Food

Veterans Day: Free Meals and Deals at Restaurants Around DC

Free burgers, pancakes, tacos, and more!

Active and retired military get discounts at Le Diplomate. Photograph by Scott Suchman

DC restaurants are honoring active and retired members of the military on Veterans Day this Friday, offering free or heavily-discounted food and drinks. Here, some of the best deals in the area:

50% off at Agua 301

301 Water St., SE

Active and retired members of the military can head to this waterfront Mexican eatery in Navy Yard for 50% off their meals. 

25 to 50% off at BLT Steak

1625 I St., NW

The downtown steakhouse is taking 50% off the check for parties of two or fewer with a military ID, and 25% off the check for parties of three or more.

Free shrimp at Bonefish Grill

1708 L St., NW; 1101 S. Joyce St., Arlington

The seafood chain is giving all active and retired members of the military a complimentary order of “bang bang shrimp,” which features crispy shrimp tossed in a creamy and spicy sauce.

50% off at Bonfire

1132 19th St., NW

Veterans get 50% off the restaurant’s fiery fare, including desserts like s’mores and “campfire skillets.”

Basil lemonade and chips at Buredo

Multiple locations

With the purchase of a sushi burrito, veterans get a free basil lemonade and chips.

BOGO at Chipotle

Multiple locations

From 3 pm to close, all customers with a military ID can take advantage of a buy-one-get-one free deal on burritos, bowls, salad and tacos.

10% off at Del Campo

777 I St., NW

The South American restaurant, which regularly appears near the top of Washingtonian’s 100 Very Best Restaurants list, is taking 10% off for all guests with a military ID.

Free grilled cheese at GCDC

1730 Pennsylvania Ave., NW

This grilled cheese restaurant and bar is giving all active and retired members of the military a free sandwich between 11 am and 1 pm. Sandwich options include the “Young American” (featuring tomato and bacon) and the “Buffalo Blue” (featuring chicken, blue cheese, red onion, and Frank’s hot sauce).

20% off at Grilled Oyster Company

3701 Newark St., NW; 7943 Tuckerman Ln., Potomac

Members of the military can eat for 20% less at the Chesapeake-inspired seafood restaurant.

Free pancakes at IHOP

3100 14th St., NW; 1523 Alabama Ave., SE

The chain is bringing back its complimentary “red-white-and-blue” pancakes for all active and retired members of the military. The pancakes get their patriotic colors from glazed strawberries, whipped cream, and blueberry compote.

Free burger at Le Diplomate

1601 14th St., NW

Veterans get a complimentary “Burger Américain,” which Zagat recently named one of the best burgers in America.

Free egg cream at On Rye

740 6th St., NW

The deli, which opens Friday, is giving a complimentary egg cream to all customers who show a military ID. (Despite its name, an egg cream contains neither eggs nor cream—it’s actually a beverage consisting of milk, seltzer, and chocolate syrup.)

50% off at Provision No. 14

2100 14th St., NW

Known for its eclectic menu and share plates, Provision No. 14 is taking 50% the check for all parties with a veteran.

Free entrée at Silver

7150 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda

Military personnel with a current military ID can enjoy a complimentary entrée, including comforting classics like chicken pot pie and meatloaf. The brasserie is also holding a fundraiser from 4 pm to 7 pm for Fisher House, which provides free or low-cost lodging to veterans and military families receiving treatment at military medical centers. Guests who donate at least $10 get two free drinks.

Free taco at Taco Bamba

2190 Pimmit Dr., Falls Church; 164 Maple Ave West, Vienna

While Taco Bamba’s Vienna location already offered its first 100 customers free tacos for a year, now both locations are handing out one free taco to customers with a military ID.

Editorial Fellow

Maxine is an editorial fellow passionate about covering food, news, and politics. Her work has also been published in Forbes, Marie Claire, and Inside Higher Ed. She recently graduated from Brown University with honors in nonfiction writing.