13 Veterans Day Specials Around Calabasas

CALABASAS, CA — As a Veterans Day 2022 tribute to U.S. vets and current military, restaurants throughout the San Fernando Valley are offering freebies and dining discount deals.

Veterans Day, a day to honor former military and active duty, is Friday, Nov. 11.

The holiday originated in 1919 as Armistice Day to mark the one-year anniversary of the end of World War I. The date of Nov. 11 is significant because fighting between Allied nations and Germany ceased on the 11th hour of the 11th day in the 11th month in 1918, according to the American Legion Auxiliary.

In 1954, U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower changed the name to Veterans Day. And not to be confused with Memorial Day, Veterans Day pays tribute to all veterans — those who have served and are currently serving, along with those who have passed.

Peruse our annual Veterans Day dining guide, and scroll through the images above, to find deals near you. Don't forget your military ID or proof of service to redeem the eatery offers.

And to all former and active duty servicemen and women, thank you from Patch!

If you know of other restaurants in your neighborhood offering Veterans Day specials, share with readers in the comment section.

APPLEBEE'S: Continuing its 15-year, Veterans Day tradition, the chain offers active duty military, veterans, reserves & National Guard a free full-size entrée from an exclusive menu Friday, Nov. 11. These special guests also receive $5 Bounce Back Card to redeem for dine-in, to-go or delivery. Meal options include: 6-ounce sirloin; Double Crunch Shrimp; Fiesta Lime Chicken; chicken tenders; bacon cheeseburger; Oriental chicken salad; & Three-Cheese Chicken Penne. Info. Location finder.

BAR LOUIE: Cocktail for a Cause special running through Jan. 3, the Blood Orange Snow Bird, supports Folds of Honor. For every Blood Orange Snow Bird sold — up to 10,000 cocktails — Bar Louie will donate $1 to the national non-profit that provides educational scholarships to family members of fallen & injured military veterans. The drink features Espolón Reposado, Aperol, vanilla syrup, Monin Blood Orange, pineapple juice, lime & dehydrated blood orange slice garnish. Find more info here. Locations at Northridge Fashion Center, District in Tustin & Promenade at Downey.

BJ'S RESTAURANT & BREWHOUSE: A free meal, plus complimentary Dr Pepper beverage, is offered to current & former military with valid military ID on Friday, Nov. 11. Meal from select menu includes Bacon-Guacamole Deluxe Burger, Deep Dish Ziti, Jumbo Spaghetti & Meatballs, Parmesan-Crusted Chicken, Grilled Chicken Alfredo, EnLIGHTened Mediterranean Chicken Pita Tacos, BJ’s Classic Crispy Chicken Sandwich & more. Available for dine-in only. Find BJ’s locations statewide.

CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN: On Friday, Nov. 11, veterans & active military are invited for a complimentary non-alcoholic beverage & entree from prix-fixe menu with salads, pizza & pasta. Upsells & additions may not be included, and not valid at franchise locations in stadium, university & airport locations. Bring valid ID. Details here. Restaurant finder here.

CHILI'S: Veterans & active military can get a free meal Nov. 11 at participating restaurants. Available in-restaurant only. Menu choices: soup & salad; chicken bacon ranch quesadillas; Oldtimer with Cheese; or six boneless wings. Check participation with your nearby California locations. See offer details.

CORNER BAKERY: Active & former military members can enjoy 20% off their orders Veterans Day, Nov. 11. Among dining options are paninis, pastas, breakfast meals & more. Don't forget military ID. Find locations throughout California.

DUNKIN': Vets & military can get a free doughnut of choice on Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 11 at participating shops in California.

EL TORITO: On Nov. 11, veterans with valid ID can choose a free, three-item combo for lunch or dinner. Options include chicken machacha or beef barbacoa crispy tacos, cheese, beer barbacoa or chicken machacha enchiladas, chicken tamale, chile relleno or chicken flautas. Each combo plate includes refried beans, rice & sweet corn cake. Locations statewide. See website.

FOGO DE CHAO: The churrasco-style Brazilian restaurant is honoring veterans & active-duty on Veterans Day with 50% off food, plus 10% off food for up to three guests. Fire-roasted meats, carved tableside by gaucho chefs, along with seafood, salads & desserts are on the menu. Bring military ID. Reservations here. Locations: Beverly Hills; El Segundo; Irvine; Los Angeles; Pasadena; San Diego; San Francisco & San Jose.

LUCILLE'S SMOKEHOUSE BBQ: With military ID or proof of service, veterans & active duty can select one of four freebies: a pulled pork sandwich & side; southern fried chicken & two sides; pulled pork plate & side; or BBQ chicken salad. Details. Dine-in or takeout. Locations statewide.

MENCHIE'S: Veterans & active-duty military can receive their first six ounces of frozen yogurt free when presenting valid military ID or proof of service at stores across the Golden State on Veterans Day. Location finder here.

7-ELEVEN: On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, score a free Quarter-Pound Big Bite, all-beef hot dog. Available to military & veterans for one day only in-store & via delivery through 7NOW app. Don't forget ID and hot dogs can be customized with such condiments & toppings as hot chili, melted nacho cheese, onions, jalapeños & pico de gallo.

WENDY'S: On Veterans Day from 6:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., veterans and active duty are treated to free breakfast combo offer — Maple Bacon Chicken Croissant, Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit or Breakfast Baconator at participating locales. Valid military ID or Veterans Advantage card required. Check your local Wendy's.