It’s become a tradition for many in the military family — loosen your belt buckle on Veterans Day and get ready to gorge on lots of free food. Here is a list of restaurants that want to say “thank you” to active and retired military personnel this week by offering free or discounted meal deals. Most are dine-in only and will require proof of service. And be sure to call ahead to make sure your local eatery is participating.
Sunday, November 5, 2017
McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant
McCormick is reaching out to military veterans as well as Gold Star family members. “Gold Star” refers to family members who have lost a loved one in service to the military. Reservations are encouraged. All eligible personnel will receive a free lunch or dinner entrée on Sunday, November 5.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2017
Chipotle
U.S. military and veterans can head to Chipotle on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2017 from 5 p.m. to closing for a buy one, get one free entrée deal — no judgment for eating both. This is your big day after all.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2017
Boston Market
From November 10 – 12, veteran can buy one individual meal with a drink and get a second meal for free at any Boston Market location location nationwide.
Denny’s
Vets and active military can head to America’s most popular diner for a free build-your-own Grand Slam on Friday, November 10 from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. at participating locations.
Firebird’s Grill
Buy one get one free entrées for military personnel and guests.
IHOP
Celebrate in true blue style with a free stack of red, white and blue pancakes. Proof of military service requited. Offer available for dine-in only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
The Spaghetti Warehouse
Between November 10 – 12, active and retired vets are treated to a buy one get one free meal with coupon. Choose from 11 different entrées and receive a second free.
Saturday, November 11, 2017
Applebee’s
Veterans and active military can choose their choice of free meal from a special Veterans Day menu on Saturday, November 11, 2017. Options include, the American Standard Burger, Three-Cheese Chicken Cavatappi, Butcher’s Meat and Potatoes, Double Crunch Shrimp, Oriental Chicken Salad, Fiesta Lime Chicken and Chicken Tenders.
Bar Louie
Vets can get a free flatbread or burger.
Black Angus Steakhouse
Vets and active military will receive a free sirloin steak with mashed potatoes and broccoli. Offer valid from store opening to 3 p.m. I.D. required.
Bob Evans
Receive free select menu items with proof of service.
California Pizza Kitchen
Score free pizza, pasta or full-sized salad from a special Veterans Day menu at participating locations.
Cicis Pizza
Enjoy a Veterans Day free buffet with active or retired military I.D.
Cracker Barrel
All vets will received a free piece of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake.
Dunkin Donuts
All active and retired military personnel will receive a free donut on November 11, 2017 with valid ID.
Famous Dave’s
Free 2 meat combo meal with choice of side and corn bread muffin. Participating locations only. Must show I.D. or discharge papers.
Golden corral
Active and former military members will get a free dinner at Golden Corral on Monday, November 13, 2017 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Little Caesars
Vets with valid ID can scoop up a Free $5 Hot-n-ready lunch combo on Saturday, November 11, 2017 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The combo includes four slices of Detroit-style Deep dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi beverage.
Max & Erma’s
Max & Erma’s locations are offering veterans and active military members a free Best Cheeseburger in America Combo, including fries and a drink. Dine-in only. Valid I.D. required.
On the Border
Veterans and current service members get a free choose 2 or choose 3 “Create Your Own Combo.” Dine-in only. Proof of service required.
Outback Steakhouse
Active military and veterans can get a free Bloomin’ Onion and a non-alcoholic beverage with I.D.
Primanti Bros.
In celebration of Veterans Day, veterans and active military members can get a free sandwich at participating locations with valid I.D.
Red Lobster
Score a free appetizer or dessert with military I.D. or proof of service.
Red Robin
Get a free Red’s Tavern Double and bottomless steak fries with valid military I.D. or proof of service.
Ruby Tuesday’s
Score a free appetizer up to $10 at participating locations with valid I.D.
Shoney’s
Free All You Care To Eat breakfast bar from 6 – 11 a.m. Proof of service required.
Texas Roadhouse
Vets and active military can get a free meal from a special Veteran’s Day menu. Proof of service required. Dine-in only.
T.G.I.Fridays
Fre lunch item up to $12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guests will also receive a $5 coupon for their next T.G.I.Fridays meal. I.D. required.
For a full list, visit U.S. Veterans Magazine.
See also, Where to Get Free Food on Your Birthday.