22 Veterans Day Specials La Mesa Military, Vets Can Get

LA MESA, CA —As a Veterans Day 2022 tribute to U.S. active-duty military members and veterans, restaurants in La Mesa and across San Diego County are offering freebies and dining discount deals.

Veterans Day, a day to honor current and former military members, is Friday. Patch has gathered these local deals for veterans and a full list of California restaurants giving back to veterans beyond the San Diego region.

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.

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.

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

APPLEBEE'S: Continuing its 15-year, Veterans Day tradition, the chain offers active-duty military, veterans, reserves and National Guard a free full-size entrée from an exclusive menu Friday. 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; and Three-Cheese Chicken Penne. Info. Location finder.

BJ'S RESTAURANT & BREWHOUSE: A free meal, plus complimentary Dr. Pepper beverage, is offered to current and former military with valid military ID on Friday. Meal from select menu includes Bacon-Guacamole Deluxe Burger, Deep Dish Ziti, Jumbo Spaghetti and 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.

BLACK ANGUS STEAKHOUSE: Current and past military can enjoy a free meal on Veterans Day. The dine-in offer from 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. features a 6-ounce top sirloin steak, mashed potatoes and broccoli for those with photo ID verifying military service. It is dine-in only, not available to-go. And do note, throughout the year, the steakhouse offers 15 percent discount to all servicemen and women. Find locations statewide.

BUCA DI BEPPO: Veterans and active-duty military receive complimentary lunch-size entrée all day Friday. Valid ID for active military or veteran status required. Find locations throughout California.

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

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

CLAIM JUMPER STEAKHOUSE & BAR: The tradition to celebrate vets and active-duty military with a free dine-in meal on Veterans Day continues Friday. Meal options include BBQ chicken salad, classic cheeseburger, Black Tie Pasta, meatloaf and mashed potatoes, grilled shrimp, country fried steak or southern fried chicken. Verification ID required. Locations: La Mesa and San Diego.

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

DENNY'S: Veterans and active military can score a free "Build Your Own Grand Slam" Friday from 5 a.m. - 12 p.m. at participating locations. Valid military ID or DD 214 required. Offer details here.

DICKEY'S BARBECUE PIT: On Veterans Day on Friday, the BBQ chain is giving away a free Pulled Pork Sandwich all day to military vets and active-duty military in-store for carryout, in the Dickey’s app, or online at Dickeys.com using code VETFREE. Limit one per customer. Details. California location finder here.

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

EL TORITO: On Fridat, 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 and sweet corn cake. Locations statewide. See website.

FARMER BOYS: On Friday, veterans and active-duty military can receive a free Big Cheese, a ¼ lb beef patty with cheese, lettuce, tomato, dill pickles, yellow onion and house-made thousand island dressing on a toasted bun. At participating locations. Proof of service required. Follow this link for info and participating sites.

FOGO DE CHAO: The churrasco-style Brazilian restaurant is honoring veterans and active-duty military on Veterans Day with 50 percent off food, plus 10 percent off food for up to three guests. Fire-roasted meats, carved tableside by gaucho chefs, along with seafood, salads and desserts are on the menu. Bring military ID. Reservations here. Location: San Diego

IHOP: Red, White, and Blueberry Pancakes are free for veterans and active-duty military from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday. Dine-in only, one order per guest and military ID or proof of service required. Details. Confirm participation with your local IHOP. Location finder here.

LITTLE CAESARS: As part of 16-year tradition of honoring U.S. military men and women, a Veterans Day freebie — a HOT-N-READY Lunch Combo — is offered from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Friday at participating shops. Vets and active-duty military can receive four slices of Detroit-style, Deep Dish pizza and 20-ounce Pepsi product. No coupon required, but proof of service (such as ID card with veteran designation, DD-214 form or current military-issued ID card) is needed. Website.

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE: Service members and veterans, plus medical workers, police and first responders, get 10 percent off their checks as part of Heroes Discount program. Valid ID required. The promo applies Friday and all day, every day. Details. Location finder here.

RED LOBSTER: An upcoming special on Veterans Day, Friday, allows vets, active-duty military and reservists, with military ID or proof of service, a free Walt's Favorite Shrimp, fries and coleslaw for dine-in or takeout from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Location finder here. Restaurant website.

RED ROBIN: A free Red's Tavern Double burger and Bottomless Steak Fries await veterans and active-duty military Friday at participating restaurants. The offer is for dine-in only. Proof of service required. Details. Find eateries here.

SMASHBURGER: Service members and veterans can enjoy a free burger or sandwich Friday, but only at participating locations. Promo is in-store and valid military ID required. See list here for participating sites in California.

WENDY'S: On Veterans Day from 6:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., veterans and active-duty military 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.