Veterans Day Meals and Deals for 2019

Veterans Day honors those men and women who served their countries.

Lots of restaurant chains are offering free Veterans Day meals, discounts or freebies to thank those who served, or are currently serving, our country. Since my husband is a Vietnam vet, we’ve checked out a few of these events over the years, and felt they are a nice gesture.

I’ve compiled a list of Veterans Day opportunites that I could find through press releases, restaurant websites etc.

I live in Kaysville, and every year the city does a program and lunch for Kaysville veterans. This year it’s Nov. 9 at Davis High. If you’re a Kaysville veteran, you would have gotten an invitation in the mail. If you live in another city, you might want to check to see if they also host some type of tribute for their veterans.

In past years, we’ve attended Veterans Day meals at Applebee’s and Texas Roadhouse. There’s usually a special menu of several different meal choices for the veteran. (The spouse or others who come along pay for their own meal.) There seems to be an unspoken feeling of camaraderie among the diners, and it felt kind of special. My husband likes to stop by the tables of those wearing veteran hats and chat with them about their time in the service. Once in awhile we find a World War II or Korean War vet. There are usually a handful of Vietnam vets, and we’ve also met some younger soldiers who served in Afghanistan and Iraq.

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.
  • Keep in mind that not all the deals include a free meal. For instance, Cracker Barrel offers a free pumpkin latte or slice of cake, but you pay for your entree. Joe’s Crab Shack offers 20% off on your meal. So read the fine print!
  • Be prepared to show your military I.D.
  • In some cases, individual franchise owners may decide not to participate. So you may want to call ahead to make sure a certain location is participating.
  • The free meal is usually just for the veteran — not spouses, dependents and so on.
  • The tip isn’t included in the free meal. I recommending tipping your hard-working wait staff the same as you would if you were paying for the meal. Maybe even more, since you’re getting it free!
  • Some offers are good only for specific times of day. I suspect it’s smart to avoid “rush hours,” especially near a military installation such as Hill Air Force Base.

This isn’t a meal, but — The Natural History Museum of Utah is offering free admission to former members of the U.S. military, plus one guest each, from Nov. 9-11.

Applebee’s Veterans and Active Duty Military can select a free meal from a limited menu on Veteran’s Day. Proof of service required. Since 2008, Applebee’s has served 9.8 million free meals to veterans.

IHOP On Monday, 11/11, all active duty and retired Veterans are invited to come in and enjoy free pancakes.

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.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
Veterans receive a complimentary Pumpkin Pie Latte or a slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola® Cake to veterans, as well as an opportunity for guests to make purchases that support Operation Homefront.

Chili’s Grill & Bar
All veterans and active duty military personnel can choose a complimentary meal from a select menu on Nov. 11.

Denny’s is offering a free build-you-own Grand Slam breakfast from 5 a.m. until noon on Nov. 11.

Golden Corral On Monday, November 11, 2019 from 5 PM to 9 PM, Golden Corral offers a free dinner for Military veterans, retirees, and active duty members. Golden Corral restaurants have served nearly 5.7 million free ‘thank you’ meals to our heroes in the military over the past 18 years, and donated over $15 million to the Disabled American Veterans organization

Famous Dave’s On Nov. 11, Veteran’s Day, all former and current military personnel can receive a free two meat combo meal. Offer is for dine-in only.

Joe’s Crab Shack On Nov. 11, veterans can receive a 20% discount off their meal.

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

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 receive a complimentary entree, with drink purchase. Selections from breakfast, lunch, or dinner menu include: Fried Chicken & Waffles,

Brioche French Toast, Four Buttermilk Griddlecakes, Slow-Roasted Turkey, Brioche Cheeseburger, or Mandarin Chicken Salad. Drink purchase is required.

Pilot Flying J
All active-duty and retired military veterans can get a free breakfast including a coffee, Friday through Monday, Nov. 8-11.

Red Lobster
Active duty military and reservists will receive a free appetizer or dessert on November 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.

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

Tucano’s Brazilian Grill is offering a free Churassco meal for veterans with the purchase of another adult Churassco meal, from Nov. 8-12. All locations. Post a selfie and get a free gift certificate on your next visit.

Village Inn Veterans receive a free meal on Veterans Day.

Wienerschnitzel On Veterans Day, 11/11, Wienerschnitzel offers a free Chili Dog with a small fry and a small drink to veterans and active duty service members.

For more listings from across the country, check https://militarybenefits.info/veterans-day-discounts-sales-deals-free-meals.

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