Many Bay Area restaurants will honor active and retired members of the U.S. military with a free entree, appetizer or other dining discount on Veterans Day this Sunday, Nov. 11 (or on Monday, Nov. 12).
In most cases, you must show a valid government/military ID; some restaurants will accept photos or other proof. Some offers apply to reservists, but it’s best to check first.
Virtually all of these rewards are dine-in-only offers.
Here’s a sampling of options, in alphabetical order. Keep in mind that, with the holiday falling on a weekend, demand will be high for these restaurant meals. Be sure to make reservations or arrive early for seating. If you hear of other deals, email us at food@bayareanewsgroup.com and we’ll add them to the list.
Applebee’s: Free meal for lunch or dinner Nov. 11 from a special menu that includes Top Sirloin, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Double Crunch Shrimp, Bacon Cheeseburger, Three-Cheese Chicken Penne.
BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse: Free entree (up to $12.95) and free Dr Pepper all day Nov. 11.
Boston Market: All military families get a BOGO deal — buy one individual meal with drink and get a second for free — on Nov. 11 or Monday, Nov. 12. Download coupon from BostonMarket.com to take advantage of the offer.
Buffalo Wild Wings: Free “Wings for Heroes” — small order of traditional or boneless wings, plus free fries — all day Nov. 11.
California Pizza Kitchen: Free entree all day Nov. 11 from special menu. The choices include pizza (Original BBQ Chicken, Mushroom-Pepperoni-Sausage, Hawaiian, others); meal salads (Thai Crunch, Italian Chopped, others); and pasta (Spaghetti with Bolognese, Garlic Cream Fettuccine with Chicken, Kung Pao Spaghetti). Military guests will also receive a BOGO gift card to redeem Nov. 12-18.
Chevy’s: Free three-item Mexican combo from 3 p.m. until closing time Nov. 11. (Not valid during brunch.) Select from tacos, enchiladas, flautas, tamales and chiles relleno.
Chili’s: Free meal Nov. 11 from a special menu that includes Margarita Grilled Chicken,
Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas, Just Bacon Burger, Cajun Chicken Pasta and other entrees.
Chipotle: It’s a BOGO deal on Nov. 11. Buy one burrito, bowl, salad or taco order and get one free.
Claim Jumper: Free entree on Monday, Nov. 12. Choice from a menu that includes Chicken Pot Pie, Grilled Shrimp, Country Fried Steak, Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes, several others.
Denny’s: Free Build Your Own Grand Slam breakfast on Monday, Nov. 12, from 5 a.m. to noon.
Dunkin’: Free doughnut Nov. 11 at all Dunkin’ Donut and rebranded Dunkin’ locations. (Want to send Dunkin’ Original Blend Coffee to U.S. troops overseas? Submit the name of a deployed member at this Dunkin’ link.)
El Torito: Free three-item Mexican combo from 3 p.m. until closing time Nov. 11. (Not valid during brunch.) Select from tacos, enchiladas, flautas, tamales and chiles relleno.
Famous Dave’s: Get a free “2-Meat Salute” on either Nov. 11 or Nov. 12. Select two from a menu that includes Texas Beef Brisket, Georgia Chopped Pork, Sweetwater Catfish Fingers, Southside Rib Tips and BBQ Chicken.
Fogo de Chão: At this Brazilian steakhouse, all veterans and active-duty personnel will receive 50 percent off their entire meal over three days, Friday, Nov. 9, to Sunday, Nov. 11. Up to three of their guests get 10 percent off their meal.
Galeto: This Brazilian steakhouse in Oakland will offer veterans 25 percent off full churrasco meals on Nov. 10, 11 and 12. Applies to lunch or dinner, not valid on alcoholic beverages or dessert.
Golden Corral: Free dinner on Military Appreciation Night, which runs from 5 to 9 p.m. Monday, Nov. 12. (Note: This offer is open to reservists and National Guard.)
Hooters: Pick a free meal Nov. 11 with the purchase of one beverage. Special menu includes 10-piece smoked wings, traditional wings or boneless wings, plus the burger, the Buffalo chicken salad and Buffalo chicken sandwich.
IHOP: Free stack of Red, White & Blue Pancakes (with strawberries and blueberries) on Monday, Nov. 12. Call ahead to make sure your local restaurant is participating.
McCormick & Schmick’s: Veterans and Gold Star honorees (parents, spouse) can get a free entree for lunch or dinner on Nov. 11. Choices include Cedar-Planked Salmon, Beef Medallions, Parmesan-Crusted Flounder, Beer-Battered Fish and Chips, others.
Olive Garden: Free entree on Nov. 11 from a special menu for veterans.
On the Border: Create Your Own 2-Item Combo Meal on Nov. 11. Mexican choices include enchiladas, tacos, empanadas, salad, soup. All platters include rice, beans, chips and salsa. Call ahead to make sure your local restaurant is participating.
Outback Steakhouse: Get a free Bloomin’ Onion appetizer and non-alcoholic beverage on Nov. 11.
Plank: Bocce/bowling/video complex at Jack London Square in Oakland gives veterans 10 percent off food orders on Nov. 11 — and every other day of the year.
Red Lobster: Select a free appetizer or dessert on either Nov. 11 or Nov. 12. Choices include Jumbo Coconut Shrimp, Lobster and Langostino Pizza, Warm Apple Crostada and Brownie Overboard.
Red Robin: Get a free Red’s Tavern Double Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries on Nov. 11.
Romano’s Macaroni Grill: Free entree of Mom’s Ricotta Meatballs and Spaghetti all day Nov. 11. Mom’s Meatballs are house-made with beef, veal, pork and ricotta.
SAJJ Mediterranean: Free entree — up to $15 value — on either Nov. 11 or Nov. 12. Guests can customize their meal by selecting their base (turmeric rice bowl, pita sandwich, wrap or salad) and top it with steak or chicken shawarma, falafel or plant-based Impossible kabob, then top it with various sauces.
Starbucks: Free tall cup of hot brewed coffee Nov. 11.
Texas Roadhouse: Free lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 11. Menu choices include Sirloin Steak, Grilled Pork Chop, Country Fried Chicken, burger, salads.
Wienerschnitzel: Free chili dog, small fries and 20-ounce drink on Nov. 11.
