A Veterans Day meal in Baton Rouge does not have to come from the national chains already making the rounds. Two restaurants with local locations are offering free meals today, Wednesday, Nov. 11, and both expect you to bring proof of service.

Twin Peaks at 6990 Siegen Ln. is on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' 2026 Veterans Day list. Veterans and active-duty service members can get a complimentary entree all day. The offer is dine-in only and requires a valid military ID. According to the VA list, the choice is one of five meals: a cheeseburger and fries, chicken tenders and fries, a chicken Caesar salad, an OG pepperoni flatbread, or boneless wings and fries. Call the lodge at (225) 293-1955 before you go, because a national offer is not a guarantee at every location.

Texas Roadhouse, at 10360 N. Mall Drive, is also on the VA list. The company's own site says it offers free meals to veterans and active military members on Veterans Day, and the VA asks Veterans to verify participation with the restaurant they plan to visit. The Baton Rouge location's posted hours today are 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., so this is an afternoon or dinner stop rather than a lunch rush. Call (225) 293-0144 to ask how the offer works at that store and what ID to bring.

Most restaurant offers today are dine-in only. A military ID, a veteran designation on a driver's license, or other proof of service is the usual requirement. If the first place is slammed, check with the next one instead of assuming the deal will be honored without a question. The VA keeps a running national list at news.va.gov, and details can change through the day.

Eat well, tip your server, and thank a Veteran while you're there.

Photo courtesy of Texas Roadhouse.