Comprehensive Guide To 2024 Veterans Day Free Meals And Discounts For Military Members

Introduction

Veterans Day is a time to honor and thank those who have served in the U.S. military, and many businesses show their appreciation by offering special discounts and free meals to veterans and active-duty service members. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the freebies and deals available for Veterans Day 2024, based on information from verified sources. Most offers require proof of military service, which typically includes a military ID, veteran status card, or other documentation. Participation may vary by location, so it's recommended to call ahead or check with specific establishments to confirm availability.

Restaurant Free Meals

Numerous restaurants across the United States offer complimentary meals to veterans and active-duty service members on Veterans Day. These free meal offerings vary by establishment, with some providing full entrées while others offer specific menu items. Below is a detailed list of restaurants participating in Veterans Day free meal programs:

Applebee's Veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a free meal at Applebee's on Veterans Day. The specific menu items and participation may vary by location, so it's advisable to check with local restaurants for details. Proof of military service is required for all offers.

Bob Evans Bob Evans is offering a special menu of seven homestyle favorites available to veterans and active-duty military free of charge on November 11, 2024. This complimentary meal is available at participating Bob Evans locations nationwide. Reservations and military ID may be required, so customers are encouraged to contact their local restaurant for specific details.

California Pizza Kitchen Veterans and active-duty service members receive a complimentary entrée and drink from a prix fixe menu available only on Veterans Day. The offer is valid for dine-in service only, and proof of military service is required. Participation may vary by location, so it's recommended to check with individual restaurants for availability.

Cracker Barrel Cracker Barrel is honoring veterans with a free sunrise pancake special on Veterans Day, November 11. The offer is valid while supplies last and requires dine-in service with proof of military service. This offer is subject to availability and may not be available at all locations.

Dickey's Barbecue Pit All Dickey's Barbecue Pit locations nationwide are offering a free pulled pork sandwich to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day. The offer is available for both dine-in and carryout with a valid military ID, with a limit of one sandwich per guest for the day. This complimentary sandwich is available on Tuesday, November 11.

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill On Veterans Day, Firebirds Wood Fired Grill is offering a free meal to any veteran or active-duty servicemember. The invitation includes dine-in service with no other restrictions specified. The restaurant will cover the cost of the meal as a thank you for service to the country.

Friendly's Veterans can enjoy a complimentary meal at Friendly's on Veterans Day. The specific menu items and participation details may vary by location, so it's recommended to contact local restaurants for more information. Proof of military service is required for all offers.

Golden Corral Golden Corral is hosting Military Appreciation Night on Monday, November 11, from 4 p.m. to close. The restaurant is honoring military heroes with a free "thank you" meal available to anyone who has served in the U.S. military, including retirees, veterans, active duty personnel, National Guard, or Reserves. This complimentary meal is available at participating Golden Corral locations.

Green Mill Green Mill is offering a complimentary 2-topping personal pizza, desert fire pasta, Western mill burger, or cobb salad with chicken to all veterans on Veterans Day. This is the restaurant's way of saying thank you for service. Proof of military service is required, and participation may vary by location.

Hamburger Stand Veterans and active-duty military can receive a free hamburger, regular fries, and small soda on November 11. This offer is available at participating Hamburger Stand locations, though details on participation requirements and availability may vary by restaurant.

IHOP Some IHOP locations are serving a special red, white, and blue pancake for Veterans Day. While not explicitly stated as free, many veterans' offers at IHOP include complimentary breakfast items. Participation may vary by location, and proof of military service is typically required.

Little Caesars Little Caesars is offering a free HOT-N-READY Lunch Combo to veterans and active-duty military members on Veterans Day. The complimentary combo includes four slices of Little Caesars' signature Detroit-style Deep Dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi beverage. This offer is available on Tuesday, November 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at participating locations.

Logan's Roadhouse Logan's Roadhouse is offering free meals to military personnel on Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The specific menu items and participation details may vary by location, so it's recommended to contact local restaurants for more information. Proof of military service is required for all offers.

Olive Garden Olive Garden is offering veterans and active-duty military a free entrée from a special menu on Veterans Day. The entrées are served with unlimited soup or house salad and garlic breadsticks. This offer is good for Veterans and active-duty military with proof of service required. Participation may vary by location.

On The Border Veterans and current service members can receive a free Pick-2 Combo Meal at On The Border on Veterans Day. This offer is dine-in only and requires proof of service at participating locations. Not all locations may participate, so it's advisable to check with individual restaurants.

Outback Steakhouse Outback Steakhouse is offering a free Bloomin' Onion and choice of any Coca-Cola product to veterans and active-duty military on Veterans Day. The offer is available for dine-in service or to-go orders (call-in orders only, not available online). Proof of military service is required for this complimentary offering.

Quaker Steak & Lube Quaker Steak & Lube is providing veterans with a free entrée (up to $15 value) plus a free non-alcoholic beverage on Veterans Day. The offer is valid at participating locations, and proof of military service is required. Additionally, participating locations offer 25% off on Military Mondays.

Red Lobster Red Lobster is offering guests a free Walt's Favorite Shrimp, Fries, and Coleslaw on Veterans Day. This complimentary meal features six hand-breaded, butterflied and lightly fried shrimp served with cocktail sauce, crispy French Fries, and Coleslaw. The offer is available to Veterans, active duty military, and reservists with proof of service required.

Rock & Brews Rock & Brews is offering veterans, armed forces members, and first responders a complimentary pulled pork sandwich and a side dish or Strawberry Fields Salad on Veterans Day. Proof of service is required, and the offer is dine-in only. Participation may vary by location.

Rodizio Grill Rodizio Grill is offering veterans a free meal with the purchase of one Full Rodizio on Veterans Day. Proof of service is required, and this offer has been verified for the Denver location. Participation may vary at other locations, so customers are encouraged to call ahead or check the website.

Sagebrush Steakhouse Sagebrush Steakhouse is saluting veterans by selling ribbons at all locations. A $10 donation will help provide a Holiday Meal Package to one of many Veteran families. While not a direct free meal, this program supports veterans through charitable contributions.

Schlotzsky's Schlotzsky's is offering free chips and a small drink for veterans and active-duty service members with the purchase of an entree on Veterans Day. Proof of service is required, and participation may vary by location.

Restaurant Discounts

In addition to complimentary meals, many restaurants offer special discounts for veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day. These discounts range from percentage reductions to special pricing on menu items:

Buffalo Wild Wings Buffalo Wild Wings is offering past and present armed services members (with valid ID) 10 free boneless wings and fries. This offer is available for dine-in service or, if ordering from a Buffalo Wild Wings GO location, for walk-in orders placed at the counter only.

Brick House Tavern + Tap Brick House Tavern + Tap is thanking veterans with a 20% dine-in discount on Veterans Day. Details about specific menu items or participation requirements are available on their website.

Bubba Gump Bubba Gump is honoring those who have served by offering 20% off meals when veterans dine-in on Veterans Day, November 11. Proof of military service is required, and participation may vary by location.

Freebirds Freebirds is offering military members 50% off any order at participating locations on Veterans Day. This discount is available for all military members, including veterans and active-duty service personnel, in-store only.

Freddy's Freddy's is providing veterans and current military personnel with a meal card valid for any free combo meal of their choice on Veterans Day. Proof of military service is required, and the offer is available at participating locations.

Houlihan's Houlihan's is offering 50% off select entrees for Veterans Day, available for dine-in only. The discounted items 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. Proof of military service is required.

Hooters On Veterans Day, November 11, Hooters is offering current and former military who dine with them a free appetizer coupon on their next visit. Proof of military service is required, and participation may vary by location.

Lion's Choice Lion's Choice is offering a free original roast beef sandwich for veterans and active-duty military on Veterans Day. Guests can request their free sandwich at check-out by stating they are a veteran or showing a valid ID. This offer is valid at all locations throughout Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. Lion's Choice also has a standing 20% heroes discount offered all year long for veterans and active-duty military.

Luna Grill Luna Grill is offering a Buy One, Get One Free deal for military service members and first responders on Veterans Day. Customers will receive their choice of a complimentary Signature Plate, Bowl, Wrap, or Salad with a similar purchase. The second item must be equal or lesser value, and this is a one-time use offer valid for dine-in or to-go orders (not valid online or delivery). Additionally, Luna Grill offers a 10% daily discount for military and first responders.

Old Texas Brewing Co. Old Texas Brewing Co., a veteran-owned and operated establishment, is offering a free meal from a limited menu on Veterans Day. The first 100 veterans will also receive a challenge coin. The venue will be open from 9 a.m. to midnight and will feature free live music. Proof of military service is required.

Bombshells Bombshells is offering veterans free meals and active duty personnel and their families 20% off on Veterans Day. Proof of military service is required, and participation may vary by location.

Coffee Shop Freebies

Several coffee shops and beverage chains are joining in the Veterans Day appreciation by offering complimentary drinks to veterans and active-duty military:

Dunkin' Dunkin' is offering veterans a free donut on Veterans Day. This complimentary pastry is available at participating locations, though specific participation requirements may vary by restaurant. Proof of military service is typically required.

Peet's Coffee Peet's Coffee is offering active military and veterans a free small drip coffee or tea on Veterans Day. To receive this complimentary beverage, customers must show proof of valid ID indicating active military or veteran status. The offer is valid at participating Peet's retail coffee bar locations.

Sheetz Sheetz is offering freebies to veterans on Veterans Day, though specific details about what complimentary items are available were not provided in the source material. Participation may vary by location, and proof of military service is likely required.

Starbucks Starbucks is offering veterans a free cup of coffee on Veterans Day. This complimentary beverage is available at participating locations, though specific participation requirements may vary by store. Proof of military service is typically required.

Wawa Wawa is offering freebies to veterans on Veterans Day, though specific details about what complimentary items are available were not provided in the source material. Participation may vary by location, and proof of military service is likely required.

Other Offers

Beyond restaurants and coffee shops, various other businesses are providing special offers for veterans on Veterans Day:

California Pizza Kitchen In addition to their complimentary entrée offering, California Pizza Kitchen provides veterans and active-duty service members with a complimentary drink from a prix fixe menu available only on Veterans Day. The offer is valid for dine-in service only, and proof of military service is required.

Outback Steakhouse Outback Steakhouse offers a year-round Heroes Discount of 10% off for service men and women, police officers, firefighters, and first responders with corresponding state or federal service ID. This discount is available in addition to their Veterans Day free Bloomin' Onion and Coca-Cola product offering.

Quaker Steak & Lube Participating Quaker Steak & Lube locations offer 25% off on Military Mondays throughout the year. This discount is in addition to their Veterans Day offer of a free entrée up to $15 value plus a free non-alcoholic beverage.

Lion's Choice Lion's Choice has a standing 20% heroes discount offered all year long for veterans and active-duty military, in addition to their Veterans Day free original roast beef sandwich offer.

Luna Grill Luna Grill offers a 10% daily discount for military and first responders throughout the year, in addition to their Veterans Day Buy One, Get One Free promotion.

Important Eligibility Information

Most Veterans Day free meals and discounts require proof of military service. The specific documentation required may vary by establishment, but typically includes:

• Military ID card (active duty)
• Veterans ID card
• DD-214 discharge papers
• Veterans organization card (American Legion, VFW, etc.)
• Driver's license with veteran designation (where available)

Participation in Veterans Day offers may vary by location, even within the same chain. Some offers are only valid at specific locations, while others may not be available in all states. It's always advisable to:

1. Call ahead to confirm participation and specific requirements
2. Ask about any restrictions or limitations on the offers
3. Inquire about whether reservations are required
4. Confirm that military ID will be accepted

Some offers have specific time limitations, such as being valid only during certain hours on Veterans Day. Others may have purchase requirements, such as needing to buy one meal to get another free. Understanding these details in advance can help veterans and active-duty service members make the most of the appreciation offers available to them.

Conclusion

Veterans Day provides numerous opportunities for veterans and active-duty military personnel to enjoy complimentary meals and discounts at businesses across the United States. From full restaurant meals to coffee shop beverages, these offers represent a tangible way for companies to show appreciation for military service. While the specific offerings may vary by year and location, the consistent presence of these discounts demonstrates a widespread recognition of the sacrifices made by those who have served.

When planning to take advantage of these offers, veterans and active-duty personnel should be prepared to show proof of service and verify participation details with individual locations. By doing so, they can ensure a smooth experience when enjoying these well-deserved benefits.

Sources

1. WFMZ News
2. Davidson County Source
3. The American Legion
4. VA News