Veterans Day Promotional Offers For Military Families In Cleveland Free Meals Discounts And Events

Veterans Day provides an opportunity for businesses, community organizations, and venues across Cleveland and the broader Northeast Ohio area to express gratitude to U.S. military veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. Throughout the week of Nov. 7 to Nov. 11, a variety of restaurants, zoos, aquariums, and entertainment spots are extending exclusive deals, including free meals, discounts, and special events. Participation in these offers is typically contingent upon presenting valid military identification or other forms of proof of service.

The following detailed summary covers the most notable and verified promotions available, including their terms, locations, and dates of availability. This information is derived from multiple reliable sources, including restaurant websites, verified service promotions, and local event listings.

Restaurant Offers from Local and National Chains

Numerous dining establishments across Northeast Ohio and the United States are offering Veterans Day meals free of charge or at discounted prices. The majority of these promotions require individuals to present valid proof of military service—such as a military ID, DD214, or veteran organization membership—and are applicable on Nov. 11, the official Veterans Day date, or during the week of Nov. 7 to Nov. 11.

Texas Roadhouse

Texas Roadhouse is offering free lunches to active, retired, and former U.S. military members at specific Northeast Ohio locations. Eligible veterans may choose one of ten entrees from a special Veterans Day menu, which includes a 6-ounce sirloin and two sides. Locations participating in this offer include those in Alliance, Brooklyn, Elyria, Stow, Willoughby, Ontario, Canton, and Sandusky. Proof of military service is required to receive this benefit.

Buffalo Wild Wings

Buffalo Wild Wings is providing free wings to veterans and active-duty military members while supplies last at participating locations. The offer is available on Nov. 11 and may include a special menu of sauces and options. Active service members may also participate along with a guest.

Bob Evans

Bob Evans is offering all-day access to free breakfast, lunch, and dinner options for veterans and active-duty service members on Veterans Day. This includes all eight of the new Dinner Bell Plats. Eligible individuals can receive all-day free dining by presenting military or veteran ID.

Applebee’s

Applebee’s is once again participating in the annual Veterans Day free meal promotion. Veterans and active-duty service members may select an entrée from the Veterans Day menu on Nov. 11 at participating locations nationwide. The promotion is for dine-in only, and proof of service is required.

Outback Steakhouse

Outback Steakhouse is offering veterans and active-duty service members a free three-course meal on Nov. 10 and Nov. 11 at participating U.S. locations. The meal includes choices such as steak, grilled vegetables, and a drink. This offer is available to those who dine in and show valid military identification.

IHOP

IHOP is providing a complimentary "Red, White & Blueberry Pancakes" meal for veterans and active-duty military members. Diners receive two pancakes topped with strawberries, blueberries, and whipped cream, along with eggs, hash browns, and a choice of bacon or sausage. This promotion is available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at participating restaurants nationwide.

Olive Garden

Olive Garden is offering a free entrée to veterans and active-duty service members on Nov. 11 at participating locations. The options include endless soup, salad, and breadsticks, as well as cheese ravioli, spaghetti and meatballs, or a selected meat dish.

Freddy’s

Freddy’s is honoring military members on Nov. 11 by offering a meal card valid for any free combo meal of their choice at participating locations. This is a one-time offer and specific to dine-in customers.

Arby’s

Flynn-owned Arby’s restaurants (360+ locations) will provide free Classic Roast Beef Sandwiches on Nov. 11. Veterans and active members of the U.S. military will need to present a valid military ID or proof of service to redeem the sandwich.

Great Clips

Great Clips is offering free haircuts to veterans and active-duty service members on Nov. 11. Additionally, non-military customers who get a haircut on this day can receive a free haircut card to give to someone in military service.

Free Admission and Discounts at Local Attractions and Museums

In addition to restaurant promotions, local institutions and entertainment centers in Cleveland are offering complimentary entry or special discounts for military members and veterans during the week of Veterans Day.

Greater Cleveland Aquarium

Free general admission and free parking (with validation) are being offered to active military, veterans, and first responders with valid identification from Nov. 7 to Nov. 11. This includes access to seven immersive galleries and special interactive programs.

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is allowing free entry to U.S. veterans and active military personnel on Nov. 11. Additionally, these visitors can purchase up to six discounted tickets for family members. Proof of service is necessary to receive the free admission.

Akron Zoo’s Veterans’ Appreciation Day

The Akron Zoo is hosting Veterans’ Appreciation Days from Nov. 7 to Nov. 11, during which all veterans receive free admission with a valid military ID. Immediate family members are eligible for 50% off admission. Tickets for this discount cannot be purchased online; they must be obtained in-person.

Pro Football Hall of Fame

The Pro Football Hall of Fame is hosting a Veterans Day Expo on Nov. 11, offering free general admission to all U.S. service members, National Guard members, and veterans along with one guest. This also includes free admission for Blue Star Mothers, Gold Star Families, and a 20% discount in the Hall of Fame store. A commemorative Veterans Day pin is also being distributed while supplies last.

Scene75

The Scene75 amusement center in Brunswick is offering free unlimited attractions pass to past and present military members on Nov. 7 to Nov. 11. The pass is valid for go-karts, rides, and other attractions on-site.

Participating Nationwide and Regional Chains

Several national restaurant chains and other businesses outside the Cleveland area are also offering Veteran Day specials that may be available locally.

Freddy’s

Freddy’s is providing a meal card valid for any free combo meal of the guest’s choice to veterans and current military personnel on Nov. 11.

Golden Corral

Golden Corral is hosting a Military Appreciation Night from 4 p.m. until closing on Nov. 11. U.S. military retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard members, and Reservists can receive a free “thank you” meal.

Green Mill

Green Mill is offering a free 2-topping personal pizza, dessert fire pasta, Western Mill Burger, or Cobb Salad with Chicken to all veterans on Nov. 11 as a gesture of appreciation.

Hamburger Stand

Veterans and active-duty military members can receive a free hamburger, regular fries, and small soda on Nov. 11. This offer is available at participating locations.

Houlihan’s

Houlihan’s is offering 50% off select entrees for Veterans Day on Nov. 11 at participating locations. The discount applies to specific menu items such as shrimp scampi, cheeseburger, meatloaf, and more.

Hooters

Hooters is honoring veterans and active-duty military members by offering special promotions; specific menu details may vary by location. Proof of service is typically required.

Additional Verified Veterans Day Offers

Beyond the primary listings above, there are various other promotions active in the region that cater to the military community through discounted or free products and experiences.

54th Street Grill

The 54th Street Grill is offering a free meal (up to $10 value) for veterans and active-duty military members on Nov. 11 at participating U.S. locations. The promotion is available for dine-in only.

Aspen Creek

Aspen Creek is providing a $15 meal voucher for veterans and active-duty military members from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Nov. 11. Vouchers are available in-store.

Bandana’s BBQ

Bandana’s BBQ is offering a free pulled pork sandwich with a choice of side to veterans and active military members who show valid military ID or proof of service on Nov. 11.

Important Notes Regarding Eligibility and Redemption

Several key points should be noted by military members and veterans interested in redeeming these offers:

• Proof of Service Required: Most promotions require a valid U.S. military ID, DD214, LES statement, or other forms of documented veteran status.
• In-Person Redemption: Many of the free meal, ticket, and discount offers can only be redeemed in person at the respective location or venue. Online booking or pre-purchase is generally not applicable.
• Dine-In Only: Free meal promotions from restaurants such as Applebee’s, IHOP, and Olive Garden explicitly apply only to dine-in patrons.
• Guest Accompaniment: Certain venues, such as the Pro Football Hall of Fame, allow veterans to bring one guest for free admission or discount.
• Time Restrictions: Some offers are only valid at specific times, such as during Military Appreciation Night at Golden Corral or between set hours at a participating establishment.

Veterans Day offers a time for communities to support service members and veterans through various gestures of appreciation. These verified promotions across Northeast Ohio are valuable for those in the military and their families who wish to make the most of the holiday.

Conclusion

Veterans Day in Cleveland and across Northeast Ohio brings with it a range of exclusive promotions from restaurants, zoos, and cultural institutions that express gratitude to active and retired military personnel. These promotions include free meals, reduced admission, haircuts, and other freebies, primarily available on Nov. 11 and during the week of Nov. 7 to Nov. 11. Participation requires proof of service and generally involves in-person visits to the respective locations.

By leveraging these deals, veterans and active-duty service members can enjoy complimentary or discounted access to a wide range of experiences and products that recognize their service to the country.

Sources

1. Military Deals and Freebies on Veterans Day in Northeast Ohio
2. Free Meals, Discounts for Retired and Active Military for Veterans Day in Cleveland
3. Celebrating Veterans Day with Events and Promotions in Cleveland
4. 2024 Veterans Day Deals and Discounts from the American Legion
5. Veterans Day Free Meal and Discount Offers Published by TribLive