Veterans Day is a time when many businesses honor the people who serve their country, including several restaurants that treat them to free meals. This year the holiday falls on Wednesday, Nov. 11.
Most deals are for veterans and active-duty members of the U.S. military, and some may also be offered to first responders. Family members and guests might not be included; proof of service will probably be required.
Here are some deals announced by restaurant chains on their websites, on social media or in news releases. Check with your local restaurants for details.
Black Angus Steakhouse: Veterans can get a free 6-ounce top sirloin steak with mashed potatoes and broccoli on Nov. 11. Their group can get 15% off their entire check. blackangus.com
California Pizza Kitchen: Veterans and active-duty service members can get a free entrée and beverage from a special prix fixe menu when dining in at participating locations. They will also get a Buy One Get One card, good Nov. 12-25. cpk.com
Chili’s Grill & Bar: Veterans and active military members can get a free meal from select items on Nov. 11 at participating restaurants. The offer is dine-in only. chilis.com
Farmer Boys: Veterans and active-duty service members can get a free Big Cheese cheeseburger on Nov. 11. farmerboys.com
Golden Corral: The buffet’s annual Military Appreciation Night will be 4 p.m. until closing on Nov. 11. All U.S. military members, active and retired, can receive a free buffet and drink at participating locations. The offer is dine-in only. goldencorral.com
In-N-Out Burger: Veterans, active-duty military, reserves and National Guard members can receive a free meal with any burger, fries and beverage all day Nov. 11. Also, current and former members of the U.S. military will receive a special edition Veterans Day decal. in-n-out.com
Lazy Dog Restaurants: The Orange County chain is offering a free Fireside Favorites entrée, personal-sized dessert and soda to active-duty military, veterans, retirees and reserve/National Guard members when they dine in on Nov. 11. The combo usually costs $15. lazydogrestaurants.com
Norms: Veterans and military can get a 20% discount on Nov. 11. norms.com
Polly’s Pies: Veterans and active-duty military can get a free slice of pie Nov. 10-11. No purchase is required. Polly’s also has a “Pie for the People” program that enables customers to donate pies and cookies for first responders, active-duty military members and veterans. pollyspies.com
Red Robin: Veterans and active-duty service members can get a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger on Nov. 11. The offer is good for dine-in only. Throughout November, guests can participate in a Buy a Veteran a Gift Card program by purchasing a gift card at participating restaurants. redrobin.com
Sizzler: Until 4 p.m. Nov. 11, veterans and active-duty can get a complimentary lunch and beverage. Choices include 6-ounce tri-tip, Malibu Chicken or a half dozen Jumbo Crispy Shrimp. sizzler.com