Where Vets & Military Can Eat Free On Veterans Day 2020

CALIFORNIA — Veterans Day 2020 falls on Wednesday, Nov. 11, and many California restaurants are offering free meals and other discounts to thank vets and current military members for their service.

Proof of service or military ID generally are required for such specials as free dinners, doughnuts, pizzas, pie, wings, frozen yogurt, burgers, barbeque, tacos, tamales, "Grand Slams" and more.

Peruse the details from Patch's annual Veterans Day restaurant guide as restrictions may apply.

And thanks and gratitude, from Patch, to all retired and active duty for serving the U.S.

NOTE: Before heading out, confirm your local outlets are participating in the offers.

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ACAPULCO: On Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, the Mexican chain invites veterans and active military, with ID, to enjoy a complimentary, three-item combination plate. Options include tacos, enchiladas or such classics as chicken tamales, chile rellenos or chicken taquitos. Meals include rice, refried beans or fresh vegetables. Restaurant finder here.

APPLEBEE'S: Vets and active duty with proof of service are entitled to a free meal on Veterans Day 2020 as part of the chain's decade-plus-long tradition. Offer is good at participating locales, and menu options may vary. Find restaurants near you.

BJ'S RESTAURANTS & BREWHOUSE: Current and former military are invited to enjoy a free entree, up to $14.95, and soda on Nov. 11. Offer not valid for takeout or delivery. Details. See locations.

BLACK ANGUS: On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, vets and military can order the All-American Steak Plate for $10.99 — featuring an 8-ounce sirloin, mashed potatoes, broccoli and a non-alcoholic beverage. The offer is good from open to close, for on-site dining or takeaway (order online) and with a valid military ID or proof of service. Location finder here.

BUBBA GUMP SHRIMP CO.: On Nov. 11, military and their families get 20% off meals, up to parties of four. Details and restrictions listed here. Locations here.

BUFFALO WILD WINGS: To honor those who serve, armed forces and military on Veterans Day will be offered "Wings for Heroes," a free order of 10 boneless wings and fries as thanks. Deal requires valid proof of service and is for dine-in and carry-out only. Info here. Find restaurants here.

CALI CREAM: Veterans and service members, with valid military ID, can receive a free ice cream dish or cake cone all day Nov. 11 at both Cali Cream locations: 90 N. Coast Hwy. in Encinitas; or 425 Market St. in San Diego's Gaslamp.

CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN: Veterans and active duty will be treated to a free entree on Wednesday when showing ID. A special menu includes entree options of salads, pizzas and pastas, plus a complimentary beverage. Details.

CHEVYS FRESH MEX: Veterans and current military, with ID, can enjoy a complimentary, three-item combination plate all day Nov. 11. The meal includes rice, sweet corn tamalito and beans. Combo options: enchiladas; tacos; pork tamale; crispy chicken flautas; or chile relleno. Location finder here.

CHILI'S: All veterans & active military can get a free meal on Veterans Day, Nov. 11 at participating eateries. Options are: Chicken Crispers; Margarita Grilled Chicken; Bowl of Chili or Soup & Salad; Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas; Just Bacon Burger; Oldtimer with Cheese; or Cajun Chicken Pasta. The offer states for "in-restaurant only," so check with your local Chili's to see if deal extends to takeout.

COCO'S BAKERY RESTAURANTS: Wednesdays are "Free Pie" days at the chain. A free pie slice can be ordered wth any entree or family-meal purchase with code FREE PIE. Details here. Location finder here.

DENNY'S: Active and retired military, with valid military ID or DD214, can receive a free "Build Your Own Grand Slam" from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Veterans Day. Hours may vary by location, and the offer is posted for dine-in only. Find your local Denny's, and confirm participation.

DICKEY'S BARBECUE PIT: Those with military ID or proof of service can receive a free Pulled Pork Classic Sandwich on Nov. 11. And in another promotion running through Nov. 15, guests, who order through dickeys.com or the Dickey’s App, can add one, five or 10 sandwiches to be delivered to local veteran organizations. Info here. California outlets here.

DUNKIN': Participating locations are giving all service members and vets a free donut of their choice, no purchase necessary, on Wednesday. Details.

EL TORITO: Veterans and current military, with ID, can enjoy a complimentary, three-item combination plate all day Nov. 11. Diners can choose three items: tacos – Chicken Machaca Crispy Taco, Beef Barbacoa Crispy Taco; enchiladas – Cheese, Beef Barbacoa, Chicken Machaca; or classics – Chicken Tamale, Chile Relleno, Crispy Chicken Flautas. Locales here.

FAMOUS DAVE'S: All day on Nov. 11, military and veterans, with ID, can receive a free Georgia Chopped Pork Sandwich plus side dish. The offer is valid at participating restaurants for dine-in, to-go and via online ordering using code VETERAN at checkout. Info here. California locales here.

FARMER BOYS: Local veterans and active duty military can score a free "Big Cheese" Wednesday, Nov. 11. at all participating locations. The promo is good for drive-thru, carryout and phone orders. Military personnel must mention the offer and show proof of service when ordering. Find locales here.

FRESH BROTHERS: Veterans and active-duty service members get 20 percent off their order with proof of service. Valid for pick-up, walk-up, and dine-in only. Locations are in Orange County, San Diego and in Greater Los Angeles.

GOLDEN CORRAL: The chain's 20-year traditional tribute will look different this year as the restaurant will celebrate active duty and veterans by handing out free meal and beverage cards through Nov. 30, while supplies last. The cards then can be redeemed for a lunch or dinner Monday through Thursday through May 31. Info here. Find restaurants here.

HOPDODDY BURGER BAR: On Wednesday, Nov. 11, Hopdoddy is offering a free Classic Burger, with or without cheese, to veterans and active servicemembers with ID or in uniform. The deal is redeemable for on-site dining or to-go orders placed by phone. Click here to find California locations.

JUICE IT UP!: On Nov. 11, vets and active duty with ID can receive a complimentary 20-ounce (medium) Classic Smoothie from the menu. Info. Location finder.

LITTLE CAESARS: On Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., vets and active members can order a free "Lunch Combo," which features four slices of Detroit-style DEEP!DEEP!™ Dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi product. Valid ID must be shown, and only at participating locales while supplis last. Confirm with your nearest store. Details here.

LUCILLE'S SMOKEHOUSE BAR-B-QUE: Active duty and veterans simply show proof of service for a free Original Pulled Pork Sandwich and one side on Veterans Day. And throughout November, patrons can support its Operation Homefront by rounding up their billss to the nearest dollar and donating the change to provide meals for veterans and their families. Details here. Locations here.

LUNA GRILL: Vets and active military can receive a special BOGO offer from Nov. 11-Nov. 13 with valid ID. Buy one signature plate, wrap or salad, and get one free. Info here. Find your nearby Luna in Southern California.

MACARONI GRILL: Veterans and active military receive a free Mom's Ricotta Meatballs + Spaghetti with military ID. Info here. Restaurant finder here.

MENCHIE'S: A free 6-ounce frozen yogurt on Nov. 11 will be given to service men/women and retired military with proof of service. Find your nearest location to check for shop participation.

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE: Servicemembers, plus police and first responders, get 10% off their checks all day as part of Operation Homefront Heroes Discount program. Location finder here.

PUNCH BOWL SOCIAL: The San Diego locale, at 1485 E St., is offering one hour of free activities from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. for veterans and active duty with military ID or proof of service. Activities include bowling, ping pong and arcade games.

RED LOBSTER: On Wednesday, Nov. 11, diners with valid military ID or proof of service will receive a free appetizer or dessert. Appetizer options include: Lobster and Langostino Pizza; Seafood-Stuffed Mushrooms; Parrot Isle Jumbo Coconut Shrimp; Langostino Lobster-Artichoke-and-Seafood Dip; Crab-Stuffed Shrimp Rangoon; Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail; or Mozzarella Cheesesticks. Dessert choices: Chocolate Wave; Vanilla Bean Cheesecake; Warm Apple Crostada; or Key Lime Pie. Info. Locations here.

RED ROBIN: The eatery this year is spreading the Veterans Day deal over two-plus weeks. Vets and active duty, who are Red Robin Royalty members, can redeem a free Tavern Double Burger with Steak Fries any time between Nov. 12 and Nov. 30 for dine-in or takeout. The offer will be automatically uploaded to the dashboard. Info here. Find nearby restaurants here.

SAJJ MEDITERRANEAN: At the 10 SAJJ locations throughout California, vets and active duty, who present ID on Veterans Day, will be offered one free entree from the single-dish menu of Build-Your-Own, Traditional Way, Lifestyle Bowls, Classic Mediterranean Salad or SAJJ Plates. Find locales here.

SHARI'S: On Nov. 11, veterans, with valid ID, can get a free meal and slice of pie with purchase of another entree. The offer is for dine-in or take-out. Info. Restaurant list here.

TCBY: Vets get a free, first six ounces of frozen yogurt at participating locations only. Proof of service may be required, so make sure to call ahead to find out whether your nearest TCBY is participating. Location finder here.

TEXAS DE BRAZIL: A 20%-off "Heroes Discount" is available for lunch or dinner service to military and veterans with ID. The offer is valid for up to four people per table/reservation. Info here. Location finder here.

THE PALM: Military with ID can receive 20% off for up to a party of four. Valid for dine-in only on Nov. 11, and alcoholic beverages are not included. See details. Restaurants in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles.

WIENERSCHNITZEL: Active and retired service members, with ID or in uniform, receive one free original Chili Dog, small fries and small Pepsi. Cheese is extra, and offer not valid with other discounts. Participating locales only, so find one near you, and call to confirm.

ZIGGI'S COFFEE: Participating locales will thank vets and active duty on Veterans Day with a free 16-ounce drink. Details here. Valid ID or proof of service required. Locations in Chula Vista and Mission Viejo.

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