Veterans and active-duty military members can get free meals, coffee, and admission at businesses across the U.S. today to celebrate Veterans Day (Wednesday, Nov. 11), including free entrées from several restaurant chains. Many of the offers require proof of service, however.
Applebee’s, Chili’s and Olive Garden are giving veterans and active-duty service members a free entrée from a limited Veterans Day menu (exact items and eligibility details vary slightly by chain), while Red Lobster is offering a free Walt’s Favorite Shrimp & Chips (also called Veteran’s Shrimp & Chips) plate. All these offers are for dine-in customers only.
Denny’s meanwhile is serving a free Original Grand Slam breakfast from 5 a.m. to noon, and IHOP is giving away a free Red, White, and Blueberry Pancake Combo (two buttermilk pancakes with glazed strawberries, blueberry topping, and whipped topping, plus two eggs, hash browns, and bacon or sausage) from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at participating restaurants.
For dinner, Golden Corral is holding its annual Military Appreciation Night, with a free buffet from 4 p.m. until closing at participating locations (crowds are expected).
If you’re looking for a quick bite, In-N-Out Burger is giving veterans, active-duty personnel, and members of the Reserve and National Guard a free burger, fries, and drink, along with a Veterans Day decal.
Spouses can get in on the perks, too: Starbucks is offering a free tall hot or iced coffee at participating U.S. stores. The deal is open to veterans, service members, and military spouses.
Beyond dining: entertainment and parks
Some attractions are also free. The National Park Service is waiving entrance fees at national parks for all visitors on Nov. 11. In Milwaukee, the Harley-Davidson Museum is offering free admission to veterans and active-duty personnel, along with one adult guest and up to four children.
The Aquarium of the Pacific, meanwhile, is free for veterans and active-duty members, but reservations are required. If you’re in Virginia, Colonial Williamsburg is offering free admission to military members, veterans, and their families through Nov. 11.
Requirements differ from one business to the next. Many ask for a military ID, while others accept a veteran card or other proof of service. Red Lobster said some locations will accept a uniform as proof, but not all.
It’s worth noting that the Department of Veterans Affairs said offers may change and may not be available in every location, so folks should check with their local business first.
Sources: VA News, Applebee’s, PR Newswire, Recreation.gov, Colonial Williamsburg, Starbucks, Newsweek