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25 Free Veterans Day Meals Near Me in 2022

25 Free Veterans Day Meals Near Me in 2022

If you’re looking for free Veterans Day meals in 2022, then you’re in luck! We’ve found a round-up of restaurants and companies that are offering great deals for veterans on November 11 this year!

CONFIRMED Free Veterans Day Meals in 2022

We’ve confirmed that these restaurants are offering deals this November 11. We have confirmed these offers through personal correspondence and by reading original press releases.

However, many of the restaurants on this list are national chains so you’ll want to call ahead and make sure that your local location is participating in this promotion. Typically, all locations will offer this deal or a variation of it… but sometimes, we hear back from surprised vets who didn’t realize their local owner was refusing to honor the promotion so we always encourage you to check in advance.

When you go, don’t forget to bring proof of military service to show that you are a current or former military member. These deals are exclusively for veterans.

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse

BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse is offering free Veterans Day meals to all current and former military on Friday, November 11. This offer is available to all 216 BJ’s locations in the United States!

The limited menu includes:

  • Bacon-Guacamole Deluxe Burger
  • BJ’S Classic Crispy Chicken Sandwich
  • Deep Dish Ziti
  • EnLIGHTened Mediterranean Chicken PIta Tacos
  • Grilled Chicken Alfredo
  • Jumbo Spaghetti and Meatballs
  • Parmesan-Crusted Chicken
  • and more.

All guests can receive a free Dr. Pepper beverage with their complimentary meal as well. You must dine-in to receive this offer.

Black Angus Steakhouse

Black Angus Steakhouse is offering free Veterans Day meals in 2022. The offer is only available between 12pm and 3pm on November 11. It is not available to-go.

There is only one option for the dine-in meal. It includes a 6-ounce top sirloin steak, mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli.

Bob Evans

Bob Evans was a veteran himself, so it’s only fitting that Bob Evans Restaurants offer delicious free Veterans Day meals. Visiting vets can choose from one of 10 farm-fresh breakfast items that will be availalbe all day.

According to their press release, the menu for 2022 includes:

  • Country Biscuit Breakfast
  • The Classic Breakfast
  • Banana Berry Oatmeal
  • Sunrise
  • The Mini Sampler
  • Brioche French Toast
  • Sausage Gravy and Biscuits
  • Buttermilk Hotcakes
  • Bowl of Rolled-Oat Oatmeal
  • Down-Home Country Fried Steak

Bombshells Restaurant and Bar

Bombshells Restaurant and Bar has 12 locations in Texas that will provide free Veterans Day meals on Friday, November 11. Veterans will also receive a 20% discount on the other items they purchase, including meals for family and friends who join them for this special event. No discounts are available on alcoholic purchases.

Charley’s Philly Steaks

Charley’s Philly Steaks has delicious gourmet fries, which are topped with cheese sauce, bacon crumbles and ranch dressing. If you’re a fan of those fries, you’ll be glad to know that Charley’s Philly Steaks is offering a free gourmet fries to every eligible veteran and active duty servicemember on November 11!

No purchase is necessary to receive the fries unless you visit a location on a military base, in which case you will need to purchase a cheesesteak and drink in order to receive your free fries.

Chili’s

Chilis is offering free Veterans Day meals for dine-in only.

However, veterans must choose from a limited menu that includes:

  • Chicken Crispers
  • Margarita Grilled Chicken
  • Soup & Salad
  • Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas
  • Just Bacon Burger
  • Oldtimer with Cheese
  • Cajun Chicken Pasta

Cici’s Pizza

Cici’s Pizza welcomes all active and former military personnel to partake in a free adult buffet on Friday, November 11. Drinks are not included. This offer is valid at all CiCi’s locations.

Cracker Barrel

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is offering multiple deals for veterans this November!

On November 11, any current or former US military member can receive a free slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake. The offer is available in-store and online with any purchase. If you order online, be sure to add the slice of cake to your cart and use the code VETSDAY22 to get it free.

From November 1-14, Cracker Barrel is also offering 25% off military apparel and drinkware in their stores and online.

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

Freddy’s offers a FREE Freddy’s Original double with Cheese combo meal card to all veterans and active military personnel who visit on Veteran’s Day. You do not need to purchase anything in order to receive this meal card and you’ll have until November 30 to redeem the free meal.

Hooters

Hooters is also offering free Veterans Day meals on November 11. All veterans who provide proof of service can receive a free entrée from a limited menu when they purchase a beverage. Please note that a beverage purchase is required in order to get the meal.

The limited menu includes:

  • 10-Piece Boneless Wings
    Buffalo Chicken Salad
  • Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
  • Grilled Chicken Sandwich
  • Hooters Burger

Huddle House

Huddle House is offering a free MVP Breakfast Platter to any active duty, retired military or veterans who visit with a valid ID.

The breakfast platter is available all day and can be customized with the following choices:

  • Two eggs of any style
  • Three strips of Applewood bacon OR two patties of country or turkey sausage
  • Crispy hashbrowns OR fresh fruit
  • One golden waffle OR one old-fashioned buttermilk pancake
  • Homestyle grits OR toast OR biscuit with sausage gravy

IHOP

IHOP will offer a free stack of Red White and Blue pancakes to veterans on Veterans Day between 7am and 7pm at participating locations. The dish includes three buttermilk pancakes topped with glazed strawberries, blueberry compote and whipped topping.

The pancakes do not include anything else and the deal is only available at participating locations. You must dine-in and show proof of military service to receive this offer.

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Jeremiah’s Italian Ice

Jeremiah’s Italian Ice is offering a free small treat to all current and former military members. This offer is valid at all Jeremiah’s Italian Ice locations.

Kolache Factory

Kolache Factory offers a free breakfast to all veterans and active-duty military. You can receive a free kolache and a cup of coffee. You can choose any kind of kolache and any size of freshly brewed Katz coffee. The offer does not include any croissants, Polish varieties or espresso drinks.

Lion’s Choice

Lion’s Choice always offers a 20% discount for veterans and active-duty military. On November 11, they are also offering a free original roast beef sandwich! Just request the free sandwich and enjoy the 20% discount on anything else you choose to order at checkout.

Logan’s Roadhouse

Logan’s Roadhouse is also offering free Veterans Day meals in 2022! Their limited menu is available between 3-6pm on Friday, November 11.

The limited menu includes:

  • Bayou Shrimp
  • Chicken Tenders
  • Chopped Steak
  • Pork Chop
  • Pulled Pork Plate
  • Steak Tips

Along with your entrée, you’ll also be able to select from a list of sides that includes:

  • Chips
  • Coleslaw
  • Corn
  • Fries
  • Green beans
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Rice

Olive Garden

Olive Garden is one of America’s most recognized chains, with over 900 locations offering Italian fare. They usually offer free Veterans Day meals every year.

Veterans who visit on Friday, November 11, will be able to choose a free entrée from a special, limited menu.

The limited menu includes:

  • cheese ravioli
  • spaghetti with meat sauce
  • lasagna classico
  • chicken parmigiana
  • never-ending soup, salad and breadsticks

Perkins Restaurant & Bakery

Perkins Restaurant and Bakery is offering a Free Magnificent Seven meal to any active duty, retired military or veterans who show their valid military ID. The meal includes two eggs, three buttermilk pancakes, and a choice of either two bacon strips or two sausage links.

Piada Italian Street Food

Piada Italian Street Food is offering free cannoli chips to all current and former military members on November 11. The cannoli chips are tossed in powdered sugar and served with chocolate chip cannoli cream.

No purchase is necessary. The offer must be redeemed in-store.

Pilot Travel Centers

Pilot, Flying J and One9 Fuel Network travel centers are offering free Veterans Day meals in 2022 as well! You’ll need to use the myRewards Plus app in order to claim the offer.

Red Lobster

Red Lobster is back with their annual free Veterans Day meal in 2022! This year, they are offering a free Walt’s Favorite Shrimp. You’ll get six hand-breaded, butterflied and lightly fried shrimp served with cocktail sauce, crispy French Fries and coleslaw.

In order to claim your free Walt’s Favorite Shrimp, you’ll need to visit your local Red Lobster. The deal is only valid for dine-in and to go orders placed inside the restaurant between 11am and 4pm local time on November 11. You’ll need to show your valid military ID or proof of service in order to redeem your free Veterans Day meal.

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Starbucks

Starbucks offers free tall (12-ounce) hot brewed coffee or iced coffee to active military servicemembers, veterans and military spouses on Veterans Day.

Texas Roadhouse

Visit Texas Roadhouse between 11am and 2pm on Friday, November 11, 2022 to pick up a free dinner voucher that can be redeemed any time the restaurant is open through May 30, 2023.

The voucher can be redeemed for one of 10 entrees, including a six-ounce sirloin. The free meal will include two delicious sides and your choice of either a Coca-Cola product, sweet tea, iced tea or coffee.

Torchy’s Tacos

Torchy’s Tacos is offering a free taco and non-alcoholic beverage for veterans and active-duty servicemembers. This offer is available for dine-in and pick-up orders at all of their locations. No minimum purchase required.

White Castle

White Castle is offering free Veterans Day meals on November 11, 2022! All current and former military members can receive a free Combo meal or free Breakfast Combo meal.

SUSPECTED Free Veterans Day Meals

Many restaurants have a tradition of offering free Veterans Day meals but often don’t advertise those offerings until closer to the actual holiday, so it is difficult to confirm until closer to the actual date.

We’ve reached out to the restaurants in this section but they have not responded to our request for more information yet. When we receive confirmation, we will move the restaurant from this section into the CONFIRMED section above.

You may be able to receive a free Veterans Day meals at the following restaurants.

  • Applebees
  • Aroma Joe’s
  • Buffalo Wild Wings
  • California Pizza Kitchen
  • Caribou Coffee
  • Carolina Ale House
  • Cattlemens Steakhouse
  • Chevy’s
  • Chicken Salad Chick
  • Cotton Patch Cafe
  • Country Kitchen
  • Denny’s
  • Einstein Bros
  • Golden Corral
  • Green Mill Restaurant & Bar
  • Hard Rock Cafe
  • Little Caesars
  • Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ
  • O’Charleys
  • Seven Doors Kitchen
  • Sheetz
  • Smokey Bonesca
  • Tuscan Brands

Buffalo Wild Wings

Buffalo Wild Wings apparently offers a free order of 10 boneless wings and fries for all of America’s troops. Reader’s Digest is currently reporting that this offer is available for take-out orders placed inside the restaurant as well.

California Pizza Kitchen

It has been reported by other outlets that California Pizza Kitchen is offering a free entrée from a limited menu and nonalcoholic drink to veterans. This has been confirmed in the past, but I have not been able to find the limited menu for 2022 yet.

Cattlemens Steakhouse

Other outlets are reporting that Cattlemans Steakhouse is offering a 8-ounce free sirloin steak dinner at participating locations.

Golden Corral

Golden Corral has offered free meals to veterans for 21 consecutive years. Typically, their Military Appreciation Night happens the Monday after Veteran’s Day, so that would be November 14 this year.

Hard Rock Cafe

It is being reported that Hard Rock Cafe is offering a free Legendary Steak Burger to veterans on Veteran’s Day.

Little Caesars

Historically, Little Caesars has offered a free Lunch Combo to eligible veterans and active-duty service members between 11am and 2pm on Veterans Day.

Sheetz

Reader’s Digest is reporting that Sheetz offers a free 6-inch turkey sub, regular-sized fountain drink and even a free car wash to guests who provide proof of service on Veterans Day.

25+ free veterans day meals near me list of restaurants

Other Free Veterans Day Perks in 2022

Of course, there are other freebies and deals for veterans on November 11. This section is reserved for offerings that aren’t free meals and sometimes aren’t food at all.

Free Car Wash at Sheetz

According to Reader’s Digest, Sheetz is offering a free 6-inch turkey sub, fountain drink and car wash to guests who provide proof of service on Veteran’s Day.

Free Haircuts at Sport Clips

Many Sport Clips locations offer free hair cuts to veterans and active-duty servicemembers on Veteran’s Day. They are also participating in a fundraiser for a scholarship program for veterans as well.

FAQs about Free Veterans Day Meals

Got questions about these free Veterans Day meals and offers? You’re not alone! We’ve received tons of questions about these programs, so here are some of the most frequently asked questions and answers.

How do I get a free Veterans Day meal?

In order to get a free Veterans Day meal, you’ll need to visit a participating location with proof of your identity and military service. Typically, this can include a military ID, veterans ID, DD214, veteran-stamped state ID, VSO membership card, or photograph of yourself in uniform. Specific locations may have more specific requirements, so it’s always a good idea to call ahead just in case.

When is Veterans Day?

Veterans Day is always on November 11 every year. That’s the anniversary of the date that the Allied and German forces observed a ceasefire to end the first World War in 1918.

When can I get a free Veterans Day meal?

Always pay close attention to the dates listed in the free Veterans Day meals and other offers. Sometimes, restaurants and other vendors will choose to offer their discounts on different days or only during specific times to ensure that they don’t exceed capacity during peak mealtimes. Always pay attention to the details!

Can my family eat for free, too?

The free Veterans Day meals are typically limited to the veteran only. Any guests, such as a spouse or children, will have to pay for their own meals. This is usually true even if your spouse and children have their own military IDs connected to your military service.

Do I still have to pay taxes and tips?

YES! Free Veterans Day meals typically do not include taxes or tips. Often, they don’t include drinks either. You’ll still need to pay for anything extra you order, the taxes on your bill, and the gratuity for your server.

Can I get my free Veterans Day meals to go?

Typically, the free Veterans Day meals are limited to dine-in only although some restaurants, like Red Lobster, will also provide the free meal if you place your to-go order inside the restaurant. You cannot get your free meal through a service like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or another delivery service. You usually can’t get it by placing a car-side to go order either.

How can I ensure my meal goes smoothly?

It’s always wise to call the exact location that you plan on visiting before you head to the restaurant. Sometimes, veterans drive long distances only to find that their local business isn’t participating in a nationwide promotion or that the offer has been modified. Calling ahead is an easy way to make sure that all the details are right. Also, don’t forget that you need to bring proof of service!

Nicole is the founder and lead researcher of Low Income Relief. After a personal experience with poverty and homelessness following her husband's sudden medical discharge from the U.S. Army, Nicole discovered the life-changing impact of community resources. This experience ignited her passion for empowering others to navigate similar crises. Nicole launched her writing career at age 16, working for various newspapers and publications. Her commitment to in-depth research and accessible content has been recognized by Google for Publishers and other industry leaders. For over 20 years, she has applied her investigative skills to uncover the most helpful, up-to-date information on benefits programs and community resources, ensuring Low Income Relief maintains the most extensive resource databases available.

Kevin Degnan

Thursday 3rd of November 2022

It would be helpfull if they were listed by state, or zip codes.