Veterans Day 2024 is here! What restaurants offer freebies, free meals or deals in Illinois?

Like most of the country on Monday, restaurants across Illinois will honor those who have served the U.S. military on Veterans Day. For many, that means free meals.

There are a plethora of options available on Nov. 11. Some of the offers are extended to current military personnel and most require proof of service, such as a military ID.

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Here's what you need to know:

Is Applebee's giving free meals for Veterans Day 2024?

Applebee's is offering veterans and active-duty military a free meal from a specific menu on Veterans Day. A valid military ID or proof of service is required. Veterans also receive a $5 card to redeem for a meal to use within three weeks. Menu options include:

• 6-ounce top sirloin

• Classic bacon cheeseburger

• Chicken tenders platters

• Double crunch shrimp

• Fiesta Lime chicken

• Oriental chicken salad and three-cheese chicken penne

Is Bar Louie giving free meals for Veterans Day 2024?

Bar Louie's is offering a selection of Bar Louie half-pound craft burgers on a brioche bun for free to all active and retired military veterans. This year, the offer is valid on Sunday, Nov. 10 and Monday, Nov. 11. Offer is dine-in only at participating locations. The burger menu includes:

• Bacon Cheddar

• Blazin' Burger

• Chef's burger

• Chipotle BBQ

Is Biggby Coffee giving freebies for Veterans Day 2024?

Biggby Coffee will give veterans and active-duty service members a free 16-ounce latte hot, iced or frozen with military ID on Nov. 11.

Is BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse giving free meals for Veterans Day 2024?

BJ's Restaurant is offering a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie for current and former military members with valid proof of service. Dine-in only. Additionally, a free appetizer coupon will be issued for their next visit.

Is Bob Evans giving free meals for Veterans Day 2024?

Bob Evans is offering veterans and active-duty military personnel the choice of 10 different breakfast items from a special menu on Nov. 11.

• Banana Berry Oatmeal

• Bowl of Rolled-Out Oatmeal

• Brioche French Toast

• Buttermilk Hotcakes

• Country Biscuit Breakfast

• Cup of Sausage Gravy and Biscuits

• Down-Home Country-Fried Steak

• Sunrise

• The Classic Breakfast

• The Mini Sampler

Is Bonefish Grill giving free meals for Veterans Day 2024?

On Veterans Day, Bonefish Grill offers a free Bang Bang Shrimp and non-alcoholic beverage to active-duty military and veterans. A valid military ID is required.

Is Buffalo Wild Wings giving free meals for Veterans Day 2024?

Buffalo Wild Wings is offering a free order of 10 boneless wings and fries for veterans and active military. Offer is for dine-in only with valid ID and walk-in counter orders at Buffalo Wild Wings GO locations. The store also offers a daily 15% discount for veterans on all dine-in and cal-in orders.

Is California Pizza Kitchen giving free meals on Veterans Day 2024?

California Pizza Kitchen is giving veterans and active duty service members a complimentary entrée and drink from a prix fixe menu when dining in on Monday, Nov. 11.

Is Carrabba's giving free meals for Veterans Day 2024?

Carrabba's Italian Grill is offering veterans and active-duty military personnel with a valid ID a free take-home meal of equal or lesser value on Nov. 8-10. Also, a free dine-in appetizer or dessert paired with a free nonalcoholic beverage will be available on Nov. 11.

Is Casey's General Stores offering freebies or free meal deals for Veterans Day 2024?

Casey's General Store is giving any size coffee or fountain drink free to veterans and active-duty military personnel with valid proof of service on Nov. 11.

Is Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen giving free meals on Veterans Day 2024?

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen is giving veterans and active duty military members a complimentary appetizer or dessert on Nov. 11. Proof of service required.

Is Chick-Fil-A giving free meals for Veterans Day 2024?

Chick-Fil-A is offering a free entree to veterans and active military. Customers can choose from a free Original Chick-Fil-a Chicken Biscuit for breakfast or a free Original Chick-Fil-A Chicken Sandwich for lunch or dinner on Nov. 11 at participating locations. Proof of service required.

Is Chicken Salad Chick giving free meals on Veterans Day 2024?

Chicken Salad Chick is providing veterans and active-duty military a free Chick Meal on Nov. 11. Proof of service required. A Chick Meal includes choice of a scoop or sandwich, one fresh side and a regular fountain drink.

Is Chili's giving away free meals on Veterans Day 2024?

Chili's is offering veterans and active-duty military personnel a free meal at Chili's Grill & Bar on Nov. 11. A valid military ID or proof of service is required. Dine-in only. Offer may extend to spouses and dependents but be aware that it might vary by location.

Is City Barbeque giving free meals for Veterans Day 2024?

City Barbeque is giving veterans and active military a free sandwich, side and drink on Nov. 11. Proof of service required at participating locations.

Is CiCi's giving free meals for Veterans Day 2024?

Cici's Pizza is providing a free meal to veterans and active-military at participating locations on Nov. 11. Proof of service is required.

Does Dave & Buster's offer freebies or meal deals for Veterans Day 2024?

Dave & Buster's offers veterans get a free entree (up to $20) and a free $10 Power Card with a valid veterans ID on Nov. 11.

Is Denny's offering free meal deals for Veterans Day 2024?

Denny's is offering veterans and active duty military personnel a free Original Grand Slam on Nov. 11 from 5 a.m. to noon. Proof of service required.

Is Dickey's Barbecue Pit giving free meals for Veterans Day 2024?

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is offering veterans and active-duty military a free Pulled Pork Sandwich on Nov. 11. Dine-in and online or app for carryout.

Is Dunkin' offering any freebies, meal deals or discounts on Veterans Day 2024?

Dunkin' is offering all active and retired military a free doughnut of choice while supplies last in-store only. The offer is not available for orders placed using On-the-Go Mobile Ordering through the Dunkin’ Mobile App.

Is Eddie Merlot's offering free meals on Veterans Day 2024?

Eddie Merlot’s is giving veterans and active-duty military Eddie’s Prime Cheeseburger with Fries for free on Nov. 11. Dine-in only while supplies last. Proof of military service required.

Is Einstein Bros. Bagles giving freebies or free meal deals on Veterans Day 2024?

Einstein Bros. Bagels is giving veterans and active-duty military a free hot or iced coffee of any size with in-store purchase on Nov. 11. Proof of service required.

Is Famous Dave's giving free meals for Veterans Day 2024?

Famous Dave's is offering veterans and active military a free Georgia Chopped Pork Sandwich and choice of side on Nov. 11 at all locations for dine-In, to go and online ordering. Limit one per veteran with valid ID.

Is Fazoli's giving free meals for veterans Day 2024?

Fazoli's is providing veterans and active-duty military a free spaghetti with marinara or meat sauce at participating locations with valid proof of service on Nov. 11. Dine-in or use the online code: Vet24.

Is Fogo de Ch?o giving free meals or discounts for Veterans Day 2024?

Fogo de Ch?ois giving veterans and active-duty personnel a 50% discount off the Full Churrsaco Experience and three of their guests will receive a 10% discount on Nov. 11. Dine-in only. Proof of service required.

Is Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers giving free meals on Veterans Day 2024?

Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers is giving veterans and active-duty military personnel a meal card valid for a free combo meal of their choice on Nov. 11. Proof of service required. Cards may be redeemed through Dec. 31, 2024.

Is Golden Corral giving free meals for Veterans Day 2024?

Golden Corral will offer a free meal to active and former military personnel from 4 p.m. to close on Nov. 11 during Military Appreciation Night.

Is Hooters giving free meals for Veterans Day 2024?

All retired and active-duty military can get a free meal from the Hooters Veterans Day Menu for dine-in with the purchase of a beverage on Nov. 11. Must present proof of service or a military ID.

The special menu includes five of Hooters’ select entrees:

• 10-Piece Boneless Wings

• Hooters Burger

• Grilled Chicken Sandwich

• Buffalo Chicken Sandwich

• Buffalo Chicken Salad

Is Huddle House giving free meals for Veterans Day 2024?

Huddle House is offering active and retired military a free MVP Breakfast Platter on Nov. 11 at participating locations. Dine-in only. Proof of service required.

Is IHOP giving free meals for Veterans Day 2024?

IHOP is giving veterans and active-duty military a free Red, White and Blueberry Pancake Combo from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 11. Dine-in only at participating restaurants. Military ID required.

Does Lion's Choice have free meal deals for Veterans Day 2024?

Lion’s Choice offers a free original roast beef sandwich for military members on Nov. 11. Military ID required.

Is Little Caesars giving freebies or free meal deals for Veterans Day 2024?

Little Caesars is offering veterans and active-duty military a complimentary Lunch Combo consisting of four slices of Little Caesars signature Detroit-style Deep Dish pizza and a 20-ounce beverage from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 11. Proof of service required.

Is Logan’s Roadhouse giving free meals for Veterans Day 2024?

Veterans and active-duty military personnel can dine for free from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 11 at Logan’s Roadhouse, ordering from a special menu that includes cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, pork chops and other items with a choice of a side. A missing man table will also be displayed at each location. Throughout the year, Logan’s offers a 10% military discount to veterans and active-duty service members.

Is LongHorn Steakhouse giving free meals or discounts for Veterans Day 2024?

LongHorn Steakhouse is providing veterans and active-duty military 10% off their meal on Nov. 10-11, along with a free appetizer or dessert for their table. Dine-in and call-in orders only. Proof of service required.

Is McCormick & Schmick's giving free meals or discounts for Veterans Day 2024?

McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurantsis offering active-duty military, veterans, National Guard, Gold Star Parents and Gold Star Spouses a select half-priced entrée on Sunday, Nov. 10. Dine-in only. Must show valid military ID. Reservations are strongly recommended.

Does McDonald’s offer any Veterans Day 2024 freebies?

McDonald’s restaurants will offer a free meal to current and former military members with a valid military ID all day on Nov. 11.  The offer includes a choice of a free Egg McMuffin or Bacon Egg Cheese Biscuit meal, including a hash brown and any size soft drink, tea or coffee for breakfast.

Is Mission BBQ giving free meals for Veterans Day 2024?

Mission BBQ is providing veterans a free sandwich on Nov. 11. Proof of service required.

Is MOD Pizza giving free meals for Veterans Day 2024?

MOD Pizza is offering veterans, active-duty military and their spouses a free Mega Cookie with purchase of a pizza or salad on Nov. 11.

Does Old Chicago have a free meal deal for Veterans Day 2024?

At Old Chicago, active-duty military and veterans can enjoy a free entree from an exclusive menu. Non-water beverage purchase required. Dine-in only. Military ID required.

Is Olive Garden giving free meals or discounts for Veterans Day 2024?

Olive Garden is giving a complimentary entrée from a special menu on Nov. 11. Dine-in only. Proof of service required.

Is Outback Steakhouse giving free meals for Veterans Day 2024?

Outback Steakhouse is providing active-duty military and veterans a free Bloomin’ Onion and beverage with the purchase of an adult entree on Nov. 11. Dine-in only. Military ID required.

Is Perkins giving free meals for Veterans Day 2024?

Perkins is offering military personnel a free Great American Trio Meal at participating locations Nov. 11. Valid military ID required.

Is Qdoba offering free meals or discounts for Veterans Day 2024?

QDOBAis providing veterans and active-duty military members a 50% discount off any full-size entrée on Nov. 11. Dine-in only at participating locations. Valid military ID required.

Is Raising Cane's giving free meals or discounts for Veterans Day 2024?

Raising Cane’s is offering all active or nonactive military and their spouses a 10% discount off their entire purchase on Nov. 11 when they mention the Hero Discount Program. Dine-in only. Valid military ID required.

Does Red Lobster give free meals for Veterans Day 2024?

Red Lobster is offering a free Shrimp and Chips to veterans and active-duty military members with proof of service. Meal includes six Walt’s Shrimp, fries and coleslaw plus a beverage. Tax and gratuity are not included. No substitutions or modifications permitted.

Is Red Robin giving free meals for Veterans Day 2024?

Red Robin is giving veterans and active-duty military a complimentary Red's Big Tavern Burger and Bottomless Side at participating restaurants on Nov. 11. Dine-in only. Proof of service required.

Is Ruby Tuesday offering any freebies, free meals or discounts for Veterans Day 2024?

Ruby Tuesday is providing active-duty military and veterans a free Garden Bar entrée, American Smashed Burger or Ruby’s Cheeseburger on Nov. 11 using code HERO24. Military ID required.

Is Scooter's Coffee offering free drinks for Veterans Day 2024?

Scooter's Coffee is offering a free medium drink at any location with valid Military ID. Mobile order ahead is not available. Limit one redemption per customer only on Nov. 11.

Is Smokey Bones giving free meals for Veterans Day 2024?

Smokey Bones is providing active-duty military and veterans a free Create-Your-Own-1 on Nov. 11 which includes one protein and one side. Dine-in only at participating restaurants. Proof of service required.

Is Sonic offering any freebies, free meals or discounts for Veterans Day 2024?

Sonic is offering guests half price milkshakes on Nov. 11 in any size or flavor, including both Classic and Master Shakes.

Is Starbucks giving freebies, meal deals or discounts for Veterans Day 2024?

Starbucks is honoring veterans, active military and their spouses with a free tall brewed coffee ? hot or iced ? on Nov. 11. Valid at participating U.S. stores and licensed locations. Proof of service required.

Is Sullivan's Steakhouse giving away freebies or meal deals for Veterans Day 2024?

Sullivan’s Steakhouse is honoring veterans and active-duty military by giving a free Sullivan’s Signature Angus Burger with Fries on Nov. 11. Dine-in only. Proof of military service required.

IS TCBY giving freebies or free meal deals for Veterans Day 2024?

TCBY is offering veterans and active military personnel their first 6 ounces of frozen yogurt for free at participating locations on Nov. 11. Must show a valid ID.

Is Ted's Montana Grill giving free meals or discounts for Veterans Day 2024?

Ted's Montana Grillis providing veterans and active military a 10% discount on Nov. 11. Proof of service required.

Is Texas Roadhouse giving free meals on Veterans Day 2024?

Veterans and active U.S. military personnel can pick up a voucher for a free meal at Texas Roadhouse on Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Proof of service is required. The vouchers can be redeemed through May 31, 2025, for one of 10 entrees, including a six-ounce sirloin, and two made-from-scratch sides, plus a choice of any Coca-Cola product, sweet tea/iced tea or coffee.

Is TGI Fridays giving free meals for Veterans Day 2024?

TGI Fridays is giving veterans and active-duty military personnel a free meal off a select menu from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 11. Valid Military ID required.

Is Twin Peaks giving free meals for Veterans Day 2024?

Twin Peaks is offering veterans and active military a free lunch off a select menu from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 11 at participating locations. Proof of service required.

Does Wendy's offer any freebies or meal deals for Veterans Day 2024?

Wendy's is offering a free breakfast combo during its breakfast service hours. No purchase required. Combos come with a small order of seasoned potatoes and a drink. Entree options include:

• Sausage egg and cheese English muffin

• Breakfast Baconator

• Honey Buddy chicken biscuit combo

Is White Castle giving free meals for Veterans Day 2024?

White Castle is offering a free combo meal or a breakfast combo meal for dine-in to veterans and active-duty military members on Nov. 11. Must show a military ID.

Is Yard House giving freebies, free meals or discounts for Veterans Day 2024?

Yard House is offering veterans and active-duty military members a complimentary appetizer on Nov. 11. Proof of service required.

What is Veterans Day?

Veterans Day is a U.S. federal holiday honoring military veterans of the United States Armed Forces.

When is Veterans Day 2024?

Veterans Day is observed every year on Nov. 11. In 2024, Veterans Day falls on a Monday.

What’s the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day?

Memorial Day is a holiday the last Monday in May. While Veterans Day commemorates the service of all U.S. veterans, Memorial Day specifically honors those who died while in military service.

What is a missing man table?

A missing man table, sometimes called a fallen soldier table, is a memorial set up during dining functions to honor fallen, missing, or imprisoned military service members.

Contact IndyStar-Midwest Connect Gannett reporter Cheryl V. Jackson at [email protected] or 317-444-6264. Follow her on X: @cherylvjackson.

Chris Sims is a digital content producer at Midwest Connect Gannett. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisFSims.

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: 2024 Veterans Day free meals Illinois: Where to find freebies, deals Nov. 11