by 
Mark A Leon – Charleston Daily
From complimentary restaurant meals and special dining menus to community ceremonies and special events, here’s where veterans and active-duty military can find offers throughout the Raleigh area on November 11.
RALEIGH, N.C. — November 9, 2026
Veterans Day arrives Wednesday, November 11, and businesses and organizations throughout Raleigh and the Triangle are preparing to recognize the men and women who have served our country.
For veterans, active-duty military personnel, reservists and their families, the holiday brings opportunities to enjoy complimentary meals, take advantage of special discounts and participate in community celebrations.
Whether you’re looking for a free lunch, a steakhouse dinner, a cup of coffee or an opportunity to honor local veterans, we’ve assembled a guide to Veterans Day 2026 offers in and around Raleigh.
Here are some of the places recognizing those who have served.
RALEIGH RESTAURANTS AND FREE MEALS
1. Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille — Complimentary Pork Chop or $39 Military Menu
Location: Raleigh
Perry’s is offering two special Veterans Day dining promotions on Wednesday, November 11.
- Veterans can receive a complimentary signature 32-ounce Dinner-Cut Pork Chop when accompanied by a guest purchasing a full-priced dinner entrée.
- Veterans dining alone or with other veterans can receive the pork chop at half price.
- Alternatively, veterans can enjoy a special three-course Military Menu for $39.
- Available from 4 p.m. until closing.
- Active and former U.S. military members qualify.
- Military identification or official documentation of service required.
- Reservations required.
- Dine-in only. Offers cannot be combined.
Website: https://perryssteakhouse.com/locations/nc/raleigh/raleigh/
2. Applebee’s — Complimentary Veterans Day Entrée
Participating Raleigh-area locations.
- Veterans, active-duty military, Reserves and National Guard members receive a complimentary full-size entrée from a special Veterans Day menu.
- Wednesday, November 11.
- Dine-in only.
- Proof of military service required.
- Participating guests may also receive a $5 promotional card for a future visit.
Website: https://www.applebees.com/
3. Chili’s Grill & Bar — Complimentary Meal
Participating Raleigh-area locations.
- Veterans and active-duty military receive a complimentary entrée from a special Veterans Day menu.
- Wednesday, November 11.
- Dine-in only.
- Military identification or proof of service required.
Website: https://www.chilis.com/
4. Golden Corral — Complimentary Military Appreciation Buffet
Participating Raleigh-area locations.
- Veterans are invited to enjoy a complimentary buffet during Golden Corral’s annual Military Appreciation Night.
- Wednesday, November 11.
- 4 p.m. until closing.
- Dine-in only.
- The complimentary meal is for the eligible veteran; family members pay regular prices.
- Proof of military service required.
Website: https://www.goldencorral.com/
5. Red Robin — Free Burger and Bottomless Fries
Participating Raleigh-area locations.
- Veterans and active-duty military members receive a complimentary Red’s Big Tavern Burger with bottomless fries.
- Wednesday, November 11.
- Dine-in only.
- Valid military identification or proof of service required.
Website: https://www.redrobin.com/
6. Outback Steakhouse — Free Bloomin’ Onion and Beverage
Participating Raleigh-area locations.
- Veterans and active or retired military members receive a complimentary Bloomin’ Onion and beverage.
- Tuesday, November 10, and Wednesday, November 11.
- Beverage options include a Coca-Cola product or eligible domestic draft beer.
- Available for dine-in or first-party takeout orders placed by phone.
- Additional Dine Rewards benefits are available to eligible members.
Raleigh location:
7500 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh.
Website: https://www.outback.com/
7. Chipotle — Free Chips and Dip With Purchase
Participating Raleigh-area locations.
- Veterans and active-duty military members can receive complimentary chips and a choice of guacamole, queso blanco or salsa with a $5 purchase.
- Wednesday, November 11.
- Proof of service required.
- Participating locations only.
Website: https://www.chipotle.com/
8. Red Lobster — Complimentary Shrimp & Chips
Participating Raleigh-area locations.
- Veterans, active-duty military and reservists receive a complimentary Shrimp & Chips meal.
- Wednesday, November 11.
- Dine-in only.
- Military identification required.
Website: https://www.redlobster.com/
9. Starbucks — Free Brewed Coffee
Participating Raleigh-area locations.
- Veterans, active-duty service members and military spouses receive one complimentary 12-ounce hot or iced brewed coffee.
- Wednesday, November 11.
- Participating locations only.
- Specialty drinks, cold brew and Nitro excluded.
Website: https://www.starbucks.com/
ADDITIONAL NORTH CAROLINA RESTAURANT OFFERS
10. Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar — Free All-American Burger
Participating Raleigh and Triangle locations.
- Veterans and active-duty military receive a complimentary BD’s All-American Burger with cheese and a classic side.
- Wednesday, November 11.
- Available 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Dine-in only.
- Valid military identification or proof of service required.
Website: https://www.baddaddysburgerbar.com/
11. Carolina Ale House — Complimentary Half Rack of Ribs
Participating North Carolina locations.
- Veterans receive a complimentary half-rack rib platter.
- Wednesday, November 11.
- Dine-in only.
- Proof of military service required.
- Not valid with other offers.
Website: https://www.carolinaalehouse.com/
12. Bubba’s 33 — Complimentary Lunch
Participating locations.
- Active, former and retired military members receive a complimentary lunch from a select menu.
- Wednesday, November 11.
- Available until 4 p.m.
- Military identification may be required.
Website: https://www.bubbas33.com/
13. City Barbeque — Complimentary Meal
Participating locations.
- Veterans can receive a complimentary meal consisting of a sandwich, side and drink.
- Wednesday, November 11.
- Confirm local participation and proof-of-service requirements.
Website: https://www.citybbq.com/
SHOPPING AND RETAIL DISCOUNTS
14. Kohl’s — 30% Off
- Veterans, military members and eligible family members receive 30% off qualifying in-store purchases.
- November 10–11.
- Valid identification required.
- Exclusions apply.
Website: https://www.kohls.com/
15. Rack Room Shoes — 20% Off
- Veterans, active-duty military and eligible dependents receive 20% off qualifying in-store purchases.
- Wednesday, November 11.
- Military identification required.
Website: https://www.rackroomshoes.com/
16. Target — 20% Off Qualifying Purchase
- Verified military members, veterans and eligible family members can receive 20% off a qualifying purchase through Target Circle’s Military Appreciation program.
- Available November 5–11.
- Target Circle membership and verification required.
- Restrictions apply.
Website: https://www.target.com/
RALEIGH VETERANS DAY EVENTS AND COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS
Veterans Day is also an opportunity to gather as a community and recognize the service and sacrifice of military members and their families.
17. NC State University — Veterans Day Honor Run and Ceremony
Location: Memorial Belltower, 2101 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh
- Wednesday, November 11.
- 6–8 a.m.
- Hosted by NC State’s Jeffrey Wright Military and Veteran Services office and ROTC units.
- Free community event.
- Participants are encouraged to run in honor of a veteran.
Event information:
https://calendar.ncsu.edu/event/nc-state-annual-veterans-day-honor-run-and-ceremony-7242
18. NC State University — Complimentary Meal for Veterans
Location: Fountain Dining Hall, 2520 Sullivan Drive, Raleigh
- Wednesday, November 11.
- 10:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- NC State Dining is providing a complimentary meal to faculty, staff and student veterans.
- This particular offer is intended for the NC State community, rather than all visiting veterans.
Event information:
https://calendar.ncsu.edu/event/veterans-day-fountain-261111
19. Historic Oakwood Cemetery — Veterans Day Honor Ceremony
Location: 701 Oakwood Avenue, Raleigh
- Wednesday, November 11.
- 2–2:30 p.m.
- Community gathering honoring and remembering veterans.
- Ceremony includes the dedication of the cemetery’s new Field of Honor.
- A memorial plaque will recognize the service and sacrifice of members of the armed forces and their families.
Event information:
https://historicoakwoodcemetery.org/event/veterans-day-honor-ceremony-and-dedication-of-the-field-of-honor/
20. Let’s Talk About It: Coming Home — Veterans Day Edition
Location: Partake Raleigh, 2645 East Millbrook Road, Raleigh
- Wednesday, November 11.
- 7–9 p.m.
- A community conversation bringing veterans and civilians together.
- Discussion focuses on military-to-civilian transitions, rebuilding relationships, finding purpose and understanding the experiences of those returning from service.
- Open to veterans and members of the public.
Event information:
https://www.letsgetsocialraleigh.com/event-details/lets-talk-about-it-coming-home-veterans-day-edition
IMPORTANT REMINDERS BEFORE YOU GO
- Bring a valid military ID, VA identification card, DD-214 or other acceptable proof of service.
- Restaurant offers frequently require dine-in service.
- Some promotions are restricted to veterans, while others include active-duty military, National Guard and Reserves.
- Taxes, beverages and gratuities may not be included.
- Reservations may be required for special dining promotions.
- Participating franchise locations can vary. Call ahead to confirm availability.
For an updated statewide list of Veterans Day promotions, visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs:
A FINAL WORD OF THANKS
Veterans Day is about much more than complimentary meals, shopping discounts and special events. It is about recognizing the men and women who have served our country, the families who have supported them and the sacrifices made in defense of our freedoms.
From a complimentary breakfast to a special dinner, a morning ceremony or an afternoon spent remembering those who served, Raleigh has opportunities to show its appreciation.
To every veteran, active-duty service member and military family across Raleigh and the Triangle: thank you for your service and sacrifice.
Happy Veterans Day.
Charleston Daily — Celebrating the people, places and stories that make our communities home.
