Veterans Day 2021: Where To Find The Best Food Freebies And Deals

Originally created over a century ago to honor those who fought for the United States during the First World War, Veterans Day has rolled around once again (via Military.com). With it comes a federal holiday and various deals for those who have served the U.S. military.

While service members most likely did not enlist in the hopes of receiving discounts and free drinks down the line, many companies are offering just that on Thursday, November 11 and (in some cases) the surrounding days. These deals are intended as a token of gratitude for the work carried out by both active members of the military and veterans. For Veterans Day 2021, Mashed has compiled the complimentary, the discounts, and the outright free for anyone who served and wants to take advantage of these impressive offers.

There are few foods as America as a good burger, so in honor of Veterans Day this year, Southeastern burger chain Bad Daddy's Burger Bar is offering a free All-American burger to veterans and active service members. According to a statement sent to Mashed, that burger can come with any cheese and one of the chain's basic sides: fries, tater tots, sweet potato fries, or chips.

However, anyone who wants to take advantage of the offer has to have a valid ID and be willing to dine-in. This deal is only available between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on November 11.

For those who want to use Veterans Day to stock up on meat, Barbecue at Home by Dickey's Barbecue is offering a 15% discount in honor of the holiday. Barbecue at Home is a shipping service that offers, among other things, sausages, steaks, and chicken (via Barbecue at Home). Most of the food offered is raw meat, but the company sells heat and serve food as well.

To get the discount, use the promo code VETERAN15 anytime between November 11 and December 31. There is no indication that an ID will be needed, so the discount seems open to all.

A free burger is being offered by the Hard Rock Cafe. Specifically, the Legendary Steak burger which comes topped with applewood bacon, cheddar cheese, an onion ring, lettuce, and tomato. Both veterans and active service members can snag themselves the burger by showing a valid ID. If a member of the military does not want the Legendary Steak Burger, have no fear. While the freebie relates to that particular item, the Hard Rock Cafe also offers a 15% military discount on other menu items.

If any active or retired military members happen to be travelling on Veterans Day, they can take advantage of the meal deal being offered at the 750 Pilot Travel Centers dotted around the U.S. The deal, which takes the form of a $10 meal credit, is available to any service members who have verified their ID with the myRewards Plus app. The press release explains that the money can be used on any food or drink, or be applied to restaurants operating in the rest stop.

Until November 15, you can also round up your purchases at Pilot travel centers to donate to the Call of Duty Endowment, which helps veterans find a career after their time in the military. Pilot will match all donations up to $100,000.

For many, the only way to truly commemorate Veterans Day is to eat a massive steak. Well, Fogo de Chão is here to serve those who have served with delectable meat at a reasonable price. On Veterans Day this year, the chain's American steakhouses will cut the cost of any veteran's main, dine-in meal by 50%, plus give a 10% discount to up to three other guests dining with the service member.

This discount will not be applied to drinks, desserts, taxes, or tips; nor do to-go meals, products bought from the butcher shop, or catering count.

Doubling down on the atmosphere, STK Steakhouse invites military members to spoil themselves with "vibe dining." On November 11, active and retired U.S. military personnel who dine in at a STK location with a valid ID will get 20% off of their check. Notably, the company does not seem to specify that the discount only applies to food.

According to the company website, STK Steakhouse has 15 locations in the United States, three of which are in New York City.

On Thursday, November 11, Romano's Macaroni Grill will offer veterans its Mom's Ricotta Meatballs and Spaghetti for free. The hearty dish introduces meatballs made of beef, veal, pork, and ricotta, with a sprinkling of romano cheese and Pomodorina sauce. Those globules of meat sit atop a web of spaghetti.

To claim the free meal, all military members have to do is who present their ID while ordering. While diners can take advantage of perk for takeout, it should be noted that the freebie is not available for delivery. 

The Veterans Day deal is a bit more modest at Einstein Bagel Bros. than other options on the list, but still worth considering if you live near a location. On November 11, Veterans can receive either a free hot or iced coffee of any size when they show their ID. The deal is not available in licensed stores in colleges, hospitals, airports, or hotels.

Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom is offering veterans a freebie for their service. Namely, if they order an entrée, their appetizer will be free as long as it is worth less than $11.99 and is not the Old Chicago's Keg of Wings. Furthermore, like most deals on this list, the free appetizer is only available for people who dine-in on November 11.

As Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom primarily offers pizza, this does mean that a perfect pairing like cheesy garlic bread or bruschetta will be available. Of course, the online menu lists other starters are well, including jalapeño pretzel bits, Italian nachos, and pepperoni rolls.

In honor of the holiday, Dunkin' is promising veterans and active military members a free donut of their choice on November 11.

No other purchase is necessary to claim the free donut, though the promotion is limited to one per person. The freebie is also only available in participating Dunkin' stores, while supplies last. It is not being offered for On-The-Go ordering through the mobile app.

Famous for their sliders, on Veterans Day this year, White Castle is offering one free combo meal to veterans and active military members. According to a statement sent to Mashed, this offer is valid on both a breakfast combo or combo meals 1 through 6.

To claim this freebie, all service members have to do is present a valid U.S. military ID at a participation White Castle location — no other purchase is necessary.

Fast casual burger chain Smashburger is giving veterans and active military members a free classic burger this year in honor of Veterans Day. The company describes the menu item as "a Certified Angus Beef patty, American cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, pickles, ketchup, a toasted bun, and Smashburger's specialty Smash Sauce" in a press release about the one- day deal.