Dining: Veterans Day deals, freebies
Restaurants and businesses are saluting veterans and active- duty military personnel Wednesday. They’re offering free meals, treats and special discounts on Veterans Day to show their appreciation for all those who have sacrificed for the country.
Proof of service such as a military ID is typically required and a few businesses will allow dressing in uniform as a form of identification. Discharge papers, VA cards and veteran organization membership cards also can be used to prove service at most businesses.
The majority of discounts are valid only on Veterans Day at participating locations nationwide with most applying to veterans and active- duty military.
Some exclusions apply and offers can vary by location. Check with your closest location to confirm participation.
Veterans Day freebies and discounts
The following offers are available Wednesday unless otherwise noted. Most are for dine-in only and some require a mobile app.
7-Eleven: Veterans with a Veterans Advantage account can link their account to the convenience store chain’s 7Rewards loyalty program to get special offers including a free cup of coffee for Veterans Day. Learn more at www.7- eleven.com.
Applebee’s: Free meal from a special menu but offers can vary.
Bar Louie: Free burger or flatbread. BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: Free meal up to $14.95 and free Dr. Pepper beverage.
Bob Evans: Free meal from a special menu.
Buffalo Wild Wings: Free order of 10 boneless wings and fries.
California Pizza Kitchen: Free meal from a special menu.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill: Free order of calamari with any purchase to all veterans, active military, police officers and firefighters with a valid ID through Wednesday. The chain also has an ongoing 10% discount for active and retired service members.
Chili’s Grill & Bar: Free meal from a special menu.
Country Pride: Free meal for veterans Wednesday.
Cracker Barrel: Free slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca- Cola Cake.
Denny’s: Free “Build Your Own Grand Slam” from 5 a.m. to noon Wednesday.
Dunkin’: Free doughnut of your choice.
Einstein Bros. Bagels: Free hot or iced medium coffee when veterans state that they are a veteran.
Famous Dave’s: Free Lunch Georgia Chopped Pork Sandwich with side.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: Free combo meal cards for veterans and active- duty military who visit a Freddy’s location Wednesday. The cards are good through Nov. 30.
Golden Corral: Through Nov. 30, Golden Corral is handing out free meal and beverage cards to all active duty and veterans. The cards can be used once through May 31 for lunch or dinner Monday through Thursday.
Krispy Kreme: Free doughnut of choice and small hot or iced coffee.
Landry’s, Inc.: The company with more than 60 brands — including Morton’s The Steakhouse, Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouses, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., and Rainforest Cafe — is offering military veterans and active members 20% off Wednesday for up to four people. Excludes Golden Nugget restaurants and McCormick & Schmick’s locations.
Little Caesars: Free lunch combo between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Wednesday.
Nekter Juice Bar: Free 16- ounce Fresh Juice or Superfood Smoothie.
Outback Steakhouse: Free Bloomin’ Onion and Coke product Wednesday. Also, the chain has a daily heroes discount offering 10% off entire checks to all servicemen and women, police officers, firefighters and first responders with a valid state or federal service ID.
Qdoba: 50% off any entree Wednesday. Red Lobster: Free appetizer or dessert. Red Robin: This deal starts the day after Veterans Day. From Thursday through Nov. 30, veterans and active military who are current Red Robin Royalty members can get a free tavern burger served with bottomless fries.
Scooter’s Coffee: Free drink in any size. Smashburger: Free Double Burger with any purchase.
Smoothie King: Free 20- ounce smoothie of choice.
Starbucks: Free tall hot brewed coffee for veterans, active service members and their spouses Wednesday.
TacoTime: Free meal up to $10. Torchy’s Tacos: Free taco and nonalcoholic beverage from a special Veterans Day menu.
Wendy’s: Free small breakfast combo with valid military ID from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m. Hours can vary by location. Service members enrolled in the Veterans Advantage program can get a free breakfast sandwich with any breakfast purchase from Wednesday through Dec. 31.
White Castle: Free combo meal or breakfast combo.