Veterans Day is near! Here's where to find free meals, retail deals and travel discounts

Veterans Day is almost here and several restaurants and businesses are prepared to celebrate America's military heroes.

Most freebies and discounts will require proof of military service and are dine-in only for meals. Generally speaking, the offers do not include alcohol or gratuity, and cannot be combined with other discounts.

Participation may vary so be sure to confirm your favorite location is providing the offer.

Veterans Day 2023: When is it observed? What to know about the federal holiday honoring vets

Here are more than 200 deals to help honor our military on Veterans Day:

Where can veterans get free meals, deals before Veterans Day 2023?

• 99 Restaurants: Free lunch from a select menu when you buy an entree from opening to 5 p.m. Nov. 10.

• bartaco: Save 20% off Nov. 9-11.

• Biscuit Belly: Choice of a free Bacon, Egg and Cheese Biscuit Sandwich; a Sausage, Egg and Cheese Biscuit Sandwich; or a Chicken Biscuit Sandwich on Nov. 10.

• Denny's: Free Original Grand Slam from 5 a.m. to noon. Nov. 10.

• Huddle House: Free MVP Breakfast Platter meal Nov. 10.

• Hy-Vee: Free buffet-style breakfast from 6-11 a.m. Plus, receive 15% off grocery purchases.

• IKEA: Free meal from Nov. 10-12.

• Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que: Free meal on Nov. 10-11. Choose from Lucille’s Original Pulled Pork Sandwich and one side, or Lucille’s Southern Fried Chicken and two sides. Plus, get a $10 thank you card while supplies last. Cards are redeemable Nov. 24 through Dec. 3.

• Luna Grill: Offers 10% off year round to active military, veterans and their spouses year round. Excluded alcohol.

• Kona Grill: Enjoy 50% off fodd from Nov. 10-13.

• Noodles and Company: Offers 15% off year round to military, veterans and first responders.

• O’Charley’s: Free meal from a select menu and/or a free slice of pie from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 10-11.

• Perkins: Free Magnificent Seven meal on Nov. 10.

• Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille: Free pork chop when an accompanying guest buys an entree from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 10. Reservations required.

• Pilot Flying J: Receive a free meal Nov. 10-12 through a special offer via the store's app.

• Shane's Rib Shack: Choose from a free Slow-Smoked BBQ Pork or Chopped BBQ Chicken Plate from Nov. 9-11. Offer may vary by location.

• Texas de Brazil: Save 25% off dinner pricing up to four guests on Nov. 6-12.

• The All American Steakhouse: Free sandwich or burger with fries from 11:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Nov. 10-11.

• Tucano's: Free Churrasco meal with the purchase of an adult Churrasco meal from Nov. 9-11.

• World of Beer Bar & Kitchen: Free Crispy Chicken Sliders from Nov. 9-12.

Where can veterans eat free meals, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023?

• Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza & Wings: Grab a free 12-inch cheese pizza.

• Applebee’s: Free meal from a special menu on Nov. 11. Guests will also receive with a $5 Bounce Back Card.

• Bar Louie: Free Bar Louie Craft Burger.

• Beef ‘O’ Brady’s: Veterans get a free meal up to $10.

• Benihana: Free appetizer with any lunch or dinner entree purchase.

• Ben’s Soft Pretzels: Free pretzel.

• Biggby Coffee: Free 24-ounce brewed coffee.

• Bill Gray's: Receive a free World’s Greatest Cheeseburger, regular fries and soda.

• BJs Restaurant and Brewhouse: Enjoy a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie with any purchase of $9.95 or more. Plus, get a coupon for a free appetizer when you spend more than $14.95. Coupon redeemable Nov. 12 through Dec. 31.

• Black Angus Steakhouse: Free meal from noon to 3 p.m. Nov. 10.

• Bob Evans: Free meal from a special menu. Choose one from Country Biscuit Breakfast, Sunrise, The Classic Breakfast, The Mini Sampler, Brioche French Toast, Sausage Gravy & Biscuits, Buttermilk Hotcakes, Banana Berry Oatmeal or Bowl of Rolled-Oat Oatmeal and Down-Home Country-Fried Steak.

• Bombshells: Free entree, plus 20% off all other items. Accompanying family members also receive 20% off an entree and all other items. Alcohol is excluded.

• Bonefish Grill: Free Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer and soft drink.

• Boulder Creek Dining Company: Free entree.

• Bru Burger Bar: Free entree.

• Bruegger’s Bagels: Free hot or iced coffee with purchase.

• Bubba's 33: Free meal from a special menu and plus a choice of any Coca-Cola product, coffee or iced or sweet tea from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Buffalo Wild Wings: Free order of 10 boneless wings and fries.

• BurgerFi: Receive 20% off your entire order.

• Cafe 251: Free entree.

• Calhoun’s: Score a free lunch from 10:45 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• California Fish Grill: Recieve a complimentary taco and soft drink.

• California Pizza Kitchen: Receive a free entree and non-alcoholic beverage from a special menu.

• Caribou Coffee: Small hot brewed Coffee of the Day or Cold Press. Excludes nitro.

• Carrabba's Italian Grill: Free appetizer or dessert paired with a soft drink.

• Casey's: Any size free coffee or fountain drink.

• Charbono's: Free meal.

• Charleys Cheesesteaks: Order of free Gourmet Fries. A cheesesteak and drink purchase are required to get the free Gourmet Fries at military base locations.

• Chelo’s Hometown Bar & Grille: Free meal.

• Chick-fil-A: Free chicken sandwich.

• Chick Salad Chick: Free meal.

• Chili's: Free meal. Choose from Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas, chili or soup with a side salad, Old Timer with Cheese or Three-Piece Crispers with fries.

• Cicis Pizza: Free adult buffet.

• Circle K: Free coffee through the Circle K app.

• Claim Jumper Steakhouse & Bar:Free meal. Choose from BBQ Chicken Salad, Black Tie Chicken Pasta, Classic Cheeseburger, Country Fried Steak, Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes or Southern Fried Chicken.

• Coco’s: Free Homestyle breakfast.

• Cody's Original Roadhouse: Receive a free 8-ounce top sirloin or 8-ounce chicken breast with choice of side, Cody’s Bottomless Salad and sweet yeast rolls.

• Colton’s Steak House & Grill: Free meal from a select menu. Hours and participation may vary.

• Cotton Patch Cafe: Free chicken fried steak or chicken fried chicken. Plus, a $1 donation will go to Homes For Our Troops for each Chicken Fried Steak and Chicken Fried Chicken sold on Nov. 11.

• Commission Row: Free meal.

• Cracker Barrel: Free slice of Coca-Cola cake with any purchase.

• Craft Republic: Free meal. Choose from Cheeseburger, California Club, Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad, Chicken Tender Dinner or Meat Lovers Pizza.

• Dave & Buster's: Free entree up to $20 and a free $10 Power Card.

• Dick's Last Resort: Enjoy a free entree up to $25.99.

• Dickey's Barbecue Pit: Free pulled pork sandwich.

• Duffy's Sports Grill: Free meal from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Dunkin': Free donut.

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

• El Fenix: Free meal. Choose from an Enchilada Plate with a choice of two cheese, chicken or beef; or the Taco Plate with two chicken or beef tacos. Both include rice and beans.

• Eureka!: Grab a free Eureka! American Cheeseburger.

• Famous Dave's: Free Georgia Chopped Pork Sandwich and choice of side.

• Farmer Boys: Free "The Big Cheese".

• Fazoli's: Free spaghetti with marinara or meat sauce.

• Freebirds World Burrito: Free burrito.

• Friendly's: Free All-American burger with fries and a drink.

• Gold Star: Free meal of choice (up to $12 off).

• Green Mill Restaurant and Bar: Free meal. Choose from Cobb Salad with chicken, Desert Fire Pasta, Millhouse Club, or a small 2-topping Deep Dish pizza.

• Grillsmith: Free entree up to $52.

• Hacienda Mexican Restaurant: Free large Wet Burrito.

• Hamburger Stand: Free hamburger, regular fries and small soda.

• Hooters: Free meal from special menu with the purchase of any beverage.

• IHOP: Get a free stack of Red, White and Blueberry pancakes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• Jaggers: Free lunch consisting of a double cheeseburger, side and a drink.

• Jeremiah’s Italian Ice: Free small treat.

• Joella's Hot Chicken: Free meal including two Jumbo Tenders, a Southern Side, a Dippin’ Sauce and a drink.

• Kolache Factory: Free kolache of any kind and free Katz coffee of any size. Excludes croissants, espresso drinks and Polish varieties.

• Krispy Kreme: Free doughnut and free small coffee.

• Little Caesars: Free lunch combo from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Livery: Free entree.

• Logan's Roadhouse: A special menu varies by location offering a free meal from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

• McDonald's: Various offers including free Egg McMuffin Extra Value Meals, McCafe desserts or coffee. Offers vary by location.

• Marquee at the Landing: Free meal.

• Menchie's: Free 6-ounce frozen yogurt.

• Mesh: Free entree.

• Mission BBQ: Free sandwich.

• Modita: Free meal.

• Nesso Coastal Italia: Free entree.

• Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom: Free lunch entree from a special menu.

• Olive Garden: Free entree from a special menu.

• Outback Steakhouse: Free Bloomin' Onion and beverage with purchase of an adult entree.

• PJs Coffee: Free 12-ounce hot coffee or cold brew iced coffee.

• Playa Bowls: Free bowl.

• Provision: Free entree.

• Red Robin: Free Red's Tavern Double burger and bottomless steak fries.

• Rize: Free entree.

• Rock & Brews: Free “We Salute You” Pulled Pork Sandwich or Strawberry Fields Salad.

• Scooter's Coffee: Any size free drink.

• Shari’s: Free Homestyle Breakfast.

• Shoney's: Free breakfast from the fresh food bar until 11 a.m.

• Shrimp Basket: Free Popcorn Shrimp Basket. While supplies last.

• Sizzler: Enjoy a free lunch from opening to 4 p.m. at participating locations. Choose from a 6-oz. steak, Malibu Chicken or Jumbo Crispy Shrimp. Not valid for salad bar or gratuity. Call ahead to verify.

• Smoothie King: Free 20-ounce red, white, or blue smoothie smoothie.

• Smokey Bones: Free Create-Your-Own Combo.

• Snuffers: Free burger or sandwich of choice.

• Sonny's BBQ: Free pulled or sliced pork Big Deal combo.

• Starbucks: Free tall cup of hot or cold brewed coffee.

• Stone Creek Dining Company: Free entree.

• Sugarfire Smoke House: Free cheeseburger special.

• Tavern at the Point: Free entree.

• Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe: Free Chicken Gyro.

• TCBY: First 6 ounces of frozen yogurt are free.

• Texas Roadhouse: Free meal from a special menu and choice of Coca-Cola product, coffee or tea from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• The Bemberg: Free meal.

• The Green Turtle: Free entree up to $15 value.

• Theo's Italian: Free meal.

• Tijuana Flats: Free entree with the purchase of a medium drink or $2.79 minimum purchase.

• Tim Hortons: Free small hot coffee.

• TravelCenters of America: Free meal.

• Twin Peaks: Free meal from a special menu.

• Union 50: Free entree.

• Vida: Free entree.

• Wawa: Any size free coffee.

• Wendy's: Free breakfast combo from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m.

• White Castle: Free Castle Combo or Breakfast Combo.

• Wienerschnitzel: Free chili dog, small fries and small drink.

• Yard House: Free appetizer.

• Zaxby's: Free signature sandwich through the Zaxby’s app.

• Ziggi’s Coffee: Free drink of choice.

Veterans Day restaurant discounts for military service

• ahipoki: Score 50% off a poke bowl.

• bb.q Chicken: Enjoy 25% off your meal.

• Brick House Tavern + Tap: Enjoy 20% off a meal from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.: Save 20% on food and retail purchases. Good for parties up to four. Not valid on alcohol.

• Fogo de Chão: Enjoy 50% off. Plus, up to three guests get 10% off their meals at all U.S. locations.

• Ford's Garage: Veterans and up to 3 guests per table receive 25% off.

• Hoss's Family Steak & Sea: Score 20% off a meal and beverage.

• Joe's Crab Shack: Save 20% off a meal from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• MacKenzie River Pizza: Save 25% off the entire table.

• Metro Diner: Get 50% off. Also, save 10% off on any visit.

• Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille: Score a 3-course early dinner for $39 from 4 to 6 p.m. Reservations required.

• Sonic: All customers can score a Fritos Chili Cheese Jr. Wrap for 99 cents.

• Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery: Save 20% off.

• Tocaya Modern Mexican: Enjoy 50% off any purchase.

Who has free meals, discounts for Veterans Day after the holiday?

• Aspen Creek Grill: Pick up one free meal voucher worth up to $15 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Nov. 10-12. Voucher redeemable Nov. 13 through Dec. 24. An empty “Fallen Soldiers Table” with symbolic items will be set aside Nov. 11 in remembrance of the soldiers who never came home.

• Golden Corral: Free "thank you" dinner from 5 p.m. to close Monday, Nov. 13 for the chain’s annual Military Appreciation Night.

• GuacAmigos Tequila & Tacos:Free meal from a select menu.

• Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: Visit on Nov. 11 and get a free Freddy’s Original Double with Cheese combo meal card good through Nov. 30.

• Kings Family Restaurant: Free meal on Monday, Nov. 13. Choose from Biscuits & Sausage Gravy Breakfast, Double Down Breakfast, Classic Burger, and Kings Meatloaf Dinner.

• McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks: Veterans of the U.S. Military, National Guard, Gold Star Parents and Gold Star Spouses receive a half-priced entree from a select menu on Sunday, Nov. 12.

• Mitchell's Fish Market: Save 20% off on Sunday, Nov. 12.

• Red Lobster: Grab a free printed meal voucher for Veterans Shrimp & Chips between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Nov. 11. Voucher is redeemable for one meal between Monday, Nov. 13 through Sunday, Dec. 10.

More Veterans Day 2023 freebies

• AARP: Score a 5-year term for $9 or one year for $12.

• Brides Across America: Free wedding dresses for qualified military brides who register and attend special events in November. The Peoria event at Cloud Nine will be Nov. 14. Pre-registration is required. Visit bridesacrossamerica.com for a complete list of events.

• Crew Carwash: Free basic carwash.

• Emagine Theaters: Visit the box office for a free ticket to any film.

• Goodyear Auto Service: Free car care checks, plus 10% off tires and services from Nov. 10-14. Schedule an appointment by Nov. 14 and use the discount by Nov. 19.

• Great Clips: Stop in for a free haircut or grab a free haircut card to use at a later date. Cards are redeemable through Dec. 1.

• Jiffy Lube: Score 50% off oil changes on Nov. 11. Plus, receive a 25% military discount year round.

• Just Tires: Free car care checks, plus 10% off tires and services from Nov. 10-14. Schedule an appointment by Nov. 14 and use the discount by Nov. 19.

• Sports Clips: Score a free haircut on Nov. 11.

• ZIPS Car Wash: Free Premier Wash.

Veterans Day 2023 shopping discounts

• Advance Auto Parts: Save 10% off year round on in-store purchases.

• Ashley: 5% off online purchases. Sheer ID required.

• Asics: Save 30% off

• AT&T: Get a Samsung Galaxy A54 5G for $5 per month. Get 25% off the best unlimited plans. Details apply.

• Bass Pro Shops: Save 10% off everyday, except for firearms and ammo at 5%. Verification required.

• Buckle: Save 10% off year round.

• Cabela's: Save 10% off everyday, except for firearms and ammo at 5%. Verification required.

• Costco: Receive a $40 digital Costco shop card when you sign up for a new membership. Auto renewal required.

• Evenflo: -Save 25% sitewide from Nov. 9 through Nov. 16.

• Fareway: Get 15% off on Nov. 11.

• Food Lion: Save 10% off on Nov. 11.

• Foot Locker: Save 10% off year round. Sheer ID required.

• Guitar Center - Save 10% off a single item of $199 or more on Nov. 11.

• Kohl's: Save 30% off in store Nov. 10-12. Save 15% off in store every Monday year round.

• Kreg Tool: - Save 20% qualifying full-priced items.

• Levi’s: - Receive a 15% (stackable) discount.

• L.L. Bean: - Get 10% off sitewide.

• Lovesac: -Save 5% sitewide.

• Michaels: - Receive 15% off an entire purchase including sale items.

• Paramount+: - Get 25% off any plan.

• Peloton: - Enjoy the Peloton App for $9.99/month.

• Publix: Save 10% on groceries on Nov. 11.

• Purple: - Save 10% off.

• Safety 1st: -Save 25% off an entire purchase including sale items.

• Sleep Number: - Receive an exclusive 20% off on select smart beds, integrated and adjustable bases, and select bedding. Visit sleepnumber.com/military to get your promo code.

• Spec Ops Tools: - Score 25% off an entire purchase.

• Tarte Cosmetics - Save 40% off.

• The North Face: - Enjoy 10% off.

• Timberland: - Receive 25% off. Conditions apply.

• T-Mobile: - Save 40% off family lines.

• Too Faced: - Save 20% off. Sheer ID required.

• Ugg: Get 10% off all orders, including sale items.

• Whirlpool: - Save 15% off most products.

Veterans Days 2023 travel deals

• Beaches Resorts: Save 10% off year round. Sheer ID required.

• Busch Gardens: Waves of Honor permits active military personnel to receive one free admission per year, plus free admission for up to three dependents. Must be registered with ID.me.

• Caesars Entertainment: Save up to 30% year round at Caesars Hotels & Casinos. Must be registered with ID.me.

• Churchill Downs: Free general-admission tickets on Nov. 11.

• Country Music Hall of Fame: Active and retired military members along with up to three immediate family members receive free admission on Nov. 11.

• Creation Museum and Ark Encounter: Save 20% year round on admission for up to 5 visitors.

• Disney World: Enjoy various special military rates on 2024 Walt Disney World Resort hotel stays through Dec. 17, 2024.

• Great Wolf Lodge: Save up to 30% off year round with promo code "heroes".

• LEGOLAND Florida Resort: Free admission, plus 50% off for up to six tickets through Nov. 30. Free standard parking. Save up to 25% off on hotel stays.

• Knott's Berry Farm: Tickets available for active, retired and veteran military personnel for $19.99. Discount extended up to 5 guests. Military Tribute Days are every Monday through Thursday Nov. 1-16, including Veterans Day, and every Monday through Thursday Nov. 27-Dec. 14.

• Museums: Across the country, many museums are offering free admission for veterans on Nov. 11. Some also are offering discounts for family members. Many zoos and aquariums nationwide will have free admission, too. Call ahead before you go.

• National parks: No entrance fees Nov. 11 to more than 400 national parks. This deal isn't only for veterans and military — it's for everyone.

• Pro Football Hall of Fame: Free admission plus one guest on Nov. 11. Free admission for Blue Star Mothers and Gold Star Families.

• Sandals Resorts: Save 10% off opulent Caribbean vacations.year round. Sheer ID required.

• Sea World Orlando: Waves of Honor permits active military personnel to receive one free admission per year, plus free admission for up to three dependents. Must be registered with ID.me.

• Sea World San Diego: Waves of Honor permits active military personnel to receive one free admission per year, plus free admission for up to three dependents. Must be registered with ID.me.

• Sea World San Antonio: Waves of Honor permits active military personnel to receive one free admission per year, plus free admission for up to three dependents. Must be registered with ID.me.

• Sesame Place: Waves of Honor permits active military personnel to receive one free admission per year, plus free admission for up to three dependents. Must be registered with ID.me.

• Topgolf: Save 20% off select Platinum memberships, 10% off Topgolf play year round and 10% off events and room rentals.

• World of Coca-Cola: Free admission year round. Plus, save 50% off on up to four tickets for friends and family through Nov. 12.

• Wyndham Hotels & Resorts: Save up to 15% off and receive 1,000 Wyndham Rewards bonus points on stays through Dec. 11 booked by Dec. 8.

Chris Sims is a digital producer for the Journal Star. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisFSims.

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Veteran Day 2023 free meals, deals: Where to find freebies, discounts