Veterans Day is a special occasion to honor and appreciate the service of our veterans. Wondering Where To Get Free Food For Veterans Day? foods.edu.vn is here to help you navigate the numerous restaurants and establishments offering complimentary meals, discounts, and deals to veterans and active-duty military personnel. This comprehensive guide ensures you don’t miss out on these well-deserved benefits, making your Veterans Day both memorable and satisfying, with related information on veteran’s benefits, military discounts, and appreciation events.
1. Understanding Veterans Day and Its Significance
1.1. What Is Veterans Day?
Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, is a United States federal holiday dedicated to honoring military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. It coincides with other holidays, including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, celebrated in other countries that mark the anniversary of the end of World War I, which officially ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918.
1.2. Why Is Veterans Day Important?
Veterans Day is essential because it publicly acknowledges the sacrifices made by veterans to protect the nation’s freedom and security. It’s a day for reflection, gratitude, and community support for those who have served. According to a study by the Department of Veterans Affairs, recognizing veterans’ contributions positively impacts their well-being and reintegration into civilian life.
1.3. How Can You Show Appreciation to Veterans?
Showing appreciation to veterans can take many forms, including:
- Attending Veterans Day parades and ceremonies.
- Volunteering at veterans’ organizations.
- Donating to charities that support veterans.
- Simply saying “thank you” to veterans you encounter.
- Supporting businesses that offer Veterans Day discounts and free meals.
- Learning about the challenges veterans face and advocating for their needs.
2. Navigating Veterans Day Free Meals and Discounts
2.1. How to Find Participating Restaurants
Finding restaurants offering free meals and discounts on Veterans Day requires some research. Here are effective strategies:
- Online Searches: Use search engines like Google with specific keywords such as “Veterans Day free meals near me” or “Veterans Day restaurant discounts 2024.”
- Military.com: This website compiles a comprehensive list of participating restaurants and is regularly updated.
- Local News and Community Boards: Check local news outlets, community websites, and social media groups for announcements.
- Restaurant Websites and Social Media: Many restaurants announce their Veterans Day deals directly on their websites or social media pages.
- Call Ahead: Contact the restaurant directly to confirm their participation, hours, and any specific requirements.
2.2. Types of Identification Required
Most establishments require proof of military service to redeem Veterans Day offers. Common forms of identification include:
- Military ID Card: Active-duty, reserve, and retired military personnel.
- Veteran ID Card: Issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- DD Form 214: Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.
- State-Issued Driver’s License or ID Card with Veteran Designation: Available in many states.
- Membership Card: From veterans’ organizations like the American Legion or VFW.
- Wearing a Military Uniform: While not always required, it can serve as a visual confirmation.
2.3. Understanding the Fine Print
Before heading out, it’s crucial to understand the terms and conditions of Veterans Day offers:
- Participation: Not all franchise locations participate in national chain programs; confirm with your local establishment.
- Menu Restrictions: Free meals often come from a select menu; check what’s included.
- Dine-In Only: Many offers are valid for dine-in only and may not apply to takeout or delivery.
- Beverage Purchase: Some deals require the purchase of a beverage.
- Time Restrictions: Offers may be limited to specific hours.
- One Per Person: Most free meals are limited to one per veteran.
- Combining Discounts: Offers cannot usually be combined with other discounts or promotions.
3. Comprehensive List of Restaurants Offering Free Meals
3.1. National Chains
Many national restaurant chains honor veterans with free meals on or around Veterans Day. Here is an extensive list:
| Restaurant | Offer | Date(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 110 Grill | Complimentary lunch from a select menu | November 11 | 11:30am – 4:00pm, valid military ID required |
| Another Broken Egg Cafe | Free Patriot French Toast and Barista House Blend Coffee | November 11 | Dine-in only, valid ID required |
| Applebee’s | Free meal from a select menu | November 11 | Participating locations, dine-in only |
| Aroma Joe’s | Free 24oz. hot/iced drink | November 11 | Show military ID |
| Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar | Free 5 oz. BD’s All American Burger with cheese and choice of side | November 11 | 11am to 3pm, valid military ID required |
| Bagger Dave’s | Free Great American Cheeseburger and fries | November 11 | Valid at all locations, dine-in only |
| Bakers Square | Free 2-2-2 Breakfast | November 11 | Valid ID required, Dine-In, To Go and Online Ordering |
| Bandana’s BBQ | Free pulled pork sandwich with choice of one side | November 11 | Military ID or proof of service required, dine-in only |
| Bar Louie | Free burger (excludes the Big Louie) | November 10 to 11 | Upgrade to Impossible Burger for $4, must show military ID, dine-in only |
| Beef ‘O’ Brady’s | Free BYOB and Fries | November 11 | Participating locations |
| BIBIBOP Asian Grill | Free Bowl in-store | November 11 | Valid ID required, in-store only, premium toppings not included |
| Biggby Coffee | Free 16oz latte hot/iced/frozen | November 11 | Military ID required |
| Bill Gray’s | Free World’s Greatest Cheeseburger, Regular Fries, and Soda | November 11 | |
| Billy Sims Barbecue | Free pulled pork sandwich, one regular side, and a regular drink | November 11 | Dine-in only, must mention special and show military ID or apparel |
| Biscuit Belly | Free Bacon Egg & Cheese, Sausage Egg & Cheese, or Chicken Biscuit Sandwich and a hot drip coffee or fountain drink | November 11 | All locations participating, dine-in only, 7:30am – 2:00pm |
| BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse | Free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie and a bounce back coupon for a free appetizer | November 11 | Dine-in only, bounce back coupon valid Nov 12 – Dec 31, 2024 for dine-in or takeout |
| Black Rifle Coffee Company | Free 16-ounce coffee at Outposts, 25% off retail merchandise, 40% off online, 50% off subscriptions for active-duty service members and veterans | November 11 | Active-duty service members and veterans |
| Bob Evans | Free meal from a select menu | November 11 | Dine-in only |
| Bombshells Restaurant and Bar | Free entree, 20% discount on other items | November 11 | Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio locations, discount excludes alcoholic beverages and take-out |
| Bonefish Grill | Complimentary order of Bang Bang Shrimp with a soft beverage | November 11 | Valid ID required |
| Brass Tap | Free Pub Burger and Fries | November 11 | Valid ID required |
| Bruegger’s Bagels | Free hot or iced coffee (any size) with a purchase | November 11 | In-store only |
| Buffalo Wild Wings | 10 free boneless wings and fries | November 11 | Valid ID required, dine-in or walk-in at Buffalo Wild Wings GO |
| Calhoun’s | Free meal | November 11 | Participating locations, dine-in only, valid military ID required |
| California Fish Grill | Complimentary taco and soft drink | November 11 | Unique one-time redemption code required, in-restaurant orders only |
| California Pizza Kitchen | Complimentary meal from a select menu, BOGO offer for future visit | November 11 | BOGO offer valid Nov 12 – Nov 25, 2024 |
| Cantina Laredo | Complimentary entrée (limit $25) | November 11 | Participating locations |
| Carolina Ale House | Free half rack rib platter | November 11 | NC, FL, and TN locations only, in-store only |
| Carrabba’s | Nov 8-10: Buy an entree, take home another free. Nov 11: Complimentary appetizer or dessert paired with a free nonalcoholic beverage | November 8 to 11 | Show service ID, restrictions apply |
| Casey’s General Stores | Free, any size coffee or fountain drink | November 11 | |
| Cattlemens | Complimentary sirloin steak dinner | November 12 to 22 | Sign up by Nov 11 to receive certificate, valid at California locations only, dine-in only |
| Champps Kitchen + Bar | Free meal (up to $15, pre-tax & gratuity) | November 11 | 11am to 4pm |
| Charleys Cheesesteaks | Free regular-sized Gourmet Fry | November 11 | Military ID or proof of service required, no purchase necessary |
| Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen | Complimentary appetizer or dessert | November 11 | |
| Chevys Fresh Mex | Complimentary 2-Item Combo | November 11 | Dine-in only, must show uniformed service ID, Promo Code: VET 2-ITEM |
| Chicken Salad Chick | Free meal | November 11 | At all locations |
| Chili’s | Free meal from select items | November 11 | Participating restaurants, in-restaurant only, military ID required |
| Cicis Pizza | Eat free | November 11 | |
| City Barbecue | Free sandwich, one side, and a drink | November 11 | In-store only for dine-in or carryout, cannot be redeemed online or via third-party delivery services |
| Claim Jumper | Complimentary meal from a select menu | November 11 | At any location |
| Cody’s Original Roadhouse | Free 8oz. Top Sirloin or 8oz. Chicken Breast with choice of side, Bottomless Salad, and fresh rolls | November 11 | Offer may vary by location, proper ID required, drinks and alcohol not included |
| Colton’s Steak House & Grill | Free entrée | November 11 | Hours and participation may vary, available for dine-in from a select menu, with a valid military ID |
| Cotton Patch Cafe | Complimentary Chicken Fried Steak or Chicken | November 11 | Dine-in only, present a valid military ID, cannot be combined with other promotions or discounts |
| Cracker Barrel | Complimentary Sunrise Pancake Special, 25% off military-themed apparel | November 1 to 11 | Pancake Special on Nov 11, apparel discount through Nov 11 |
| Crooked Pint Ale House | Free meal (Classic Lucy, Bourbon Cranberry Salad, Chicken Pot Pie, or Hog Heaven) | November 11 | |
| Cumberland Farms | Free coffee | November 11 | |
| Davanni’s Pizza and Hot Hoagies | Free solo 1-item pizza and a soda | November 11 | Dine-in or takeout |
| Dave & Buster’s | Free entree (up to $20) and a free $10 Power Card | November 11 | Valid veterans ID card required |
| Denny’s | Free Original Grand Slam | November 11 | 5am to 12pm, valid Military ID or DD214 required |
| Dickey’s Barbecue Pit | Buy One Get One free for any sandwich | November 11 | Valid for in-store pick-up when ordering through the Dickey’s app or at Dickeys.com, Code: VETFREE |
| Duffy’s Sports Grill | Free meal | November 11 | 11am to 4pm, dine-in only with ID, limit of one free meal per veteran, maximum value $15 |
| Dunkin’ | Free donut | November 11 | Limit one per guest while supplies last, offer available in-store only |
| East Coast Wings + Grill | Free meal from a select menu | November 11 | Dine-in only |
| Eddie Merlot’s | Free Eddie’s Prime Cheeseburger with Fries | November 11 | Dine-in only, while supplies last, show proof of military service |
| Einstein Bros. Bagels | Free hot or iced coffee (any size) with a purchase | November 11 | In-store only |
| El Chico | Free entrée (limit $25) | November 11 | Participating locations, proof of service required |
| El Fenix | Complimentary taco or enchilada meal | November 11 | ID required, dine-in only |
| Emmet’s Social Table | Complimentary meal (up to $15 value) | November 11 | 11:30am to 9pm, proof of military ID required |
| Eureka! | Complimentary Burger (any burger) | November 11 | |
| Famous Dave’s | Free Georgia Chopped Pork Sandwich and choice of side | November 11 | All locations, dine-In, To Go and Online Ordering, limit one per veteran with valid ID |
| Farmer Boys | Free Big Cheese burger | November 11 | Participating locations, dine-in only with proof of service, limited to one per service member |
| Fazoli’s | Free Spaghetti with Marinara or Meat Sauce | November 11 | Participating locations, proof of service required when dining in or via the online code, Vet24 |
| Firebirds Wood Fired Grill | Free lunch or dinner | November 11 | Dine with a veteran or active-duty service member |
| Firehouse Subs | Free medium sub with purchase of a medium or large sub, chips, and a drink | November 11 | Must show military ID |
| Food City | Free hot bar meal (entree, 2 sides and a roll) | November 11 | Bring military ID card or proof of service with your ValuCard to any Food City Deli |
| Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers | Meal card valid for a free combo meal of their choice | November 11 | Cards may be redeemed through December 31, 2024 |
| Fricker’s | 10 free Boneless Frickin’ Chicken Wings | November 11 | Dine-in only with ID |
| Friendly’s | Free All American Burger with cheese and a beverage | November 11 | In-restaurant only from 11am to 5pm, must show military ID or honorable discharge document |
| Frisch’s Big Boy | Free Big Boy, fries, and drink | November 11 | Offer is valid for dine-in only |
| Gold Star Chili | Complimentary meal of their choice (up to $12 off order) | November 11 | Proof of service required, for dine-in, carry out or drive-thru |
| Golden Corral | Free “thank you” meal | November 11 | Military Appreciation Night from 4pm to close, dine-in only |
| Good Times Burgers & Frozen Custard | Free Deluxe Cheeseburger Combo | November 11 | Valid military ID required, 11am to 3pm, dine-in only |
| Granite City Food & Brewery | Free lunch from a special menu | November 11 | 11am to 4pm, use code ‘VETERANS24’ when ordering online, proof of service required |
| Green Mill Restaurant and Bar | Free 2-Topping Personal Pizza, Desert Fire Pasta, Western Mill Burger, or Cobb Salad with Chicken | November 11 | |
| Greene Turtle | Free meal up to $15 | November 11 | Valid ID required, participating locations, dine-in only, cannot be combined with other offers |
| Grillsmith | Complimentary entrée | November 11 | Dine-in only |
| Hacienda Mexican Restaurant | Free Large Wet Burrito | November 11 | Dine-in OR carryout |
| Hamburger Stand | Free Hamburger, Regular Fries and Small soda | November 11 | Participating locations |
| Happy Joe’s | Free lunch smorgasbord, including a drink, or a free small 2-topping pizza | November 11 | Select locations only |
| Hard Rock Cafe | Complimentary Legendary Burger, 15% military discount for friends and family | November 11 | Unity by Hard Rock loyalty program members can earn points for their meal |
| Hawaiian Bros | Free classic plate lunch | November 11 | Valid ID required, dine-in, carryout, or drive-thru, not valid on online or delivery orders |
| Hickory Tavern | Free meal of equal or lesser value with purchase of another meal | November 11 | Open to close, dine-in only, limit of one free meal per U.S military service member, proof required |
| Hof’s Hut | Free Hofburger + 1 side or Pancakes Combo, with one $10 bonus card | November 11 | |
| Hooters | Free meal from the Hooters Veterans Day Menu | November 11 | Proof of service or military ID required, purchase of a beverage, dine-in only |
| Hopdoddy Burger Bar | Free classic burger | November 11 | Dine-in only |
| Hoss’s Steak and Sea House | Free soup, salad, bread, nacho, and dessert bar and iced tea, $10 off $40 voucher for future visit | November 11 | Dine-in only, no other discounts apply, must show proof of military service |
| Huddle House | Free MVP Breakfast Platter | November 11 | Participating locations, dine-in only |
| Huey Magoo’s | Free 3-Piece Tender Meal with the purchase of a beverage | November 11 | Must show Military or Veteran ID or 00-214 form, one-time use only for in-store orders |
| Hurricane Grill and Wings | Complimentary entree from a select menu | November 11 | Participating locations, dine-in only, ID must be shown or wear a military uniform |
| Hy-Vee | Free breakfast | November 11 | 6 to 10am at all stores |
| IHOP | Free Red, White, and Blueberry Pancake Combo | November 11 | 7am to 7pm, dine-in only, at participating restaurants |
| In-N-Out Burger | Complimentary meal (any burger, fries, and beverage) | November 11 | Present proof of military service |
| Insomnia Cookies | Free Deluxe cookie in-store with $5 purchase | November 9 to 11 | Show military ID |
| Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant | Complimentary burger or sandwich along with a non-alcoholic beverage | November 11 | Dine in, proof of service required |
| J. Christopher’s | Free meal | November 11 | Valid ID, participating locations |
| Jefferson’s Restaurant | Free entree of their choice (max value $15.99) | November 11 | Select locations, dine-in only |
| Johnny Rockets | Free Single Burger with the purchase of any drink or shake | November 11 | Participating locations, dine-in only, ID must be shown or wear a military uniform |
| Kings Family Restaurant | Free meal | November 11 | |
| Kolache Factory | One free kolache (any kind) and one cup of freshly brewed Katz coffee (any size) | November 11 | 6am to 2pm, with valid ID, offer excludes croissants, Polish varieties, and espresso drinks |
| Krispy Kreme | Free doughnut and coffee | November 11 | In shop only at participating U.S. retail locations, limit 1 per guest per visit in shop and drive-thru |
| Krystal | Free Breakfast Sandwich | November 11 | Opening to 11am, show proof of service, choose from select breakfast sandwiches |
| Kwik Fill | Free coffee | November 11 | Select Kwik Fill locations |
| LaMar’s Donuts | Free 12 oz coffee and donut | November 11 | |
| Lazy Dog Restaurants | Free entrée | November 11 | Active-duty military, discharged, retired or reserve, extending Weekend Brunch hours |
| Lion’s Choice | Free original roast beef sandwich | November 11 | State they are a veteran or show a valid ID |
| Little Caesars | Complimentary Lunch Combo (four slices of Detroit-style Deep Dish pizza and a 20-ounce beverage) | November 11 | 11:00am to 2:00pm |
| Logan’s Roadhouse | Complimentary meal from a special menu | November 11 | 11am to 3pm at participating locations |
| Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ | Complimentary Pulled Pork Sandwich or personal-sized Fried Chicken Plate, $10 bonus card | November 11 | Dine-in only, bonus card redeemable from 11/29/24 – 12/8/24 |
| Luna Grill | Free entrée reward (up to $19.99) in the Luna Grill app | November 11 | In-restaurant redemption at all locations with valid military ID |
| Main Event | Free double cheeseburger and 30 minute Fun Card | November 11 | With ID |
| Margaritas Mexican Restaurant | 50% off your entree | November 11 | Participating locations |
| Marzoni’s Brick Oven & Brewing Co. | Free 12 oz draft or soft drink, $10 off $40 Voucher | November 11 | One drink per veteran, Voucher to be used on their next visit in the month of November |
| McGrath’s Fish House | Free meal from a select menu | November 11 | Show military ID or other proof of service |
| Menchie’s | First 6 oz of froyo free | November 11 | Valid ID required |
| Mimi’s Cafe | Free meal (up to a $20 value) | November 11 | With ID, dine-in only |
| Mission BBQ | Free sandwich | November 11 | |
| MOD Pizza | Free Mega Cookie with purchase of a pizza or salad | November 11 | |
| MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes | Free Freedom Rings Burger | November 11 | Purchase of fries or a drink, show a military ID to redeem |
| Mr Gatti’s Pizza | Free buffet and drink | November 11 | Participating locations, show military ID |
| Native Grill & Wings | Free meal from select choices (½ lb Stripper Combo, ½ lb Boneless Combo, or #MyNative Burger with fries) | November 11 | Participating locations, dine-in only, ID must be shown or wear a military uniform |
| Ninety Nine Restaurant and Pub | Free lunch from the Veterans Day menu with purchase of any entree | November 11 | Opening to 5pm |
| O’Charley’s | Free meal from a select menu or a $10 Louisiana sirloin | November 11 | 11am to 4pm, dine-in only |
| Old Chicago | Complimentary entrée from an exclusive menu | November 11 | Proof of service required, non-water beverage purchase required |
| Olive Garden | Complimentary entrée from a special menu | November 11 | Dine-in only |
| On the Border | Free Choose 2 Combo Meal | November 11 | Active-duty military and veterans with a military ID or proof of military service, dine in |
| Original Rainbow Cone | Free classic sundae | November 11 | In-store only at participating locations when presented with a valid ID |
| Outback Steakhouse | Free Bloomin’ Onion and beverage with the purchase of an adult entree | November 11 | In-restaurant only |
| Paisano’s Pizza | Free medium cheese pizza | November 11 | |
| Parry’s Pizza | Free full-size entrée and fountain drink from a special menu | November 11 | 11am to 4pm, show a valid military ID or proof of service, dine-in only |
| Peet’s Coffee | One free drip coffee or tea of any size | November 11 | Valid only at participating Peet’s retail coffeebar locations |
| Perkins | Free Great American Trio Meal | November 11 | Participating locations, valid military ID |
| Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille | Free Dinner-Cut Pork Chop (with guest purchase) or half off if dining alone or with other veterans | November 11 | Military Menu available 4pm to close, military ID or proof of service required |
| Piada Italian Street Food | Free entrée | November 11 | Valid ID required |
| Pilot Flying J | Free meal up to $12 | November 11 | ID.me verified active, retired, or veteran service members and their families, through Pilot’s myRewards Plus app |
| Playa Bowls | Free bowl | November 11 | In-shop only at select locations, valid military ID |
| Pluckers | Free meal (entrée, side, and non alcoholic beverage up to $16 value) | November 11 | Valid ID, dine in only, not good with other offers |
| Polly’s Pies | Free slice of pie, no purchase necessary | November 10 and 11 | Military ID, in-store only |
| Primanti Bros | Free classic Primanti Bros. sandwiches | November 11 | |
| RA Sushi | Complimentary shareable and 15% off | November 11 | Dine in |
| Red Lobster | Free Veteran’s Shrimp & Chip | November 11 | Valid military ID or proof of service, dine-in only |
| Red Robin | Complimentary Red’s Big Tavern Burger and Bottomless Side | November 11 | Dining in at participating restaurants |
| Rock and Brews | Complimentary “We Salute You” Pulled Pork Sandwich or Strawberry Fields Salads | November 11 | |
| Ruby Tuesday | Free Garden Bar entrée, American Smashed Burger, or Ruby’s Cheeseburger | November 11 | Military ID, Code HERO24 |
| Scooter’s Coffee | Free Medium Drink of your choice | November 11 | Military ID required, valid in-store only |
| Seven Doors Kitchen & Cocktails | Complimentary meal | November 11 | |
| Shane’s Rib Shack | Free Slow-Smoked BBQ Pork or Chopped BBQ Chicken Plate | November 11 | In-store only, one free meal per veteran, must show proof of service |
| Shoney’s | Free All-American Burger or a free Legendary Breakfast Bar | November 11 | Items may vary by location, proof of U.S. military service required, dine-in only |
| Shrimp Basket | One free full size popcorn shrimp basket | November 11 | Valid military ID |
| Sizzler | Free lunch (Half Dozen Crispy Shrimp, Malibu Chicken, or 6oz Tri-Tip Steak entree) | November 11 | Participating locations, until 4:00pm |
| Smashburger | Free All-American Smash | November 11 | Participating locations, in-store purchases only, show military or veteran ID |
| Smokey Bones | Free Create Your Own 1 (one protein, one side, not valid on brisket or baby back ribs) | November 11 | Valid military ID |
| Smokey Mo’s | Free breakfast tacos | November 11 | With an ID |
| Snarf’s Sandwiches | Complimentary 7’’regular sandwich | November 11 | Proof of military service, one per person, in store offer only |
| Sonny’s BBQ | Free Pork Big Deal | November 11 | Verify military status on their registration page to get coupon |
| Starbucks | Free tall (12-ounce) brewed coffee (hot or iced) | November 11 | Participating U.S. stores and licensed locations |
| Sullivan’s Steakhouse | Free Sullivan’s Signature Angus Burger with Fries | November 11 | Dine-in only, show proof of military service |
| Sweet Buzz Bean & Bistro | Complimentary meal, 20oz Sweet Buzz refillable tumbler for $15 | November 11 | Show ID, tumbler regularly $20 |
| Tap House Grill | Free meal | November 11 | Participating locations, dine-in only |
| Taziki’s | Complimentary Grilled Chicken Gyro meal | November 11 | Dine in at participating locations |
| TCBY | First 6 oz. of frozen yogurt for free | November 11 | Participating locations, must show a valid ID |
| Texas Corral | Free meal from a limited menu | November 11 | Dine-in only |
| Texas Roadhouse | Dine in or receive a meal voucher | November 11 | 11: |
