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2016 Veterans Day Free Meals and Discounts

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This article was originally published on The Military Wallet at 2016 Veterans Day Free Meals and Discounts and is protected by US copyright laws.

Updated: Oct 24, 2016 (check back for daily updates!). Veterans Day is soon approaching and there are many restaurants and companies who want to thank our veterans by providing them with discounts or a free meal. To those companies offering veterans a free meal or discount, the military community gives a collective thanks!

Download a PDF List of Veterans Day Meals & Deals!

Veterans Day free meals and discounts for military and veterans

Two notes before jumping in:

  • Proof of Military Service. Most companies require some form of military ID. These include: a Military ID Card (active/reserve/retired), VA ID card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), Drivers License with Veterans Designation, Photograph in uniform, wearing your uniform (if your service permits), Veterans Organization Card (e.g., American Legion and VFW), DD214, discharge paperwork, or other form of identification. Note, there is a New Federal Veterans ID Card coming soon. Other restaurants and companies may go by the honor system.
  • Participation. Second, always call ahead to verify locations, times, and participation. Many of the listed companies are franchises and may have different policies. We will do our best to keep this page updated as we find new info.

Please credit this resource: We are frequently updating this list with new deals and offers for the military community. If you use items in this list, please direct your visitors to this page so they can find the most up to date information: http://themilitarywallet.com/veterans-day-free-meals-and-discounts/ Thanks!

2016 Free Veterans Day Meals

Note: We are frequently updating this page with 2016 offers as they become available. Please verify dates, participation, and availability.

Applebees Veterans Day AppreciationApplebee’s – free meal, Nov. 11, 2016: Last year, Applebee’s served over one million free meals to military veterans and active servicemembers. Applebee’s is again offering a free meal to military veterans and active-duty service members on Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 11, 2016. There will be 7 entrées to choose from, beverage and gratuity not included. Military ID or proof of service required. Locations.

Bob Evans, Nov. 11, 2016. Free select breakfast, lunch, and dinner items. For active duty military and veterans with ID or proof of service. More Info. Locations.

golden corral free veterans day mealGolden Corral – Free meal, Nov. 14, 2016 (5pm – 9pm): The 15th annual Golden Corral Military Appreciation dinner will is available to any person who has ever served in the United States Military. If you are a veteran, retired, currently serving, in the National Guard or Reserves, you are invited to participate in Golden Corral’s Military Appreciation dinner. For more information visit http://www.goldencorral.com/military/.

Special thanks to Golden Corral: To date, Golden Corral restaurants have provided over 4.7 million free meals and contributed over $11.5 million to the Disabled American Veterans organization. Amazing!

McCormick and Schmick's Veterans Appreciation DayMcCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants – free lunch or dinner, Sunday Nov 6, 2016: McCormick & Schmick’s is celebrating their 18th annual Veteran’s Appreciation Event on Sunday, November 6th. Veterans will be able to choose a complimentary lunch or dinner entrée from a special menu. Veterans must provide proof of military service. No ID needed for Gold Star Family members (parents or spouse). Be sure to contact your local McCormick & Schmick’s as this is valid at participating restaurants only. Space is limited and reservations are highly recommended. For more information visit: McCormick and Schmick’s Veterans Appreciation Event.

Mission BBQ, Nov. 11, 2016. Free sandwiches and cake for active duty military members and veterans at participating locations. While supplies last. Locations.

Tap House Grill, Nov. 11, 2016. Complimentary meal on Veterans Day, November 11th. For servicemembers and veterans with proof of service. Dine-in only. Locations.

Wienerschnitzel, Nov. 11, 2016. A complimentary Chili Dog, small fries and 20 oz. drink is redeemable at participating Wienerschnitzel locations on Friday, November 11 only, with valid military ID or by wearing a military uniform. Contact your local Wienerschnitzel Locations to verify participation.

54th Street Grill, Nov. 11, 2016. Free entree for Veterans and Active Duty Military. Proof of service required. (source). Locations.

Last Year’s Veterans Day Meals – Many Companies Offer These Deals Every Year – Stay Tuned!

Bar Louie America - Veterans DayBar Louie, Free meal on Nov. 10th and 11th, 2015. From open to close November 10th and 11th every Bar Louie location across the country will offer veterans and military personnel a free meal up to a $12 value. Available at participating locations, military ID or proof of service is required. Locations.

BJs Restaurant and Brewery Veterans DayBJs Restaurant and Brewhouse, Nov. 11, 2015. Free entree, up to $12.95 value. Offer valid to all active duty military and veterans, with proof of service. More info. Locations.

Bonanza Steakhouse, Nov. 11, 2015. Free Veterans Day buffet at participating locations. More info. Locations.

Brann’s Steakhouse and Grille. Free 6 oz Sirloin and two sides. Locations.

Buehler’s Grocery, Nov. 11, 2015. Free breakfast menu meal for veterans and active duty military. From 7:00 am until 11:00 am at participating locations. Locations.

Buffalo’s Cafe, Nov. 11, 2015. Free meal at participating locations. Locations.

Calhoun’s Restaurant, Nov. 11, 2015. Free meal, choice of Hickory Smoked Bar-B-Que Half Slab of Ribs, Hickory Smoked Bar-B-Que Pork Plate, “Ale” Steak, Fresh Chicken Calhoun, and Southern Fried Catfish. Proof of Service required. Locations.

California Pizza Kitchen, Nov. 11, 2015. Choose a pizza, full size salad, or pasta from the special Veterans Day Menu. Dine-in only. Please come in uniform or bring your military I.D. or other proof of service. Find a location near you.

Carraba’s, Monday Nov. 9 – Sunday Nov. 15, 2015. Free appetizer of your choice for active duty servicemembers and veterans. Military ID or proof of service required. Locations.

Cattlemens Steakhouse, Nov. 11, 2015. Free 8 oz Sirloin Steak Dinner on Veterans Day. Includes all-you-can-eat salad, sourdough bread, baked potato, and ranch style beans. Proof of service required. Locations.

CentraArchy Restaurants, Nov. 11, 2015. Free meal for veterans and 25% off meals for accompanying guests at Fiesta del Burro Loco, all California Dreaming restaurants, Carolina Roadhouse, all Chophouse 47 restaurants, Gulfstream Cafe, Joey D’s Oakroom all New York Prime restaurants, and The Tavern at Phipps. Locations.

Cheeseburger in Paradise, Nov. 11 2015. Free All-American Burger with fries with purchase of beverage and military ID or proof of service. Available to active military or veterans. Beverages and gratuity not included, dine-in only, and participating locations only. More info. Find a location near you.

Chilis Restaurant Free Veterans Day DinnerChili’s – Free meal, Nov. 11 2015. Chili’s is offering all military veterans past and present their choice of any lunch combo, or your choice of a dinner meal from a select menu, including any full-size flatbread. Offer only available at participating Chili’s in the U.S. only. Dine-in from limited menu only; beverages and gratuity not included. Veterans and active duty military simply show proof of military service. Visit their website to find locations.

City Barbeque, Nov. 11, 2015. Free sandwich platter at participating locations. Proof of service required. Locations.

Claim Jumper, Nov. 9, 2015. Free entrée from select menu, with official proof of service. Dine-in only. Locations.

Cotton Patch Café, Nov. 11, 2015. Free meal for current and former military members. Choices include full-size chicken fried steak, or chicken fried chicken. Proof of service required. Locations.

Country Cookin, Nov. 10, 2015. Free meal for current and former military. Proof of service required. Please note the date – this is valid the day before Veterans Day! Locations.

Denny's Veterans Day DinnerDenny’s, Nov. 11, 2015. Free Build Your Own Grand Slam® on Nov. 11, from 5 a.m. to noon for all active, inactive, and retired military personnel. Participating locations only. Please call ahead. Locations.

Fatz Eatz & Drinkz, Nov. 11, 2015. Free World Famous Calabash Chicken® meal for current and former military members, 11am until close. Proof of service required. Locations.

Fox and Hound Bar and Grill Veterans Day OfferFox & Hound and Bailey’s Sports Grille, Nov. 11, 2015. Free Sandwich or Entree (up to $10) for active duty military and veterans with ID or proof of service. Dine-in only and at only at participating locations. Locations.

Friendly’s, Nov. 11, 2015. Free breakfast, lunch, or dinner with ID. Dine-in only. Limited to one per person. Offer available for active military and veterans with ID or discharge papers. Participating locations only. Locations.

Glory Days, Nov. 11, 2015. Free appetizer or an order or boneless wings. Dine-in only and at only at participating locations. Locations.

See more Military Discounts and Veterans Day Deals.

Green Mill, Nov. 11, 2015. Free menu item for lunch or dinner. Offer includes any single item from our menu. Pizza restricted to a small one-topping Deep Dish. Proof of military service required. More Info. Locations.

Grub Burger Bar, Nov. 11, 2015. 50% off of meal, and a free Caramel Apple shake. Proof of military service required. More Info. Locations.

Hooters Veterans Day - Free MealHooters, Nov. 11, 2015. Hooters invites all veterans and current servicemen and women to enjoy a free meal from a select menu. Requires drink purchase. Only valid at participating locations. Locations.

Hoss’s Family Steak & Sea House, Nov. 11, 2015. Free meal form the American Values Menu, Nov. 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Dine-in only, valid ID or proof of service required. Valid at participating restaurants only. Locations.

Hurricane Grill & Wings, Nov. 11, 2015. Free meal from special menu at participating locations. Proof of service required. Locations.

Hy-Vee Celebrates Veterans Day with Free BreakfastHy-Vee, Free Breakfast, Nov. 11, 2015. Free Veterans Day breakfast from 7am – 11am at all participating Hy-Vee supermarkets with in-store dining. More info.

IHOP, Nov. 11, 2015, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Free Red, White and Blue pancakes, or Red, White and Blue pancakes combo plate including eggs, bacon and hashed browns. Participating locations only. Please call ahead to verify participation. More info. Locations.

Little Caesars Pizza Crazy BreadLittle Caesars® Pizza, Nov. 11, 2015. Free pizza or $5 HOT-N-READY Lunch Combo to all US Armed Forces veterans and active military members between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. With proof of military service, at participating stores nationwide. Call ahead to verify participation. Locations.

Longhorn Steakhouse Veterans DayLongHorn Steakhouse, Nov. 11, 2015. Complimentary Texas Tonion and non-alcoholic beverage. Offer good for Veterans and active-duty military members. Proof of service required. Visit their site to find a location near you.

Max & Erma's free Veterans Day MealMax & Erma’s, November 11, 2015. Participating Max & Erma’s locations are offering military members and veterans a free Best Cheeseburger in America Combo, which includes tortilla soup or side Caesar salad, seasoned fries, and chocolate chip cookies. Dine-in only. Call ahead to verify participation. ID or proof of service required. More info. Locations.

Menchie’s, Nov. 11, 2015. All veterans and current servicemembers will receive a free 6 oz. frozen yogurt on Veterans Day. Locations.

MOD Pizza, Nov. 11, 2015. free pizza or salad to for active duty military and veterans with ID or proof of service. Dine-in only and at only at participating locations. Locations.

O’Charley’s, Nov. 9, 2015. Free entree from the $9.99’er menu for all active military and veterans with proof of service. Find a location near you.

The Olive Garden Veterans Day entreeOlive Garden, Free entrée, Nov. 11, 2015. Offer good for veterans and active duty military; proof of service required. Guests that dine with a Veteran also receive 10% off of their bill as well! Locations.

On the Border Veterans Day SpecialOn The Border, Nov. 11, 2015. Veterans and current servicemembers will receive a free choose 2 or choose 3 “Create Your Own Combo”. Dine-in only, proof of service required. Find a location near you.

Orange Leaf, Nov. 11, 2015. Free frozen yogurt (up to 11 0z.). Proof of service required. Locations.

Outback Steakhouse Veterans DayOutback Steakhouse, Nov. 11, 2015. Outback Steakhouse is honoring America’s military veterans by offering active duty military and veterans a free Bloomin’ Onion and a non-alcoholic beverage. This offer is available to Military Personnel and veterans with ID. Also receive 15% off your purchase from Nov. 12-Dec 31, 2015. Locations.

PDQ Tenders, Nov. 11, 2015. PDQ Free 3 piece Tenders or Sandwich with a military ID or uniform. PDQ also offers 50% off the entire order for all active/retired military personnel on the first Monday every month. Locations.

Pinnacle Entertainment (Casino Chain), Nov. 11, 2015. Select locations are offering a free buffet meal for current military members and veterans. Some locations include Ameristar Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk, Colorado, L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles, Louisiana, Cactus Petes Resort Casino, Jackpot, Nevada, and Retama Park, Selma, Texas. Please call ahead to verify times and participation. ID or proof of service required. More info and locations.

Ponderosa Steakhouse, Nov. 11, 2015. Free Veterans Day buffet at participating locations only. More info. Locations.

Primanti Bros, Nov. 11, 2015.. Free Sandwich for veterans and active duty military. From 4pm to close at participating locations. More info. Locations.

Red Lobster Veterans DayRed Lobster – Monday, November 9 through Thursday, November 12, 2015. Free Appetizer or Dessert during the week of Veterans Day with military ID or proof of service. Vets may choose from a select list of appetizers and desserts. Find a location near you.

Red Robin Veterans DayRed Robin, Nov. 11, 2015. Free Red’s Tavern Double and Bottomless Steak Fries for all Red Robin guests with a military ID or proof of service. Locations.

Rock & Brews, Nov. 11, 2015. Complimentary pulled pork sandwich with a side choice of natural fries, house potato salad, pasta salad or coleslaw. Proof of military service required. More Info. Locations.

Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza & Grill, Nov. 11, 2015. Free garlic cheese bread or hummus with grilled herb flatbread for active duty military and veterans with ID or proof of service. Dine-in only and at only at participating locations. Locations.

Sheetz, Nov. 11, 2015. Free lunch at participating locations. Free car wash also available at participating locations, Proof of service required. Locations.

Shoney’s, Nov. 11, 2015. Free All-American Burger to veterans and active duty servicemembers. Dine-in only, Proof of Service required. Shoney’s also offers a 15% everyday hometown heroes discount (military, fire, Police, EMT). Locations.

Sizzler Restaurant logoSizzler Restaurants, Nov. 11, 2015. Free lunch served until 4pm. Choice of 3 entrees, and a free coffee, tea, or fountain drink. Not valid for salad bar or gratuity. Valid with proof of military service. Dine-in only at participating locations. Locations.

Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill, Nov. 11, 2015. Free meal from special Veterans Day menu at participating locations only. Locations.

The Spaghetti Warehouse Veterans DaySpaghetti Warehouse, Mon Nov. 9th through Wed Nov. 11th, 2015. Buy one entrée, get one free. Coupon Required (available on their website and FaceBook page on Nov. 3). Choose any of 11 Original Recipe Spaghetti entrées and receive a second entrée free. Friends and relatives are encouraged to treat a veteran to a meal. More Info. Locations.

StarBucks, Nov. 11, 2015. Free tall brewed coffee for active duty, veterans, and their spouses. Participating stores only. Please call ahead.

Texas Roadhouse Veterans Day MealTexas Roadhouse, Nov. 11, 2015. Free lunch event to honor the men and women of our armed forces. Choose from one of 10 free meals, plus sides and a soft drink, coffee, or tea. Offer good for All veterans – including all active, retired or former U.S. military. ID Required. Dine-in only. Call ahead to verify times and locations. Find locations.

T.G.I.-Fridays Veterans Day Free MealT.G.I. Friday’s, Nov. 11, 2015. Free lunch for all current military members and veterans from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Valid ID or proof of service required. Dine-on only at participating locations. Be sure to contact your local T.G.I Friday’s for details. Locations.

Tijuana Flats, Nov. 11, 2015. Free lunch at participating locations. Locations.

Tony Roma's Veterans Day Free MealTony Roma’s, Nov. 11, 2015. Free half rack Baby Back Ribs at select Florida locations. For current and former military members with valid proof of service. Valid at select locations only. Please call ahead to verify participation. Locations.

Tubby’s Sub Shops, Nov. 11, 2015. Free small Grilled Steak N’ Cheese or Tubby’s Famous Sub at participating Tubby’s locations. Take out only. Locations.

Twin Peaks Restaurants Veterans DayTwin Peaks, Nov. 11, 2015. Free menu item at participating locations. Please call ahead to verify participation. Locations.

UNO's pizza Veterans DayUno Chicago Grill, Nov. 11, 2015. Free individual pizza or entrée with the purchase of a pizza or entrée of equal or greater value. Available for all active duty and veterans. No coupon necessary; proof of service required. Don’t forget to tell the staff you are there that day to support Wounded
Warrior Project, and a portion of your party’s check will go to benefit the Wounded
Warrior Project, an awesome military charity. Find a location near you.

Village Inn Veterans DayVillage Inn, Nov. 11, 2015. Free breakfast any time of day (choice of buttermilk pancakes, French toast, or a Belgian waffle). Wednesday is also Free Pie day, and veterans will be able to receive a free slice of pie. Veterans who visit on Veterans Day will also receive a “Thank You for Your Service Card” valid for 20% off their total bill on their next visit. Participating locations only. Please call ahead. Locations.

Previous Offers (Not Confirmed for 2016 – Verify First!):

Many restaurants and companies offer an annual Veterans Day promotion. The following deals were active last year, but have not yet been confirmed for 2016. Please feel free to contact me if you have information about 2016. Please do not assume these deals are in place for 2016 – call ahead to verify! (We will continue to update this list until Veterans Day 2016, so check back!).

  • Champps Americana Veterans Day MealChampps Americana, Nov. 11. Participating Champps locations are offering veterans and active duty servicemembers a free cheeseburger. Dine in only, valid at participating locations (call ahead to verify local participation). Locations.
  • Charlie Brown’s Steakhouse, Nov. 11. Free meal for active and former military members with ID or other valid proof of service. Find a location near you.
  • Chick-fil-A, Nov. 11. Participating locations are offering a free meal to all veterans and those currently serving. ID required. Please call ahead to verify. Locations.
  • East Coast Wings, Nov. 11. Free Appetizer or Desert. Proof of service required. Locations.
  • Einstein Bros Bagels, Nov. 11. Free coffee at participating locations. Available to all active duty members and veterans with ID or proof of service. Locations.
  • Famous Daves Veterans Day CelebrationFamous Dave’s, Nov. 11. Free meal (one meat, a side and a corn muffin). Participating locations only more details.
  • Fire & Ice Grill & Bar, Nov. 11. Free meal for military and veterans. Proof of service required. Locations.
  • HoneyBaked Stores, Nov. 11 – Nov. 17, 2013. Free lunch to current servicemembers and veterans with valid ID. Lunch includes sandwich, chips, cookie, and a drink. Valid only at the St. Louis, Knoxville, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City and Albuquerque locations, Please call ahead to verify participation. Locations.
  • Krispy Kreme free doughnut for Veterans DayKrispy Kreme – Free doughnut and small coffee, Nov. 11. Available only at participating Krispy Kreme stores. Offer available to all active-duty, retirees, & veterans. Be sure to call ahead to verify your local Krispy Kreme is participating. Locations.
  • Lone Star Steakhouse Veterans DayLone Star Steakhouse, Nov. 11. All veterans and active duty military will be eligible for a free Starter. ID or proof of service required. Please call ahead for verification. Locations.
  • Noah’s Bagels, Nov. 11. Free coffee for active duty and veterans. Proof of service required. Locations.Perkins Veterans Day
  • Perkin’s Restaurant & Bakery, Nov. 11. Participating restaurants are offering current servicemembers and veterans a free Magnificent Seven meal which includes two eggs, three buttermilk pancakes, and a choice of two bacon strips or two sausage links. Beverage not included. Call ahead to verify participation. ID or proof of service required. Locations.
  • Red Hot & Blue, Nov. 11. Free Entrée with purchase of another entrée of equal or greater value. Coupon. Proof of Service required. Website.
  • Rib City (St. Louis, Missouri), Nov. 11. 50% Military Appreciation Meal Discount everyday to all Veterans and Active Duty Military. Eat in or carry out. (Des Peres and Cottleville, MO) More info.
  • Ruby Tuesday’s, Nov. 11. Free appetizer at participating locations, proof of service required. More info. Locations.
  • Ruby’s Diner, (Awaiting update – this is last year’s offer). Free Cinnamon Roll French Toast until 11:30am. Valid for all military service members past and present. Coupon required.
  • Souplantation & Sweet Tomatoes, (Awaiting update – this is last year’s offer). Free meal with purchase of another regular priced meal. Available to current and former military members with valid ID. Available at all Souplantation and Sweet Tomatoes locations. More info.
  • Texas Corral Veterans DayTexas Corral – Monday, Nov. 11. Free entrée (dine-in only). Offer available to all active duty members and veterans with ID. Locations.
  • Texas De Brazil Churrascaria, Nov. 11. 50% off for all current and former servicemembers at participating locations (please call ahead). Locations.
  • Texas Land and Cattle Steak House, Nov. 11. Free appetizer or shared plate for current servicemembers and veterans. ID or proof of service is required. Locations.
  • Tim Hortons, Nov. 11. All US locations are offering a free donut to all active duty servicemembers and veterans. No purchase necessary. Proof of service required. Locations.
  • Travel Centers of America, Nov. 11. Free meal for CDL holders who are also veterans. Participating locations only; proof of service required. More info.

Download a PDF List of Veterans Day Meals & Deals!

More Veterans Day Discounts! Please click through to Page 2 – Parks and Entertainment and Page 3 – Retail Discounts to see more Veterans Day deals, including free National Park Admission, Amusement parks, and retail and regional discounts.

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