Veterans Day in Cleveland provides an opportunity for local businesses to extend gratitude to active-duty military members, veterans, and their families through a variety of complimentary meals, discounted services, and free admission to attractions. The offers detailed below are derived from verified announcements for the 2024 and 2025 Veterans Day periods, specifically targeting the Northeast Ohio area. These promotions generally require proof of service and are valid only at participating locations.
Meal Deals and Restaurant Offers
Numerous national and local restaurant chains in the Cleveland area offer free meals or significant discounts to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day. Most of these offers are dine-in only and require valid identification.
Steak and Casual Dining
- Texas Roadhouse: Texas Roadhouse locations in Northeast Ohio are offering free lunches to all active, retired, or former U.S. military members. Participants can choose one of 10 entrees from a special Veterans Day menu, including a 6-ounce sirloin with two sides. Veterans will need to show proof of service, such as military or VA cards or discharge papers. Participating locations include:
- 2033 West State Street NW, Alliance
- 7341 Northcliff Avenue, Brooklyn
- 245 Market Drive, Elyria
- 4310 Lakepointe Corporate Drive, Stow
- 6095 Commerce Circle, Willoughby
- 515 North Lexington-Springmill Road, Ontario
- 5025 Dressler Road, Canton
- 4314 Milan Road, Sandusky
- Outback Steakhouse: The Australian-themed restaurant is offering veterans and active-duty military a free three-course Aussie Meal when they dine in on November 10 and 11 with valid military ID.
- Applebee’s: For the 17th consecutive year, Applebee’s is offering veterans and active-duty military a special Veterans Day meal on November 11, allowing them to select from delicious entrees at locations across the country. This is dine-in only.
- Olive Garden: On November 11, veterans and active-duty military who dine in at participating locations can receive a free entrée from a special Veterans Day menu. Selections include endless soup, salad and breadsticks, cheese ravioli, spaghetti and meatballs, fettuccine alfredo, or chicken parmigiana.
- Bob Evans: Veterans and active-duty military members can enjoy free breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, including all eight of Bob Evans' new Dinner Bell Plates. Members have the choice to select from breakfast (available all day), lunch, and dinner.
- Beerhead Bar & Eatery: Veterans and active-duty military members will receive a free entrée, dine-in only. Locations in The Flats East Bank, Concord Township, and Avon are participating.
- Houlihan’s: This restaurant is offering 50% off specific entrees for Veterans Day available for dine-in only. Options include shrimp scampi, Houlihan’s cheeseburger, whole grain veggie burger, meatloaf No. 9, fish and chips, stuffed chicken breast, heartland grilled chicken, and chicken parmesan.
- Green Mill: To honor veterans, Green Mill is offering a free 2-topping personal pizza, desert fire pasta, Western mill burger, or cobb salad with chicken.
Quick Service and Casual Chains
- Arby’s: On Veterans Day, all veterans and active-duty military service members can get a free Classic Roast Beef Sandwich at the 360-plus Arby’s locations owned by the Flynn Group. The offer is good in-store with no purchase necessary; a valid military ID or proof of U.S. military service is required. Limit one sandwich per veteran.
- Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar: Veterans and active-duty service members can get a free BD’s All-American Burger with cheese and a classic side from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. local time. This offer is for dine-in customers only and requires a valid military ID or proof of service.
- Benihana: Veterans and active-duty military can get a free entrée (value up to $59) on Veterans Day. A valid military ID is required, and the offer is valid for food purchase only (alcohol excluded).
- IHOP: The International House of Pancakes is offering veterans and active-duty military complimentary Red, White, and Blueberry Pancakes. The deal, available for dine-in only from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., includes two pancakes topped with strawberries, blueberries, and whipped cream, plus two eggs, hash browns, and a choice of bacon or sausage.
- Hamburger Stand: Veterans and active-duty military get a free hamburger, regular fries, and a small soda on November 11.
- Freddy’s: All veterans and current military personnel who visit Freddy’s on Veterans Day will receive a meal card valid for any free combo meal of their choice.
- Bandana’s BBQ: On November 11, veterans and active military with a military ID or proof of service can get a free pulled pork sandwich with a choice of one side.
- 54th Street Grill: Veterans and active-duty military eat free on Veterans Day (up to $10 value). Dine-in only.
- Aspen Creek: Aspen Creek will offer a $15 meal voucher to all veterans and active-duty military. Vouchers will be distributed on November 11 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Golden Corral: Military Appreciation Night will be held on Monday, November 11, 2024, from 4 p.m. to close. Golden Corral will honor military heroes with a free "thank you" meal. Eligible individuals include anyone who has served in the U.S. military (retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard, or Reserves).
- Starbucks: Starbucks is honoring those who have served with a free tall (12-ounce) hot or cold brewed coffee for Veterans, military service members, and military spouses who visit participating U.S. Starbucks stores on November 11.
Discounts and Vouchers
- Cracker Barrel: Veterans and active-duty military members can receive 25% off Duke Cannon products and military-themed merchandise and apparel, sold in-store and online at CrackerBarrel.com, while supplies last.
- Freebirds: Military members, veterans, and active-duty service personnel are invited to enjoy 50% off any order at participating Freebirds locations in-store on Veterans Day.
- Hooters: Veterans and active-duty military members can receive a free entrée (up to $15 value) with the purchase of a beverage at participating Hooters locations. Valid ID required.
Entertainment and Attractions
Several Cleveland-area attractions offer free admission or significant perks for veterans and active military members during the Veterans Day period.
- Greater Cleveland Aquarium: The aquarium offers free general admission and free parking (with validation) to active military, veterans, and first responders with appropriate ID from November 7 through November 11. Eligible guests must present appropriate ID, and the offer is only available in-person. Guests are advised not to purchase tickets online if they intend to take advantage of this offer.
- Cleveland Metroparks Zoo: U.S. veterans and active military get in free on Veterans Day (November 11). They can also purchase up to six discounted tickets for family members.
- Akron Zoo: The Akron Zoo hosts Veterans Appreciation Days from November 7 through November 11. All veterans receive free admission with a valid military ID. Immediate family members receive 50% off admission. Veteran discounts are not available online; tickets must be purchased at the ticket counter.
- Pro Football Hall of Fame: The museum’s annual Veterans Day Expo takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Veterans Day. It includes free admission to all U.S. service members, National Guard members, and veterans plus one guest. Additionally, Blue Star Mothers and Gold Star Families receive free admission, and a free commemorative Veterans Day pin is available (while supplies last). There is also a 20% discount at the Hall of Fame store.
- Scene75: The amusement center in Brunswick offers a free unlimited attractions pass (valid for go-karts, rides, and more) to past and present military members from November 7 through November 11.
Other Services
- Great Clips: On November 11, Great Clips is offering veterans and active service members a free haircut or a free haircut card for a future visit. Non-military customers who get a haircut on Veterans Day can receive a free haircut card to give to an active service member or veteran they know.
Eligibility and Verification
To redeem these offers, veterans and active-duty military members typically need to provide proof of service. Acceptable forms of identification generally include: * U.S. Uniformed Services ID card * Current LES (Leave and Earnings Statement) * Veterans organization membership card * Photo in uniform * DD214 form * Citation or commendation * Military or VA cards * Discharge papers
It is recommended that individuals verify specific offer details, participating locations, and hours of operation with the restaurant or attraction prior to visiting, as offers are subject to change and may not be available in all areas.
Conclusion
The Cleveland area offers a wide range of free meals and discounts for veterans and active-duty military members on Veterans Day, spanning restaurants, entertainment venues, and service providers. Most offers require in-person verification of military status and are valid only on November 11 or during the surrounding week. Prospective participants should check individual business websites for specific terms and participating locations.