreciation is available at participating locations all day on Veterans Day. This chain is also involved in year-round military events, such as the Marine Corps Marathon, to show its continued support.

The Hard Rock Cafe is an ongoing supporter of veterans, offering 15% off dining and non-alcoholic beverages, alongside other perks like free parking and buy-one-get-one-free buffet vouchers. All verified members also receive an automatic upgrade to Legend status and a Veteran Unity Card as part of the Unity by Hard Rock Veterans Program (to accumulate rewards). A valid military ID is required.

On Veterans Day, all veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a free order of Red, White, and Blueberry pancakes or a pancake combo. This dine-in-only offer is valid from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on November 11 at participating locations. WeSalute members may also get up to 20% off throughout the year, depending on the location. A military ID is required for all offers.

LongHorn proudly offers 10% off all veterans' meals for Veterans Day, along with a free appetizer or dessert for their table. Veterans can also take advantage of this offer the day before or after November 11. The details of this two-day promotion change year to year (sometimes available on the 10th or 12th) and may only include specific menu items. Some locations advertise 10% off for veterans every day.

Founder Dave Thomas joined the Army at age 18, received the rank of staff sergeant, and became one of the youngest soldiers to manage the Enlisted Men's Club. Wendy's partnered with WeSalute to offer members special WendyMail offers throughout the year. These offerings include discounts on signature menu items year-round and exclusive discounts for patriotic holidays. You must enroll in WendyMail to participate.

For those enrolled in the WeSalute program, some participating Burger King locations offer 10% off your entire order. It is reported that few locations advertise this offering, which is why you must ask when ordering and show your military ID. This franchise also conducts an annual fundraiser to support Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) programs. Since 2007, Burger King franchisees have raised more than $7.8 million.

Across the nation, restaurant chains support veterans and active-duty service members via dining discounts and free meal promotions, but it doesn't stop there. 

If you're one of the 90% who have taken advantage of a military discount, there are a ton of other offerings specific to service members. For instance, you could open a bank account at an institution that caters specifically to the needs of military families.