Here’s Where Veterans And Active Servicemembers Can Eat Free Or Get Special Deals Today

Today is the day when America takes the day to pause and honor the veterans who have served our country. As part of that show of gratitude, many retailers are offering up freebies or deals for veterans as thanks.

We’ve combed the Internet to come up with a list of businesses offering thanks to veterans today, but you’ll want to call ahead and make sure the location nearest you is participating. If you’ve spotted a great deal, let us know at tips@consumerist.com and we’ll add it to the list.

Applebee’s: Service members get a free “Thank You” meal when dining in. Guests should expect to provide proof of their service.

Bob Evans: Veterans and active-military personnel receive free all-you-can-eat hotcakes.

Baskin Robbins: The chain is honoring Veterans Day with a First Class Camouflage Ice Cream all month (chocolate, salty caramel and cake flavored ice creams). Baskin Robbins is also donating $0.10 from ice cream scoops sold at all U.S. locations to the United Service Organizations.

Cabela’s: Increased discount for military personnel as well as law enforcement, irefighters and Emergency Medical Service personnel.

California Pizza Kitchen: All active and retired members of the U.S. military can get a complimentary entrée from a special Veterans Day Menu at all participating restaurants in the U.S. today.

Chili’s: Veterans can choose from seven choices of a free meal during dinner or any lunch combo during lunch at participating Chili’s. Beverages and gratuity not included.

Chick-fil-A: All veterans and active service members are eligible for a free meal, ID required. Call ahead to make sure your location is participating.

Chuck E. Cheese: The entertainment venue is giving vets and active-duty military 20 free tokens through Saturday.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store: Veterans get a free Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake dessert today. Cracker Barrel is also donating 10% of proceeds from others who buy the dessert and other retail items to the USO.

Denny’s: Build Your Own Grand Slam is free from 5am – noon for all active, inactive and retired military personnel. Participating locations only.

Einstein Bros Bagels: Vets and active members can snag a free coffee at participating locations with ID or proof of service.

Famous Dave’s: Participating locations are offering veterans, active service members a free meal (one meat, one side and a corn muffin) today.

Friendly’s: Free breakfast, lunch or dinner for veterans and active military today.

Golden Corral: Free dinner buffets including beverages from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday Nov. 17 in all restaurants for vets and active military. The chain always observes Veterans Day on a Monday.

Great Clips: Veterans and active duty service members can get a free haircut today, or a card for free cut good through Dec. 31, 2014. Other customers who come in for a cut today will also get a free haircut card to give to a veteran.

Hooters: Active and retired military members will get a free entree with a military ID or proof of service today.

IHOP: Free Red, White and Blue pancakes for veterans and active service members until 7 p.m. today.

Krispy Kreme: The chain is handing out a free doughnut and small coffee today to those who have served or are serving in the military currently.

Little Caesars Pizza: Current and former military service men and women can get a free Crazy Bread with proof of service at participating stores.

LongHorn Steakhouse: Get a Texas onion and non-alcoholic beverage on the house with proof of past or current military service.

Macy’s: Take an extra 20 percent off during the Veterans Day sale. Check the website for details and exclusions.

Olive Garden: Vets and active duty service members will get a free entree from a select menu today, including as always, free breadsticks and a choice of soup or salad.

Outback Steakhouse: Today’s the day veterans and active military personnel get a free Bloomin’ Onion and a beverage with valid military ID.

Publix: Members of the military get a 10 percent discount on Veterans Day with a proper military ID.

Red Lobster: Starting Nov. 19 and running through Thursday, Nov. 13, Red Lobster is giving out free select appetizers to veterans and active service members.

Red Robin: Veterans and active-duty service members can get a free Red’s Tavern Double Burger and Bottomless Fries, dine-in only, with proof of service or by wearing your uniform today.

Red Roof Inn: Veterans, active duty military and their families get 15% at over 360 properties nationwide in November. Use VP+/Promo Code 618669 when making your reservation. A valid military ID is required at check-in.

Ruby Tuesday’s: Free appetizer at participating locations for past and present members of the U.S. military, proof of service required.

Shoney’s: The All-American Burger is free to vets and current service members all day today.

Sizzler: Active-duty and veteran military members get a free lunch from a limited menu on Tuesday until 4 p.m.

Sleep Number: Current and past military personnel get $700 off a Sleep Number m7 bed plus 24-month financing and free standard shipping through Nov. 16.

Sport Clips: Participating locations are offering veterans and active-duty servicemembers free haircuts.

Starbucks: The coffee chain is thanking vets with a free, tall brewed coffee today, an offer which is open to active duty service members and their spouses as well.

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