See the restaurants, coffee spots, ice cream shops, and more offering deals for Veterans Day, which is Saturday, Nov. 11.
Michelle Rotuno-Johnson, Patch Staff
|Updated Thu, Nov 9, 2023 at 12:53 pm ET
NEW JERSEY — As has become traditional on Veterans Day, several New Jersey restaurants are offering free deals and discounts to veterans and members of the military.
Veterans Day is always Nov. 11, which falls on a Saturday this year. Some of the deals start before or extend beyond the actual holiday.
Replacing the former Armistice Day, which commemorated the end of World War I, Veterans Day became an official holiday in 1954 to thank and honor all of those who have served honorably in the military, whether in wartime or peacetime.
In most cases, the deals are extended beyond veterans to active members of the military and to their spouses and families in some cases. Most require some type of proof of military service, such as a military ID card or a Veterans Administration benefits card.
As curated from Military.com, a news and resource website for members of the military and veterans, deals in New Jersey include:
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Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza: Veterans and active-duty military get a free 12-inch pizza on Nov. 11 (dine-in only).
Applebee’s: Active-duty military, veterans, reserves and National Guard get a complimentary full-size entrée from a special menu and other perks on Nov. 11 (dine-in only).
Bar Louie: Active-duty military and veterans get a free Craft Burger on Nov. 11 (dine-in only).
BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse: Free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie with any $9.95 purchase and additional perks with a $14.95 purchase.
Bob Evans: Veterans and active-duty military get a free meal from a select menu on Nov. 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 Nov. 11
Buffalo Wild Wings: Veterans and active-duty service members get a free order of 10 Boneless Wings and Fries on Nov. 11 with a valid ID. (Dine-in only, except at “go” locations, which will recognize the deals on walk-in orders placed at the counter).
Carrabba’s Italian Grill: Veterans and active-duty military get a complimentary dine-in appetizer or dessert paired with a soft drink on Nov. 11.
Charleys Cheesesteaks: Veterans and active-duty military get free Gourmet Fries in-store with no purchase necessary on Nov. 11 at participating locations.
Chili’s: Veterans and active-duty service members get a free meal from a select menu on Nov. 11 (dine-in only).
Dave & Buster’s: Veterans get a free entree (up to $20) and a free $10 Power Card on Nov. 11.
Denny’s: All active and retired military personnel get a free Original Grand Slam from 5 a.m. to noon Friday, Nov. 10 (dine-in only).
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit: Veterans and active-duty military get a free pulled pork sandwich on Nov. 11 (in-store or through the online app for carryout).
Dunkin’: Veterans and active-duty military get a free doughnut of their choice on Nov. 11 (in-store only).
Einstein Bros. Bagels: Veterans and active-duty military get a free hot or iced coffee (any size) with an in-store purchase on Nov. 11.
The Greene Turtle: Veterans receive a free meal up to $15 on Nov. 11 (dine-in only).
Hooters Restaurants: Active-duty military and veterans get a free entrée from a special menu with the purchase of a beverage on Nov. 11 (dine-in only).
Huddle House: Active-duty military members and veterans get a free MVP meal on Nov. 11.
IHOP: Veterans and active-duty military get free Red, White, & Blueberry Pancakes or Pancake Combo from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. on Nov. 11 (dine-in only).
Kings Family Restaurant: Veterans and active-duty military members get a free meal from a select menu on Nov. 13.
Logan’s Roadhouse: Veterans and active-duty military personnel get a free meal from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Nov. 11 (dine-in only).
Menichie’s Frozen Yogurt: Veterans and active-duty military get their first 6 ounces of Froyo free on Nov. 11.
Mission BBQ: Veterans get a free sandwich on Nov. 11.
O’Charley’s: Veterans and active-duty military can order one free entrée from the special menu and/or receive a free slice of pie at dinner from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 10-11 (dine-in only).
Outback Steakhouse: Active-duty military and veterans get a free Bloomin’ Onion and beverage with the purchase of an adult entrée on Nov. 11 (dine-in only).
Pilot Flying J: Service members and their families get a free meal Nov. 10-12 through a special offer in the app.
Playa Bowls: Veterans get a free bowl on Nov. 11 (in-shop only).
Red Lobster: Veterans, active-duty military and reservists get free printed meal vouchers for Veterans Shrimp & Chips from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Nov. 11.The voucher can be redeemed Nov. 13-Dec. 10 (dine-in only).
Red Robin: Veterans and active-duty military get a complimentary Red's Big Tavern Burger with an endless side of steak fries on Nov. 11 (dine-in only).
Smoothie King: Active-duty military and veterans get a free smoothie from one of three red, white, and blue smoothies on Nov. 11.
Starbucks: Veterans, active-duty military personnel and their spouses get a free 12-ounce hot or or cold brewed coffee on Nov. 11.
TCBY: Veterans and active military personnel get their first 6 ounces of frozen yogurt for free on Nov. 11.
Uno Pizzeria & Grill: Veterans and active-duty military get a free meal on Nov. 11.
White Castle: Veterans and active-duty military get a free individual combo meal or a breakfast combo meal on Nov. 11 (dine-in only).
bb.q Chicken: Veterans and active-duty military get 25 percent off all orders placed in-store on Nov. 11.
Joe’s Crab Shack: Veterans get 20 percent off their meal from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 11 (dine-in only).
Kona Grill: Veterans and active-duty military receive 50 percent off food from Nov. 10-13.
McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants: Veterans, National Guard, Gold Star Parents, and Gold Star Spouses can enjoy a select half-priced entrée on Nov. 12 (dine-in only).
Military.com has more specifics about each of the deals and is updating its site daily as more eateries confirm their 2023 Veterans Day plans.