UPDATED 11/12/2012
For 2012, many restaurants are once again offering FREE or discounted breakfasts, lunches, and dinners to our military service men and women on or around Veterans Day: Sunday, November 11. Since the actual Veterans Day falls on a Sunday this year, this holiday is also celebrated on Monday, November 12.
Here’s the official CheapoLife.com list of the free and discounted food deals that we are aware of. This list will be updated each day as Veterans Day approaches.
7-Eleven – Sunday, November 11, 2012 – Active, veteran, and retired U.S. military personnel and their immediate family members can receive a free small Slurpee drink between 11:00AM and 7:00PM on Veterans Day.
Applebee’s – Sunday, November 11, 2012 – Military veterans and active-duty Service Members will be able to eat free at any Applebee’s across the U.S. on Veterans Day. Guests can choose from 7 delicious entrées: 7 Ounce House Sirloin, Bacon Cheddar Cheeseburger, Chicken Tenders Platter, Oriental Chicken Salad, Three-Cheese Chicken Penne, Fiesta Lime Chicken, or Double Crunch Shrimp.
Arby’s – Monday, November 12, 2012 – Arby’s is offering a free Classic Roast Beef sandwich to veterans and active duty military personnel on Veterans Day. Just show up in uniform or bring proof of U.S. military service.
Bailey’s Sports Grille - Monday, November 12, 2012 – Veterans and active military members enjoy a free sandwich or entree up to $13 value. Please show your valid military ID or proof of military service. Valid at participating locations only.
Bakers Square - Sunday, November 11, 2012 – Free slice of pie for veterans and active military personnel. Please bring your military ID or proof of military service to take advantage of this offer.
Bar Louie – Sunday, November 11, 2012 & Monday, November 12, 2012 - For 2012, several restaurants are offering free Veterans Day meals on November 11 or November 12. But Bar Louie is offering veterans and active military members a free lunch or dinner on Sunday, November 11 and Monday, November 12. Offer valid for any food item up to $11.00 value. Call ahead to make sure your local Bar Louie is participating in this promotion before heading out. Beverages and gratuity are not included. Proof of military service is required.
BD’s Mongolian Grill - November 5-11, 2012 – Veterans and military personnel are invuted to enjoy BD’s Stir-fry meal at 50% off the regular price. This offer is valid the entire week before and including Veterans Day: Novem,ber 5-11, 2012 for both veterans and active military personnel. Valid military ID or proof of service is required.
BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse – Sunday, November 11, 2012 – Veterans and active miltary members can choose a free lunch entree or a one topping mini pizza for dinner on Veterans Day. Valid at participating locations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, and Washington.
California Pizza Kitchen – November 11-12, 2012 – Free Veterans Day lunch or dinner for veterans and active military personnel on Sunday, November 11 and Monday, November 12. Includes pizza and non-alcoholic drink. Just show up in uniform or bring a valid military ID.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill - November 11-12, 2012 – Enjoy a free appetizer on both Sunday, November 11 and Monday, November 12. No purchase necessary. Valid for both veterans and active military personnel who show up in uniform or show proof of military service.
Carrows Restaurants - Sunday, November 11, 2012 – Get a free slice of pie with any other purchase. This offer valid for both active and retired military service members. Valid military ID or proof of military service is required.
Champps Americana – Monday, November 12, 2012 – All veterans and current military members can receive a free Champps Cheeseburger and fries. Offer valid all day for dine-in only. Call your local Champps Americana and confirm participation before heading out. Valid military ID or proof of military service is required.
Charlie Brown’s Steakhouse - Monday, November 12, 2012 -Veterans and active military personnel are invited to eat free on Monday, November 12, 2012. Apparently, there are no restrictions on this offer! The coupon simply says “Veterans Eat Free” on Veterans Day. You may wish to confirm this before ordering, however. Valid military ID is required and acceptable forms are specified on the coupon.
Cheeseburger In Paradise - Monday, November 12, 2012 – Veterans and active military personnel receive a free meal from the special Veterans Day menu. Valid military ID or proof of military service required.
Chili’s – Sunday, November 11, 2012 – Veterans and active duty military choose one free meal from the Veterans Day special menu: Margarita Chicken, OldTimer with Cheese, Chicken Crispers, Classic Turkey Sandwich (full), Lighter Choices Grilled Chicken Salad, Soup & Salad (does not include Bottomless Express Lunch), Cajun Chicken Pasta, or Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadilla. Any dessert is available at the reduced cost of just $5.00.
Coco’s Bakery Restaurant - Sunday, November 11, 2012 – Get a free slice of pie with any other purchase. This offer valid for both active and retired military service members. Valid military ID or proof of military service is required.
Coffee Beanery - Sunday, November 11, 2012 – Veterans and active military personnel receive a free tall cup of coffee. This offer is valid all day with no additional purchase required. Please show valid military ID or proof of military service.
Colton’s Steak House & Grill - Monday, November 12, 2012 - Both veterans and active personnel can choose one free lunch or dinner from the special Veterans Menu: Mesquite Grilled Chicken Salad, Country Fried Steak, Fried Chicken Fillets, Chopped Sirloin, 6 Ounce Sirloin, or Any Burger/Sandwich. Offer valid at participating locations. Beverage and gratuity not included. Must show valid military ID or proof of military service.
Eat’n Park - November 9-12, 2012 – Veterans and active military personnel can get a free dessert throughout the entire Veterans Day weekend. You’ll need this coupon and valid military ID to take advantage of this offer.
East Coast Wings & Grill - Sunday, November 11, 2012 – This North Carolina chain is celebrating Veterans Day by offering vets and active military service members a FREE entree from their special Veterans Menu. Choose a Buffalo Chicken Salad, Buffalo Chicken Wrap, order of 6 Buffalo Wings, order of 6 Boneless Wings, order of 3 Buffalo Fingers, or a Cheeseburger. All items except the Buffalo Chicken Salad include fries or homemade chips. Offer valid on Sunday, November 11, 2012. Valid proof of military service is required.
Einstein Bros. Bagels - Sunday, November 11, 2012 – Veterans receive a free Classic Bagel or Signature Bagel on Veterans Day. As per their promotional literature, “just tell the cashier you’re a Veteran.” Offer valid at participating locations.
Famous Dave’s – Sunday, November 11, 2012 – The Famous Dave’s Veterans Day meal deal varies by location. In most areas, Famous Dave’s is offering a free Two Meat Salute lunch or dinner to all former and current military personnel. Choose 2 different meats served with corn bread muffin, corn-on-the-cob, and your choice of 1 side item. In other areas, they are giving meal discounts on Veterans Day. Call ahead to confirm what is being offered in your area.
Fox and Hound - Monday, November 12, 2012 – Veterans and active military members enjoy a free sandwich or entree up to $13 value. Please show your valid military ID or proof of military service. Valid at participating locations only.
Fred’s Super Dollar - Sunday, November 11 & Monday, November 12, 2012 - It’s not a free meal, but Fred’s is offering a 10% discount to veterans and active military personnel this Veterans Day. This offer is available Sunday, November 11, 2012 and Monday, November 12, 2012 to both veterans and active military personnel. Offer excludes gift cards, phone cards, prescriptions, and alcoholic beverages. Valid military ID or proof of military service is required to take advantage of this offer.
Friendly’s – Monday, November 12, 2012 – Friendly’s is offering a free Big Two Do breakfast and coffee to veterans and active military members. Offer valid during breakfast hours. Valid military ID or honorable discharge card is required.
Godfather’s Pizza - November 11-12, 2012 – Take 50% off the menu price for all dine-in and carryout orders on both Sunday, November 11 and Monday, November 12, 2012. Both veterans and active military personnel are eligible to take advantage of this deal. Valid military ID or proof of military service is required.
Golden Corral – Monday, November 12, 2012 – The 12th annual Golden Corral Military Appreciation dinner will be held from 4:00-9:00PM at all Golden Corral Restaurants nationwide. The free “thank you” dinner is available to any person who has ever served in the United States Military. If you are a veteran, retired, currently serving, in the National Guard or Reserves, you are invited to participate in Golden Corral’s Military Appreciation Monday dinner.
Grand Biloxi Casino - Sunday, November 11, 2012 – Southern Mississippi’s Grand Biloxi Casino, Hotel & Spa is offering a FREE Veterans Day buffet to all veterans and active military personnel on Sunday, November 11, 2012. Your choice of breakfast, lunch, or dinner buffet. Please bring valid military ID or proof of military service.
Grand Casinos in Minnesota - Sunday, November 11, 2012 – Minnesota’s Grand Casino Hinckley and Grand Casino Mile Lacs will offer a free Veterans Day meal at their Grand Buffet. At Grand Casino Mille Lacs, the free Veterans Day buffet will be available from 10:00AM-3:00PM and again from 4:00PM-8:00PM. At Grand Casino Hinckley, serving hours are from 9:00AM-8:30PM. Offer valid for veterans and active military members.
Great American Cookies - Sunday, November 11, 2012 – Veterans and active military service members are invited to enjoy a FREE cookie on Veterans Day. Please wear your uniform or present your military ID to take advantage of this offer.
Green Mill – Sunday, November 11, 2012 – Active duty military personnel and veterans will receive 50% off any entree on Veterans Day. Dine-in only. Available at all Kansas, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin Green Mill restaurants.
Greene Turtle (The) - Sunday, November 11, 2012 – All veterans and active military personnel are invited to enjoy a FREE dinner entree from their special Veterans Day menu on Sunday, November 11, 2012. Choose an All-American Burger, Black & Bleu Burger, Bacon Cheeseburger, Pulled Pork Sandwich, Philly Cheesesteak, Chicken Cheesesteak, Chicken Strip Basket, Fish & Chips, Chili, Eastern Shore Mac & Cheese, or The Greene Turtle’s Apple Pecan Salad. This offer is available from 4:00PM-9:00PM. Valid military ID or proof of military service is required.
Hooters – Sunday, November 11, 2012 – All veterans and active military personnel can receive 10 boneless Hooters wings with purchase of a drink on Veterans Day. Not all locations are participating, so be sure to call ahead before heading out.
Hoss’s Family Steak & Sea House - Monday, November 12, 2012 – Both veterans and active military personnel enjoy a free meal from Hoss’s American Values Menu. Choose one of seven meals plus soup, salad, and dessert bar. Valid proof of military service required.
Hy-Vee – Monday, November 12, 2012 – Veterans and active military personnel can enjoy a free Veterans Day breakfast at all Hy-Vee grocery stores with dining areas. Scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, hash brown casserole, biscuits-and-gravy and coffee will be served. Hours vary by store, but are from 6:00AM or 7:00AM to 11:00AM at most locations in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
IHOP - Monday, November 12, 2012 – Veterans receive a free Two x Two Breakfast at the International House of Pancakes. Includes two pancakes, two eggs, your choice of two bacon strips or pork sausage links, and coffee. Valid military ID required. This Veterans Day deal is only being offered in certain areas. Please call ahead to confirm participation before heading out.
Krispy Kreme - Sunday, November 11, 2012 – Veterans and active military personnel receive a free breakfast: one doughnut and a small coffee. Not all locations are participating, so please call ahead before heading out.
Little Caesars – Monday, November 12, 2012 – Current military personnel and veterans receive a free order of Crazy Bread. Offer valid at participating Little Caesars pizza locations.
Longhorn Steakhouse – Monday, November 12, 2012 – Both veterans and active military personnel can enjoy a free Texas Tonion and non-alcoholic beverage. Valid proof of military service is required.
Lone Star Steakhouse – Monday, November 12, 2012 – Veterans and current military members will receive a free entree of their choice on Veterans Day. Choose any lunch or dinner entree from the Stars & Stripes menu. Dine-in only.
Max & Erma’s – Sunday, November 11, 2012 – Free Best Cheeseburger in America Combo to all past & present U.S. military members. Dine-in only.
McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants – Sunday, November 11, 2012 – McCormick & Schmick’s is celebrating their 14th annual Veteran’s Appreciation Event on Sunday, November 11. Guests can choose a complimentary lunch or dinner entrée from the special Veterans Day menu.
Meineke Car Care Centers – Monday, November 12, 2012 – Not a free meal, but a valuable offer nonetheless: Meineke will be giving free basic oil changes to all veterans and active military personnel. This offer is also extended to spouses of deployed service men and women. Includes up to 5 quarts of motor oil, oil filter, tire rotation, tire air pressure check, plus a tire rotation. Please call your local Meineke Car Care Center to confirm participation before heading out.
Miller’s Ale House - Monday, November 12, 2012 - Any veteran, current serving military member, or reserves from a branch of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marines receives 50% off a lunch or dinner entree. Valid military ID or VA card required to take advantage of this offer.
Mr. Goodcents - Sunday, November 11, 2012 – Veterans and active military personnel receive a free 8″ cold sub on Veterans Day. Dine-in or carryout only. Valid military ID or proof of service required. May not be combined with other offers.
Noah’s Bagels - Sunday, November 11, 2012 – Veterans receive a free Classic Bagel or Signature Bagel on Veterans Day. As per their promotional literature, “just tell the cashier you’re a Veteran.” Offer valid at participating locations.
O’Charley’s - Monday, November 12, 2012 - O’Charley’s is providing a free Veterans Day lunch or dinner for veterans and active military personnel with valid military ID. Choose any item from O’Charley’s $9.99er menu. Please bring your military ID or proof of military service to take advantage of this offer.
The Olive Garden – Sunday, November 11, 2012 – Olive Garden is offering a free entree on Veterans Day to all veterans and active duty military members. Choose from Seafood Alfredo, Chicken Parmigiana, Unlimited Soup Salad & Breadsticks, Braised Beef & Tortelloni, Cheese Ravioli, or Spaghetti & Meatballs. All entrees include garlic breadsticks and choice of homemade soup or garden-fresh salad.
On The Border - Sunday, November 11, 2012 – Veterans are invited to On The Border on Sunday, November 11, 2012 for a great Veterans Day lunch or dinner. Present this flyer and 15% of your purchase will be donated to Carry The Load, a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring service members and their families for the sacrifices they make. Then, you’ll get a certificate for a free entree, up to $10.00 value. The certificate can be redeemed any day between November 12-30. This offer valid to all veterans with valid ID or proof of military service.
Outback Steakhouse – November 11-12, 2012 – Outback Steakhouse is honoring America’s military veterans by offering active duty military and veterans a free Bloomin’ Onion and Coca-Cola beverage on both Sunday, November 11 and Monday, November 12. Plus, receive Outback’s Military Mate 10% discount on meals from November 13-December 31.
Pizza Inn - Sunday, November 11, 2012 – Veterans and active military personnel receive a complimentary buffet on Veterans Day. Valid for either lunch or dinner buffet. Please show your military ID at the register.
Port of Subs - Sunday, November 11, 2012 – Enjoy a free Small Cold Sandwich on Veterans Day. Offer valid for veterans and active military service members. Valid military ID or proof of military service required.
Red Lobster – Sunday, November 11, 2012 – Veterans and active military personnel get a free appetizer. Choose from Buffalo Chicken Bites, Southwest Chicken Pizza, Sweet Chili Shrimp, Cris Calamari & Vegetables, Lobster Artichoke Dip, Lobster Pizza, Lobster-Stuffed Mushrooms, Parrot Island Coconut Shrimp, or Wood-Grilled Shrimp Bruschetta. Proof of military service is required to take advantage of this offer.
Red Robin - Monday, November 12, 2012 - Free Tavern Double Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries for all veterans and active military personnel. Valid military ID or proof of service is required to get this deal. In addition, Red Robin will donate $10,000 to the Wounded Warrior Project.
Ruby’s Diner - Sunday, November 11, 2012 – Veterans and current military personnel receive a free breakfast Cinnamon Roll French Toast a la carte. You’ll need to bring this coupon and proof of military service. Breakfast is served until 11:30AM and free offer is available until 11:30AM at most Ruby’s Diner locations.
Shari’s Restaurant & Pies - Monday, November 12, 2012 - Free slice of pie for veterans and active military personnel. Please bring your military ID or proof of military service to take advantage of this offer.
Sheetz - Monday, November 12, 2012 – Free lunch for veterans with valid military ID or proof of military service. Includes 2 hot dogs and a 22 ounce fountain drink of your choice.
Shoney’s - Monday, November 12, 2012 – Free breakfast or lunch buffet with the purchase of a regularly priced buffet. Offer available to veterans and active duty military members from 6:00AM-2:00PM. Valid military ID or proof of military service is required.
Sizzler Steakhouse – Monday, November 12, 2012 – Come to Sizzler on Veterans Day and receive a free lunch, served until 4:00PM. Choose from a 6 ounce Steak, Malibu Chicken, or Half Dozen Fried Shrimp. Offer valid for both veterans and current military personnel. Not all locations are participating, so call ahead to confirm before heading out.
Souplantation - November 11-12, 2012 – Enjoy a Buy One Get One FREE on their soup and salad buffet his Veterans Day Weekend. Valid military ID or proof of military service is required. Beverage is not included. Offer available for lunch or dinner at participating locations.
The Spaghetti Warehouse – November 9-12, 2012 - Buy One Get One FREE this Veterans Day Weekend. Choose Lasagne or any Original Spaghetti Entree. Both are served with sourdough bread and your choice of soup or salad. Available for either lunch or dinner. This offer is available to everyone, not just veterans and active military personnel. You will need this coupon, however.
Subway – Sunday, November 11, 2012 – Many Subway restaurants are offering a free six inch sub to military veterans on Veterans Day. However, Subway restaurants are franchises, so this offer is only available in certain locations. Please contact your local Subway for more information regarding their specific Veterans Day specials.
Sweet Tomatoes - November 11-12, 2012 – Enjoy a Buy One Get One FREE on their soup and salad buffet his Veterans Day Weekend. Valid military ID or proof of military service is required. Beverage is not included. Offer available for lunch or dinner at participating locations.
Texas Corral Grill & Saloon - Sunday, November 11, 2012 – Veterans and active military personnel enjoy a free entree for lunch or dinner. Valid military ID required.
Texas Land & Cattle Steak House - Monday, November 12, 2012 – Veterans and current military members will receive a free entree of their choice on Veterans Day. Choose any lunch or dinner entree from the Stars & Stripes menu. Dine-in only.
Texas Roadhouse – Monday, November 12, 2012 – Free lunch for veterans and active military on Veterans Day. Hours are from 11:00AM-2:00PM. Choose from 10 free meals plus a side order and choice of beverage. Valid military ID required.
T.G.I. Friday’s – Monday, November 12, 2012 – Free lunch for veterans and U.S. Military personnel. Valid at participating locations with proof of service.
Tim Hortons – November 11, 2012 – All Tim Hortons locations are offering a free doughnut to veterans and active military personnel on Veterans Day. Of course, the Tim Hortons Star Spangled Donut is included! Not valid at Tim Hortons restaurants in Canada.
Twin Peaks - November 8-11, 2012 – Armed Forces Appreciation is offering both current and former military members a FREE meal on November 8-9-10-11, 2012. I looked at both their website and Facebook page and found no limitations on menu items or amounts. Be sure to ask before ordering. This free Veterans Day lunch or dinner is available at participating locations with valid military ID or proof of military service.
Tony Roma’s - November 11, 2012 – Free lunch or dinner entree, up to $15 maximum value. Valid military ID or proof of military service required.
Travel Centers of America - Sunday, November 11, 2012 – All CDL drivers who are also military veterans can eat free at over 170 participating Iron Skillet, Country Pride, and other full service restaurants located inside the Travel Centers of America. Value of the free meal is up to $15.00. You’ll need to show proof of your military service and your commercial driver’s license.
UNO Chicago Grill – November 11-12, 2012 – UNO offering a free entree or individual pizza with an entree or individual pizza purchase of equal or greater value. Offer good for all veterans and active duty service members with valid military ID.
Village Inn - Sunday, November 11, 2012 – Veterans and active military personnel can choose a free stack of buttermilk pancakes or a free slice of pie on Veterans Day. No additional purchase is necessary, but be sure to bring valid military ID or proof of military service.
The offerings listed below were for Veterans Day 2011. As of the time of this writing, we have not received confirmation of their availability for 2012. They may or may not be available this year. Please call ahead and ask before heading out:
America’s Incredible Pizza Company - Friday, November 11, 2011 – Locations in St. Louis and St. Peter, Missouri will be offering free Veterans Day meals to past and present military service members. Hours of this promotion vary by location, so please call ahead.
Arni’s - Friday, November 11th, 2011 – Veterans and active military personnel can enjoy any entree free on Veterans Day. Free meal is any single item up to $12.00 excluding 10″ and 14″ pizzas. Dine-in only. Valid only at Arni’s of Columbus, Greenwood, and Indianapolis, Indiana.
Back Yard Burgers - Friday, November 11th, 2011 – Enjoy a free Fresh-Baked Cobbler on Veterans Day. Your choice of blackberry, peach, cherry, strawberry and pecan. Offer valid for veterans as well as current military personnel.
Beef O’ Brady’s - Friday, November 11th, 2011 – Get a free Veterans Day meal with entree purchase of equal or greater value, up to $10.00. The information I have specifies “veterans” and does not say whether or not this offer includes active military personnel. Call your local Beef ‘O’ Brady’s and ask. Valid at participating locations.
Boston’s Gourmet Pizza - Friday, November 11th, 2011 – Current and past military members receive a free individual pizza from 5:00-7:00PM on Veterans Day. Valid at all Denver, Colorado metro area Boston’s Gourmet Pizza locations.
Dickey’s Barbecue - Friday, November 11, 2011 – Veterans and active military members will receive a free big barbecue pulled pork sandwich on Veterans Day. Offer valid at participating Dickey’s Barbecue locations during regular business hours.
Ponderosa Steakhouse - Monday, November 14, 2011 – Ponderosa’s Detroit-area restaurants present their Veteran and Military Appreciation Day from 11AM-8PM. Past and present military members will receive a free buffet lunch or dinner.
Most of these offers require proof of military service. Acceptable forms of identification include a U.S. Uniform Services Identification Card, U.S. Uniform Services Retired Identification Card, current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), Veterans Organization Card (i.e., American Legion and VFW), DD214, Citation or Commendation, photograph of yourself in uniform, or simply wear your uniform to the restaurant.
While you’re there, be sure to thank these restaurants for offering free/discounted food to the brave military men and women who serve our country. If you qualify, be sure to take advantage of these 2012 Veterans Day breakfast, lunch and dinner meal deals. Be sure to check back here for more restaurants offering free meals to veterans as we get closer to Veterans Day 2012.