Illinois Vets Eat Free On Saturday At These Illinois Restaurants

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.

On Saturday, Veterans Day 2023, 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 this Saturday.

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: On November 11, active-duty military, veterans, reserves and National Guard that dine in-restaurant get a complimentary full-size entrée from a special menu. They will also receive a $5 Bounce Back Card to redeem for dine-in, To Go, or delivery within a three-week redemption window.

Benihana: Active-duty military members and veterans get a free appetizer with any lunch or dinner entrée purchase on November 11.

Black Angus Steakhouse: Current and past members of the military get a free meal on November 10 from 12pm to 3pm with ID. This deal is not available to-go.

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

Bonefish Grill: Active-duty service members and veterans get a complimentary order of Bang Bang Shrimp with a soft beverage on November 11 with valid ID.

Buffalo Wild Wings: Veterans and active-duty service members get a free order of 10 Boneless Wings and Fries on November 11 with valid ID. Only available for dine-in. Buffalo Wild Wings GO locations will be included for walk-in/order at the counter only.

California Pizza Kitchen: Veterans and active-duty military members get a complimentary meal November 11. They will also receive a BOGO offer to redeem for a pizza, pasta or salad of equal or lesser value that can be redeemed from November 12 to November 21.

Carrabba's: On November 11, veterans and active-duty military get a complimentary dine-in appetizer or dessert paired with a soft beverage with show of ID.

Casey's General Stores: Casey’s is offering any size complimentary coffee or fountain drink to all veterans on November 11.

Chili's: Veterans and active-duty service members get a free meal from a select menu on November 11 with proof of service. Available for in-restaurant only.

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 military personnel receive a free Original Gran Slam on November 10 from 5 a.m. (Store Open) to noon. Dine-in only. Must show valid Military ID or DD214.

Dunkin: Veterans and active-duty military get a free donut of their choice on November 11 at participating locations. Offer available in-store only.

Golden Corral: Golden Corral is hosting their Military Appreciation Night on November 13 from 5pm to close. This includes a free “thank you” meal when dining in.

Hooters: Active-duty military and veterans get a free entrée from the Hooters Veterans Day Menu with purchase of a beverage at participating locations on November 11. Dine-in only.

IHOP: Veterans and active-duty military get free Red, White, & Blueberry Pancakes or Pancake Combo on November 11 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dine-in only, at participating restaurants.

Little Caesars: Veterans and active-duty military get a free Lunch Combo at participating stores on November 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. In-store only.

MOD Pizza: Buy one MOD-size pizza or salad, get one MOD-size pizza or salad free on November 11 with proof of military service. Valid in-store only.

Old Chicago: Veterans and active-duty military get a complimentary lunch entree from an exclusive menu on November 11.

Outback Steakhouse: Active-duty military and veterans get a free Bloomin' Onion and beverage with the purchase of an adult entree in-restaurant on November 11.

Perkins: Veterans and active-duty military get a free Magnificent Seven Meal on November 11 with valid ID.

Red Lobster:  Veterans, active-duty military and reservists get free printed meal vouchers for Veterans Shrimp & Chips from 11:00am to 4:00pm local time on November 11. Guests need to show a valid military ID or proof of service. The voucher can be redeemed beginning November 13 through December 10 for dine-in only.

Red Robin: Veterans and active-duty military get a complimentary Red's Big Tavern Burger on November 11 with valid ID. Dine-in only, not valid for online or to-go orders. The free meal also comes with an endless side of steak fries.

Smokey Bones: Active duty and retired military personnel get a free Create Your Own Combo on November 11. The offer is valid for dine-in only with a valid military ID.

Smoothie King: Active-duty military and veterans get a free smoothie from one of three red, white, and blue smoothies at participating locations on November 11 with a valid ID.

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

Texas Roadhouse: At participating locations, active-duty military and veterans can dine in or receive a meal voucher on November 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. with a form of military ID. These vouchers are good for dine in or carry out at a later time. The voucher is good until May 30, 2024. If you choose to dine in on November 11, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m, there will be a specific menu to select from.

Find more places by clicking here.