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20 Restaurants Where Veterans Eat Free on Veterans Day

Published: Nov 10, 2014
Applebee's in NYC
Ben Hider—Getty Images

This list is from 2014. Check here for all the places veterans can eat and drink for free on Veterans Day 2019.

Starbucks, Hooters, Krispy Kreme, Olive Garden, Friendly's, Chili's IHOP, and TGI Friday's are among the many national restaurant chains celebrating Veterans Day 2014 with freebies for vets and active military (and sometimes their family members as well).

In addition to free food, veterans and active members of the military are being thanked on Veterans Day with free haircuts (at Great Cuts) and free admission to popular attractions (Colonial Williamsburg, Harley-Davidson Museum, Boston Duck Tours, etc.). For that matter, everyone gets free admission to national parks on Veterans Day.

For a more comprehensive list of military freebies and discounts—some of which are valid beyond just Veterans Day—check out Military.com.

As for Veterans Day food deals, the 20 freebies below are for veterans and active members of the military and generally come with the requirement that the customer is able to produce military ID or shows up in uniform. Unless otherwise stated, the deals are in effect only on Tuesday, November 11.

Applebee's: A choice of seven different meals on the house (beverages and gratuity not included).

Bob Evans: Free all-you-can-eat hotcakes.

California Pizza Kitchen: A free entrée from special menu.

Cheeseburger in Paradise: Free All American Burger and fries.

Chili's: Free meals from a special menu.

Denny's: Free build-your-own Grand Slam Breakfast from 5 a.m. to noon.

Friendly's: Free Big Two Do breakfast or free All American Burger meal for lunch or dinner.

Golden Corral: A "thank you" dinner and fundraiser will take place on Monday, November 17, and veterans and active-duty military are welcomed to a free buffet and beverage from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Handel's Ice Cream: Free single-scoop ice cream cone.

Hooters: Free entrée (up to $10.99 value) with any drink purchase.

IHOP: Free order of Red, White, and Blue pancakes anytime between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Krispy Kreme: Free small coffee and a donut.

LaMars Donuts: Free 12 oz. coffee and a donut.

Olive Garden: Free entrée from special menu.

On the Border: Free "create your own combo" meal.

Shoney's: Free All American Burger.

Starbucks: Veterans and active military and their spouses each get a free tall coffee.

TGI Fridays: Free lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Texas Roadhouse: Free lunch from special menu.

Tim Hortons: Free donut, anytime during the day.