Where to Eat Free on Veterans Day? A Guide to Celebrating American Heroes
As we reflect on the sacrifices made by our brave veterans, businesses across the country are thanking them with a special culinary treat – free food! Whether you’re a veteran yourself or appreciative of their service, here’s a comprehensive list of places where you can enjoy a complimentary meal or discount on Veterans Day:
Restaurant Chains
Most major restaurant chains offer military discounts and free meals on November 11th. Here are some notable brands:
| Restaurant Name | Free Meal/ Discount |
|---|---|
| Applebee’s | Free meal from 11am-11:59pm, including buffet and drink |
| Carrabba’s Italian Grill | Free lunch or dinner, plus a free Italian dessert |
| Chili’s | Free meal from the select menu, including tacos, burgers, and grilled chicken |
| Denny’s | Free Grand Slam breakfast, available all-day |
| Dunkin’ Donuts | Free Dunkin’ Donuts offer, details vary by location |
| Krispy Kreme | Free doughnuts and coffee, plus discount on select items |
| Little Caesars Pizza | Free hot-n-ready lunch combo |
| Millie’s Restaurant | 10% discount on most menu items |
| Ouimet’s Bakery & Pub | Free buffet and gift card |
| Outback Steakhouse | Free Bloom Energy drink and a meatball appetizer |
| Red Lobster | Complimentary appetizer (up to $10.99 value) |
| Red Robin | Free All-American Burger |
| Romano’s Macaroni Grill | Free dessert of your choice |
| The Cheesecake Factory | Free meal, including pizza, burgers, and salads (up to $20 per person) |
| TGIFridays | Half-price appetizers and selected drinks |
Casino and Hotel Restaurants
Some local casinos and hotels also jump into the spirit of appreciating our veterans:
| Name | Location | Free Meals/Discounts |
|---|---|---|
| Hard Rock Hotel Casino | Las Vegas, Nevada | Free buffet and commemorative coin |
| Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa | Atlantic City, New Jersey | Free buffet breakfast and brunch |
| Viejas Casino & Resort | Alpine, California | 50% discount on in-room dining |
| Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Rockford | Rockford, Illinois | Free buffet for veterans and their families |
| Pechanga Resort & Casino | Temecula, California | Free buffet and door prizes |
Local Offers
Many local mom-and-pop shops, wineries, and breweries, as well as some municipalities, are offering special deals
| Location | Free Offers |
|---|---|
| Pittsburgh, PA | Free breakfast, lunch, and dinner options at various restaurants; details available on the Uptown Business Association site |
| New York | Free breakfast for veterans and their families, courtesy of the New York State Department of Veterans Affairs |
| Las Vegas Valley | Free meals at various restaurants, including American Coney Island, Café Americano, and Café Bellagio |
| San Francisco | Free bagels and coffee courtesy of Einstein Bros. Bagels |
Important Guidelines
- Some offers may require identification in the form of a Department of Defense ID, Coast Guard ID, or expired ID with proof of prior service.
- Restrictions may apply, for example, only certain meals or drinks are free (e.g., limited food options at a buffet).
In Conclusion
Celebrating our nation’s military heroes is a wonderful sentiment, and it’s fascinating to see businesses come together to express their gratitude with free meals and discounts! Whether you’re a service member, veteran, or simply an American appreciating their service, take note of these amazing offers:
- Check the official restaurants’ websites or social media for updates and details;
- Call ahead to ensure availability, as some events may have limited seating and require reservations;
- Keep in mind any specific identification requirements or rules for participation;
- Above all, show your patriotic spirit and gratitude to these brave men and women – they deserve it!
Gather your loved ones, don your red, white, and blue, and enjoy a free celebration with your fellow Veterans Day heroes!
