Veterans Day Free Meals 2017: Which Restaurants Are Offering Free Food For Vets And Active Military?

Veterans and active members of the U.S. military will be honored on Veterans Day when dozens of restaurants offer free or discounted meals as a way of thanking the brave men and women who have served, or are still serving, in the United States Armed Forces.

Veterans Day is observed annually on November 11, but this year, the holiday falls on a Saturday. That means some restaurants may offer free meals on Friday, November 10 while others will extend their offers throughout the weekend.

Applebee’s, Cracker Barrel, Olive Garden, Denny’s, Outback Steakhouse, and a long list of popular chain restaurants have been offering Veterans Day freebies for several years. Although the annual holiday celebrates veterans, most restaurants offer active military members a freebie or discount with proper military identification, including a U.S. Uniform Services Identification Card, Veterans Organization Card, U.S. Uniform Services Retired Identification Card, or a Current Leave and Earnings Statement.

Here are some of the top Veterans Day free food offers available to vets and active members of the U.S. military. Dates and times may vary depending on location, so it’s a good idea to call ahead to confirm.

According to a press release from Denny’s, participating locations across the nation will offer a free Build Your Own Grand Slam breakfast to service members with a valid military ID on Friday from 5 a.m. to noon. The meal includes two pancakes, two eggs, two pieces of bacon, and hash browns.

Veterans and active military members who stop by Applebee’s on Saturday, November 11 can choose a free meal from a special menu that features seven entrees. Beverages and a tip are not included.

Texas Roadhouse also has a special Veteran’s Day menu with a variety of free lunch entrees available to vets and active military. This freebie is valid on Saturday, November 11 for dine-in, not takeout.

According to Food News Feed, TGI Fridays is offering a free lunch valued up to $12 when you show a valid military ID. This offer is available between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday.

Outback Steakhouse is not offering a free meal, but the Balance reports that vets and active military can score a free Bloomin’ Onion and a non-alcoholic beverage on Saturday. If you miss this offer, Outback is offering 15 percent off your bill between November 12 and December 31.

Entrepreneur reports that Golden Corral will host a “Military Appreciation Night” a few days after Veterans Day. On Monday, November 13, the buffet-style restaurants will offer a free dinner to veterans and active military from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

For more Veterans Day free meal deals, head over to the Military Wallet for an extensive list of restaurants offering free appetizers, entrees, and desserts.

[Featured Image by Win McNamee/Getty Images]