Where Illinois Vets Can Eat Free, Get Deals On Veterans Day (2024)

Here's what Illinois restaurants are offering freebies & dining deals to U.S. armed forces and veterans on Thursday.

Posted Wed, Nov 10, 2021 at 3:22 pm CT|Updated Thu, Nov 11, 2021 at 9:57 am CT

Proof of service or military IDs generally are required for the specials. Peruse the details as restrictions may apply, and always confirm your local establishment is participating in the promotions.

And, from Patch, thanks to all who served, or currently serve, our country!

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APPLEBEE'S: For the 14th year, active military, veterans, Reserves and National Guard will be treated to a free entree on Veterans Day, Thursday, Nov. 11. Choices include: 6 oz. Top Sirloin; Double Crunch Shrimp; Fiesta Lime Chicken; Chicken Tenders Platter; Classic Bacon Cheeseburger; Oriental Chicken Salad; Three-Cheese Chicken Penne. Dine-in only. Also, the special guests will receive a $5 bounce back card to redeem for dine-in, To Go or delivery within three weeks. Info here. Location finder here.

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CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN: A complimentary, CPK entree & beverage will be offered for dine-in to vets, with proof of service, on Veterans Day. Plus, all veterans will receive a BOGO, redeemable Nov. 12-20. Restaurants also will donate 20% of Nov. 8-10 sales to Disabled American Veterans, a non-profit that supports veterans & their families. To participate, guests must mention the DAV promo or show a flyer or social post. Purchases also include take-out, catering and online orders at cpk.com when a guest enters the promo code DAV at checkout. Locales found here.

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CHILI'S: Vets & active duty can enjoy a free entree for in-room dining Nov. 11. Menu options include: Chicken Crispers: Margarita Grilled Chicken; chili or soup & salad; Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas; Just Bacon Burger; Oldtimer with Cheese or Cajun Chicken Pasta. Info here. Locations here.

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DENNY'S: On Veterans Day, Denny's continues its tradition of complimentary "Build Your Own Grand Slam" to active, inactive and retired military personnel. The signature breakfast includes a customizable breakfast with choices, including pancakes, egg, bacon, biscuits & hash browns. The offer is valid for dine-in only at participating locations from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. for those with valid military ID or DD 214. Locales listed here.

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DICKEY'S BARBECUE PIT: On Nov. 11, Dickey’s is giving away a free Pulled Pork Sandwich to veterans, who use code VETFREE in-store for carryout or online for pickup. And from Nov. 11 through Dec. 31, Barbecue at Home by Dickey’s is taking 15% off orders for veterans using code VETERAN15. See all the details here. There are 4 Dickey's in Illinois. Find one near you.

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DUNKIN': All veterans & active military can receive a small thanks for a huge service – a free donut of their choice on Thursday, Nov. 11 at participating locations, no purchase necessary. Limit one per guest, while supplies last. No ID required. Offer available in-store only. Details.

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FAMOUS DAVE'S: A free Georgia Chopped Pork Sandwich and side will be given to all vets and active duty, with proof of service, at participating restaurants on Thursday for dine-in or takeout. Use code VETERAN at checkout on famousdaves.com/menu. Details here. Illinois location finder here.

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FREDDY'S FROZEN CUSTARD & STEAKBURGERS: On Veterans Day, Thursday, Nov 11, veterans and current military personnel can receive a card, valid through Nov. 30, for a free Freddy's Original Double combo meal. No purchase necessary. In Illinois, Freddy's include Crystal Lake, Frankfort, Glendale Heights, Homewood and Orland Park. (Fun fact: Freddy himself was a decorated World War II veteran!) Deal details here.

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GOLDEN CORRAL: U.S. military (retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard or Reserves) can enjoy a free meal from 5 p.m. to close on "Military Appreciation Night" Thursday, Nov. 11. Dine-in only. Details. Find Illinois locations here.

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HARD ROCK CAFE: All veterans & active duty, with ID, will receive a free Legendary Steak Burger and a side of fries all day on Thursday, Nov. 11. Info here. Dine-in only. Location in Chicago.

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HOOTERS: On Nov. 11, veterans & current service members, with military ID or proof of service, who purchase a beverage at will receive a free entrée from Hooters Veterans Day Menu. Dine-in only at participating locations. Menu options: Buffalo Chicken Salad; Buffalo Chicken Sandwich; Grilled Chicken Sandwich; Hooters Burger and 10-Piece Boneless Wings. Info. Find your Illinois location here.

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IHOP: From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Veterans Day, Thursday, Nov. 11, active duty and vets can enjoy one of two free menu offerings: "Red, White & Blueberry Pancakes," three pancakes with glazed strawberries, blueberry compote & whipped topping; or "Red, White & Blueberry Combo," two pancakes with strawberries, blueberry compote & topping, plus two eggs, hash browns & choice of bacon or sausage. Check with your local IHOP for details.

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LITTLE CAESARS: U.S. armed forces veterans and active military will be treated to a free Hot-N-Ready® Lunch Combo at participating stores this Veterans Day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Offer includes four slices of Detroit-style DEEP!DEEP! Dish pizza & a 20-ounce Pepsi product. While supplies last, and valid ID required. In-store purchase only. Info here.

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OLIVE GARDEN: Veterans & active-duty military can enjoy a complimentary entrée, from a select menu, on Veterans Day. For dine-in only. Restaurant finder here.

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OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE: Service members and veterans, plus medical workers, police and first responders, get 10% off their checks as part of Operation Homefront Heroes Discount program. Valid ID required. Location finder here.

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QDOBA: On Veterans Day, Nov. 11., QDOBA will offer active military & veterans 50 percent off any entrée in-store with military ID. QDOBA also is partnering with K9s for Warriors, the nation’s largest provider of service dogs for veterans, to collect donations for this non-profit in-store and online. Location finder here.

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RED LOBSTER: Veterans, active duty & reservists, with valid ID, will be thanked for their service on Thursday, Nov. 11 with a free appetizer or dessert. Appetizer options: Lobster & Langostino Pizza; Seafood-Stuffed Mushrooms; Parrot Isle Jumbo Coconut Shrimp; Langostino Lobster-Artichoke-and-Seafood Dip; Crab-Stuffed Shrimp Rangoon; Signature Jumbo Shrimp co*cktail; Mozzarella Cheesesticks; or White Wine & Roasted-Garlic Mussels. Desserts selections: Vanilla Bean Cheesecake; Brownie Overboard; or Key Lime Pie. Info. Locations here.

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RED ROBIN: Red Robin Royalty® members, with military designations, can score a free Tavern Double burger & fries – for dine-in or to-go — from Nov. 1 to Nov. 14. To get the freebie, active or former military and vets must register here for Red Robin’s Royalty Program by Nov. 1. Once registered, military & vets can enjoy the burger, with two patties, lettuce, tomato & Red’s Secret Tavern Sauce, plus served with bottomless fries. Info here. Locations here.

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SMASHBURGER: On Nov. 11, Smashburger will celebrate Veterans Day offering vets a one-day deal— a free, Single Classic Burger, featuring beef patty, American cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, pickles, ketchup, toasted bun & Smashburger’s specialty Smash Sauce. Locations here.

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TCBY: On Thursday, Nov. 11, veterans and active duty, with ID or proof of service, can enjoy a free 6-ounce treat at participating TCBY sites. Info here. Store finder here.

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TEXAS DE BRAZIL: As a show of thanks, the steakhouse is offering 25% off dinner Nov. 9-11, for veterans & armed forces guests, who mention deal to server before dining and provide military ID. (Valid IDs include military ID, DOD ID, DVA ID or DD214 ID.) Offer valid for up to 6 guests per table/reservation. Call sites to confirm participation before booking reservations. Info here. Sites: Orland Park and Schaumburg.

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TEXAS ROADHOUSE: On Thursday, Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the restaurants will hold drive-thrus in their parking lots, distributing meal vouchers to military and veterans. The vouchers can be redeemed for one of 10 entrees, including a sirloin steak, two sides and a Coca-Cola product, sweet tea/iced tea or coffee. The giveaway is drive-thru only, but vouchers can be redeemed when the restaurants opens for dinner or through May 30, 2022. Find Illinois locales here.

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WENDY'S: In honor of Veterans Day, those who served or are currently serving in the military can receive a free breakfast combo. Valid military ID or Veterans Advantage card required. Offer is good Thursday, Nov. 11 from 6:30 a.m.– 10:30 a.m, but check your local Wendy's as breakfast hours may vary by location.

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