Eat Free On Veterans Day 2017: Dining Deals For Military & Vets

As a show of gratitude to U.S. military and veterans, several restaurants throughout the state are offering free entrees and specials for Veterans Day 2017. Most promotions are valid only Saturday, Nov. 11, however, some offerings are for Monday, and the deal at IHOP, for free "Red, White and Blue Pancakes," expires tonight.

Thanks to all service members, past and present, from Patch!

Below is a list of the deals we've rounded up:

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Applebee’s – Free entree for veterans on Nov. 11 from a special Veterans Day menu at participating restaurants. Diners must show proof of military service, such as a U.S. Uniform Services Identification Card, DDT214 Citation or Commendation, your U.S. Uniform Services Retired Identification Card, a Current Leave and Earnings Statement or a Veterans Organization Card. Beverages and gratuity not included. Limit one meal per veteran or active duty military. Dine-in only.

Bar Louie – Free burger or free flatbread on Nov. 11 for veterans and active military. Must show proof of service. California locations are in Northridge and Downey.

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse – Veterans and active duty military get a free meal, up to a $12.95 value, on Friday, Nov. 10, and Saturday, Nov. 11. Details here. BJ’s also is honoring the armed forces throughout November with its Buy a Hero a Beer program where patrons can donate $6 toward a pint of beer or soda for a veteran or military hero at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouses nationwide. More information here. To find your nearest BJ's, follow this link.

Black Angus – On Saturday, Nov. 11 from opening to 3 p.m., participating restaurants will offer veterans and active military a special $9.99 Certified Angus Beef® Top Sirloin Steak, served with home-style mashed potatoes, broccoli with garlic butter and a beverage. Details here. This special is only available to dine-in customers with a valid military I.D.

Bonefish – Free Bang Bang Shrimp to military personnel in uniform or with military ID on Nov. 11. It’s possible that not all locations are participating, so be sure to contact your local Bonefish Grill before heading out. Bonefish locations in California are in Santa Clarita and Tustin.

Boston Market – Buy one individual meal and drink and get one individual meal free with this printable Veterans Day coupon. The offer is from Nov. 10 to Nov. 12.

Buffalo Wild Wings – "Wings for Heroes" all day Nov. 11, at participating restaurants, where active and retired service members can receive a free small traditional or boneless wings and a side of fries. Dine-in only, no substitutions or upgrades. Must be in uniform, or present proof of service. More information here.

California Pizza Kitchen – Free entree for past and present members of the U.S. military on Nov. 11. Service members can order from a special Veterans Day menu that includes pizzas, pastas and full-size salads. Dine-in only, no substitutions. Guests must be in uniform or show proof of service. “We thank you from the bottom of our hearts, and we extend our service as a gesture of gratitude for yours,” said CPK Executive Chairman & CEO G.J. Hart.

Chevys Fresh Mex – Free build-your-own three-item combo for veterans and active military on Nov. 11. Choose from a selection of tacos, enchiladas, chile relleno, tamale or flautas. Participants must have one of the following forms of ID: U.S. Uniformed Services Identification Card; U.S. Uniform Services Retired Identification Card; Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES); Veterans Organization Card (i.e. American Legion and VFW; DD214 Certificate; Veteran Identification Card (VIC); photograph in U.S. uniform or wearing U.S. uniform. Find your nearest location here.

Chili’s – Free entree to veterans and active military on Saturday, Nov. 11 at participating Chili’s restaurants.

Chuck E. Cheese’s –On Veteran's Day, Nov. 11, the restaurant chain is offering one free personal, one-topping pizza to military and veterans with valid military ID or proof of military service. Promo code #5500. Details here.

Claim Jumper – A free meal for veterans is offered Monday, Nov. 13 that such options as chicken pot pie, a turkey sandwich, BBQ chicken salad, a cheeseburger, meatloaf and mashed potatoes, coconut or grilled shrimp, country fried steak or chicken pasta. Veterans must show official verification of their service. Details here. Locations here.

Dunkin’ Donuts – Free donut for veterans and active-duty military on Nov. 11. Show military ID. No purchase necessary and while supplies last.

Famous Dave’s –On Saturday, Nov. 11 former and current military are offered a free "Two Meat Salute," a choice of two meats served with one side and a corn bread muffin. Dine-in only with valid photo identification and proof of military service. Famous Dave's locations include Alameda, Hayward, San Jose, Gilroy, Redlands, Rancho Cucamonga, Irvine, Oxnard and Santa Ana.

Golden Corral – On Monday, Nov. 13, veterans and active-duty get a free thank-you dinner from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. as part of Golden Corral’s Military Appreciation Night. Golden Corral restaurants have served more than 5.1 million free 'thank you' meals to military heroes over the past 16 years. There are 18 locations in California: Find your nearest one here.

Hello Betty Fish House – The popular eatery in Oceanside is offering a 20 percent discount on food and beverages (excluding alcohol) today, Friday, Nov. 10. and Saturday, Nov. 11, for all members of the military. Simply present your military ID to your server! More about Hello Betty Fish House here.

Hof’s Hut Restaurant and Bakery– Throughout the month of November, U.S. active duty and veterans receive 20 percent off at the restaurants. Excludes Thanksgiving Day, alcohol and catering. Locations include Los Altos, Los Alamitos and Torrance.

Hooters – Free Meal for Veterans and Active Duty on Nov. 11 The Veterans Day menu includes the following items (choose one with beverage purchase): 10-Piece Traditional Wings; 10-Piece Boneless Wings; Buffalo Chicken Sandwich; Buffalo Chicken Salad or a Hooters Burger. The dine-in only offer is valid for all military members – retired and active – with proof of military service.

IHOP – Free order of "Red, White & Blue Pancakes" for retired and active-duty military personnel today, Friday Nov. 10, until 7 p.m. at participating IHOP locations. Veterans and active-duty military mus show proof of military service, including: U.S. Uniformed Services ID Card, U.S. Uniformed Services Retired ID Card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), veterans organization card (e.g., American Legion, VFW, etc.), photograph of self in U.S. military uniform, wearing uniform, DD214, military dog tags, and citation or commendation.

Joe’s Crab Shack – Print your coupon for a free appetizer on Veterans Day Nov 11 with purchase of an adult entree. Must print or show the coupon along with military ID. Joe's has one location in Sacramento, and six locales in Southern California. Find restaurants here.

Krispy Kreme – Free donut and small coffee for veterans and active-duty military on Nov. 11. No purchase required.

Little Caesars – Free lunch combo on Nov. 11 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Includes four slices of deep-dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi product. Must show proof of service. Order must be placed before 2 p.m.

Logan’s Roadhouse – Free meal for veterans and active-duty military on Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.Choose any American Roadhouse Meal. Cannot be combined with any other offers (including the 10% military discount). Military ID required. Participating locations are in Fontana, Bakersfield, Fresno, Elk Grove, Sacramento, Chico and Redding. See list here.

Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar B Que – Twenty percent off entire month of November for Military Families Month, plus free dessert on Veterans Day for veterans and active-duty military. Show military ID or proof of service. Excludes Thanksgiving Day, alcohol and catering. See locations here.

Macaroni Grill – Free Mom’s Ricotta Meatballs & Spaghetti for veterans and active duty Nov. 11 with military ID.

Menchie’s – Free 6-ounce frozen yogurt for veterans and active-duty military Nov. 11. Military ID required. "We are thankful to all those who have served. On Saturday, Nov. 11, Veterans receive their 1st 6 ounces of froyo FREE!," the company said on Facebook.

Mimi’s Cafe – Free entree for veterans and active-duty military on Nov. 11. The free entree can be ordered from a special menu with purchase of beverage and proof of service. For a full list of Mimi's locales, click here.

Olive Garden –Free entree from a special menu to active-duty military and military veterans on Nov. 11. Entrees are served with unlimited homemade soup or house salad and breadsticks.

On the Border – Veterans with proof of military ID or service receive a free create your own combo entrée (choose 2 or choose 3 option). Valid Saturday, Nov. 11. Dine-in only, beverage not included, and not valid with any other offer or promotion. Offer may vary by market. At participating On The Border locations.

Outback Steakhouse – Free Bloomin’ Onion and beverage to guests with a military ID on Nov. 11. Military discount of 20 percent off total from Nov. 12 to Nov. 16 with valid military ID.

Panera Bread – Free breakfast sandwich at participating locations on Nov. 11. Available until 10 a.m. Show military ID. Not all locations are participating, so call in advance.

Red Lobster – Free appetizer or dessert on Nov. 11 for veterans, active duty and reservists with valid military IDs or proof of service. See the menu offerings here.

Red Robin – Free Red’s Tavern Double Burger and Bottomless Fries for veterans and active-duty military dining in on Nov. 11. No purchase necessary. Show proof of service.

Ruby’s Diner – One free adult entree for guests who present a valid military ID on Nov. 11. Valid for breakfast, lunch or dinner. See full details and menu. Ruby's Diners are located throughout Southern California.

Sizzler –Until 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11, guests with proof of military service can enjoy a six-ounce tri-tip sirloin steak, Malibu chicken or six jumbo crispy shrimp with a choice of side dish and beverage at participating locations. Proof of service includes a U.S. military-issue or veterans group identification card, appearance in uniform or a photo of the person in uniform. Dine-in only. Details here.

Texas Roadhouse – Free lunch on Saturday, Nov. 11 for active, former or retired military from a special Veterans Day Menu. Lunch includes choice of iced tea, sweet tea, soft drink or coffee. Present Military ID card, Veterans Affairs card or discharge papers. Dine-in only. Find your closest location here.

TGI Fridays – Free lunch-menu item up to $12 for those who have served. "Big Ribs For Big Heroes" runs Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and includes the Big Ribs entree in the half-rack portion. Military guests will also receive a $5 coupon for future use. Dine-in only.

Wienerschnitzel –Free chili dog, small fries and a small Pepsi to all veterans and active-duty military on Saturday, Nov. 11.

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