Veterans Day is set for Monday, November 11, and in recognition of those who have served, restaurants across the country are showing their appreciation with a range of free meals, discounts, and other well-deserved benefits.
Most discounts will require proof of military identification. For online offers, veterans may need to register with ID.me to confirm their military service.
Since Veterans Day 2020, active-duty service members and their dependents, veterans, and Gold Star families have gained lifetime free access to national parks, wildlife refuges, and other federal lands managed by the Department of the Interior, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Here are some offers to check out:
Applebee’s is inviting all active-duty military members, veterans, reservists, and National Guard members to visit their local restaurant for a complimentary entrée from a special menu. Diners will also receive a $5 coupon for their next meal, redeemable in-house, to go, or for delivery within three weeks.
Bar Louie will treat all active military, retired, and veteran personnel to a complimentary Bar Louie handcrafted burger. This offer is available all day and into the evening on Sunday, November 10, and Monday, November 11.
BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse will honor veterans and active military members with a free pizookie dessert with no minimum food purchase required. Active and retired military personnel will also receive a free appetizer coupon valid from November 12 to December 31, 2024.
California Pizza Kitchen is extending a complimentary fixed-price meal and drink to veterans and active military members on November 11. Military personnel are encouraged to arrive in uniform or show military ID.
Chili’s will offer veterans and active military members a free meal from a select menu on November 11, excluding beverages and gratuities.
Cracker Barrel will provide veterans and active-duty service members a free Sunrise Pancake special, available for dining in at locations nationwide.
Dave & Buster’s will give veterans and active military personnel a complimentary entrée worth up to $20, along with a $10 Power Card. Additionally, they can receive a 15% discount on all food and drink purchases year-round.
From 5 a.m. to noon, veterans can enjoy a free “Create Your Own Grand Slam” breakfast with valid military ID or DD 214, available at participating locations.
Veterans and active military will receive a free donut of their choice at participating locations on November 11, no purchase necessary, but it’s available in-store only.
Firehouse Subs invites veterans and active military to receive a free combo meal, which includes a medium sandwich, chips or cookie, and a drink.
Friendly’s will serve a free meal to veterans from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on November 11, which includes a complimentary American cheeseburger and drink with valid military ID.
Various buffets will express gratitude on November 11 with free dinners for veterans and active military personnel showing ID.
Veterans dining in at Hooters on November 11 will receive a free entrée from a special Veterans Day menu when purchasing a drink.
Red Robin is also offering free Red’s Big Tavern burgers with unlimited fries for veterans and active military members on the same day, eat-in only.
Starbucks will provide active military members, veterans, and military spouses with a free 12-ounce hot or iced coffee on November 11, simply by mentioning their military affiliation when ordering.
For the weekend, STK Steakhouse is offering veterans a 50% discount on meals from November 8 to November 11.
Restaurants like Taziki’s will honor veterans with a free grilled chicken gyro meal, including fries and a choice of side when dining in on Veterans Day.
Other establishments, such as Twin Peaks, will serve free lunches for veterans on November 11, from a select menu.
As we commemorate Veterans Day, these offers not only acknowledge the sacrifices made by military personnel but also bring communities together to appreciate their service. It’s a heartening reminder of the nation’s gratitude toward those who have defended our freedoms.
This celebration of service, with meals shared among communities, fosters a sense of connection and appreciation that extends beyond discounts, emphasizing the social bonds that underpin our gratitude for veterans’ sacrifices.