Free Veterans Day Meals and Deals

Lots of restaurant chains are offering free Veterans Day meals or discounts this weekend to thank those who served, or are currently serving, our country.

I’ve compiled a list of free meals and discounts, from press releases, restaurant websites and a website called  themilitarywallet.com. I will add to the list when I hear about more places.

Since my husband is a Vietnam veteran, we’ve checked out the Applebee’s Veteran’s Day event. There was an unspoken feeling of camaraderie among the diners, and we felt like we were part of something a little special. My husband likes to stop by the tables of some of the older vets and ask them about their service in Korean War or World War II. As time goes by, there are fewer and fewer of them around. So if you don’t talk to them now, that opportunity to learn from them will be gone.

Some tips for navigating the Veterans Day meals and discounts:

Check the actual date and time. Some of these deals are valid on different dates than the actual Nov. 11 Veteran’s Day.

Be prepared to show your military I.D.

In some cases, the decision to participate is up to the individual franchise owner, so you may want to call ahead to make sure a certain location is participating.

The tip is not included in the free meal. Tip your hard-working wait staff the same as you would if you were paying for the meal. (Even more, since you’re getting it free!)

I don’t know what the experience is like at all the restaurants offering Veteran’s Day dining, but I suspect you would do well to avoid “rush hours,” especially near a military installation such as Hill Air Force Base.

FRIDAY, Nov. 10

Denny’s All You Can Eat Pancakes
All active, inactive, and retired military personnel at all participating Denny’s restaurants nationwide will receive a free Build Your Own Grand Slam breakfast on Friday, Nov. 10, from 5 a.m. to noon.

IHOP
All active duty and retired Veterans are invited to come in and enjoy Free Red, White, & Blue Pancakes Friday, November 10.

Saturday, Nov.,11, 2017

Applebee’s
Veterans and Active Duty Military can select a free meal from a limited menu on Veteran’s Day. Provide proof of service required.

Black Angus Steakhouse
11/11/17 from open to 3 pm, participating restaurants will offer veterans and active military professionals a special $9.99 Certified Angus Beef® Top Sirloin Steak, mashed potatoes, broccoli and a beverage.

Bob Evans
Bob Evans Restaurants are offering free select menu items to Veterans and Active Duty Military on Veterans Day, Sat., Nov. 11.

Bonanza Steakhouse
All former and current military service men and women enjoy a free buffet (beverage not included), at all participating Bonanza Steakhouses.

Buffalo Wild Wings Free Wings
All day long, veterans and active duty military who dine-in can receive a free one small order of traditional or boneless wings and a side of fries.

California Pizza Kitchen
On Veterans Day, all veterans or active duty military personnel will be able to select a free entree from a special Veterans Day menu including pizza, salads and pasta.

Cattlemens Steakhouse
On Veterans Day, Nov. 11th, Cattlemens Steakhouse is inviting all active, inactive, and retired military personal to enjoy a complimentary 8 oz. Sirloin Steak dinner.

Chevys Fresh Mex
On Veterans Day from 11am to 10pm, Chevys Fresh Mex will offer a complimentary Fresh Mex 3-Item combo to all active and veteran military personnel.

Chuck E. Cheese
To thank service members past and present, on Veteran’s Day on Nov. 11, Chuck E. Cheese’s will be offering one free personal pizza to all active and retired military members at participating stores nationwide. Promo code #5500.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
Veterans receive a complimentary Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola® Cake dessert to veterans and an opportunity for guests to make purchases that support Operation Homefront.

Dunkin’ Donuts
On November 11, Veterans and active duty military can enjoy a free donut at Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants nationwide, no purchase necessary.

Famous Dave’s
On Nov. 11, in honor of Veteran’s Day all former and current military personnel will receive a free two meat Combo.

Hooters Free Meal
All veterans and current servicemen and women will receive a free Hooters Veterans Day meal from a select menu.

Houlihan’s
Receive a free entree from a select menu on Veteran’s Day 11/11.

IKEA Free Entree
Veterans can enjoy a free entree at IKEA on 11/11/17.

Little Caesars Pizza
On Saturday, November 11, from 11am to 2pm, veterans and active military members can receive a free $5 HOT-N-READY® Lunch Combo.

Macaroni Grill
Free Mom’s Ricotta Meatballs & Spaghetti entrée on Saturday, November 11.

Menchie’s Free Frozen Yogurt
Veterans and military personnel with a military ID or dressed in uniform will receive a free six ounce frozen yogurt any time of day on Veterans Day 11/11.

Mimi’s Cafe
U.S. Veterans or active duty military personnel can select items from a special menu on Veteran’s Day 2017 for free. Drink purchase is required.

Outback Steakhouse Free Bloomin’ Onion® and a beverage
All active, retired military and veterans get a free Bloomin’ Onion® and a beverage on Veterans Day. Additionally, November 12 through November 16, military members will receive 20% off their check and, beginning November 17, military, fire and Police heroes will receive 10% off their check.

Ponderosa Steakhouses
From 4 pm-close on Veterans Day, all fomer and current military service men and women enjoy a free buffet (beverage not included) from participating Ponderosa locations.

Red Lobster
Active duty military and reservists will receive a free appetizer or dessert from its select Veterans Day menu on11/11.

Red Robin
All Veterans and Active Duty Military get a free dine-in Red’s Tavern Double Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries on Veterans Day 11/11.

Ruby Tuesday
All former and active duty service members of the military can enjoy a free appetizer.

Sizzler Free Lunch
Sizzler offers to veterans and active-duty military personnel a free lunch and beverage before 4 p.m. on Veterans Day, Saturday, November 11, 2017.

Texas Roadhouse
On Saturday November 11th, select from a free special veterans lunch menu including a beverage and sides.

TGI Fridays Free Lunch
A free lunch menu item up to $12 to veterans and military, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time.

Village Inn Free Breakfast
All who have served get a free Inn-Credible V.I.B. breakfast on Veterans Day.

White Castle
Military veterans and active duty military who show proof of service can visit a participating White Castle location for a free breakfast combo or Castle combo meal.

Wienerschnitzel
On Veterans Day, 11/11, Wienerschnitzel offers a free Chili Dog with a small fry and a small pepsi to Veterans and Active Duty Service members.