Veterans Day 2022: Where Vets & Military Eat Free In Illinois

ILLINOIS — As a Veterans Day 2022 tribute to U.S. vets and current military, restaurants throughout Illinois are offering freebies and dining discount deals.

Veterans Day, a day to honor former military and active duty, is Friday, Nov. 11.

The holiday originated in 1919 as Armistice Day to mark the one-year anniversary of the end of World War I. The date of Nov. 11 is significant because fighting between Allied nations and Germany ceased on the 11th hour of the 11th day in the 11th month in 1918, according to the American Legion Auxiliary.

In 1954, U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower changed the name to Veterans Day. And not to be confused with Memorial Day, Veterans Day pays tribute to all veterans — those who have served and are currently serving, along with those who have passed.

Peruse our annual Veterans Day dining guide, and scroll through the images above, to find deals near you. Don't forget your military ID or proof of service to redeem the eatery offers.

And to all former and active duty servicemen and women, thank you from Patch!

If you know of other restaurants in your neighborhood offering Veterans Day specials, share with readers in the comment section.

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APPLEBEE'S: Continuing its 15-year, Veterans Day tradition, the chain offers active duty military, veterans, reserves & National Guard a free full-size entrée from an exclusive menu Friday, Nov. 11. These special guests also receive $5 Bounce Back Card to redeem for dine-in, to-go or delivery. Meal options include: 6-ounce sirloin; Double Crunch Shrimp; Fiesta Lime Chicken; chicken tenders; bacon cheeseburger; Oriental chicken salad; & Three-Cheese Chicken Penne. Info. Location finder.

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BAR LOUIE: Cocktail for a Cause special running through Jan. 3, the Blood Orange Snow Bird, supports Folds of Honor. For every Blood Orange Snow Bird sold — up to 10,000 cocktails — Bar Louie will donate $1 to the national non-profit that provides educational scholarships to family members of fallen & injured military veterans. The drink features Espolón Reposado, Aperol, vanilla syrup, Monin Blood Orange, pineapple juice, lime & dehydrated blood orange slice garnish. Find more info here. Locations in Bolingbrook, Matteson, Oakbrook Terrace, Skokie, St. Charles.

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BUCA DI BEPPO: Veterans & active duty military receive complimentary lunch-size entrée all day Nov. 11. Valid ID for active military or veteran status required. Illinois locations in Lombard, Orland Park and Wheeling.

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CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN: On Friday, Nov. 11, veterans & active military are invited for a complimentary non-alcoholic beverage & entree from prix-fixe menu with salads, pizza & pasta. Upsells & additions may not be included, and not valid at franchise locations in stadium, university & airport locations. Bring valid ID. Details here. Illinois locations in Geneva, Oak Brook, Schaumburg, Skokie, Northbrook.

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CHILI'S: Veterans & active military can get a free meal Nov. 11 at participating restaurants. Available in-restaurant only. Menu choices: soup & salad; chicken bacon ranch quesadillas; Oldtimer with Cheese; or six boneless wings. Check participation with your nearby Illinois locations. See offer details.----------

CLAIM JUMPER STEAKHOUSE & BAR: The tradition to celebrate vets & active duty with a free dine-in meal on Veterans Day continues Nov. 11. Meal options include BBQ chicken salad, classic cheeseburger, Black Tie Pasta, meatloaf & mashed potatoes, grilled shrimp, country fried steak or southern fried chicken. Verification ID required. Locations in Aurora, Oswego, Naperville, Plainfield, Shorewood, Romeoville, Batavia, Elgin, Morris, Downers Grove, Bolingbrook, Wheaton, Chicago Ridge, Homer Glen, Bloomingdale, Crystal Lake.

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CORNER BAKERY: Active & former military members can enjoy 20% off their orders Veterans Day, Nov. 11. Among dining options are paninis, pastas, breakfast meals & more. Don't forget military ID. Illinois locations in Arlington Heights, Chicago.

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DENNY'S: Veterans & active military can score a free "Build Your Own Grand Slam" Nov. 11 from 5 a.m. - 12 p.m. at particpating locations. Valid military ID or DD 214 required. Offer details here. Find locations in Illinois.----------

DICKEY'S BARBECUE PIT: On Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 11, the BBQ chain is giving away a free Pulled Pork Sandwich all day to military vets & active duty in-store for carryout, in the Dickey’s app, or online at Dickeys.com using code VETFREE.Limit one per customer. Details. Illinois location finder here.-----------

DUNKIN': Vets & military can get a free doughnut of choice on Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 11 at participating shops in Illinois.

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FOGO DE CHAO: The churrasco-style Brazilian restaurant is honoring veterans & active-duty on Veterans Day with 50% off food, plus 10% off food for up to three guests. Fire-roasted meats, carved tableside by gaucho chefs, along with seafood, salads & desserts are on the menu. Bring military ID. Reservations here. Locations: Naperville, Oak Brook, Rosemont, Chicago.

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IHOP: Red, White, & Blueberry Pancakes are free for veterans & active duty Friday, Nov. 11 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dine-in only, one order per guest & military ID or proof of service required. Details. Confirm participation with your local IHOP. Location finder here.

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LITTLE CAESARS: As part of 16-year tradition of honoring U.S. military men & women, a Veterans Day freebie — a HOT-N-READY Lunch Combo — is offered Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at participating shops. Vets and active duty can receive four slices of Detroit-style, Deep Dish pizza & 20-ounce Pepsi product. No coupon required, but proof of service (such as ID card with veteran designation, DD-214 form or current military-issued ID card) is needed. Website.-----------

LOGAN'S ROADHOUSE: In honor of Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 11 from 3 p.m.-6 p.m., active & retired service members can enjoy free meal off special menu. Offerings include bayou shrimp, chicken tenders, chopped steak, pork chop, pulled pork & steak tips, along with such sides as chips, cole slaw, corn, fries, green beans, mashed potatoes & rice. Don't forget proof of service ID. Locations include Chico, Fontana, Redding & Sacramento. Website here.

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LUCILLE'S SMOKEHOUSE BBQ: With military ID or proof of service, veterans & active duty can select one of four freebies: a pulled pork sandwich & side; southern fried chicken & two sides; pulled pork plate & side; or BBQ chicken salad. Details. Dine-in or takeout. Locations statewide.

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MCCORMICK & SCHMICK'S: On Sunday, Nov. 13, veterans of the U.S. military, National Guard, Gold Star Parents & Gold Star Spouses can enjoy a select entrée at half-price. The offer is dine-in only & valid ID required. Reservations recommended. Details. Locations in Chicago, Rosemont, Oak Brook.

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OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE: Service members and veterans, plus medical workers, police and first responders, get 10% off their checks as part of Heroes Discount program. Valid ID required. The promo applies Nov. 11 ... and all day, every day Details. Location finder here.

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PANERA BREAD: This offer only applies to Flynn Restaurant Group-owned locations in Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa, Napa, Novato & San Rafael. Veterans & active-duty military will be honored Nov. 11 with a free pastry or bakery item & cup of coffee at the Pan American Panera Bread sites. Proof of U.S. military service or in uniform required. One offer per customer. Find locations here to check & confirm the designated ones' Veterans Day participation.----------

QDOBA MEXICAN EATS: Active-duty military and veterans receive 50% off any entrée when showing military ID at check-out on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. The offer is valid in-store only. Find Illinois restaurants here.

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RED LOBSTER: An upcoming special on Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 11 allows vets, active-duty & reservists, with military ID or proof of service, a free Walt’s Favorite Shrimp, fries & coleslaw for dine-in or takeout from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Location finder here. Restaurant website.

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RED ROBIN: A free Red's Tavern Double burger & Bottomless Steak Fries await veterans & active duty Friday, Nov. 11 at participating restaurants. The offer is for dine-in only. Proof of service required. Details. Find Illinois eateries here.

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7-ELEVEN: On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, score a free Quarter-Pound Big Bite, all-beef hot dog. Available to military & veterans for one day only in-store & via delivery through 7NOW app. Don't forget ID and hot dogs can be customized with such condiments & toppings as hot chili, melted nacho cheese, onions, jalapeños & pico de gallo.

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SMASHBURGER: Service members & veterans can enjoy a free burger or sandwich Nov. 11, but only at participating locations. Promo is in-store & valid military ID required. See list here for participating sites in Illinois.

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TGI FRIDAYS: Veterans & active duty personnel are treated to a free meal Friday, Nov. 11. Choices: cheeseburger with seasoned fries; chicken fingers with fries & coleslaw; 6-ounce sirloin, mashed potatoes & broccoli; or grilled chicken Caesar salad. Offer is for dine-in at participating locales from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Valid military ID required. Illinois location finder.

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THE PROUD BIRD: Active duty & military veterans can enjoy freebie salmon teriyaki bowls, Nashville chicken sandwiches or individual build-your-own pizzas on Veterans Day 2022 from the iconic, aviation-inspired food hall near LAX. Valid ID required. Website here. At 11022 Aviation Blvd., Los Angeles.

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WAYBACK BURGERS: As thanks to military heroes, the chain willdonate 10 percent of all Nov. 11 app and online sales to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, an organization dedicated to U.S. military members, first responders & their families. Illinois locations in Darien, Oakbrook Terrace. Read details here.-----------

WENDY'S: On Veterans Day from 6:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., veterans and active duty are treated to free breakfast combo offer — Maple Bacon Chicken Croissant, Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit or Breakfast Baconator at participating locales. Valid military ID or Veterans Advantage card required. Check your local Wendy's.-----------