Veterans Day Free Meals And Discounts In Charleston A Guide To Restaurant Offers

Veterans Day provides an opportunity for many restaurants and retailers to extend appreciation to military personnel through complimentary meals and discounted offerings. In the Charleston area, as in many parts of the United States, participating brands structure these promotions to honor active duty members, veterans, and sometimes their families. These offers typically require specific verification methods, such as presenting a valid military ID or wearing a military uniform. While many national chains participate in Veterans Day promotions, availability can vary by location, and specific terms regarding dine-in, carry-out, and time restrictions are strictly enforced by participating establishments.

The following guide details the Veterans Day offers available through various restaurant chains, based on information regarding national participation. This information focuses on the requirements, menu items offered, and specific restrictions associated with each promotion.

Understanding Verification and Eligibility

To redeem Veterans Day offers, most establishments require proof of military service. The standard verification methods accepted by the majority of participating brands include:

• Valid Military ID: A current military ID card is the most commonly requested form of identification.
• Military Uniform: Wearing a current military uniform is often accepted as an alternative to showing an ID.
• Proof of Service: Some locations may accept other forms of proof, such as a veteran organization membership card or a photograph in uniform, though this is less standardized across brands.

It is important to note that while many brands advertise nationwide participation, specific franchise locations may opt out of the promotion. Consumers are advised to verify participation with their local restaurant prior to visiting.

Restaurant-Specific Veterans Day Offers

Numerous restaurant chains offer free meals or significant discounts on Veterans Day. The offers listed below are categorized by the type of meal provided.

Breakfast and Coffee Offers

Several chains focus on morning meals and beverages, offering free coffee, donuts, or breakfast platters.

• Biggby Coffee: Veterans and active duty military personnel are eligible for a free 24-ounce brewed coffee on Veterans Day.
• Casey’s: Veterans can receive a free coffee or fountain drink of any size on Veterans Day.
• Dunkin’ (Implied via context of donut chains): While not explicitly detailed in the provided data, similar chains offer donut promotions.
• Kolache Factory: This chain offers a free kolache and any size coffee to veterans and active duty military members on November 11 between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. The offer is valid in-store or for curbside orders but excludes polish, croissant varieties, and espresso.
• Krispy Kreme: On Veterans Day, veterans and active military personnel can receive a free doughnut of their choice and a small coffee (hot or iced). This offer is valid in-shop or at the drive-thru and is limited to one per customer.
• PJ’s Coffee: Locations offer a free 12-ounce hot coffee or cold brew iced coffee to veterans and active duty military members.
• Scooter’s Coffee: Veterans and active military members can get a free handcrafted drink of any size. This requires showing a valid military ID at participating locations. The offer is valid while supplies last, limited to one per person, and not available for order-ahead orders in the app.
• Starbucks: Participating stores offer a free tall hot or iced brewed coffee to veterans, military service members, and military spouses.

Lunch and Dinner Entrees

Many full-service restaurants provide free entrees or special meals for veterans dining in.

• Bar Louie: Active, retired military, and veterans receive a free Bar Louie Craft Burger on November 11 with a valid ID at participating locations.
• Beef ‘O’ Brady’s: Veterans eat for free (up to a $12 value) on November 11.
• Brass Tap: Veterans showing a military ID receive a free Pub Burger on Veterans Day.
• Buffalo’s Cafe: Veterans and active duty military receive a free entrée (up to a $17.99 value) when dining in and showing a valid ID or wearing a uniform.
• Buffalo Wild Wings: Veterans and active duty military get a free order of 10 Boneless Wings and Fries on November 11 with a valid ID while dining in. At Buffalo Wild Wings GO locations, the offer is valid for counter orders.
• Hurricane Grill & Wings: Veterans and active duty military receive a free entrée from a special menu when showing a military ID or wearing a uniform. Options include 10 Bone-In Wings, Yuengling Beer Battered Fish & Chips, Steakburger, Chicken Caesar Salad, Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Sandwich, and Chicken BLT Tacos.
• IHOP: Veterans and active duty military can get free Red, White, & Blueberry Pancakes or a free Pancake Combo between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. at participating locations.
• Logan’s Roadhouse: Between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Veterans Day, Logan’s offers a special free menu for veterans and service members dining in.
• Norms: All locations give anyone with a valid military ID a free Four Deuces meal (two eggs, two slices of bacon, two sausage links, and two hotcakes). The deal is valid on dine-in and to-go orders.
• On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina: Showing a valid military ID on November 11 grants a free Combo 2 from the Veterans Day menu, valid for dine-in only at participating locations.
• Perkins Restaurant & Bakery: Veterans, active duty, and retired military personnel receive a free Magnificent Seven meal on November 11 with a valid ID.
• Playa Bowls: Select locations offer a free bowl to veterans showing a military ID on Veterans Day, valid only on in-store orders.
• Potbelly Sandwich Shop: On November 11, Potbelly gives veterans and active duty military a free fountain drink or cookie with the purchase of an entrée (sandwich, soup, or salad). The offer is valid in-store only.
• Rock & Brews: All locations give veterans a free “We Salute You” Pulled Pork Sandwich or a free Strawberry Fields Salad.
• Sizzler: The majority of Sizzler restaurants offer a free lunch (Half Dozen Crispy Shrimp, Malibu Chicken, or 6 oz. Tri-Tip Steak) until 4 p.m. on November 11. Locations in Idaho, Puerto Rico, and Utah do not participate.
• Smokey Bones: Active duty and retired military personnel receive a free Create Your Own Combo meal while dining in-restaurant.
• Sheetz: On November 11, veterans and active duty military can get a free half turkey sub (including extras and add-ons) and a regular fountain drink. Locations with a car wash also offer a free car wash (valued at $9).

Specialized and Promotional Offers

Some brands offer specific menu items or require a purchase to receive the benefit.

• Buffalo Wild Wings: As noted, offers wings and fries.
• Hat Creek Burgers: Veterans receive a free Big Hat Burger when presenting a valid military ID.
• Huddle House: Gives away an MVP meal to anyone showing a valid military ID.
• Lion’s Choice: Offers a free original roast beef sandwich to active and retired military members on November 11. ID is required at checkout, or the customer may state they are a veteran.
• Native Grill & Wings: Veterans and active duty military get a free 1/2 pound Stripper Combo, 1/2 pound Boneless Combo, or a Native Burger with Fries.
• Perry’s: This brand has specific timing. On Friday, November 10, military personnel get a free pork chop between 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. when a guest purchases one lunch or dinner entrée. On Saturday, November 11, they offer a 3-course menu for $39 from 4 to 6 p.m. Reservations and a valid ID are required for both days.
• Pokeworks: Offers 20% off any in-store order on November 11 or 12 with a valid military ID.
• Round Table Pizza: Offers 15% off orders on November 11 using the code VET15.
• Taco John’s: Rewards members who are veterans receive a free #1 small beef combo meal (plus tax) when showing a valid ID. This is valid for active, reserve, retired, and honorably discharged members.
• Taffer’s Tavern: Veterans and active duty military get 50% off their Plate or Handheld meal between November 11 and 12.

Retail and Service Offers

While the primary focus of Veterans Day deals is dining, some retail and service offers are included in the data.

• BurgerFi: Offers veterans and active duty military 20% off their order on November 11 when dining in and showing a military ID.
• Sonic Drive-In: Customers can get a Fritos Chili Cheese Jr. Wrap for just $0.99 on Veterans Day.
• Smoothie King: Gives active duty and military veterans a free 20-ounce smoothie on November 11 (flavors: Cherry X-Treme, Slim-N-Trim Vanilla, Blueberry Heaven).

Geographic Considerations and Exclusions

When planning to redeem these offers, specific geographic exclusions apply to certain brands.

• Sizzler: Explicitly states that restaurants in Idaho, Puerto Rico, and Utah will not participate in the free lunch offer.
• On the Border: Mentions that all locations except restaurants in Idaho, Puerto Rico, and Utah will participate.

Conclusion

The Veterans Day promotions detailed above represent a wide range of complimentary meals and discounts available to military personnel. The offers generally require proof of service via military ID or uniform. While many of these offers are available nationwide, the data indicates specific exclusions for certain regions, such as Idaho, Puerto Rico, and Utah. Consumers are encouraged to contact local establishments to confirm participation and specific hours of operation for Veterans Day, as times may vary (e.g., IHOP 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Logan’s 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Kolache Factory 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.).

Sources

1. Charleston Daily