2015 Veterans Day Restaurant Freebies: These Restaurants Are Dishing Out Free Meals To Honor Our Nation’s Military


Veterans Day is observed on November 11, 2015, and restaurants across the nation will be honoring both veterans and active members of the U.S. Armed Forces with free and discounted meals, appetizers, and desserts.

According to the Military Wallet, dozens of restaurant chains will offer a special deal of freebies on Veterans Day, including Golden Corral, Applebee’s, Olive Garden, Denny’s, Red Lobster, Texas Roadhouse, Red Robin, and Longhorn Steakhouse. Find a list of offers below.

The annual federal holiday falls on a Wednesday this year, so most offers are valid only on the November 11, but it’s important to check the details of each deal — at least one restaurant, Spaghetti Warehouse has a Buy One, Get One Free offer that runs from November 9 – 11. Veterans and active members of the military and their families can expect long lines at restaurants that are offering a holiday special.

While many chain restaurants don’t offer reservations, it’s a good idea to call ahead and ask when peak times are. Most restaurants require proof of service in exchange for a free meal or discount. Acceptable forms of I.S. including a U.S. Uniform Services Retired Identification Card, U.S. Uniform Services Identification Card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement, or Veterans Organization Card.

Applebee’s has been offering free meals on Veterans Day for several years. The company states that it served over one million free meals last year, so expect this restaurant to be extremely busy on November 11. The free meal is part of a special holiday menu that consists of seven different entrees. This freebie does not include a beverage or tip.

IHOP is offering veterans and active military free Red, White and Blue pancakes, or Red, White and Blue pancakes combo plate including eggs, bacon and hashed browns. Call ahead to make sure the location near you is participating in the deal.

Golden Corral is giving out free meals and a beverage to military retirees, veterans, National Guard or Reserves on November 11 between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Spaghetti Warehouse will be posting a coupon on their website and on Facebook on November 3. Print the coupons and get one entrée when you buy another of equal of lesser value. Choose from 11 spaghetti entrees on the menu.

Red Lobster is offering a free appetizer or dessert to all U.S. Military members and veterans between November 9 – 12.

On The Border is giving veterans and active duty military members a free Create Your Own Combo meal on November 11 with proof of service.

Bob Evans is honor veterans a choice of free breakfast items from a special menu.

Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill is offering a free meals on November 11. Veterans and active duty military can choose one meal from a special Veterans Day menu. Call ahead to make sure the location near you is participating.

Find more Veterans Day restaurants freebies and discounts on the Military Wallet or Military Benefits websites. Many restaurants also post specials to their social media accounts, so it’s always worth checking Twitter or Facebook for Veterans Day offers.

In addition to the restaurants listed above, many retail stores are offering veterans and active members of the United States Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard discounts on clothing, groceries, and other services on Veterans Day.

According to AL.com, JC Penney is offering a 20 percent discount on any purchase made on November 11 when you present a valid military ID. Sam’s Club is giving away three free products and a $15 gift club to military personnel and veterans with a membership or renewal. Find an extensive list of retail store discounts, including many that are valid year round, on the Military Benefits site.

[Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images]

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