Here’s Where The Free Meals And Deals Are For Illinois Veterans

It hasn't always been this way, but for the last 20 years or so restaurants, coffee shops, and other food-serving operations have been offering veterans (and in some cases, their families) a chance to enjoy a free meal on Veterans Day as a thank you for their service and their family's sacrifices.

Tuesday, Veterans Day 2025, that tradition will remain alive and well as multiple food joints throughout the state of Illinois will be throwing out the welcome mat and a free meal to Illinois veterans.

I should point out that the places on the list are chain restaurants, but there will certainly be plenty of local eateries that will be doing the same thing, so make sure you call around to see if one of your favorite home-town restaurants is on board with honoring vets with special deals on Tuesday.

It's Great To See The List Of Restaurants Offering Free Meals To Veterans On Veterans Day Keep Getting Bigger Year After Year

As I look through some of the Veterans Day offerings by different eateries, I've noticed that many of the free meal offers also include active military members, their spouses, and in some cases, even their families.

The best source for what's being done for veterans and active military members on Veterans Day is Military.com, and they've just released their updated list of places vets can go this year for a free meal and a thank you. Here's where to go:

Applebees: Veteran and active-duty military receive a free meal from a select menu on November 11th at participating locations. Dine-in only.

Bob Evans: Veterans and active-duty military get a free meal from a select menu on November 11th. Dine-in only.

California Pizza Kitchen: On November 11th, veterans and active-duty service members are invited to enjoy a complimentary entrée and beverage from a special prix fixe menu when dining in at any participating CPK location. As an extra thank-you, all veterans and active-duty service members who dine with CPK on Veterans Day will receive a Buy One Get One bounce back card redeemable for a Pizza, Pasta, or Salad (of equal or lesser value) on a future visit with the purchase of any Pizza, Pasta or Salad between November 12 and November 25.

Casey's General Stores: All military service members can enjoy a complimentary coffee or fountain drink at any Casey’s location and free car wash where available on November 11th.

Chili's: Veterans and active-duty military members get a free meal on November 11 at all participating restaurants. Available in-restaurant only for select items. Military ID required to redeem offer.

Chipotle: On November 11, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. local time, guests who order an entrée in-restaurant and present a valid military ID will receive a second entrée for free. The promotion applies to Chipotle bowls, burritos, salads and taco entrees.

Cracker Barrel: On November 11, veterans and active-duty service members with valid ID get a free Sunrise Pancake Special.

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

Denny's: Veterans and active-duty military personnel receive a free Original Grand Slam on November 11 from 5am to 12pm. Must show valid Military ID or DD214.

Dickey's Barbeque Pit: On November 11, veterans and active-duty military personnel are invited to enjoy a free Pulled Pork Sandwich at all Dickey’s Barbecue Pit locations nationwide. The offer is available for dine-in or carryout with a valid military ID, limit one per guest for the day.

Famous Dave's: Veterans get a free Georgia Chopped Pork Sandwich Georgia Chopped Pork Sandwich Lunch with choice of side on November 11. If ordering online, guests can use code VETERAN25 at checkout.

Firehouse Subs: On November 11, active-duty military personnel and veterans can enjoy any size sub and receive a second sub for free with valid military ID.

Golden Corral: Golden Corral is hosting their Military Appreciation Night on November 11 from 4pm to close. This includes a free “thank you” meal when dining in.

Hooters: This Veterans Day, Hooters offers a free menu item on November 11. Veterans can choose from 10 Original Wings, Cheeseburger, Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, or Chicken Caesar Salad, free with drink purchase.

IHOP: Veterans and active-duty military get free Red, White, & Blueberry Pancakes or Pancake Combo on November 11. Dine-in only, at participating restaurants nationwide.

Little Caesars: On November 11, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., veterans and active military can enjoy a complimentary Lunch Combo, which includes four slices of Little Caesars signature Detroit-style Deep Dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi beverage.

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

Olive Garden: On November 11, Olive Garden will offer each veteran and current member of the military who dines in a free entrée from a special menu. Simply show proof of military service.

Outback Steakhouse: Outback is offering a free Aussie 3-Course Meal with valid military ID when dining in on November 10 and 11 (select entrées only).

Red Robin: Veterans and active-duty military guests can enjoy a complimentary Red's Big Tavern Burger and Bottomless Side when dining in at participating restaurants on November 11.

Smokey Bones: Smokey Bones, is offering a free entree to all veterans and active-duty military: Bacon Cheeseburger, Pulled Pork Sandwich, or Chicken Tender Platter with one regular side on November 11 when dining in with a valid military ID. It cannot be combined with the military discount.

Smoothie King: On November 11, active-duty military and veterans can enjoy a free 20oz smoothie at participating locations nationwide — no purchase necessary. The offer is available from 12–3pm and includes three patriotic picks: Strawberry X-Treme (red), Slim-N-Trim Vanilla (white), and Blueberry Heaven (blue).

Starbucks: Starbucks is honoring those who have served with a free tall (12-ounce) brewed coffee (hot or iced) for veterans, military service members and military spouses at participating U.S. stores and licensed locations on November 11.

Texas Roadhouse: At participating locations, veterans and military members can get a free Texas Roadhouse meal voucher on November 11, redeemable in-restaurant or for carry-out through May 30, 2026.

Wendy's: This Veterans Day, Wendy’s salutes those who served or are currently serving in the U.S. military with a free Breakfast Combo, no purchase required, during breakfast hours on November 11. Visit participating Wendy’s locations on November 11 during breakfast hours and receive a free breakfast combo by notifying the crew member at the register or showing their VetRewards Card.

Find even more locations that are offering deals to veterans by clicking here.

And here's even more: