Veterans Day Dining Deals: A Guide to Free Meals and Discounts for Service Members

Veterans Day is a significant national holiday in the United States, dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of military veterans. For many veterans and active-duty service members, it is also a day when numerous restaurants and food establishments across the country offer special promotions as a gesture of gratitude. These offers typically range from complimentary meals and beverages to significant discounts. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Veterans Day dining deals, based on information from promotional sources and brand announcements. It is important to note that offers can vary by location and are subject to change; consumers are always advised to confirm details with their local establishment before visiting.

Understanding Veterans Day Dining Offers

Veterans Day dining promotions are a well-established tradition. Most participating restaurants require proof of military service, such as a military ID, VA card, or other official documentation, to redeem offers. While the majority of deals are valid only on Veterans Day itself, some establishments extend their promotions throughout the weekend or even for a longer period. The types of offers include free meals from a special menu, free individual food items, discounts on entire bills, and complimentary beverages. These deals are almost exclusively for dine-in service, though a few may include carry-out or delivery options.

A Comprehensive List of Veterans Day Dining Deals

The following list details specific Veterans Day offers reported for the 2024 holiday year. This compilation is based on promotional data from various sources. Note that some entries may reference previous years or anticipated offers, and availability at specific franchise locations should be verified.

National and Regional Chain Offers

Applebee’s: Veterans and active-duty military can choose one of eight free special Veterans Day meals. This offer is valid for dine-in only on November 11, 2024, with proof of military service. Participants also receive a $5 Bounce Back Card for a future visit.
Outback Steakhouse: Veterans and active-duty military receive a free Bloomin’ Onion and a choice of any Coke product or a 16 oz domestic draft with the purchase of an adult entree. This offer is valid from November 9 through November 11, 2024.
Denny’s: A free “Build Your Own Grand Slam” breakfast is available for veterans and active-duty military on Veterans Day, November 11, 2024, from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. This is a dine-in only offer.
BJ’s Restaurants: Veterans receive a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie with a dine-in purchase and proof of service on November 11, 2024. Additionally, veterans dining on this date will receive a free appetizer coupon for a next visit, valid through December 31, 2024.
California Pizza Kitchen: Veterans and active-duty military get a free entrée and beverage from the Veterans Day Menu with a dine-in visit and proof of service on November 11, 2024.
Buca Di Beppo: Veterans can receive a free lunch entrée with a dine-in visit, military ID, and the code 37362-5605-3730 on November 11, 2024.
Bob Evans: Veterans get a free choice of meal from the Veterans Day menu with a dine-in visit and proof of service on November 11, 2024.
O’Charley’s: Veterans receive a free meal from a special menu with valid ID on November 11, 2024, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Bar Louie: Veterans get a free burger with a dine-in visit and valid ID on November 11, 2024.
Kona Grill: Veterans receive 50% off of food with a dine-in visit and valid ID between November 8, 2024, and November 11, 2024.
Krispy Kreme: Veterans get a free doughnut and coffee with a dine-in visit and proof of service on November 11, 2024.
La Madeleine: Veterans receive a 30% discount with military ID on November 11, 2024.
Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que: Veterans get a free choice of select meals and a $10 thank you card with dine-in and valid ID on November 11, 2024.
Max & Erma’s: Veterans receive a 25% discount for the entire table with a dine-in visit and proof of service on November 11, 2024.
Ninety Nine Restaurant & Pub: Veterans get a free lunch from the Veterans Day Menu with the purchase of any entrée and military ID on November 10, 2024, from opening through 5 p.m.
Piccadilly: Veterans receive a 10% discount (ongoing).
Qdoba: Veterans get a 50% discount off a regular entrée with military ID on November 11, 2024.
Rainforest Cafe: Veterans receive 20% off their bill with valid ID on November 11, 2024.
Carrabba’s: Veterans receive a 10% discount with a dine-in visit and proof of service (ongoing). Carrabba’s also offers a year-round 10% discount for service members and first responders.
Chevys: Veterans get a free 2-item Combo with a dine-in visit, service ID, and code VET 2-ITEM on November 11, 2024.
Chili’s: Veterans and active-duty military receive a free meal from the special Chili’s Veterans Day menu (dine-in only).
El Torito: Veterans and active-duty military receive a free dine-in meal.
Another Broken Egg Café: Veterans get a free Patriot French Toast Combo and coffee with a dine-in visit and valid ID on November 11, 2024.
Kolache Factory: Veterans get a free kolache and any size fresh brewed coffee with a dine-in visit and valid ID on November 11, 2024.
Pilot Flying J: Veterans get a free meal with an app, store visit, and verified proof of service via ID.me through November 11, 2024.

Regional and Local Restaurant Offers

Many regional and local restaurants also participate in Veterans Day promotions. The following are examples of such offers, though availability is often limited to specific states or locations.

Duffy’s Sports Grill (Florida): Usually offers a free meal (up to $15) or 40% off for veterans and active military, depending on location (dine-in only).
Eat’n’Park (Ohio, Pennsylvania): Veterans and active-duty military receive a free smiley face cookie on Veterans Day and 10% off for the entire month of November.
Egg Harbor Cafe (Illinois, Wisconsin, Georgia): Veterans get a free dine-in meal for all veterans.
El Fenix (Texas): Veterans receive a free taco or enchilada plate.
Emmet’s Social Table (North Carolina): Veterans and military receive a free dine-in meal.
Farmer Boys (Southwest): Veterans and active-duty military get a free Big Cheese sandwich (dine-in only).
Cattlemen’s Steakhouse (California): Veterans and active-duty military receive a free sirloin steak dinner.
Chelo’s Hometown Bar & Grille (Rhode Island): Usually offers a free meal from a Veterans Day menu (dine-in only).
Cotton Patch Cafe (Texas): Veterans and active-duty military personnel receive a free Chicken Fried Steak or Chicken Fried Chicken.
Roy Rogers (East Coast): Veterans get a free Uncle Ralph’s brownie with any purchase on Veterans Day.
Salvatore’s Old Fashioned Pizzeria (New York): Veterans and active-duty military receive a free 12-inch ThinThin pizza (cheese and one topping) for pickup or dine-in.
Seven Doors Kitchen & Cocktails (The Colony, Texas): Generally offers a free meal for veterans and active-duty military.
Shane’s Rib Shack (Southeast, New York, Arizona): Expect a free BBQ Pork or Chopped BBQ Chicken Plate (half-pound meat and two sides) for all active, inactive, and retired military personnel (in-store only, may vary by location).
Sheetz (Eastern U.S.): All veterans and active-duty military personnel get a free half turkey sub and a regular-size fountain drink at any of Sheetz’s 800+ store locations. The offer includes extras and add-ons to the sub.
Snarf’s Sandwiches (Colorado, Missouri, Texas): On Veterans Day, November 11, 2025, all current and retired military personnel receive a complimentary 7-inch regular sandwich (in-store offer only).
Sonny’s BBQ (Southeast): Veterans and active-duty military receive a free Pork Big Deal (sandwich, side, and drink) with a code that can be accessed through its website.
Spaghetti Warehouse (Ohio, New York): Usually offers a buy one, get one free meal deal for veterans and active military on Veterans Day.
Steel City Pizza (South Carolina): Veterans and active-duty military can expect two free slices of pizza.
Sugarfire Smoke House (Missouri, Illinois, Colorado): Participating locations will offer 50% off a pork steak special, including two sides and a drink to veterans and active-duty military; dine-in or in-store carry-out on Tuesday, November 11.
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille: Veterans receive one complimentary Perry’s Dinner-Cut Pork Chop when accompanied by one guest who purchases a full-priced dinner entrée (half-price for veterans dining alone or with other veterans) or Perry’s specially crafted 3-Course Military Menu for $39. Reservations are required.
Pizza Inn (South): Veterans and active-duty military receive a free buffet and other deals at participating locations.
Pluckers Wing Bar (Texas): Veterans and active-duty military members receive a free meal (entrée, side, and non-alcoholic beverage; up to $16 value). Dine-in only.
Polly’s Pies (California): Veterans and active-duty military receive a free slice of pie, no purchase necessary, on November 10 and November 11. Polly’s Pies also has a “Pie for the People” program to raise pies for first responders, active-duty military, and veterans.
Primanti Bros: Veterans and active-duty military may receive a free personal pizza at participating locations (in-store only).
Claim Jumper (West Coast): Veterans receive a free meal from a select menu.
Cody’s Original Roadhouse: Veterans receive 50% off an entree for veterans and active duty.
Chick-fil-A: Veterans Day deals vary by location, so consumers should check their local store for details.
Chipotle: There isn’t a Chipotle Veterans Day promotion this year, but veterans can save money with Chipotle’s Rewards program.
Duffy’s Sports Grill: Veterans and active-duty military usually receive a free meal from a special Ruby Tuesday Veterans Day menu.
Delia’s (Texas): Veterans and active-duty military receive a free dozen tamales and a drink or coffee, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 11 (dine-in only).
Ohio Pizza (Ohio): Veterans and active-duty military receive a free pasta dinner.

Additional Notes on Specific Offers

Pilot, Flying J, and One9 Fuel Network: Veterans and active-duty military receive a free meal at more than 750 participating travel centers across the country. This requires using the myRewards Plus app.
Free Donut: Some locations offer a free donut (in-store only).
Dine-In Requirements: The vast majority of offers are for dine-in service only. A few exceptions, such as City Barbeque and Shane’s Rib Shack, may allow for carryout or in-store orders.
Proof of Service: Valid identification is almost always required. This can include a military ID, VA card, driver’s license with veteran designation, or other official proof.
Location Variability: Many franchises are independently owned and operated, so not all locations may participate in the promotion. It is highly recommended to call ahead to confirm participation and offer details.

Important Considerations for Veterans

When planning to redeem Veterans Day dining offers, veterans should keep the following points in mind:

Verify Participation: Contact the specific restaurant location to confirm they are participating in the Veterans Day promotion and to understand any specific terms or restrictions.
Carry Documentation: Bring a valid form of military or veteran identification. Some locations may accept a photo of an ID, but an original document is best.
Understand the Offer: Clarify what the free meal includes. Some offers are from a limited menu, while others may have a value cap (e.g., up to $15).
Note Time Restrictions: Many free meal offers are only available during specific hours on Veterans Day, often during lunch or early dinner service.
Consider Dining Companions: Some deals, like the one at Perry’s Steakhouse, require a guest to purchase a full-priced entrée to receive a free meal for the veteran. Others are for the veteran alone.
Explore Year-Round Discounts: Some restaurants, such as Carrabba’s and 7-Eleven (mentioned in other sources), offer military discounts year-round, not just on Veterans Day.

Conclusion

Veterans Day is a time for national gratitude, and the dining industry demonstrates its appreciation through a wide array of free meals and discounts for service members and veterans. The offers span from national chains to local eateries, providing diverse options for veterans across the country. While the generosity is widespread, the details—such as proof of service, dine-in requirements, and location-specific participation—are critical to a successful experience. Veterans are encouraged to research their local options, call ahead, and come prepared with valid identification to enjoy the tributes offered on their special day.