Vets, Military Personnel Eat Free For Veterans Day At 19 IL Eateries

ILLINOIS — As has become traditional on Veterans Day, several Illinois restaurants are offering free deals and discounts to veterans and members of the military.

Veterans Day is always Nov. 11, which falls on a Saturday this year. Some of the deals start before or extend beyond the actual holiday.

Replacing the former Armistice Day, which commemorated the end of World War I, Veterans Day became an official holiday in 1954 to thank and honor all of those who have served honorably in the military, whether in wartime or peacetime.

In most cases, the deals are extended beyond veterans to active members of the military and to their spouses and families in some cases. Most require some type of proof of military service, such as a military ID card or a Veterans Administration benefits card.

As curated from Military.com, a news and resource website for members of the military and veterans, deals in Illinois include:

Eat For Free

Applebee’s: Active-duty military, veterans, reserves and National Guard get a complimentary full-size entrée from a special menu and other perks on Nov. 11 (dine-in only).

Bar Louie: Active-duty military and veterans get a free Craft Burger on Nov. 11 (dine-in only).

Bob Evans: Veterans and active-duty military get a free meal from a select menu on Nov. 11 (dine-in only).

Bonefish Grill: Active-duty service members and veterans get a complimentary order of Bang Bang Shrimp with a soft beverage on Nov. 11

Buffalo Wild Wings: Veterans and active-duty service members get a free order of 10 Boneless Wings and Fries on Nov. 11 with a valid ID. (Dine-in only, except at “go” locations, which will recognize the deals on walk-in orders placed at the counter).

California Pizza Kitchen: Veterans and active-duty military members get a complimentary meal on Nov. 11.

Caribou Coffee: Veterans, active-duty military members, and their spouses a small coffee of the day or cold press on Nov. 11.

Carrabba’s Italian Grill: Veterans and active-duty military get a complimentary dine-in appetizer or dessert paired with a soft drink on Nov. 11.

Casey’s General Stores: Any size complimentary coffee or fountain drink to all veterans on Nov. 11.

Chili’s: Veterans and active-duty service members get a free meal from a select menu on Nov. 11 (dine-in only).

Dave & Buster’s: Veterans get a free entree (up to $20) and a free $10 Power Card on Nov. 11.

Denny’s: All active and retired military personnel get a free Original Grand Slam from 5 a.m. to noon Friday, Nov. 10 (dine-in only).

Dunkin’: Veterans and active-duty military get a free doughnut of their choice on Nov. 11 (in-store only).

Einstein Bros. Bagels: Veterans and active-duty military get a free hot or iced coffee (any size) with an in-store purchase on Nov. 11.

Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers: Veterans and active-duty military personnel who visit the store on Nov. 11 get a free Freddy’s Original Double with Cheese combo meal card that can be redeemed through Nov. 30.

Golden Corral: The chain is offering a free meal to dine-in customers on Military Appreciation night from 5 p.m. to

Hooters Restaurants: Active-duty military and veterans get a free entrée from a special menu with the purchase of a beverage on Nov. 11 (dine-in only).

IHOP: Veterans and active-duty military get free Red, White, & Blueberry Pancakes or Pancake Combo from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. on Nov. 11 (dine-in only).

Logan’s Roadhouse: Veterans and active-duty military personnel get a free meal from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Nov. 11 (dine-in only).

Starbucks: Veterans and active-duty military and military spouses will receive a free tall (12-ounce) hot or cold-brewed coffee.