Veterans Day 2023 Freebies And Deals In CT

CONNECTICUT — As has become traditional on Veterans Day, several Connecticut restaurants are offering free deals and discounts to veterans and members of the military.

Veterans Day is always Nov. 11, which falls on a Saturday this year. Some of the deals start before or extend beyond the actual holiday.

Replacing the former Armistice Day, which commemorated the end of World War I, Veterans Day became an official holiday in 1954 to thank and honor all of those who have served honorably in the military, whether in wartime or peacetime.

In most cases, the deals are extended beyond veterans to active members of the military and to their spouses and families in some cases. Most require some type of proof of military service, such as a military ID card or a Veterans Administration benefits card.

As curated from Military.com, a news and resource website for members of the military and veterans, deals in Connecticut include:

Eat For Free

Applebee’s: Active-duty military, veterans, reserves and National Guard get a complimentary full-size entrée from a special menu and other perks on Nov. 11 (dine-in only).

BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse: Free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie with any $9.95 purchase and additional perks with a $14.95 purchase.

Bob Evans: Veterans and active-duty military get a free meal from a select menu on Nov. 11 (dine-in only).

Bruegger's Bagels: Veterans and active-duty military get a free hot or iced coffee (any size) with a purchase in-store on Nov. 11.

Buffalo Wild Wings: Veterans and active-duty service members get a free order of 10 Boneless Wings and Fries on Nov. 11 with a valid ID. (Dine-in only, except at “go” locations, which will recognize the deals on walk-in orders placed at the counter).

California Pizza Kitchen: Veterans and active-duty military members get a complimentary meal Nov. 11.

Carrabba’s Italian Grill: Veterans and active-duty military get a complimentary dine-in appetizer or dessert paired with a soft drink on Nov. 11.

Charleys Cheesesteaks: Veterans and active-duty military get free Gourmet Fries in-store with no purchase necessary on Nov. 11 at participating locations.

Chili’s: Veterans and active-duty service members get a free meal from a select menu on Nov. 11 (dine-in only).

Dave & Buster’s: Veterans get a free entree (up to $20) and a free $10 Power Card on Nov. 11.

Denny’s: All active and retired military personnel get a free Original Grand Slam from 5 a.m. to noon Friday, Nov. 10 (dine-in only).

Duffy’s Sports Grill: Veterans get a free meal from 11 a.m.-4 pm. on Nov. 11 (dine-in only).

Dunkin’: Veterans and active-duty military get a free doughnut of their choice on Nov. 11 (in-store only).

Einstein Bros. Bagels: Veterans and active-duty military get a free hot or iced coffee (any size) with an in-store purchase on Nov. 11.

Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers: Veterans and active-duty military personnel who visit the store on Nov. 11 get a free Freddy’s Original Double with Cheese combo meal card that can be redeemed through Nov. 30.

Hooters Restaurants: Active-duty military and veterans get a free entrée from a special menu with the purchase of a beverage on Nov. 11 (dine-in only).

IHOP: Veterans and active-duty military get free Red, White, & Blueberry Pancakes or Pancake Combo from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. on Nov. 11 (dine-in only).

Mission BBQ: Veterans get a free sandwich on Nov. 11.

99 Restaurants: Veterans and active-duty military will get a free lunch from a special menu with the purchase of another entrée from opening until 5 p.m. on Nov. 10 (dine-in only).

Outback Steakhouse: Active-duty military and veterans get a free Bloomin’ Onion and beverage with the purchase of an adult entrée on Nov. 11 (dine-in only).

Pilot Flying J: Service members and their families get a free meal Nov. 10-12 through a special offer in the app.

Playa Bowls: Veterans get a free bowl on Nov. 11 (in-shop only).

Red Lobster: Veterans, active-duty military and reservists get free printed meal vouchers for Veterans Shrimp & Chips from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Nov. 11.The voucher can be redeemed Nov. 13-Dec. 10 (dine-in only).

Red Robin: Veterans and active-duty military get a complimentary Red's Big Tavern Burger with an endless side of steak fries on Nov. 11 (dine-in only).

Smoothie King: Active-duty military and veterans get a free smoothie from one of three red, white, and blue smoothies on Nov. 11.

Starbucks: Veterans, active-duty military personnel and their spouses get a free 12-ounce hot or or cold brewed coffee on Nov. 11.

TCBY: Veterans and active military personnel get their first 6 ounces of frozen yogurt for free on Nov. 11.

World of Beer Bar & Kitchen: Veterans and active-duty service members receive an order of one of the restaurant’s limited fall food items from Nov. 9-12.

Discounts On Eats

bb.q Chicken: Veterans and active-duty military get 25 percent off all orders placed in-store on Nov. 11.

BurgerFi: Veterans and active-duty military get 20 percent off their entire order on Nov. 11(dine-in only).

Texas de Brazil: Veterans who dine in now through Nov. 12 receive 25 percent off dinner pricing for up to a table of four.

Military.com has more specifics about each of the deals and is updating its site daily as more eateries confirm their 2023 Veterans Day plans.