Friday, November 11 marks Veterans Day—the federal holiday where Americans pay tribute to those who served in the U.S. military.
The origins of the holiday date back to 1919, on the first anniversary of the 1918 armistice that ended World War I.
Many services, including government offices and public institutions, are closed for the holiday.
Per Military.com and other sources, here's a list of what's on offer for veterans on November 11.
Veterans Day Free Meals
7-Eleven: Ex-Service members get a free Quart-Pound Big Bite 100% all-beef hot dog on Veterans Day in store and via delivery through the 7NOW app.
Applebee's: Active military, National Guard, Reserves and veterans get a free meal from a special menu on November 11.
Aroma Joe's: Veterans get a free 24oz drink on the holiday.
BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse: Current and ex-military are entitled to a free meal from a select menu, dine in only.
Black Angus Steakhouse: Active and former military members get a free meal on November 11 at all locations between 12pm and 3pm. The deal is not available for takeout.
Bob Evans: Active service members and veterans are entitled to a free meal on a select menu, dining in only.
Bombshells Restaurant and Bar: The dozen locations in Texas will provide free entrees for veterans on the federal holiday. They will also be entitled to 20 percent discounts. Families accompanying veterans and active military can receive 20 percent discount on entrees and other items on Veterans Day.
Bruegger's Bagels: Veterans can get a free medium coffee (hot or iced) with breakfast on the federal holiday.
California Pizza Kitchen: Current and ex-military can get a complimentary non-alcoholic drink and choice of one entrée from a special menu.
Caribou Coffee: On November 11, veterans, active military members and their spouse can receive a free coffee.
Carolina Ale House: A free rib platter with the purchase of a drink is available for veterans and active military.
Casey's General Stores: Current and former military on November 11 get a free coffee.
Cattlemens: Current and ex-military get a complementary sirloin steak to honor Veterans Day. You can receive your steak certificate by signing up on its website on or before Veterans Day. The offer will be emailed on November 12 and will be valid in regular business hours for indoor or outdoor dining until November 22. Valid at California locations only, not on takeout.
Charley's Philly Steaks: Active military and veterans get free Gourmet Fries dine in with no purchase necessary on Veterans Day.
Chicken Salad Chick: A free meal at all locations on November 11 for active military and veterans.
Chick-fil-A: Current and ex-military can receive a regular sized chick-fil-a sandwich, waffle fries, and drink for free. The offer is available from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Chili's: Veterans and active service members get a free meal from a select menu on November 11, dine-in only.
Cici's Pizza: Free adult buffer on Veterans Day for active and ex-military. Dine in only, no drink included.
Claim Jumper: Veterans and active military can get a free meal from a special menu in participating locations on November 11.
Country Kitchen: Active and retired military receive a free meal from a special menu at participating locations on November 11. Dine-in only.
Cracker Barrel: Veterans can receive a complimentary slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake in-store or online on the holiday.
Denny's: On Veterans Day, Denny's will offer active and former military personnel. A free Build Your Own Grand Slam breakfast from 5 a.m. until noon. A free pulled pork classic sandwich is available this Veterans Day as well. A valid military ID is required to be eligible for this offer.
Einstein Bros. Bagels: Active duty and ex-military get a free hot or iced coffee with a purchase in-store on November 11.
Famous Dave's: Current and ex-military can get a free Georgia chopped pork sandwich and a side at participating locations on Veterans Day.
Friendly's: On November 11, those who have honorably served can bag a free cheeseburger, fries, and soft beverage.
Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers: If they visit on November 11, veterans and active military personnel get a free Freddy's Original Double with Cheese combo meal card valid until November 30.
Golden Corral: The chain is hosting its Military Appreciation Night on November 14 from 5 p.m. to close, including a free "thank you" meal when dining in.
Green Mill Restaurant and Bar: Active duty and former military get a free menu item dining in at participating locations on Veterans Day.
Hawaiian Bros: Veterans and active-duty military, plus their friends and family, get a free plate lunch from 11am to 11pm on November 11.
Hard Rock Café: Those who have served can receive a free Legendary Steak Burger at the Hard Rock Café on November 11. You can also get 15 percent off their food and non-alcoholic drink items.
Hooters: Military personnel, including veterans, get free entrée from the Hooters Veterans Day Menu with drink purchase when dining in.
Huddle House: Current and ex-military members get a free MVP Breakfast Platter on November 11.
Kings Family Restaurant: A free meal from a select menu on November 11 for active and former military.
Kolache Factory: Free kolache and coffee on November 11 for veterans and active-duty military, on November 11 from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Lion's Choice: Veterans and active military can receive a free original roast beef sandwich on November 11. There is also a 20 percent discount offered daily for veterans and active-duty military.
Logan's Roadhouse: A free meal between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. on a special menu is available on November 11 for active and former military at participating locations.
Macaroni Grill: On November 11, veterans and active-duty military get a free Mom's Ricotta Meatballs + Spaghetti.
Menchie's: The first 6 oz of froyo free on November 11 is free for current and ex-military with proof of service.
Mission BBQ: A free sandwich for all military (current and retired) on Veterans Day.
O'Charley's: Free meals of a $10 value are available to active and retired military from their special "Veterans Thank You Menu". Valid ID required, to receive the aforementioned money off and a 10 percent military discount all year long. Check for participating locations.
Peet's Coffee: All military, current and former, as well as their spouses get complimentary filter coffee or tea all day on November 11.
Perkins: With a valid ID, Veterans and active-duty military get a free Magnificent Seven Meal on November 11.
Pilot Flying J: Veterans are entitled to a free meal at participating locations on the federal holiday through an offer available on the restaurant's app.
Red Lobster: All military and ex-military can get a free Walt's Favorite Shrimp, Fries, and Coleslaw on Veterans Day. Both for dine-in and To Go orders made in-restaurant between 11:00am and 4:00pm local time.
Red Robin: Veterans and active-duty military get a free Red's Tavern Double when dining in on the holiday. The burger also comes with free refills of Bottomless Steak Fries.
Seven Doors Kitchen & Cocktails: Active military and veterans get one free entrée and one non-alcoholic beverage on November 11 from 11am to 9pm.
Shane's Rib Shack: With a proof of service presented in store, active and inactive military and veterans are entitled to a Pork or BBQ Chicken plate on the house between November 9 and 11.
Starbucks: The coffee outlet will offer a free tall (12-oz) hot brewed coffee for veterans, military service members and military spouses on Veterans Day. The offer now includes a free tall (12-oz) iced coffee.
Subway: Some franchises will offer a Free Six Inch Sub for veterans for the national holiday. Please call ahead to ensure your Subway is including the offer.
Taffer's Tavern: Current and former service members with valid military ID are entitled to one free handheld from November 11 to 13.
Texas Roadhouse: Veterans and active-duty military receive a meal voucher on November 11, from 11am to 2pm. These vouchers are good for dine in or carry out and can be used until May 30, 2023. There will be a specific menu to select from.
TravelCenters of America: Active and ex-military get a free breakfast, lunch or dinner at a participating full serve or quick serve restaurant on Veterans Day with proof of service.
Tucanos Brazilian Grill: Veterans can claims a free Churrasco meal with the purchase of another Churrasco meal, between November 10 and 12.
Tuscan Brands: Tuscan Kitchen, Tuscan Sea Grill & Bar, and Toscana Italian Chop House & Wine Bar on Veterans Day will be serving a family style meal to veterans and one guest from 11am to 4pm. Veterans and their guest can RSVP by calling their local restaurant.
White Castle: Active and ex-military get a free Combo Meal or Breakfast Combo Meal when dining at a participating restaurant on the federal holiday.
Veterans Day Restaurant Deals
54th Street Grill: Military and veterans get up to $10 off any entrée on November 11 when eating in.
Ahi Poke Restaurant: Veterans and active-duty members get 50 percent off Ahi Poke bowls. Dine-in or take out, on Veterans Day only.
Coffee Beanery: On 11/11, veterans and active military can get a free big cup of coffee.
Chop House: Veterans and active-duty service members get half off entrees for the holiday.
Eat'n Park: All former and current military members receive 10 percent off for themselves and their entire party each time they dine in for the entire month of November.
Fogo de Chão: Current and ex-military get 50 percent off their meal on Veterans Day. They will also receive 10 percent off food for up to three guests.
Joe's Crab Shack: On Veterans Day, veterans get 20 percent off at participating diners.
Krispy Kreme: A free donut at participating Krispey Kreme stores for all active duty, retirees and veterans on November 11
McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants: Veterans, National Guard, Gold Star parents and Gold Star Spouses are entitled to a select half-priced entrée on November 13. Reservations are strongly recommended to take advantage of the offer.
Metro Diner: A 50 percent off a meal offer is available to veterans and active-duty military on November 11.
Miller's Ale House: The chain has a 50 percent off entrées of choice with proof of service on November 11.
TGI Fridays: On 11/11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time, current and former military who dine in can receive a free meal from these selections:
- Cheeseburger with Seasoned Fries
- Crispy Chicken Fingers with Seasoned Fries and Coleslaw
- 6 oz. Center-Cut Sirloin with Mashed Potatoes and Garlic-Butter Broccoli
- Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken
Veterans and active-duty military should present a valid military ID to redeem the offers.
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Jack Dutton is a Newsweek Reporter based in Cape Town, South Africa. His focus is reporting on global politics and ... Read more
