Honoring those who serve with Veterans Day dining deals
Along with local events and celebrations, those who have served (or continue to serve) our country will be recognized with free or discounted meals today in honor of their service.
Unless noted, these deals are for dine-in meals for veterans and active-duty service members with military ID or proof of service. Always call ahead to confirm participation at specific locations.
American Legion Post 26 (2020 H St.): Free breakfast (pancakes, hash browns, eggs, bacon, sausage and choice of beverage) from 7 to 9 a.m. and lunch (hamburger or tri-tip sandwich with chips, chili beans and a beverage) starting around noon for veterans and service members, courtesy of Kern Law Enforcement Association and the American Legion (for breakfast) and Halliburton and American Legion Auxiliary (for lunch). Guests pay $5 for breakfast or $8 for lunch.
Elks Lodge 266 (1616 30th St.): Free tri-tip barbecue lunch for veterans and first responders at 11 a.m. in the parking lot; $10 for others.
Red House BBQ (426 E. Tehachapi Blvd., Tehachapi): The Tehachapi restaurant will offer a free plate of “some good ole SOS,” as well as coffee (or soft drink) and cake. Veterans who would like a different meal can receive a 50 percent discount on an entree of their choice. Other diners can order SOS as well for $5 starting at 9 a.m. until they run out. All proceeds will go to a local veterans charity.
7-Eleven (multiple locations): Free coffee or Big Gulp for active duty service members, veterans and family members. Note that the 7-Eleven app may be required at some locations.
Applebee’s Grill + Bar (9000 Ming Ave., Suite M): Free dine-in meal from special menu. Veterans and active military will also receive a $5 Bounce Back Card to use on their next visit (good through Dec. 2).
BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse (10750 Stockdale Highway): A free Dr Pepper beverage and entree from a special menu.
Black Angus Steakhouse (3601 Rosedale Highway): All day, enjoy an all-American steak plate ($11.99), which comes with an nonalcoholic beverage. Offer good for dine-in or takeout orders (call 324-0814 to order).
Buffalo Wild Wings (3316 Coffee Road, 5677 Gosford Road): Free 10-piece boneless wings and a side of fries. Good for dine-in or takeout orders.
California Pizza Kitchen (10150 Stockdale Highway): Choose a free pizza, full-size salad or pasta from a special menu.
Chili’s Grill and Bar (8950 Rosedale Highway, 5443 Gosford Road): Free entree from a special menu.
Denny’s (multiple locations): A free build-your-own grand slam breakfast from 5 a.m. to noon.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit (3505 Coffee Road): Veterans can enjoy a free meal for dine-in or online with code VETFREE at dickeys. com.
Dunkin’ (1800 23rd St., Suite D; 1211 Allen Road, Suite 300): Free doughnut of their choice.
Eagle Mountain Casino (681 S. Reservation Road, Porterville): $10 food voucher with proof of military ID.
Eureka! (10520 Stockdale Highway): Free bourbon barrel cake.
Famous Dave’s (7777 Rosedale Highway): Free Georgia chopped pork sandwich and side dish. Good for dine-in or to-go orders; use code VETERAN for online order.
Farmer Boys (multiple locations): Free big cheese cheeseburger.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers (2649 Calloway Drive): Free combo meal card, which may be redeemed through Nov. 30.
Golden Corral (5001 Ming Ave.): Free meal from 5 to 8 p.m.
Guild House (1905 18th St.): From 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., veterans can receive lunch (choice of taco chicken entree salad or SOS over biscuits, vegetable soup, roast beef with brown gravy, roasted red potatoes, sauteed carrots with basil, and pecan pie with bourbon whipped cream) for $15, including tax. Lunch is $20 for others. Reservations are recommended by calling 325-5478.
Hooters (4208 Rosedale Highway, Suite 100): Free meal from special menu.
IHOP (multiple locations): Free red, white and blue pancakes for active duty service members and veterans from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Krispy Kreme (9410 Rosedale Highway): Free doughnut and coffee.
Little Caesars Pizza (multiple locations): Free lunch combo from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt (4560-B Coffee Road): Free 6-ounce frozen yogurt.
New Vintage Grill (9901 Hageman Road and 3320 Truxtun Ave., Suite 150): Free order of biscuits and gravy.
Outback Steakhouse (5051 Stockdale Highway): Free bloomin’ onion and Coca-Cola beverage.
Pilot Flying J/U.S. Pilot (multiple locations): Free breakfast including a coffee by using the Pilot app.
PorkChop & Bubba’s BBQ (1230 H St.): Free pulled pork or pit beef sandwich with fries and a drink. Family members receive a 10% discount on their meal.
Red Lobster (8180 Rosedale Highway): Enjoy a free appetizer or dessert.
Red Robin (2701 Ming Ave. #G15): Free Red’s tavern double and bottomless steak fries for veterans and active military who are Red Robin Royalty members, available through Sunday.
Romano’s Macaroni Grill (8850 Rosedale Highway): Free Mom’s ricotta meatballs and spaghetti.
Starbucks (multiple locations): Free tall (12-ounce) hot brewed coffee for veterans, military service members and military spouses (for cafe and drive-thru orders only).
Wendy’s (multiple locations): Free breakfast combo offer from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Wienerschnitzel (multiple locations): A complimentary chili dog, small fries and 20-ounce drink.
Wine Me Up! (3900 Coffee Road, Suite 2): A complimentary flatbread and 20% off the bill for veterans.
Yard House (10308 Stockdale Highway): Free appetizer.