Veterans Day is the time of year when we honor those who protect and serve our country, and lots of restaurants are offering special deals and freebies for both active military personnel and veterans.
Bear in mind: most deals require a military ID, while some will accept dressing in uniform as ID. Most restaurants accept discharge papers, VA cards, veterans organization memberships, and other military ID cards.
Some exclusions apply, so check if you nearest location is participating in these deals.
Applebee's Neighborhood Grill
Pick a free meal from a special menu at any of Applebee's 1,800 locations nationwide.
Back Yard Burgers
Get a Classic Burger free on Saturday if you're active-duty military personnel or a veteran. Requires uniform or ID. Back Yard Burgers also offers a 20% military discount year-round.
Bakers Square
Free breakfast on Saturday with your choice of buttermilk pancakes, French toast, or a Belgian waffle.
Bob Evans
All of the chain's locations are offering a free meal Saturday (from a special menu).
BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse
Pick a free entree under $12.95 on Friday or Saturday with a free BJ's beer donated by another community member.
Bonanza Steakhouse
Enjoy the Bonanza buffet for free on Saturday.
Boston Market
Buy one, get one free for individual meals from Friday to Sunday, but only at participating locations. You also need this coupon to qualify for the meal, not just your ID.
Boston Pizza
Through Sunday, guests can buy a pint and pay it forward to active-duty military personnel or veterans, so you should be able to enjoy a free beer at your nearest location.
Buffalo Wild Wings
At participating locations you can get a free small order of traditional or boneless wings, with a side of fries.
California Pizza Kitchen
Enjoy a free entree from a special menu at participating locations of this chain.
Chili's
Choose a free meal from a special Veterans Day menu.
Chuck E. Cheese
Vets, military personnel and their family can enjoy a free personal-size one-topping pizza. You'll need ID, proof of service and promo code 5050 to enjoy this deal. Chuck E. Cheese also offers a daily military discount.
Cici's Pizza
Sample the chain's adult buffet for free on Saturday.
Cracker Barrel
You can get a free slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake at most locations. Yum!
Dunkin' Donuts
Have a free donut of your choice while supplies last.
Fazoli's
Have free spaghetti with meat or marinara sauce Friday through Sunday. The chain is also introducing a new 10% military discount starting this weekend.
Friendly's
You can get a free meal from a Veterans Day menu at participating locations.
Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant
Have a free meal Friday or Saturday from a special menu.
Hooters
Pick a free meal from a special menu.
Krispy Kreme
Enjoy one free donut and a small coffee at participating locations (no ID required).
Olive Garden
Pick a free meal from the chain's special Veterans Day menu.
Outback Steakhouse
Enjoy a free Bloomin' Onion with a free non-alcoholic beverage.
Spaghetti Warehouse
With a purchase of any Original Recipe Spaghetti entree, get another one free Friday through Sunday, but you'll need this coupon to enjoy the deal.
Starbucks
Vets, active-duty personnel, and their spouses can get a free tall coffee on Saturday. Plus, holiday drinks are buy one, get one free right now.
TG.I. Fridays
Have a free lunch menu item up to $12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, plus get a coupon for $5 off your next meal.
To all our veterans: thank you for service!
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