Independent restaurant guide
Applebee’s Veterans Day 2026: Free Meal & Menu
Choose from 7 signature entrées and receive a $5 bounce-back card. Review meal choices, regular prices, and military ID requirements.
Applebee’s Military Savings and Veterans Day
Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar honors American service members every year on November 11. Celebrating its 18th consecutive year of military appreciation, participating neighborhood restaurants invite all veterans and active-duty military personnel to enjoy a free full-size entrée from a dedicated holiday menu, plus a special $5 return-visit card.
Applebee’s Free Veterans Day Meal & Bonus Card
Eligible veterans and active-duty military choose any one of 7 signature full-size entrées when dining inside the restaurant on November 11. Guests also receive a $5 Bounce Back Card valid toward a future visit within three weeks.
- Holiday offer
- Free full-size entrée + $5 bounce-back card
- Event tradition
- 18 consecutive years honoring service members
- When
- November 11 (all day during normal dining hours)
- Dining style
- Dine-in only at participating locations
- Who qualifies
- Veterans and active-duty military with proof of service
- What is included
- Choice of 7 full-size entrées and standard plate sides
Applebee’s Veterans Day Free Entrée Menu
When you visit Applebee’s on November 11, your server will provide a special holiday menu featuring 7 full-size guest favorites. Each qualifying entrée comes complete with its standard sides, making this one of the most generous steak and dinner offers across the country.
6 oz. Top Sirloin Steak
USDA Select top sirloin cut lean and juicy, seasoned with signature spices and grilled over open flames. Served with fresh steamed broccoli and creamy garlic mashed potatoes.
| Holiday Entrée | Description & Standard Sides | Holiday Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 6 oz. Top Sirloin | USDA Select top sirloin steak grilled to order, served with steamed broccoli and garlic mashed potatoes. | $0 |
 Classic Bacon Cheeseburger | Handcrafted all-beef patty with two bacon strips, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles on a brioche bun with classic fries. | $0 |
 Chicken Tenders Platter | Crispy breaded chicken tenders served with honey Dijon mustard, coleslaw and classic fries. | $0 |
 Double Crunch Shrimp | Crispy battered golden shrimp served with cocktail sauce, coleslaw and classic fries. | $0 |
 Fiesta Lime Chicken | Grilled chicken breast glazed with zesty lime sauce and Mexi-ranch dressing, topped with cheddar jack cheese and served with Spanish rice and pico de gallo. | $0 |
 Oriental Chicken Salad | Crisp Asian greens tossed in signature Oriental vinaigrette, topped with crispy chicken tenders, toasted almonds and crunchy rice noodles. | $0 |
 Three-Cheese Chicken Penne | Penne pasta tossed in rich Parmesan cream sauce with grilled chicken breast, bruschetta tomatoes, fresh basil and a warm garlic breadstick. | $0 |
Menu update: This 7-entrée menu and $0 price refer to Applebee’s 2025 Veterans Day promotion for veterans and active-duty service members with proof of service. The dine-in event ran all day on November 11, 2025, and included a $5 Bounce Back Card valid through November 30, 2025. The 2026 holiday menu selections and bonus card details have not yet been officially announced. We will update this guide as soon as Applebee’s releases its official 2026 details. Applebee’s military announcements ↗
Applebee’s Meal Costs and Price Comparison
Below are standard regular menu prices verified from our reference location at 97 Loop 410 N.E. in San Antonio, Texas. On Veterans Day, your qualifying entrée totals $0. Family members, beverage orders, and appetizers are billed at standard menu prices.
| Menu Item | Regular Menu Price | Holiday Cost | Notes & Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holiday Entrée (Choice of 7) | $13.99–$19.99 | $0.00 | Free for veteran or active military guest with ID |
| 8 oz. Top Sirloin (Regular) | $19.99 | $0.00 | Standard menu price at North Star Loop 410 |
| Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp | $17.99 | $17.99 | Regular menu specialty; not on holiday free list |
| Three-Cheese Chicken Penne | $16.99 | $0.00 | Standard menu price at North Star Loop 410 |
| Fiesta Lime Chicken | $16.99 | $0.00 | Standard menu price at North Star Loop 410 |
| Double Crunch Shrimp | $16.49 | $0.00 | Standard menu price at North Star Loop 410 |
| Oriental Chicken Salad | $15.99 | $0.00 | Standard menu price at North Star Loop 410 |
| Classic Bacon Cheeseburger | $13.99 | $0.00 | Standard menu price at North Star Loop 410 |
Regular menu prices verified from the North Star Loop 410 online ordering menu. Prices may vary by market. Please tip your server based on the normal pre-discount meal total.
What Comes With the Applebee’s Holiday Plate
Unlike restaurants that strip accompaniments down to bare plates, Applebee’s serves every holiday entrée with its complete standard accompaniments:
Steakhouse & Grill Sides
The Top Sirloin includes garlic mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli; burgers and tenders come with golden fries and coleslaw.
Warm Garlic Breadstick
The Three-Cheese Chicken Penne comes with a freshly toasted, warm golden garlic breadstick brushed with savory garlic butter.
$5 Bounce Back Bonus Card
Veterans dining in on November 11 receive a printed card worth $5 off their next visit during the subsequent three-week redemption window.
Military ID and Eligibility Requirements
The free Veterans Day entrée and $5 Bounce Back Card are limited strictly to those who have served in uniform. Civilian family members, spouses, and children pay regular menu prices.
To receive your complimentary meal on November 11, present one of the following accepted proofs of military service to your host or server:
- Military ID Card (CAC): Standard Common Access Card for active-duty personnel across all service branches.
- VA Healthcare Card (VHIC): Official identification issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Retiree Military ID (Blue or Next-Gen USID): Issued to retired military personnel.
- DD-214 Discharge Certificate: Official certificate of release or discharge from active duty.
- State Driver’s License with Veteran Designation: Driver's license displaying the official state "VETERAN" mark.
- Service in Uniform or Official Service Organization Card: American Legion or VFW membership card.
Four Steps to Claim Your Free Applebee’s Meal
Follow these four simple steps on November 11 to make your holiday visit smooth and straightforward:
Find Your Local Restaurant
Use the locator below to check operating hours and call ahead to confirm dining room participation.
Bring Military Identification
Keep your military CAC, VA card, retired ID, or DD-214 ready to show your server when ordering.
Choose From the 7 Entrées
Select any dish from the special holiday menu. Drinks, appetizers, and desserts are billed separately.
Collect Your $5 Bonus Card
Your server will hand you a $5 coupon card for your next visit. Remember to tip your server generously.
Applebee’s Veterans Day Rules and Exclusions
Here are the key promotion rules to keep in mind before heading out to dine:
- Dine-In Only: The holiday free meal offer is valid only for dine-in guests. It cannot be redeemed via online ordering, Carside To Go, or delivery services like DoorDash or Uber Eats.
- Beverages Not Included: Fountain sodas, iced teas, coffee, and bar drinks are billed at regular menu prices.
- One Meal Per Service Member: Each veteran or active military member receives one free entrée from the designated 7-item menu.
- Gratuity & Tip: Gratuity is not included. Servers work exceptionally hard during Veterans Day; tipping based on the full pre-discount check total is strongly recommended.
- No Coupons Required: You do not need to print an online voucher or coupon. Showing your military ID at your table is all that is required.
Applebee’s Veterans Day Hours and Seating
Most Applebee’s restaurants open at 10:30 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. and remain open until midnight or 1:00 a.m. The Veterans Day free meal is available from open to close throughout the entire day of November 11.
Peak lunch hours run between 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m., while peak dinner hours run from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. If you prefer a quieter meal without a wait, consider visiting during mid-afternoon between 2:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Applebee’s Location Directory and Directions
Use the interactive tool below to check address details, phone numbers, and directions for your local restaurant:
Find an Applebee’s Grill & Bar Near You
Search any U.S. city or ZIP code to find your local Applebee’s on the map. Call your neighborhood restaurant ahead of time to verify dining room seating and Veterans Day service hours.
Using your location requests browser permission and searches Google Maps. You can also search any city or ZIP directly above.
Map: North Star / Loop 410 N.E. (Reference Branch), San Antonio
Restaurant Addresses, Phone Numbers and Hours
North Star / Loop 410 N.E. serves as our primary reference restaurant. You can find key branch details below:
Applebee’s North Star / Loop 410 N.E. (Reference Branch)
97 Loop 410 N.E., San Antonio, TX 78216| Schedule | Hours |
|---|---|
| Regular Hours | Mon–Sun: 10:30 a.m.–1:00 a.m. next day |
| Veterans Day Holiday Hours | 10:30 a.m. to close on Nov 11 (Dine-in only) |
Applebee’s Bandera Road / Leon Valley
7007 Bandera Rd, San Antonio, TX 78238| Schedule | Hours |
|---|---|
| Regular Hours | Mon–Sun: 11:00 a.m.–12:00 a.m. |
| Veterans Day Holiday Hours | 11:00 a.m. to close on Nov 11 (Dine-in only) |
Applebee’s Schertz / FM 3009
6023 FM 3009, Schertz, TX 78154| Schedule | Hours |
|---|---|
| Regular Hours | Mon–Sun: 11:00 a.m.–12:00 a.m. |
| Veterans Day Holiday Hours | 11:00 a.m. to close on Nov 11 (Dine-in only) |
Applebee’s Austin / Stassney
501 E. Stassney Ln, Austin, TX 78745| Schedule | Hours |
|---|---|
| Regular Hours | Mon–Sun: 11:00 a.m.–12:00 a.m. |
| Veterans Day Holiday Hours | 11:00 a.m. to close on Nov 11 (Dine-in only) |
Applebee’s Houston / Westheimer
10555 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77042| Schedule | Hours |
|---|---|
| Regular Hours | Mon–Sun: 11:00 a.m.–1:00 a.m. |
| Veterans Day Holiday Hours | 11:00 a.m. to close on Nov 11 (Dine-in only) |
Applebee’s Dallas / Montfort Drive
13125 Montfort Dr, Dallas, TX 75240| Schedule | Hours |
|---|---|
| Regular Hours | Mon–Sun: 11:00 a.m.–12:00 a.m. |
| Veterans Day Holiday Hours | 11:00 a.m. to close on Nov 11 (Dine-in only) |
Dining Room Wait Times and Seating Advice
Because Applebee’s is one of the nation's most popular Veterans Day destinations, dining rooms can experience long waitlists during peak lunch and dinner windows. Here is how to plan your visit:
- Check Wait Times Online: Many Applebee’s locations allow guests to check waitlists or join queues online through the Applebee’s mobile app.
- Arrive in Smaller Groups: Large parties of eight or more can take significantly longer to seat. If dining with fellow veterans, arriving slightly before normal meal hours ensures faster seating.
- Full Bar Seating: If the dining room has a waitlist, open seating in the bar area is often available on a first-come, first-served basis for guests 21 and older.
Everyday Savings and Neighborhood Specials
Beyond Veterans Day, Applebee’s runs several popular promotions throughout the year:
- 2 for $25 / 2 for $26 Deal: Choose one full-size appetizer and two select full-size entrées for one bundled value price.
- Late Night Half-Price Appetizers: Participating restaurants discount select appetizers by 50% during late evening hours (typically after 9:00 p.m.).
- Neighborhood Drink of the Month: Themed seasonal cocktail specials, including rotating $1 to $6 featured drinks.
Applebee’s Year-Round Military Discount
In addition to the annual November 11 free meal event, many Applebee’s franchise operators offer an everyday military discount of 10% to 15% off food and non-alcoholic beverages year-round.
Because Applebee’s locations are independently owned and operated by regional franchise groups, year-round discount percentages and policies vary by store. Always ask your local server about military discounts before paying your check.
Frequently Asked Questions About Applebee’s Veterans Day
Does Applebee’s offer a free meal on Veterans Day?
Yes. Applebee’s has hosted an annual Veterans Day meal event for 18 consecutive years, providing eligible veterans and active-duty military personnel with a free full-size entrée from a special select menu on November 11.
What entrées are included on Applebee’s Veterans Day free menu?
The 7 select entrées include the 6 oz. Top Sirloin, Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, Chicken Tenders Platter, Double Crunch Shrimp, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Oriental Chicken Salad, and Three-Cheese Chicken Penne.
What is the Applebee’s $5 Bounce Back Card?
In addition to the free holiday entrée on November 11, Applebee’s provides dining veterans with a $5 Bounce Back Card redeemable on a subsequent meal within roughly three weeks.
Is the free Veterans Day meal available for takeout or Carside To Go?
No. The free holiday entrée is strictly for dine-in guests at participating Applebee’s locations. Takeout, Carside To Go, and third-party delivery orders do not qualify.
What proof of military service is required at Applebee’s?
Accepted documents include a military Common Access Card (CAC), VA Healthcare ID (VHIC), retired military ID card, DD-214 discharge certificate, or a state driver’s license with a veteran mark.
Are beverages included with the free Applebee’s meal?
No. Drinks such as soft drinks, coffee, iced tea, and bar cocktails are not included with the free entrée and are charged at regular menu prices.
Do military spouses and family members eat free at Applebee’s?
No. The free meal is reserved exclusively for the veteran or active-duty service member. Family members, spouses, and civilian companions pay standard menu prices.
Do I need a coupon or online voucher to claim the meal?
No printable coupon or digital voucher is needed. Simply show your valid military identification or service proof to your server when ordering.
What hours is Applebee’s open on Veterans Day?
Participating Applebee’s locations serve the free military meal all day during normal dining room hours, typically from 10:30 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. until closing around midnight.
Does Applebee’s offer an everyday military discount?
Yes. Many Applebee’s franchise locations provide a 10% to 15% military discount year-round on regular food purchases when you show military ID.
Can I substitute sides on my holiday plate?
Each of the 7 entrées includes its designated standard accompaniments. Specialty side upgrades or premium substitutions may incur a small additional fee.
Should I tip my server on the free Veterans Day meal?
Yes. Gratuity is not included in the promotion. Tipping your server based on the full pre-discount retail price of the meal is standard steakhouse etiquette.