Free Veterans Day meals, discounts and special menus across the Des Moines metro in 2022

Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register
·4 min read

Restaurants, stores and other businesses give thanks to military personnel on Veterans Day on Friday, Nov. 11, with special discounts and freebies from several local and national eateries as a thank you.

We recommend calling your local restaurant ahead to make sure they are offering a discount at their location. And don't forget your valid military ID or honorable discharge card for proof of service.

Here are some of the restaurants and stores where veterans and active-duty military members can grab a bite:

  • 7-Eleven: Get a free coffee or Big Gulp on Veterans Day.

  • Applebee's Neighborhood Bar & Grill: Veterans and active-duty military eat for free from a limited Veterans Day menu.

  • Bar Louie: Active military members, retired veterans, reserves and National Guard members can get any craft burger for free when dining in.

  • Bruegger's Bagels: Veterans get a free medium hot or iced coffee with purchase.

  • Caribou Coffee: Veterans, active military members and their spouses receive a free hot brewed coffee on Veterans Day.

  • Casey's General Store: Get a free coffee from participating Casey's stores. Customers can round up their next in-store purchase, and all proceeds will be donated to the non-profit veteran organization partners, Hope For The Warriors and Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation.

  • Chili's Grill & Bar: Veterans and active-duty military eat for free from a limited Veterans Day menu.

  • Chuck E. Cheese: On Nov. 11, active-duty military, National Guard and veterans get a free personal one-topping pizza with valid military ID or proof of military service.

  • Circle K: Veterans and active-duty service members get a free medium coffee all day at every location that serves coffee.

  • Country Kitchen: Active and retired military get a free Country Scramble at participating locations.

  • Cracker Barrel Old Country Store: Veterans can satisfy their sweet tooth with a complimentary slice of double fudge Coca-Cola cake with their meal. Use code VETSDAY22 at checkout.

  • Denny's: From 5 a.m. to noon, active, non-active and retired military personnel can get a free build-your-own Grand Slam breakfast.

  • Dunkin': Veterans and active-duty military can get a free doughnut with no purchase necessary.

  • Einstein Bros. Bagels: Veterans and active-duty military get a free hot or iced medium coffee.

  • Famous Dave's: All former and current military personnel can get a free Georgia chopped pork sandwich with a side for dine in or takeout.

  • Fareway: Veterans, active-duty, reserve or guard military receive a 15% discount on their in-store purchases, excluding tobacco, lottery tickets and gift cards.

  • Firebirds Wood Fired Grill: Active-duty military and veterans eat for free.

  • Hy-Vee: From 6 to 10 a.m., veterans and active-duty military can pick up a free breakfast curbside. Hy-Vee also offers a 15% discount off groceries when shopping in stores or with Aisles Online.

  • IHOP: From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., all active-duty military and veterans get red, white and blueberry pancakes on the house.

  • Krispy Kreme: Stop in for a free coffee and doughnut.

  • Little Caesars Pizza: From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., veterans and active-duty military can get a free lunch combo meal with four slices of Detroit-style pizza and a 20-ounce soft drink.

  • Menchie's: Veterans and active-duty military get their first 6-ounces of froyo free with proof of service.

  • Mullets: Veterans receive 50% off their meal.

  • Outback Steakhouse: Veterans, active-duty service members and spouses get a free Bloomin' Onion with any Coca-Cola beverage for dine-in.

  • Perkins: Veterans and active-duty military get a free Magnificent Seven Meal with valid ID.

  • Pilot Flying J: Veterans get a free meal at participating locations through a special offer in the app.

  • QuikTrip: Current and former military can get a free Big Q or coffee.

  • Red Lobster: Veterans, active-duty military and reservists get a free Walt's Favorite Shrimp, fries, and coleslaw from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

  • Red Robin: Veterans and active-duty military who sign up for Red Robin Royalty accounts can get a free tavern double burger with steak fries.

  • Ruby Tuesday: Active-duty and retired military get a free Garden Bar.

  • Scooter's Coffee: Veterans and active-duty military can get a free drink of any size.

  • Smashburger: Veterans and active-duty military are eligible for a free burger or sandwich.

  • Smokey D's BBQ: Active and retired military members can order a free lunch platter.

  • Starbucks: Active-duty military, reservists, veterans and military spouses can get a free 12-ounce hot coffee.

  • Taco John's: Active, reserve, retired and honorably discharged military members who use the Taco John's app get a free small beef #1 combo meal.

  • Texas Roadhouse: From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Texas Roadhouse locations will distribute meal vouchers in their parking lots that are valid through May 30, 2023.

  • Twisted Vine Brewery: Veterans can get one free beer.

  • Village Inn: Veterans and active-duty military get a free VIB breakfast available for dine-in or takeout.

  • Wendy's: Enjoy a free small breakfast combo with valid ID from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m.

  • Ziggi's Coffee: Veterans get a free 16-ounce drink.

Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor at The Des Moines Register. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop her a line at sstapleton@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Veterans Day free, discounted deals at Des Moines restaurants, stores