Chow Time: Veterans Eat Free Saturday At These Local Restaurants

HOUSTON, TX — It's become customary for restaurants to give free meals on Veterans Day to those who selflessly served their country. The list seems to grow larger every year. Here is a list of places in the Greater Houston area who will give free or deeply-discounted meals to veterans on Saturday. Note: some of them require proof of service and some don't.

Applebee’s — A free meal to military veterans and active-duty service members, proof of service is required. There will be 8 entrées to choose from. Locations

Baker’s Square — Free breakfast choice of Buttermilk Pancakes, three pieces of French Toast, or a Belgian Waffle for veterans and active duty military members. Bring proof of military service.

Bonefish Grill — Free Bang Bang Shrimp from Bonefish Grill for veterans and active duty military. Valid military ID required, Dine-in only.

Buffalo Wild Wings — Free order of traditional or boneless wings and a side of fries to veterans and current military members. Dine-in only. Bring proof of military service. More info

California Pizza Kitchen — Choose a pizza, full size salad, or pasta from the special Veterans Day Menu. Dine-in only. Please come in uniform or bring your military I.D. or other proof of service. Locations

Cantina Laredo — Complimentary Entrée for all veterans & active military. More info

Cattlemens Steakhouse — Free 8 oz Sirloin Steak Dinner on Veterans Day. Call your local Cattlemen’s for details and to verify participation. Proof of service required. Locations

Chili’s — Free meal from a select menu. Dine-in only and participating locations only. Proof of military service required. (Please verify participation in advance; I have seen this on a flyer, but this is not published on the Chili’s website or FaceBook page). Locations

Chuck E. Cheese — One free personal 1-topping pizza to military veterans at all U.S. restaurants. Promo code #5500. More info

Cici’s Pizza — Free pizza buffet with Military ID. Locations

Cotton Patch Café — Free meal for current and former military members. Choices include full-size chicken fried steak, or chicken fried chicken. Proof of service required. Locations

Cracker Barrel — Complimentary slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola® Cake. More info

Dunkin’ Donuts — Free donut to Veterans and active duty military at participating restaurants nationwide. More info

El Chico — Free entrée up to $15. Locations

Famous Dave’s — Free 2 Meat Combo served with choice of side and corn bread muffin – for veterans and current military members. Bring proof of service. Participating locations only more details

Gatti’s Pizza — Veterans and active military members with ID will receive a free buffet, or a free medium 1-topping pizza for carryout. Locations

Hooters — Hooters invites all veterans and current servicemen and women to enjoy a free meal from a select menu. Requires drink purchase. Only valid at participating locations. Locations

Huddle House — FREE order of Sweet Cakes (Huddle House’s fluffy, platter-size pancakes available in eight different flavor and topping combinations) to all active military members and veterans with proper I.D. on Veterans Day at all Huddle House locations nationwide. Locations

Krispy Kreme — Free doughnut and small coffee available at participating Krispy Kreme stores. Offer available to all active-duty, retirees, & veterans. Be sure to call ahead to verify your local Krispy Kreme is participating.

Little Caesars Pizza — Free pizza or $5 HOT-N-READY Lunch Combo to all U.S. Armed Forces veterans and active military members between 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. with proof of military service at participating stores nationwide. Call ahead to verify participation. Locations.

Logan’s Roadhouse — Free entrée from select menu for veterans and active duty military personnel. Call your local Logan’s Roadhouse for details and to verify participation. Locations

LongHorn Steakhouse — Free appetizer or dessert (no purchase required, no restrictions). Additional 10% off for guests that dine with Veterans on November 11. Offer good for Veterans and active-duty military members. Proof of service required. More info

Olive Garden — Free entrée from a special menu. Entrées are served with unlimited soup or house salad and garlic breadsticks. Offer good for veterans and active duty military; proof of service required. Locations

On The Border — Veterans and current servicemembers will receive a free choose 2 or choose 3 “Create Your Own Combo”. Dine-in only, proof of service required. Locations

Outback Steakhouse — Outback Steakhouse is honoring America’s military veterans by offering active duty military and veterans a free Bloomin’ Onion and a non-alcoholic beverage. This offer is available to Military Personnel and veterans with ID. Also receive 15 purchase off your purchase from Nov. 12-Dec 31, 2017. Locations

Red Hot & Blue — Veterans and Active duty members – Free entrée with the purchase of two drinks and a second entrée of equal or greater value (up to a maximum value of $10). Proof of military service required. Coupon Required

Red Lobster — Free Appetizer or Dessert with military ID or proof of service. Vets may choose from a select list of appetizers and desserts. Locations

Red Robin — Free Red’s Tavern Double and Bottomless Steak Fries for all Red Robin guests with a military ID or proof of service. Locations

Romano’s Macaroni Grill — Free Mom’s Ricotta Meatballs & Spaghetti entrée for current and former military. Locations

Ruby Tuesday’s — Free appetizer (up to $10) at participating locations, proof of service required. Locations

Shoney’s — Free All You Care To Eat, freshly-prepared Breakfast Bar for veterans and active duty servicemembers. Dine-in only, from 6 – 11 a.m. Proof of Service required. Locations

Sizzler Restaurants — Free lunch served until 4 pm. Choice of three entrees, and a free coffee, tea, or fountain drink. Not valid for salad bar or gratuity. Valid with proof of military service. Dine-in only at participating locations. Locations

Texas Roadhouse — Free meal from special menu. Includes sides and a soft drink, coffee, or tea. Proof of service required. Dine-in only. Locations

Texas Steakhouse & Saloon — Complimentary meal and non-alcoholic beverage from select menu. More info.

T.G.I. Friday’s — Free lunch menu item up to $12 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. for all current military members and veterans. These guests will also receive a $5 coupon for their next meal at Fridays. Valid ID or proof of service required. Dine-on only at participating locations. Contact your local T.G.I.F. for details. Locations

Village Inn — Free INN-credible V.I.B. breakfast for veterans and active duty military. Valid on 4 INN-credible items: Cheese Omelette, Strawberry Crepe, Hickory-Smoked Bacon or French Toast. Call ahead to verify participation of your local Village Inn. More Info

Wienerschnitzel — A complimentary Chili Dog, small fries and small drink is redeemable at participating Wienerschnitzel locations on Friday, November 11 only, with valid military ID or by wearing a military uniform. Contact your local Wienerschnitzel Locations to verify participation.

Image: World War One reenactors take part in the annual Veterans Day Parade on November 11, 2016 in New York City. Known as 'America's Parade' it features over 20,000 participants, including veterans of numerous eras, military units, businesses and high school bands and civic and youth groups. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)