Veterans Day free food: 100-plus restaurants have deals for vets, active military Monday

Kelly Tyko | USA TODAY

Show Caption Hide Caption Armistice Day spawned Veterans Day to honors wars' sacrifice Discover the origins and meaning of Armistice Day, now Veterans Day, from Smithsonian National Museum of American History curator Frank Blazich.

Businesses are saluting veterans and active-duty military personnel Monday.

They’re offering free meals, treats and special discounts on Veterans Day to show their appreciation for all those who have sacrificed for the country.

Proof of service such as a military ID is typically required and a few businesses will allow dressing in uniform as a form of identification. Discharge papers, VA cards and veteran organization membership cards also can be used to prove service at most businesses.

The majority of discounts are valid only on Veterans Day at participating locations nationwide with most applying to veterans and active duty military. Some exclusions apply and offers can vary. Check with your closest location to confirm participation.

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Offers continuing after Veterans Day

Giordano's: Ongoing 20% discount on food orders for veterans and military personnel with valid military ID card.

The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille: The chain has a 15% everyday military discount on meals.

HMSHost airport restaurants: Pngoing 15% military discount on food and non-alcoholic beverages.

Insomnia Cookies: Free traditional cookie Monday through 3 a.m. Nov. 18.

Noodles & Company: Ongoing 15% discount for veterans daily.

Roy Rogers: Active military get a 10% discount daily.

Shane’s Rib Shack: Free Big Dad Sandwich Combo Monday through Wednesday.

Willy's Mexicana Grill: 10% off a meal throughout November.

Veterans Day freebies and discounts

The businesses listed here have 20 or more U.S. locations. Many smaller chains, individual restaurants and franchisees of larger national chains also will offer deals for veterans and active military. For instance, some select Chick-fil-A and Dairy Queen franchise locations are offering freebies. Check with your closest location.

7-Eleven: Veterans with a Veterans Advantage account can link their account to the convenience store chain's 7Rewards loyalty program to get special offers including a free cup of coffee for Veterans Day. Learn more at www.7-eleven.com.

54th Street Grill: Free meal up to $12 Monday.

Ahipoki Bowl: 50% off poke bowls Monday.

Andy's Frozen Custard: Free regular-size one-topping sundae Monday.

Another Broken Egg Cafe: Free patriot French toast combo and coffee Monday.

Applebee's: Free meal from a special menu Monday.

Back Yard Burgers: Free Classic Burger Monday.

Bad Daddy's Burger Bar: Free Bad Daddy’s All American Burger and side Monday.

Bakers Square: Free Rise & Shine meal Monday.

Bar Louie: Free burger or flatbread up to $15 Monday.

Bartaco: 20% off food Saturday through Monday for veterans.

Beef 'O' Brady's: Buy-one-get-one free meal for veterans up to $10 Monday.

BIBIBOP Asian Grill: Free bowl Monday.

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: Free meal up to $14.95 and free Dr. Pepper beverage Monday.

Black Angus Steakhouse: "All American Steak Plate" for $9.99 Monday for veterans and active-duty military.

Bob Evans: Free meal from a special menu Monday.

Bonefish Grill: Free appetizer Monday.

Boston's Pizza Restaurant & Sports Bar: Participating locations offering discounts or freebies to veterans and active-duty military personnel with proof of service.

Bruegger’s Bagels: Free bagel and cream cheese Monday, no purchase necessary.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.: 20% off food and retail purchases Monday.

Buffalo Wings & Rings: Free “Pick 2” Lunch Combo 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday.

Buffalo Wild Wings: Free small order of boneless wings and fries Monday.

California Pizza Kitchen: Free meal from a special menu Monday.

Carrabba’s Italian Grill: Free order of calamari with any purchase to all veterans, active military, police officers and firefighters with a valid ID Friday through Monday. The chain also has an ongoing 10% discount for active and retired service members.

Chicken Salad Chick: Free Chick Special and regular drink Monday.

Chili’s Grill & Bar: Free meal from special menu Monday.

Chipotle Mexican Grill: Buy-one-get-one free Monday, in-restaurant only.

Chuck E. Cheese: Free personal one-topping pizza Monday.

Cicis: Free adult buffet for veterans with military ID and coupon Monday.

Cotton Patch Cafe: Free Chicken Fried Steak or Chicken Fried Chicken Monday. Also, vets and active military will get an American flag pin and the restaurant is introducing an ongoing 10% military discount.

Country Pride: Free meal Monday.

Cracker Barrel: Free slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake or Pumpkin Pie Latte Monday.

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Cumberland Farms: Free hot or iced coffee Monday.

Davanni's Pizza & Hot Hoagies: Free solo "one-item pizza and regular pop" Monday for dine-in or take-out.

Denny's: Free "Build Your Own Grand Slam" from 5 a.m. to noon Monday. Dine-in only.

Dunkin’: Free doughnut Monday.

East Coast Wings + Grill: Free meal from select menu Monday.

Einstein Bros. Bagels: Free bagel and shmear with any purchase Monday for veterans, active military members and first responders.

El Fenix: Free taco and enchilada plates for veterans Monday.

Famous Dave's: Free two-meat lunch combo with side and corn muffin Monday.

Farmer Boys: Free Big Cheese Cheeseburger Monday. In-store only, mention offer and show proof of service when ordering.

Fazoli’s: Free spaghetti with marinara or meat sauce Monday.

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill: Buy-one-get-one free meal for lunch or dinner Monday.

Fogo de Chão: 50% off meal Veterans’ Day weekend Friday through Monday and 10% off for up to three guests’ meals.

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: Veterans and active military who visit a Freddy’s restaurant Monday get a free combo meal card good through Nov. 30.

Friendly's: Free meal from special menu Monday.

Giant Eagle's GetGo: Free coffee, cappuccino or fountain beverage Monday. Offer also extended to police, firemen and emergency medical service personnel.

Giordano's: Ongoing 20% discount on food orders for veterans and military personnel with valid military ID card.

Golden Corral: Free dinner buffet and beverage from 5 to 9 p.m. Monday.

The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille: Free meal up to $14, dine-in only. The chain also has a 15% everyday military discount on meals.

Grimaldi’s: 25% off purchase for veterans Monday with military ID.

Hickory Tavern: Free "‘Merica’s Burger" Monday.

Hooters: Free meal from a special menu Monday.

Houlihan’s Restaurant + Bar: Free meal from special menu Monday.

Huddle House: Free order of Sweet Cakes Friday through Monday.

Hurricane Grill & Wings: Free meal from special menu Monday.

Hy-Vee: Free breakfast from 6 to 11 a.m. Monday.

IHOP: Free red, white and blueberry pancake combo from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday.

Ikea: Free meal for veterans through Monday. Choose an entree with either soup or salad and a fountain drink from the Ikea restaurant.

Inchin's Bamboo Garden: 15% off Veterans Day with a military ID.

Insomnia Cookies: Free traditional cookie Monday through 3 a.m. Nov. 18.

Iron Skillet: Free meal Monday.

Jet’s Pizza: 50% off any menu-priced pizza with military ID Monday. Pickup only, not for online orders.

Jimboy’s Tacos: Free meal up to $10 Monday.

Joe’s Crab Shack: 20% discount Monday. Applies to tables of four or less and does not include alcoholic beverages.

Juice It Up!: Free medium Classic Smoothie Monday.

Kolache Factory: Free sausage and cheese kolache and a free coffee Monday.

All Veterans and active duty military eat FREE from a select menu this #VeteransDay when you buy a drink. It's our way of saying thanks to all who have served and protected our freedom. pic.twitter.com/vuTPszkey9 — Hooters (@Hooters) November 8, 2019

LaMar’s Donuts: Free doughnut and 12-ounce coffee Monday.

Lion’s Choice: Free original roast beef sandwich Monday.

Little Caesars: Free Hot-N-Ready Lunch Combo between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday.

Logan’s Roadhouse: Free meal from a special menu from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday.

LongHorn Steakhouse: 10% off meal and a free appetizer or dessert Monday, according to restaurant's Facebook page.

Lucille's Smokehouse Bar-B-Que: Free dessert and 20% off meal Monday.

Luna Grill: Buy-one-get-one free signature plate, wrap or salad Saturday through Monday.

Main Event: Free $10 in arcade play and free meal Monday.

Manhattan Bagel: Free bagel and cream cheese Monday for veterans.

Marco's Pizza: 50% off all menu price pizzas Monday with promo code HONOR50 for veterans.

Margaritas Mexican Restaurants: Veterans and active military get two free entrees Monday – one for themselves and one for a guest.

Max & Erma’s: Free cheeseburger, fries and fountain drink Monday.

McCormick & Schmick’s: Free lunch or dinner from a special menu Sunday for vets and Gold Star Honorees, including parents and spouse.

Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt: Free six ounces of frozen yogurt Monday.

Metro Diner: 50% off Monday.

Mimi’s Bistro & Bakery: Free meal from special menu for veterans Monday with purchase of a beverage.

Mission BBQ: Free sandwiches and cake from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday.

MOD Pizza: Buy-one get-one free MOD-size pizza or salad Monday.

Naf Naf Middle Eastern Grill: Ongoing discount. Active, retired military personnel and first responders including police, fire and paramedic get 15% off with a valid ID.

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Native Grill & Wings: Free menu item up to $11.99 for veterans Monday.

Ninety Nine Restaurant & Pub: Free meal from special menu with purchase of another entree from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday.

Noodles & Company: Ongoing 15% discount for veterans daily.

O'Charley's: Free meal Monday from special menu Monday.

Olive Garden: Free entree from a select menu Monday.

On The Border: Free combo meal Monday.

Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt: Free small cup of frozen yogurt at set price cup locations or up to $3.30 off a cup at Weigh and Pay locations Monday. A coupon posted at www.orangeleafyogurt.com is required.

Outback Steakhouse: Through Monday, Outback has a 20% heroes discount for military members, police officers, firefighters and first responders. There’s also a 10% everyday Heroes Discount for servicemen and women, police officers and firefighters.

Ovation Brands: Free buffet plus a non-bottled beverage Monday.

Paisano's Pizza: Free large one-topping pizza Monday.

Panera Bread – Covelli franchise locations: Free You Pick Two Monday at locations owned and operated by Covelli Family Limited Partnership, which includes locations in Florida, Ohio, South Carolina, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Gleorgia. See the list of participating locations at www.covelli.com/panerahonors.

Papa Murphy’s: According to the company’s website, a “limited number of our stores offer various discounts, including senior and military discounts. Please inquire at your local store as this discount is not offered or required at all locations.”

Peet’s: Free drip coffee or tea for veterans Monday.

Pie Five Pizza: Free personal pizza Monday. In-store only.

Pilot Flying J: Free breakfast and coffee offer for veterans and military on the Pilot Flying J app Monday.

P.J. Whelihan's: 15% off Monday.

Pluckers Wing Bar: Free entree, meal and non-alcoholic beverage Monday.

Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouse: Offers vary. Some locations will promote either a free buffet or 50% off buffet to veterans Monday. Veterans also will get a coupon for 20% off their meal on their next visit.

Primanti Bros.: Free sandwich Monday.

Quaker Steak & Lube: Free meal Monday.

Red Lobster: Free appetizer or dessert Monday for dining in and takeout orders picked up in-restaurant Monday.

Red Robin: Free Red’s Tavern Double Burger with fries Monday.

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery: Free meal from special menu Monday.

Romano’s Macaroni Grill: Free Mom’s Ricotta Meatballs and Spaghetti entrée Monday.

Roy Rogers: Active military get a 10% discount daily.

Rubio’s Coastal Grill: Buy-one-get-one free adult entree with military ID and coupon posted at www.rubios.com.

Ruby Tuesday: Free burger or sandwich up to $14 Monday.

Scooter’s Coffee: Free drink any size Monday.

Sizzler: Free complete lunch with a free beverage and choice of side Monday. Choose between Steak, Malibu Chicken or Jumbo Crispy Shrimp.

Shane’s Rib Shack: Free Big Dad Sandwich Combo Monday through Wednesday.

Sheetz: Free six-inch turkey sub and a regular size fountain drink Monday. Plus at locations with car washes, get a free car wash.

Shoney’s: Free breakfast bar from open to 11 a.m. Monday.

Smashburger: Free Double Burger Monday with any purchase.

Smoothie King: Free 20-ounce smoothie with proof of military ID when using the Healthy Rewards app Monday.

Snarf's: Free 7-inch non-specialty sandwich, in-store only Monday.

Sonny's BBQ: Free pulled or sliced pork Big Deal combo Monday, dine-in only.

Starbucks: Veterans, active service members and their spouses receive a free cup of coffee Monday.

Taco Cabana: Free chicken fajita, steak fajita or brisket taco Saturday through Monday.

TCBY: Free six ounces of frozen yogurt Monday.

Texas de Brazil: 50% off regular dinner pricing Monday for up to eight veterans and active military personnel per table.

Texas Roadhouse: Free lunch from special menu 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday.

Tim Hortons: Free small hot coffee Monday.

TooJay’s Deli: Free meal from a special menu Monday. Dine-in only.

Twin Peaks: Free select meal Monday.

Village Inn: Free breakfast item from four choices Monday.

Villa Italian Kitchen: Free slice of pizza Monday.

Wawa: Free coffee of any size to veterans, active military members and their families Monday. No military ID required and all locations are participating.

White Castle: Free combo meal Monday.

Wienerschnitzel: Free meal and drink Monday.

Willy's Mexicana Grill: 10% off a meal throughout November.

Yard House: Free appetizer Monday.

Zaxby's: Free Southern TLC Fillet Sandwich Monday.

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Follow USA TODAY reporter Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko