Texas Salutes Heroes Complete Guide To 2024 Veterans Day Free Meals And Discounts

Introduction

Veterans Day 2024 presents an opportunity for businesses across Texas to honor the sacrifices made by military personnel and their families through special offers and complimentary items. From restaurants offering free meals to attractions providing discounted admission, numerous establishments have planned tributes to recognize veterans and active-duty service members. This comprehensive guide details the verified free meals, discounts, and special offers available to military personnel in Texas on November 11, 2024, along with essential information about eligibility requirements, participation details, and redemption policies. While some establishments offer their tributes on different dates or have pending verification status, the following information focuses on confirmed opportunities specifically for Veterans Day 2024 in the Lone Star State.

Restaurant Free Meals in Texas

Breakfast and Brunch Offers

Several Texas restaurants will provide complimentary breakfast items to honor military personnel on Veterans Day:

  • Denny's: Veterans and active-duty military members can enjoy a free Original Grand Slam breakfast from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. This offer is available for dine-in customers only with valid military ID.

  • Another Broken Egg: Active or retired military members can receive a free Patriot French toast combo topped with strawberries, blueberries, and freshly whipped cream, along with a free Barista House Blend Coffee. The offer is valid for dine-in customers only with military ID.

  • Cracker Barrel: Veterans can enjoy a free slice of double fudge Coca-Cola cake with their meal. This offer is available for dine-in customers with valid military ID.

  • Baker's Square: (Verification pending) The restaurant plans to offer a complimentary "2-2-2" breakfast to veterans who present a military ID on Veterans Day.

  • Biscuit Belly: (Verification pending) Veterans can eat free with choice of Bacon Egg & Cheese, Sausage Egg & Cheese, or Chicken Biscuit Sandwich and a hot drip coffee or fountain drink at all locations. Dine-in only.

Lunch and Dinner Specials

Multiple Texas establishments will provide complimentary lunch and dinner options to military personnel:

  • Applebee's: For the 17th consecutive year, Applebee's is offering veterans and active-duty military members a free entrée from a special menu. This offer is only available for dine-in customers during lunch and dinner on Veterans Day with valid military ID.

  • Chili's: Veterans and active-duty military members can enjoy a complimentary meal from a special menu. The offer is available for dine-in at participating locations.

  • IHOP: Active-duty military and veterans can receive free red, white, and blueberry pancakes. This offer is available for dine-in customers with valid military ID.

  • Buffalo Wild Wings: Veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a free order of 10 boneless wings and fries. The offer is available for dine-in at participating locations.

  • Twin Peaks: The restaurant is offering veterans and active military a free lunch off a select menu from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Veterans Day at participating locations. Proof of service is required.

  • Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux: Each veteran or active military personnel will receive a free Scholarship Burger on Veterans Day. Dine-in only with valid military ID required.

  • Texas Roadhouse: Veterans and active military can pick up a meal voucher from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Veterans Day. The vouchers can be redeemed through May 31, 2025, for one of 10 entrées, including a six-ounce sirloin, and two sides.

  • Golden Corral: Participate in Military Appreciation Night with a free dinner for veterans and active-duty military personnel. This offer is available for dine-in at participating locations.

  • Torchy's Tacos: Veterans and active-duty military get a free taco and drink on Veterans Day. Dine-in only with valid military ID required.

Evening Treats and Desserts

Some establishments will provide complimentary desserts or lighter evening meals:

  • Dunkin': Military personnel can grab a free donut of their choice at participating locations. No purchase necessary; available in-store only.

  • Starbucks: Veterans, service members, and military spouses can receive a complimentary tall hot or iced coffee at participating Starbucks locations.

  • BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse: Veterans who dine in on November 11 can get a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie, with no minimum food purchase necessary. They will also receive a bounce-back coupon for a free appetizer valid from November 12 to December 31, 2024. The coupon can be used for dine-in or take-out.

Verification-Pending Offers

Several Texas restaurants have announced Veterans Day offers that are currently awaiting verification:

  • Menchie's: Veterans may receive their first 6oz free on November 11, 2024.

  • MOD Pizza: Participating locations may offer a Buy One, Get One Free MOD-size pizza or salad with proof of military service on November 11.

  • O'Charley's: The restaurant may offer veterans and active-duty military a special free lunch menu on Friday, November 10 and Saturday, November 11. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, veterans could order one free entrée from the special menu and/or receive a free slice of pie at dinner. Both offers would be for dine-in only.

  • Olive Garden: Participating restaurants may offer a free entrée from a special menu to active-duty military and military veterans on Veterans Day.

  • Grub Burger Bar: Active duty, veterans, and retired military may enjoy a FREE ENTREE with proof of service at participating locations.

  • Hacienda Mexican Restaurants: All U.S. Veterans and active duty military may receive a free large Wet Burrito when they dine-in or carryout on November 11, 2024 for Veterans Day. Military ID or Veterans ID would be required.

  • Hard Rock Cafe: A free burger for active duty military and Veterans may be available on November 11, in addition to a 15% military discount for the entire group. Valid military ID or Veteran ID would be required.

  • Hooters: Participating locations may offer a free dinner entreé to veterans and active-duty military members. To qualify, customers would need to show a valid military ID or proof of service and buy a beverage.

  • Hoss's Family Steak & Sea House: The restaurant may offer all veterans a free salad bar and iced tea on Veterans Day.

  • Hy-Vee: Free breakfast may be available from 7am-11am at participating Hy-Vee supermarkets with in-store dining. Customers would need to call ahead for participating locations.

  • Aspen Creek Grill: On November 10-12 at 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the restaurant may be offering a $15 meal voucher to all Veterans and active duty military.

  • Bandana's Bar-B-Q: Veterans and Active Military may get a FREE Budget Buster Meal on Veterans Day.

  • Bar Louie: Participating locations may offer a FREE craft burger for active duty or military veterans with proof of service.

Eligibility and Requirements

To participate in Veterans Day free meals and discounts in Texas, military personnel should be aware of the following common requirements:

  • Identification: Most offers require valid military identification or proof of service. This typically includes a military ID card, DD214 discharge papers, or other official documentation.

  • Dine-in Requirement: The vast majority of restaurant offers specify that they are only available for dine-in customers. Takeout, drive-thru, or delivery services are generally not included.

  • Participation Restrictions: While most major chains participate in their Texas locations, some offers may be limited to specific franchises. It's advisable to contact local restaurants directly to confirm participation.

  • Time Restrictions: Many offers have specific timeframes during which they are valid, such as breakfast hours only or between certain hours during lunch and dinner service.

  • Guest Policies: Most offers are limited to the military personnel themselves and do not extend to family members unless explicitly stated. Some attractions, however, may offer benefits to accompanying guests.

Planning Your Veterans Day Experience

To maximize the benefits available on Veterans Day, military personnel should consider the following strategies:

  1. Create an Itinerary: Plan your day around the locations you wish to visit, taking into account the time restrictions for each offer.

  2. Verify Participation: Call ahead to confirm that specific locations are participating, especially for offers marked as verification pending.

  3. Bring Proper Documentation: Ensure you have appropriate military identification or proof of service documents.

  4. Consider Timing: Popular restaurants may experience longer wait times on Veterans Day, so plan accordingly or consider visiting during off-peak hours.

  5. Group Coordination: If dining with a group, confirm whether the offer applies to everyone or just the military member, and make arrangements accordingly.

Beyond Restaurants: Other Veterans Day Offers

While restaurants constitute the majority of Veterans Day offers in Texas, other establishments also provide special recognition:

  • Attractions: Some venues offer free or discounted admission to military personnel. The Louisville Zoo is offering active and retired/discharged military and their dependents free general admission on Veterans Day, with additional discounts on gift shop purchases and food concessions. The North Carolina Zoo is offering free admission for military personnel and veterans and free admission for one accompanying guest during Military Appreciation Week, November 8-14, 2024. Thomas Jefferson's Monticello is offering U.S. military veterans complimentary admission to Monticello for Veterans Day weekend, November 8-11, 2024.

Conclusion

Veterans Day 2024 presents numerous opportunities for military personnel in Texas to receive complimentary meals and discounts as tokens of appreciation for their service. From breakfast at Denny's and Another Broken Egg to lunch at Applebee's and dinner at Texas Roadhouse, restaurants across the state have planned special tributes. While some offers remain pending verification, the confirmed opportunities provide substantial value to those who have served. Military personnel should remember to bring proper identification, confirm participation with specific locations, and be aware of any time restrictions or dine-in requirements. These offers represent more than just free meals—they are expressions of gratitude from Texas businesses to the men and women who have dedicated themselves to serving their country.

Sources

  1. Honoring Our Heroes: Veterans Day Deals Across Texas

  2. Veterans Day Deals 2025: Big List of Veterans Day Discounts, Freebies and Giveaways

  3. Veterans Day 2024: Freebies, food deals, meals at Texas restaurants for military, free