Veterans Day 2023 Freebies And Deals In MN

MINNESOTA — As has become traditional on Veterans Day, several Minnesota 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 Minnesota 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).

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).

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).

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.

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).

Menichie’s Frozen Yogurt: Veterans and active-duty military get their first 6 ounces of Froyo free on Nov. 11.

Outback Steakhouse: Active-duty military and veterans get a free Bloomin’ Onion and beverage with the purchase of an adult entrée on Nov. 11 (dine-in only).

Red Lobster: Veterans, active-duty military and reservists get free printed meal vouchers for Veterans Shrimp & Chips from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Nov. 11.The voucher can be redeemed Nov. 13-Dec. 10 (dine-in only).

Red Robin: Veterans and active-duty military get a complimentary Red's Big Tavern Burger with an endless side of steak fries on Nov. 11 (dine-in only).

Starbucks: Veterans, active-duty military personnel and their spouses get a free 12-ounce hot or or cold brewed coffee on Nov. 11.

White Castle: Veterans and active-duty military get a free individual combo meal or a breakfast combo meal on Nov. 11 (dine-in only).

Discounts On Eats

McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants: Veterans, National Guard, Gold Star Parents, and Gold Star Spouses can enjoy a select half-priced entrée on Nov. 12 (dine-in only).

Military.com has more specifics about each of the deals and is updating its site daily as more eateries confirm their 2023 Veterans Day plans.