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How To: The Veterans Day Guide to Free Food & Discounted Deals for November 11, 2014

The Veterans Day Guide to Free Food & Discounted Deals for November 11, 2014

Attention all veterans and active-duty military personnel—this coming Tuesday, November 11th, is Veterans Day, that time of year where the whole country thanks us for our service. For the most part, a simple thanks will do, but some folks like to go above and beyond and give us veterans free or discounted meals and discounts on merchandise in stores.

In the past, I've tried Applebee's more than a few times on Veterans Day, but there was always a huge line. In some cases, I never even got in. There are just so many Applebee's located right outside of military bases, I imagine it's nostalgic to pick that place for your holiday dinner.

However, that one time they didn't have room for me, I went to Olive Garden and they went above and beyond their listed deal, giving me and my girlfriend free meals, along with a $20 gift card for my next visit. Simply awesome. Your mileage may vary.

So, choose wisely. Or, choose them all if you have the stomach. Just be careful of crowds and when you actually go—dinner will always be the busiest. Let me know if I missed any below and I'll add 'em to my list.

Requirements for Any of These Deals

No one will probably give you any free food or deals without showing actual proof that you were or still are in the military, so make sure to bring one of the following as proof.

Active-Duty

  • U.S. Uniformed Services ID Card
  • Current LES (Leave & Earnings Statement)
  • Wear your uniform in

Veterans

  • U.S. Uniformed Services Retired ID Card
  • Veterans organization card (e.g. American Legion, VFW)
  • Veteran Affairs Health ID Card (VHIC)
  • DD214 and any government-issued ID with your name and face

Other possible proofs

  • Photograph of you in service or in uniform
  • Citation or commendation

Now, let's get to the fun stuff. Just remember to call to confirm the deals in your area, or to make reservations if necessary.

Veterans Day Food Deals

Here's a complete list (in alphabetical order) of all of the restaurants and food/drink shops offering freebies or discounts. All deals apply to both active-duty military members and veterans old and new, and are for U.S. businesses only (unless otherwise noted).

Deals with official statements will have "details" links, and any word-of-mouth deals will remain "unconfirmed" until official statements are released.

  • Chili's: Tuesday, 11/11 - Free select entrée - dine-in only (unconfirmed)
  • Einstein Bros. Bagels: Tuesday, 11/11 - Free bagel and cream cheese shmear (or other topping) from 5:30AM to 5PM (unconfirmed)
  • Fatz Eatz and Drinkz: Tuesday, 11/11 - Free entrée up to $15, plus a $2 coupon for your next visit - dine-in only (unconfirmed)
  • Friendly's: Tuesday, 11/11 - Free breakfast and coffee during breakfast hours (unconfirmed)
  • Hoss's Family Steak & Sea House: Tuesday, 11/11 - Free meal with their soup, salad, and dessert bar with a free beverage from 11AM to 9PM - dine-in only (unconfirmed)
  • IHOP: Tuesday, 11/11 - Free red, white, and blue pancakes (some locations are also offering free eggs, bacon and hashed browns with it) from 7AM to 7PM (click for details)
  • Little Caesars: Tuesday, 11/11 - Free order of Crazy Bread (unconfirmed)
  • LongHorn Steakhouse: Tuesday, 11/11 - One free Texas Tonion and a non-alcoholic beverage (unconfirmed)
  • Menchie's: Tuesday, 11/11 - Free 6 oz. cup of frozen yogurt (unconfirmed)
  • Noah's New York Bagels: Tuesday, 11/11 - Free bagel and cream cheese shmear (or other topping) from 5:30AM to 5PM (unconfirmed)
  • O'Charley's: Tuesday, 11/11 - Free meal from the $9.99 menu (unconfirmed)
  • Olive Garden: Tuesday, 11/11 - Free entrée from a special menu (family member's dining along will receive 10% off their meals, too) - dine-in and to-go (unconfirmed)
  • Perkins Restaurant & Bakery: Tuesday, 11/11 - Free "Magnificent Seven" meal which includes two eggs, three buttermilk pancakes, and a choice of two bacon strips or two sausage links - beverages not included (unconfirmed)
  • Tony Roma's: Tuesday, 11/11 - Restaurants in Florida are offering a free draft beer; locations in other states may be offering different deals (click for details)

Veterans Day Non-Food Deals

Now, it's time for the merchandise and services. Again, deals with official statements will have "details" links, and any word-of-mouth deals will remain "unconfirmed" until official statements are released.

  • Big Lots: Saturday, 11/08 - 10% off entire purchase (unconfirmed)
  • Cabela's: Saturday, 11/08 through Tuesday, 11/11 - Take 5% off any in-stock firearm at original price and take an extra 10% off everything else in the store - sale and clearance items included (click for details)
  • Home Depot: Tuesday, 11/11 - 10% off for all veterans - they offer 10% off everyday for active, reserve, retired, and disabled veterans and their family members (click for details)
  • Lowe's: Tuesday, 11/11 - 10% off for all veterans - they offer 10% off everyday for active, reserve, retired, and disabled veterans and their family members (click for details)
  • Microsoft Store: Now until 01/01/15 - 5% off Windows PCs, 5% off no-contract phones and Surface Pro 3, and 10% off software and apps (excludes Xbox-related products) (click for details)
  • Steve Madden: Tuesday, 11/11 - Everyone gets 20% off; Veterans 30% off full-price merchandise - in-stores only (unconfirmed)

Know of any more deals that are missing from these lists? Let me know, and I'll update. And make sure to stay tuned for Veterans Day 2015, as this list will be updated then for new freebies and discounts!

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2 Comments

You should totally get that free massage. :D

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