Red Robin, home of the bottomless order of fries, invites veterans and active duty military members for a free meal at one of its 528 locations this Veterans Day.
We haven’t gotten official word about this year’s deal, but Red Robin usually offers a free Red’s Tavern Double Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries Meal.
The restaurant also hopes you’ll share photos of your meal on social media using the hashtag #RRVetsDay. With a portion of its restaurants being individually owned, you’ll want to double check to make sure your local Red Robin is participating.
Bring Your Proof and Get Ready to Dig In
To get your free double burger and bottomless order of fries, be sure to bring proof you’re a veteran.
One of the following documents should do the job:
- a Military ID Card
- a Veterans ID Card
- a veterans organization membership card (DAV, AMVETS, American Legion, VFW, etc.)
- a DD Form 214
- a Driver’s License with your military designation
Or, bring a citation or a commendation from your time in the service or a photograph of yourself in uniform.
Need a simpler option? Just wear your uniform to the restaurant.
If you’re not sure whether your form of identification will work, find your nearest location on Red Robin’s website and give them a call before Veterans Day.
More About Veterans Day at Red Robin
Some Veterans Day deals require you to buy something in order to access the free food. We get it: A restaurant needs some way to control the amount of free food leaving its kitchen.
Red Robin doesn’t usually do it that way, though. You’re free to claim your free Veterans Day food even if you don’t buy anything else, so long as you’re dining in.
Chances are you will want to buy something else, though. You should also note that drinks and desserts are not included in the free offer. Gratuity isn’t either.
And as far as we know, Red Robin does not offer discounts for family members or friends of veterans or military members. If you plan to bring a group, anyone at your table who hasn’t served in the military will need to pay full price.
When Is Red Robin’s Deal on Active Duty?
Red Robin’s free meal offer takes place only on Veterans Day, November 11. Veterans Day happens to fall on a Sunday this year, which means the federal government has officially marked the following Monday for its observance.
Still, Red Robin and many other restaurants offer their special Veterans Day promotions only on Veterans Day itself, Sunday, November 11. If you wait until Monday it’ll be too late.
Red Robins tend to stay open kind of late — 10 or 11 pm in most markets. Be sure to check with your local Red Robin to confirm its hours since some locations may close early on Sundays.
It’s always a good idea to check your location for participation in this or any special offer, too. About 100 of the chain’s 528 locations are franchised, meaning local owners could potentially opt out of the deal.
Other Restrictions to Know About
Red Robin’s offer includes only the Red’s Tavern Double Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries Meal. Other burgers and side items will cost full price, as will drinks and desserts.
This offer is valid only for dine-in customers, and like many similar offers it does not include beverages or gratuity, so be sure to bring along some money even though the food itself will be free.
Remember, too, that a few municipalities still have laws prohibiting alcohol sales on Sundays. If your Red Robin’s bar is shut down when you arrive, that’s probably why.
Red Robin Honors Vets Year Round, Too
Naturally, we’re a huge fan of free food for vets and active duty military personnel on Veterans Day.
We’re also a fan of places that honor vets and service people year round, and those places include Red Robin.
The restaurant’s loyalty club, called Red Robin Royalty, gives all its members perks such as coupons during their birthday month and the ability to accumulate points toward free food.
Royalty club members who have served or are currently serving the military also get special deals throughout the year. (The club also includes special rewards for teachers.)
If you join Red Robin Royalty, or if you’re already a member, please note that your free meal on Veterans Day will not count toward your points total.
What’s the Deal with Those Bottomless Fries?
Even if you’ve never eaten at a Red Robin, you may have heard of their bottomless steak fries.
It’s literally true: Your fries will be served in a container with no bottom. Instead, it’s a stainless steel tube resting on your plate to hold the fries in place.
It’s also figuratively true: When you run out of fries, your server will bring more. Run out again and you’ll get more, just like you’d expect with a glass of water or soda.
Along with more fries than you can eat at Red Robin, you can also expect:
- A contemporary setting with a 1950s theme in some locations.
- Loud but not obtrusive rock ‘n’ roll music on the sound system.
- To wait for a table during busy times.
- Full table service (be sure to bring money for a tip).
- TVs playing sports, news, or weather programming.
- A full bar in most locations.
Eating and Tweeting: Red Robin’s Hashtag
Not every meal is worthy of a photo on Instagram or a shoutout on Twitter, but Red Robin hopes you’ll enjoy your double burger and bottomless steak fries meal enough to post about it.
The company’s marketing department suggests using the hashtag #RRVetsDay if and when you post on social media.
Of course, the offer is in no way contingent upon your willingness to share it with your friends.
But if you’re going to post something anyway, you may as well add the hashtag so you can be connected with other vets around the country eating at Red Robin on Veterans Day. Red Robin’s corporate leaders will also feel the love.
Enjoy Your Veterans Day Discounts
Why not enjoy spending this Veterans Day out and about with friends, family, and other veterans? Military discounts give companies a chance to salute the veterans who’ve served the country, providing discounts you can thankfully accept.
Red Robin is just one of the restaurants who will be offering discounted and free meals this November, so you’ll have plenty of appetizing selections to choose from.
You can also pair a delicious meal with a shopping trip, as there is no shortage of retailers offering discounts on Veterans Day. Last, you can attend events honoring veterans and find discounts on attractions.
Take a look at all of the discounts on the market and enjoy your Veterans Day!