Veterans Eat Free At These Businesses In Illinois

ILLINOIS — Restaurants, coffeehouses and eateries of across the nation have come up with all kinds of Veterans Day specials — free or discounted meals, drinks and treats — for veterans, retired and active duty military personnel and, in some cases, first responders to thank them for their service. There are multiple deals in Illinois.

Veterans Day is Sunday, Nov. 11, but the holiday is observed on Monday, Nov. 12. Some of the special deals are already in place. In most cases, proof of military service is required.

Here are some of the deals to be had in Illinois:

Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar, which has locations across the country, will receive a full-sized entree from an exclusive menu on Sunday, Nov. 11.

Baker’s Square, which has multiple locations in Illinois and one in Iowa, is offering a free breakfast of buttermilk pancakes, French toast or a Belgian waffle for veterans and active duty military personnel on Sunday, Nov. 11. Proof of military service is required.

Bob Evans restaurants are offering free breakfast, lunch or dinner items on Sunday Nov. 11 for active duty military, retirees and veterans with ID or proof of service.

Bonefish Grill, another national chain with locations in nearly three dozen states, is giving active and retired service members a free Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer on Sunday, Nov. 11. A valid military ID is required.

Boston Market’s deal is good at all U.S. locations on both Sunday and Monday, Nov. 11-12. When customers buy one individual meal, they’ll get a second one free. A military ID isn’t required, but customers need to download a coupon at bostonmarket.com ahead of time.

Buffalo Wild Wings is offering a free order of traditional or boneless wings and a side of fries to veterans and current members of the military on Sunday Nov. 11. Proof of military service is required.

California Pizza Kitchen is offering a complimentary pizza from a special menu to veterans and active duty military members on Sunday, Nov. 11. Those taking advantage of the offer will also receive a card for a buy one, get one free offer on pizza, pasta or salad Nov. 12-18.

Chili’s is offering a free meal for veterans at participating locations on Sunday, Nov. 11. Proof of military service is required.

Chipotle has a buy one, get one free deal on a burrito, bowl, salad or order of tacos for veterans, retired and active duty military personnel, and military spouses with proof of military service or a valid military ID on Sunday, Nov. 11.

Cicis Pizza, which has 440 restaurants in 32 states, will offer a free buffet with proof of active military service on Sunday, Nov. 11.

City Barbeque is offering a free sandwich platter to veterans and military members on Sunday, Nov. 11. Proof of military service is required.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is giving veterans a choice between a slice of its Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake or one of its crafted coffee beverages on Sunday, Nov. 11.

Dunkin’ Donuts is offering a free doughnut to veterans and active duty military personnel at participating restaurants nationwide on Sunday, Nov. 11.

Famous Dave’s is offering a free two-meat combo with a choice of side and cornbread muffin to veterans and current military personnel on Sunday and Monday, Nov. 11-12. Proof of military service is required. Call ahead to verify participation.

Golden Corral, which operates in 41 states, will serve free dinner buffets with a beverage from 5-9 p.m., on Monday, Nov. 12, to any person who is serving or has served in a United States military branch, including the National Guard and Reserves. Identification is not required.

Hooters is offering all veterans and active-duty military personnel with a free entree from a special Veterans Day menu with the purchase of a beverage on Sunday, Nov. 11. Guests must present a military ID or proof of service.

Houlihan's Restaurants are offering America’s veterans and active-duty military on Veterans Day, Sunday, November 11, 2018 with a complimentary entrée.

IHOP is offering free red, white, and blue pancakes with blueberries, strawberries, and whipped cream to veterans and current servicemen and women from 7 am. to 7 p.m. Veterans Day, Nov. 11. Active duty servicemen and women and veterans must show proof of service.

Joe’s Crab Shack, which has almost two dozen restaurants across the country, is offering 20 percent off to veterans and military members with a valid military ID or proof of service on Sunday, Nov. 11.

Little Caesars Pizza, which has locations nationwide, is offering a free pizza or $5 lunch combinations to all veterans and active military members from 11 a.m-2 p.m. on Nov. 11. Proof of military service is required. Call ahead to verify participation.

Olive Garden, which has restaurants nationwide, is offering veterans and active duty military personnel a free entree from a special menu on Sunday, Nov. 11. Proof of military service is required.

Red Lobster Seafood Restaurants is offering a free appetizer or dessert to veterans, active-duty military and reservists with a valid military ID on Sunday and Monday, Nov. 11-12.

Red Robin offers a Red’s Tavern Double Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries to veterans and active-duty personnel who show proof of service on Sunday, Nov. 11.

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery is offering free meals to veterans from Nov. 10-12. The restaurant is also brewing a limited edition Veterans Day IPA and will donate 25 cents of each pint sold from Nov. 10-17 to a local veterans charity.

Starbucks is offering veterans and a free 12-ounce coffee to veterans, active duty military personnel and their spouses on Sunday, Nov. 11, with proof of military service.

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