Independent restaurant guide
Chili’s Veterans Day 2026: Free Meal & Menu
Choose from 4 select entrées including the Oldtimer burger, Chicken Crispers, quesadillas, or soup and salad. Review confirmed holiday details and meal costs.
Chili’s Military Savings and Veterans Day
Chili’s Grill & Bar honors American service members every year on November 11. To express appreciation for those who have served in uniform, participating Chili’s locations nationwide invite veterans and active-duty military personnel to enjoy a free entrée from a specially selected holiday menu during regular dining room hours.
Chili’s Free Veterans Day Meal
Eligible veterans and active-duty military personnel can select one complimentary dine-in entrée from the special holiday menu. All meals are served with standard plate sides, such as homestyle fries, fresh corn, or side salad.
- Holiday offer
- Free entrée from select Veterans Day menu
- Event tradition
- Annual nationwide military salute
- 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 ID
- What is included
- Choice of 4 select entrées and standard plate sides
Chili’s Veterans Day Free Entrée Menu
When you visit Chili’s on November 11, your server will present a dedicated military menu featuring 4 full-size favorites. Each dish includes its standard plate accompaniments at no additional cost:
Oldtimer with Cheese
A Chili’s classic handcrafted with a fresh all-beef patty, melted cheddar cheese, pickles, lettuce, tomato, red onion and mustard, served with crispy seasoned fries.
| Holiday Entrée | Description & Standard Sides | Holiday Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Oldtimer with Cheese | Half-pound all-beef patty grilled to order with cheddar cheese, pickles, lettuce, tomato, red onion and mustard on a brioche bun with homestyle fries. | $0 |
 Chicken Crispers Combo | Hand-battered crispy chicken tenders served with honey mustard or BBQ sauce, fresh corn on the cob and homestyle fries. | $0 |
 Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas | Warm flour tortillas stuffed with shredded chicken, smoked bacon, ranch dressing and melted cheese, served with pico de gallo, sour cream and house salsa. | $0 |
 Soup & House Salad Combo | A bottomless bowl of signature chili or soup (Chicken Enchilada or Southwest Chicken) paired with a fresh house garden salad or Caesar salad. | $0 |
Menu update: This 4-entrée holiday menu and $0 price refer to Chili’s official Veterans Day promotion for veterans and active-duty military personnel. The event runs on November 11 during regular dining room hours at participating nationwide restaurants. Availability and local dining guidelines may vary by franchise. Confirm with your neighborhood location before visiting. Chili’s military announcements ↗
Chili’s Meal Costs and Price Comparison
Below are regular menu prices from our reference restaurant at 8502 Broadway Street in San Antonio, Texas. On Veterans Day, your qualifying holiday entrée totals $0. Family members, beverage orders, and appetizers are charged at standard menu rates.
| Menu Item | Regular Menu Price | Holiday Cost | Notes & Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holiday Entrée (Choice of 4) | $10.89–$17.29 | $0.00 | Free for veteran or active military guest with ID |
| Crispy Chicken Crispers Combo | $17.29 | $0.00 | Standard menu price at 410 Broadway |
| Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas | $16.49 | $0.00 | Standard menu price at 410 Broadway |
| Oldtimer Burger with Cheese | $13.59 | $0.00 | Standard menu price at 410 Broadway |
| Soup & House Salad Combo | $10.89 | $0.00 | Standard menu price at 410 Broadway |
| Cajun Shrimp & Chicken Pasta | $18.29 | $18.29 | Regular menu favorite; paid entrée |
| Triple Dipper Appetizer | $16.99 | $16.99 | Appetizers charged at regular menu prices |
| Molten Chocolate Cake | $10.29 | $10.29 | Dessert charged at regular menu prices |
Regular menu prices verified from the 410 Broadway online ordering menu. Prices vary by market. Please tip your server based on the full regular retail price of the meal.
What Comes With the Chili’s Holiday Plate
Each holiday plate is served with its complete standard accompaniments:
Homestyle Fries & Fresh Sides
The Oldtimer Burger and Chicken Crispers come with seasoned homestyle fries and fresh corn on the cob or signature dipping sauces.
Pico de Gallo & House Salsa
The Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas are accompanied by cool sour cream, house-made pico de gallo, and fresh salsa.
Bottomless Soup & Fresh Salad
The Soup & Salad combo features bottomless bowls of signature soup or chili paired with a crisp house garden or Caesar salad.
Military ID and Eligibility Requirements
Chili’s reserves the complimentary Veterans Day meal strictly for those who have served in uniform. Civilian family members, spouses, and children pay regular menu prices.
To receive your free entrée on November 11, present one of the following accepted proofs of military service to your host or server:
- Military Common Access Card (CAC): Standard identification for active-duty personnel across all service branches.
- VA Healthcare Card (VHIC): Official card issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Retiree Military ID: Official identification for retired service members.
- 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.
- Wearing Military Uniform: Service members arriving in official military uniform.
Four Steps to Claim Your Free Chili’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 seated.
Choose From the 4 Entrées
Select your favorite meal from the dedicated holiday menu. Drinks, appetizers, and desserts are billed separately.
Tip Your Server Generously
Gratuity is not included. Please tip your server based on the normal pre-discount meal total.
Chili’s Veterans Day Rules and Exclusions
Keep the following promotion rules in mind before heading out to dine:
- Dine-In Only: The free meal offer is valid only for dine-in guests. It cannot be redeemed via online ordering, curbside pickup, or third-party delivery services.
- Beverages Not Included: Fountain sodas, iced teas, coffee, and specialty drinks are billed at regular menu prices.
- No Substitutions: The promotion terms state that menu substitutions and combining with other coupons or discounts are not permitted.
- One Meal Per Veteran: Each qualifying veteran or active military member receives one free entrée from the designated 4-item menu.
- Gratuity & Tip: Gratuity is not included. Tipping based on the full pre-discount retail value is strongly encouraged.
Chili’s Veterans Day Hours and Seating
Most Chili’s restaurants open at 10:45 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. and remain open until 10:00 p.m. or 11:00 p.m. The free military meal is available from open to close throughout the entire day of November 11.
Peak lunch hours run from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., while peak dinner hours run from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. To enjoy a relaxed dining experience without waiting, consider arriving during mid-afternoon between 2:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Chili’s Location Directory and Directions
Use the interactive tool below to check address details, phone numbers, and directions for your neighborhood restaurant:
Find a Chili’s Grill & Bar Near You
Search any U.S. city or ZIP code to find your local Chili’s on the map. Call your restaurant ahead of time to confirm dining room opening hours and Veterans Day service.
Using your location requests browser permission and searches Google Maps. You can also search any city or ZIP directly above.
Map: 410 Broadway (Reference Branch), San Antonio
Restaurant Addresses, Phone Numbers and Hours
410 Broadway serves as our primary reference restaurant. You can find key branch details below:
Chili’s 410 Broadway (Reference Branch)
8502 Broadway Street, San Antonio, TX 78217| Schedule | Hours |
|---|---|
| Regular Hours | Sun–Thu: 10:45 a.m.–10:00 p.m. · Fri–Sat: 10:45 a.m.–11:00 p.m. |
| Veterans Day Holiday Hours | 10:45 a.m. to close on Nov 11 (Dine-in only) |
Chili’s San Pedro / North Star
1107 NW Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78213| Schedule | Hours |
|---|---|
| Regular Hours | Sun–Thu: 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. · Fri–Sat: 11:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. |
| Veterans Day Holiday Hours | 11:00 a.m. to close on Nov 11 (Dine-in only) |
Chili’s De Zavala / I-10
12827 I-10 West, San Antonio, TX 78249| Schedule | Hours |
|---|---|
| Regular Hours | Sun–Thu: 10:45 a.m.–10:00 p.m. · Fri–Sat: 10:45 a.m.–11:00 p.m. |
| Veterans Day Holiday Hours | 10:45 a.m. to close on Nov 11 (Dine-in only) |
Chili’s Austin / South Congress
2323 S. Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704| Schedule | Hours |
|---|---|
| Regular Hours | Sun–Thu: 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. · Fri–Sat: 11:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. |
| Veterans Day Holiday Hours | 11:00 a.m. to close on Nov 11 (Dine-in only) |
Chili’s Houston / Galleria
5020 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77056| Schedule | Hours |
|---|---|
| Regular Hours | Sun–Thu: 11:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. · Fri–Sat: 11:00 a.m.–12:00 a.m. |
| Veterans Day Holiday Hours | 11:00 a.m. to close on Nov 11 (Dine-in only) |
Chili’s Dallas / Greenville
7567 N. Central Expy, Dallas, TX 75206| Schedule | Hours |
|---|---|
| Regular Hours | Sun–Thu: 11:00 a.m.–10:30 p.m. · Fri–Sat: 11:00 a.m.–11:30 p.m. |
| Veterans Day Holiday Hours | 11:00 a.m. to close on Nov 11 (Dine-in only) |
Dining Room Wait Times and Chili’s App Tips
Because Chili’s is a top Veterans Day destination, restaurants can experience busy dining rooms during lunch and dinner. Here are helpful planning tips:
- Use the Chili’s App Waitlist: You can view current wait times and add your party to the digital waitlist before leaving home via the Chili’s mobile app.
- Bar Seating: If the main dining room has a waitlist, open seating in the bar area is often available immediately for guests 21 and older.
- Smaller Parties Seat Faster: Parties of four or fewer typically get seated much faster than large groups during holiday rushes.
Everyday Deals and Chili’s Specials
Beyond Veterans Day, Chili’s offers several popular year-round dining programs:
- "3 For Me" Value Menu: Bundles a non-alcoholic beverage, an appetizer or side salad, and a full entrée starting at just $10.99.
- My Chili’s Rewards: Members get free chips & salsa or a free non-alcoholic beverage on every visit with a minimum $5 purchase.
- $6 Monthly Margarita Special: A hand-crafted, premium-themed margarita offered all day, every day for just $6.
Chili’s Year-Round Military Discount
While Chili’s does not have an official corporate policy providing a mandatory daily military discount nationwide, many local franchise operators offer a 10% military discount year-round for guests who show military ID.
Policies vary by franchise group and location. Ask your server about local military discounts when dining outside of the annual November 11 event.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chili’s Veterans Day
Does Chili’s offer a free meal on Veterans Day?
Yes. Chili’s provides a complimentary dine-in entrée from a special select menu to veterans and active-duty military personnel every year on November 11.
What entrées are included on the Chili’s Veterans Day menu?
The select holiday menu includes the Oldtimer Burger with Cheese, Chicken Crispers, Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas, and the Soup & House Salad combo.
Can I get the free Chili’s holiday meal to go?
No. The complimentary Veterans Day meal is strictly available for dine-in dining only at participating Chili’s Grill & Bar locations.
What proof of military service is required at Chili’s?
Accepted documents include a military Common Access Card (CAC), VA Healthcare ID card, retired military ID, DD-214 discharge papers, or uniform wear.
Are drinks and beverages included with the free meal?
No. Drinks such as fountain sodas, iced teas, specialty lemonades, and bar margaritas are billed separately at regular menu prices.
Do military spouses and family members receive a free entrée?
No. The complimentary entrée offer applies solely to the qualifying service member or veteran. Family members and civilian companions pay standard menu prices.
Do I need a printed coupon or voucher to claim the meal?
No coupon or voucher is necessary. Simply present your military identification to your server when placing your order inside the restaurant.
What hours does Chili’s serve the free Veterans Day meal?
Participating restaurants serve the holiday entrée during normal dining room operating hours, usually from 10:45 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. until closing.
Can I make substitutions on the holiday entrées?
No. The official promotion terms state that menu substitutions and combining with other coupons or discounts are not permitted.
Does Chili’s offer a year-round military discount?
While Chili’s does not have an official nationwide daily military discount, many regional franchise locations offer a 10% military discount when you show ID.
What is Chili’s '3 For Me' everyday special?
Chili’s '3 For Me' value menu starts at $10.99 and bundles a beverage, an appetizer or side salad, and a full entrée for one everyday price.
Should I tip my server on the complimentary Veterans Day plate?
Yes. Gratuity is not included in the promotional offer. Tipping your server based on the full pre-discount retail value of the meal is standard steakhouse etiquette.