Where Vets & Military Can Eat Free On Veterans Day 2021

CALIFORNIA — Restaurants throughout the Golden State are stepping up again this year to salute retired and active-duty military with free meals and discount dining deals on Veterans Day — which falls in 2021 on Thursday, Nov. 11.

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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ARTICHOKE JOE'S CASINO: The San Bruno spot is offering veterans, with valid ID, free meals — American Scramble or Sloppy Joe's Special — 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 11. The event is open to all with valid military ID. At 659 Huntington Ave., San Bruno. Info here.

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BIBIBOP ASIAN GRILL: On Veterans Day, a free bowl will be offered to veterans & active military. To claim the freebie, participants must present military ID or identify as veteran/active military personnel. Korean-inspired BIBIBOP Asian Grill in California is at 1401 3rd St. Promenade, Santa Monica. Info here.

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BJ'S RESTAURANTS & BREWHOUSE: Current & former military, with ID or proof of service, can enjoy dine-in freebies on Nov. 11. A free Dr. Pepper beverage and a complimentary meal, from a special Veterans Day menu can be ordered. Among options: bacon cheeseburger; spaghetti & meatballs; chicken alfredo; baked ziti; and soup and salad. Details. Locations here.

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BLACK ANGUS STEAKHOUSE: On Thursday, Nov. 11, veterans and active duty can receive the All-American Steak Plate for $11.99, roughly half off normal pricing. The dine-in or takeout meal includes an 8-ounce sirloin, mashed potatoes, broccoli with garlic butter and a non-alcoholic beverage. Valid military ID or proof of military service required for this one-day-only offer, available 3 p.m. to p.m. Location finderhere.

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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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CLAIM JUMPER STEAKHOUSE & BAR: Active duty & vets can celebrate Veterans Day with a free dine-in meal, with such options as BBQ Chicken Salad, Classic Cheeseburger, Black Tie Pasta, Meatloaf & Mashed Potatoes, Grilled Shrimp, Country Fried Steak & Southern Fried Chicken. Valid ID required. Info and menu here. Restaurants here.

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COMMERCE CASINO: On Veterans Day, Nov. 11., veterans and active duty can score an all-day, 50% off deal in all restaurants. Special offered to those who present a veteran's card or proof of military duty. Casino website here. Located at 6131 Telegraph Road, Commerce.

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DENNY'S: On Veterans Day, Denny's continues its tradition of complimentary "Build Your Own Grand Slam" to active, inactive & 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 68 Dickey's in California. 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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EL TORRITO GRILL: The Brea restaurant is offering a complimentary "Three-Item Combo" on Veterans Day to vets and active duty. Combo options include grilled steak taco, grilled fish taco, chicken & roasted corn enchiladas, chile relleno, chicken tamales & more. At 555 Pointe Drive, Brea.

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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. Location finder here.

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FARMER BOYS: On Thursday, Nov. 11, a special deal is offered at participating locations (while supplies last) for active, former or retired military with proof of service: a free Big Cheese burger — made with a pure beef patty, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, dill pickles, yellow onion & house-made dressing on toasted sesame seed bun. Cannot be combined with any other discounts. Info here. Locale finder here.

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FREDDY'S: 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 California, Freddy's are in Bakersfield, National City, San Marcos and Victorville. (Fun fact: Freddy himself was a decorated World War II veteran!) Deal details here.

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FRESH BROTHERS: Present a military ID or veterans card for 20% off pick-up, walk-up or dine-in orders as thanks for honorable and noble work. Follow this link for details. Find Fresh Brothers sites here.

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GUACAMIGOS TEQUILA & TACOS: All veterans & active military on November 11 can receive a $5 bonus card ($15 value) that can be used from Nov. 12 to Dec. 31. Details here. Location: 2607 West Pacific Coast Hwy., Newport Beach.

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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 California 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. Locales in Hollywood, San Francisco & Wheatland/Sacramento.

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HOOTERS: On Nov. 11, veterans & current servicemembers, 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.

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HOPDODDY: Veterans and active duty, with military ID, can snag a free Classic Burger, with or without cheese. Freebie available at all Hopdoddy locations and redeemable for in-store dining or to-go orders placed by phone. Locales: 830 South Pacific Coast Highway Blvd., El Segundo; Fashion Island, Newport Beach; 12746 Jefferson Blvd., Playa Vista.

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IHOP: From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Veteran’s 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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JOE'S CRAB SHACK: Veterans & active military are invited on Nov. 11 to a free meal ($15 value), plus a $5 bonus card good from Nov. 12 - Dec. 31. California restaurants in Garden Grove, Redondo, Oceanside, San Diego and Sacramento. Details here.

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LAS BRISAS: Vets & active military can enjoy a complimentary entrée on Veterans Day from 3 p.m. to close, with a minimum purchase of $10. Choices: Seared Salmon; Roasted Chicken; or Butternut Squash Tamales. Dine-in only. Located at 361 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach.

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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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LUCILLE'S SMOKEHOUSE BBQ: A free "Original Pulled Pork Sandwich" and "swoon-worthy side" is offered Nov. 11 to all U.S. active duty and veterans for dine-in & take-out, with proof of service. Plus, during November, patrons can support Operation Homefront’s Holiday Meals for Military program, by “rounding up” checks. Vets Day offer details here. Location finder here.

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LUNA GRILL: Vets and active duty military, with valid ID, can take 10% off purchases Nov. 11 placed in-restaurant for dine-in or to-go for the Mediterranean-inspired meals. Offer is not valid for online orders, but is valid on phone to-go orders for those who show ID upon pick-up. Locations here.

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McCORMICK & SCHMICK'S: This offer is for Nov. 7. Veterans of U.S. military, National Guard, Gold Star parents & spouses can enjoy a select, half-priced entrée on Sunday, Nov 7. Info here. Check out menu here. California locales at Gardenwalk, Anaheim, and San Francisco’s Ghirardelli Square.

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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. Participating locations in Alameda, Butte, Contra Costa, Fresno, Imperial, Kern, Los Angeles, Monterey, Orange, Placer, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Shasta, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tulare & Ventura counties. 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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PILOT COMPANY: Active duty & retired military can enjoy a free meal at participating U.S. travel centers. Additionally, Pilot is teaming up with the Call of Duty Endowment for campaign to help veterans transition to successful careers after the military. And on Nov. 11, veterans, with authenticated with ID.me in the myRewards PlusTM app, can score $10 free meal credit. Discount to be redeemed at company's owned and operated Pilot, Flying J and One9 Fuel Network travel centers. Download the myRewards PlusTM app. Info here. Location finder here.

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PUNCH BOWL SOCIAL: Veterans & active duty military can enjoy one hour of free activities Thursday, Nov. 11 at the San Diego locale from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. Games include: vintage arcade games; giant scrabble; bowling; ping-pong; skeeball; karaoke & more. Punch Bowl Social is at 1485 E. St. San Diego. Follow this link for info.

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QDOBA: On Veterans Day, Nov. 11., QDOBA will offer active military & veterans 50% 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 Cocktail; 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. 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. Locales here.

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SOL MEXICAN COCINA: On Veterans Day, and every day, this Baja-inspired restaurant honors our armed forces and veterans with a 20% heroes discount on food and beverages. Locales in Playa Vista & Newport Beach.

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SOLITA: Veterans and active military can score a 20% heroes discount on food and beverages on Veterans Day and every day at locales in Valencia & Huntington Beach.

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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: Carlsbad, Concord, Fresno, Irvine & Rancho Cucamonga.

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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 California locales here.

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THE BICYCLE HOTEL & CASINO: On Nov. 11, a 50% discount at the Bike Brewery will be offered to all veterans and active duty military, who present a veterans card or show proof of active duty. Offer runs all day at the location, 888 Bicycle Casino Drive, Bell Gardens.

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THE PROVINCE AT BAY 101 CASINO: To mark Veterans Day and its grand re-opening, the locale will offer a 10% discount to veterans, with proof of status, for lunch and dinner. Reservations required & can be made online at theprovincesj.com. Located adjacent to Bay 101 Casino, 1788 N. First St., San Jose.

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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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WIENERSCHITZEL: Present military ID or wear uniform to receive chili dog, small fries & small Pepsi on Nov. 11. Details here. For veterans & active duty. Locations listed here.

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YARD HOUSE: Complimentary appetizers will be offered Thursday to veterans and active service members. Among the options: sliders; grilled Korean barbecue beef; chicken lettuce wraps; and firecracker shrimp. Info here. Find locations here.

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