Restaurants across the U.S. are set to thank you on Veterans Day in the form of free or discounted meals.
The federal holiday, celebrated on Tuesday, Nov. 11, honors military veterans of the United States Armed Forces.
Veterans Day began as Armistice Day, which was first observed on November 11, 1919, marking the first anniversary of the end of World War I.
In 1954, after World War II and the Korean War, the U.S. Congress amended the law to change the name to Veterans Day — expanding the holiday to honor all U.S. military veterans, not just those who fought in World War I.
Veterans Day is distinct from Memorial Day in May, which specifically honors those who have died while in military service.
Here is a closer look at deals being offered at notable chains across the U.S., just keep in mind that most Veterans Day offers require proof of military service, are dine-in only, do not include alcohol, cannot be used with other coupons or discounts and do not include gratuity.
Applebee’s
Veterans and active-duty military, including reservists and National Guard members, can get a free full-sized entrée from an exclusive Veterans Day Menu made up of seven of Applebee’s most popular menu items, such as a Classic Bacon Cheeseburger and Double Crunch Shrimp.
Chipotle
Members of the military community – veterans and active-duty military personnel with a valid military ID – who order any entrée can get a second entrée free from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. local time on Veterans Day.
Krispy Kreme
Veterans and active-duty military personnel can get a free small hot or iced coffee and a free doughnut of their choice on Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11. The deal is good in shops and at the drive-thru, no other purchase necessary (limit one per guest).
Red Lobster
On Veterans Day, all veterans, active-duty military, and reserves can get a free Shrimp & Chips entrée, which comes with Walt’s Favorite Shrimp, fries, and coleslaw.
Starbucks
Starbucks will give veterans, service members, and military spouses a free tall 12-ounce brewed coffee (hot or iced) at participating stores in the U.S.
Cracker Barrel
Veterans and active-duty military dining in on November 11 at any of the nearly 660 Cracker Barrel locations get a free Sunrise Pancake Special – a pair of buttermilk pancakes, served with fresh eggs or breakfast meat.
Benihana
Veterans and active-duty military can get a free entrée (value of up to $59; valid military ID required) on Veterans Day.
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s:
All veterans and active-duty military can get a free burger and fries on Veterans Day
Biggby Coffee
Military personnel can receive any 16-ounce beverage for $1.99 on Veterans Day.
Blaze Pizza
Veterans and active-duty military personnel can get a free one-topping pizza
Buffalo Wild Wings
All past and present armed service members can get 10 free Boneless Wings and Fries with a valid ID on Veteran Day.
Chili’s
Complimentary entrée including an Oldtimer with Cheese and Fries, Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas, and 3-Count Chicken Crispers Soup with Side Salad.
Dave & Buster’s
Veterans and active-duty military can get a free entrée (up to $20) plus a $10 Power Card for gameplay, all day on Veterans Day.
Denny’s
Free Original Grand Slam breakfast from opening till noon on Nov 11 for veterans / active duty.
Fazoli’s
Veterans and active-duty military get free Spaghetti with Marinara or Meat Sauce when dining in with code VET25.
Firehouse Subs
Active-duty military and veterans can buy one sub of any size and get a second one free with a valid military ID.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Veterans and current military personnel who visit participating locations on Veterans Day can get a free Freddy’s Combo meal card, which can be redeemed through Dec. 31.
Golden Corral
All veterans, active-duty military personnel, retirees, reservists, and guardsmen get a free buffet meal with beverage on Tuesday, November 11, from 4 p.m. to close.
IHOP
Veterans and active-duty military personnel can get a free Red, White, and Blueberry Pancake Combo.
MOD Pizza
On Nov. 11, all veterans, active-duty military members and their spouses will receive 50% off a MOD-size pizza or salad.
Outback Steakhouse
Those with valid veterans and active-duty military IDs can get a free Aussie 3-Course Meal.
Red Robin
Free “Red’s Big Tavern Burger” with bottomless side for veterans/active duty (dine-in only) on Nov 11.
QDOBA
Veterans and active-duty military get free chips and dip when they come into any restaurant – no purchase required. Guests can claim the offer by presenting their miliary ID at checkout.
Sheetz
All veterans and active-duty military personnel can get a free half turkey sub and a regular size fountain drink.
Sizzler
Veterans and active-duty military can get free lunch – choice of Half Dozen Crispy Shrimp, Malibu Chicken or 6-ounce Tri-Tip Steak, plus beverage – on Veterans Day from opening time until 4 p.m. local time.
Smokey Bones
All veterans and active-duty military get a free entree – choices include Bacon Cheeseburger, Pulled Pork Sandwich, or Chicken Tender Platter with one regular side – when dining in on Veterans Day.
Sonic
Buy One, Get One Free deal when you buy a Sonic Cheeseburger, SuperSonic Double Cheeseburger or Footlong Quarter Pound Coney.
TGI Fridays
Free meal when dining in from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time on Veterans Day. Menu choices include Cheeseburger with fries, Chicken Fingers with fries and coleslaw, Chicken Caesar Salad, Half Rack of Ribs with choice of side, or Cajun Shrimp & Chicken Pasta (half portion).
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