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Active members of the United States military have a hard job that may, at any given time, call for them to go into harm's way. And those who have retired from service have spent many years of their lives in just the same manner, including many who were indeed called into combat. Offering our military personnel a few dollars off a meal or a free cup of coffee on Veterans Day may not change any soldier's life in the grand scheme of things, but that's not the point: the point of Veterans Day deals is just to say thanks.
And to make it easier for active-duty servicemen and servicewomen and military retirees to get the benefits of some of the best Veterans Day restaurant deals this year, we've rounded up a squadron's worth of the best deals out there for veterans in 2022.
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Starbucks — Free Coffee
Not only is Starbucks offering active-duty servicemembers and vets a free cup of coffee on Veterans Day, but the chain is also offering free coffee to military spouses. Just note that not all locations are necessarily participating.
Wendy's — Free Breakfast
Veterans and active duty service members can get a free breakfast at Wendy's up until 10:30 in the morning on Friday November 11. Just make sure to have a military ID on hand.
Texas Roadhouse — Meal Voucher
Vets and active-duty personnel who come by a Texas Roadhouse on Nov. 11 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. can get a meal voucher that can be used any time through the end of May 2023. (Just remember that the restaurant will not be open for lunch on Veterans Day, but you can get your voucher in the parking lot.)
Dunkin' — Free Donut
Veterans and any men or women who are active in the armed services can get a free donut from Dunkin' on Veterans Day, and no military ID is required, either. But don't use that to game the chain's goodwill.
McDonald's — Varies by location
There is no universal military discount this year, but at any McDonald's location, the store owners have the choice to implement a Veterans Day deal on Nov. 11. Some restaurants may be offering free breakfast or a free extra-value meal—go check out your location McDonald's to find out.
Hooters — Free Entrée
Participating Hooter restaurants will be offering veterans who present a military ID or proof of service one free entrée from the special Veterans Day menu. This will be available for dine-in only and you may qualify with the purchase of a beverage.
The top-five most popular food items at the chain will be included in the Hooters Veterans Day Menu, such as the Buffalo Chicken Salad, Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Hooters Burger, and 10-Piece Boneless Wings.
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Buffalo Wild Wings — Free Wings
Retired military folks and active-duty members of the military can get an order of 10 boneless wings and a side of fries at BW3 on Nov. 11 when they show an ID, come in uniform, or have pictures of themselves in a military uniform.
Dicky's Barbecue Pit — Free Pulled Pork Sandwich
The Dickey family always shows its support for the Veteran community, ever since Travis Dickey opened the very first restaurant after serving our country in World War I. This year, military veterans can receive a free Pulled Pork Sandwich either in-store for carryout, the Dickey's app, or online at Dickeys.com by using the code VETFREE all day.
However, that's not all. From Nov. 11 to Dec. 31, the code VETERAN15 will take 15% off all orders for veterans ordering from Barbecue at Home by Dickey's—a major supplier of craft sausages, premium quality meats, and unique rubs and spices that you can have shipped right to your door.
IHOP — Free Pancakes
Vets and men and women who are active in the armed services can stop into an IHOP on Nov. 11 and get a free stack of Red, White, and Blueberry Pancakes. Bring an ID or come in uniform.
Outback Steakhouse — Free App and Drink
The Outback Steakhouse is offering vets and current members of the military a free Bloomin' Onion and a free soft drink on Veterans Day. The chain also offers military folks (and nurses, doctors, and first responders) 10% off the bill every day, FYI.
Olive Garden — Free Meal
Military members can get a free meal at the Olive Garden on Veterans Day when they show a military ID. And yes, unlimited soup or salad is included with the thank you offer.
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White Castle —Free Breakfast or Meal Combo
Active and former military personnel can get either a breakfast combo meal or a regular combo meal for free at White Castle on Veterans Day with the display of a valid military ID.
Applebee's — Free Meal
Applebee's is offering Active Duty Military, Veterans, Reserves, and National Guard a full-size entrée from an exclusive menu when patrons dine in. And to continue their thanks and gratitude for military service, the chain will also give away a $5 Bounce Back Card to redeem at your next visit to the restaurant.
California Pizza Kitchen — Free Meal and Drink
California Pizza Kitchen is doing it right this Veterans Day. Not only do active and retired military members (with ID) get a free entrée and drink on Veterans Day, but they also get a Buy One Get One coupon redeemable for a week and two days after.
TGI Fridays — Free Lunch
Who says there's no such thing as a free lunch? On Veterans Day, there by all means is when military members or former armed service members go to Fridays between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Red Robin — Free Burger and Fries
Members of the military (or retired veterans) can get a Red's Tavern Double Burger served with Bottomless Steak Fries on Nov. 11 when they come to Red Robin with proof of their service.
Friendly's — Free Burger and Soda
Active duty servicemen and servicewomen and veterans who can display an honorable discharge card can get a free burger and a free fountain drink at Friendly's on Nov. 11.
Dog Haus — Free Hot Dog
This up-and-coming specialty hot dog restaurant is offering military personnel a free dog on Veterans Day at a number of participating locations. Just make sure your Dog Haus is among those participating before you count on free eats on Friday.
