Veterans Day Deals: Military Personnel Eat Free At These MA Restaurants

MASSACHUSETTS — Restaurants, coffee shops and other businesses across the country are thanking veterans and active-duty military personnel for their service with special Veterans Day discounts, freebies and deals. Veterans Day, which is always observed on Nov. 11, falls on Tuesday this year.

A military ID or proof of veteran status is required to claim the offers. Deals are good on Veterans Day unless otherwise noted. As always, it’s a good idea to call ahead to make sure local franchises are participating.

Before we get into the list of freebies, there are some local spots also set to honor veterans this year.

On Nov. 12, The Dark Bar at Boston Harbor Hotel hosts a one-night Regimental Whiskey Takeover featuring a limited cocktail menu, chef pairings by Executive Chef David Daniels, and a charitable giveback to the American Heritage Museum.

Applebee’s: All active-duty military, veterans, reserves and National Guard members get a free, full-sized entrée from an exclusive menu. Dine-in customers in this group get a $5 gift card good for three weeks and redeemable on their next dine-in, to-go, or delivery order.

Buffalo Wild Wings: Military personnel and veterans get 10 free Boneless wings and Fries with a valid ID; good for dine-in and walk-in customers at participating locations.

California Pizza Kitchen: All veterans and active-duty military can choose one entrée from a special Veterans Day menu (dine-in only).

Chili’s: Veterans and active military members who dine in get a free meal from a select menu.

Cracker Barrel: Veterans get a free sunrise pancake special while supplies last (dine-in customers only, proof of military service is required).

Denny’s: Active and retired military personnel can get a free Original Grand Slam breakfast from 5 a.m. to noon local time at participating locations nationwide.

Golden Corral: From 4 p.m. to close, the buffet restaurant will offer active and former military members with a free meal.

Hooters: Active and retired military can choose one free meal from a special menu.

IHOP: Vets get a free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo served with eggs, hash browns and a choice of meat.

McCormick & Schmick’s: Veterans of the U.S. military, National Guard, Gold Star parents, Gold Star spouses and active military can choose a half-priced entrée on Sunday, Nov. 9.

Ninety Nine Restaurant + Pub: Veterans and active-duty military get a free lunch entrée with the purchase of an adult entrée on Veterans Day, available from opening until 4 p.m. They will also receive a $5 reward card for their next visit.

O’Charley’s: Veterans and active-duty military get a free entrée from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on both Nov. 10 and Nov. 11, as well as a $5 reward card for their next visit.

Outback Steakhouse: On Nov. 10 and 11, Outback is offering a free Aussie 3-Course Meal with valid military ID when dining in (select entrées only).

Pilot: Veterans, military personnel and their families who are authenticated with ID.me in the Pilot app get a choice of a free breakfast sandwich and coffee or lunch item and fountain drink.

Raising Cane's: Eligible guests—including active or nonactive military, fire, police and EMTs, as well as their families—can enjoy 10% off their entire purchase. This offer is available for dine-in and Drive-Thru orders at all Raising Cane’s locations.

Red Robin: Veterans and military members get a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger (dine-in only).

Smoothie King: Active-duty military and veterans can claim a free 20-ounce smoothie at participating locations nationwide. The offer is available from 12-3 p.m.

Starbucks: On Veterans Day, veterans, military service members and military spouses can enjoy a free tall brewed coffee (hot or iced) (café and drive-thru orders only).

STK: For Veteran's Day (11/11) this year at all brands (STK Steakhouse, Kona Grill, Benihana & RA Sushi), veterans and active military will receive a complimentary entree. Up to $69 for STK, $59 for Benihana and $49 for Kona and RA. Valid towards food purchase only, alcohol excluded – one-time use – cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion (including happy hour) – no cash value – excludes tax and gratuity. Valid ID required.

Texas Roadhouse: Free meals are offered to veterans and active military members at restaurants across the country.

White Castle: All veterans and active-duty service members who dine at a participating White Castle restaurant can claim a free individual combo meal or a breakfast combo meal.
Sources for this report included Patch emails, restaurant websites and the American Legion.