Veterans Day: Here's where military personnel can get discounts and freebies around Ohio

Micah Walker, The Columbus Dispatch
·4 min read
The band of the Ohio Army National Guard marches in the 2021 Central Ohio Veterans Day Parade on North High Street Downtown. There are numerous discounts available locally to current and former members of the military on Veterans Day.
The band of the Ohio Army National Guard marches in the 2021 Central Ohio Veterans Day Parade on North High Street Downtown. There are numerous discounts available locally to current and former members of the military on Veterans Day.

As the country shows its appreciation for current and former members of the military this Friday for Veterans Day, restaurants and other businesses are getting involved by offering their own discounts and specials for those who have served.

There's a plethora of choices to choose from, like a free breakfast at Bob Evans or a free meal at Chili's. Want to visit the Columbus Zoo? Veterans and active duty military can do so with their immediate families for half price. And anyone can visit the National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus for free.

More:Here's what events are planned for Veterans Day in Columbus and other area communities

For those who want to take advantage of their Veterans Day discounts, make sure to bring your military ID to show proof of service.

Offers are good on Friday, unless otherwise stated.

  • 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant, 5030 Sawyer Road, Columbus: A free meal will be offered to all veterans from 4 to 10 p.m. (www.the94thaerocolumbus.com)

  • Applebee's: Active military, veterans, Reserves and National Guard members can get a free meal from a special menu. Items include the bacon cheeseburger, the fiesta lime chicken and the chicken tenders platter. (www.applebees.com)

  • BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse: A free meal from a select menu and a Dr. Pepper beverage is available to all current and former military personnel. (www.bjsrestaurants.com)

  • Bob Evans: A free meal for veterans and active duty military personnel is available. Patrons will be able to choose from one of 10 farm-fresh breakfast items from a special menu available all day. Options include a country biscuit breakfast, buttermilk pancakes, brioche French toast or a mini sampler. (www.bobevans.com)

  • Chili's: Veterans and active duty military dining at Chili's can choose a free meal from options such as chicken crispers, margarita grilled chicken, soup and salad, and chicken bacon-ranch quesadillas. (www.chilis.com)

  • Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 4850 W. Powell Road, Powell: The Columbus Zoo will offer half-price admission to veterans and active duty military as well as their immediate families. Parking costs $10. (columbuszoo.org)

  • Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, 1630 Mill Street, Peninsula, Ohio: Veterans, active military and family members (up to three people total per group) can take a free one-hour train ride through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park Nov. 10. (www.cvsr.org)

  • Golden Corral: The buffet restaurant will offer a free dinner for veterans and active military Nov. 14 after 5 p.m.. (www.goldencorral.com)

  • Good Year Tires: Active, former and retired veterans, as well as first responders, can get a free car check until Nov. 14. The offer includes includes free tire, brake and battery checks, plus, an additional 10% off tires and services. . For those who are unable to get their car in by Nov. 14, qualifying guests are able to schedule an appointment by that date and use the offer by Nov. 17. (www.goodyear.com)

  • Great Clips: Receive a free haircut or free haircut card for a future visit if you are a veteran or active military. (www.greatclips.com)

  • IHOP: Free red, white and blue pancakes will be available to veterans and active duty military dining in from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (www.ihop.com)

  • McCormick & Schmick's, 3965 New Bond St., Columbus: Half-price entrees are on the table for veterans, Gold Star Parents and Gold Star Spouses on Nov. 13. (mccormicksandschmicks.com)

  • McDonald's: Participating McDonald’s restaurants across Ohio will offer free meals to all veterans. Each meal will feature a choice of sandwiches, drinks, and a side. (www.mcdonald's.com)

  • National Veterans Memorial and Museum, 300 W. Broad St., Columbus: Everyone, veteran or not, will receive free admission during the hours the museum is open, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Veterans Day. (nationalvmm.org)

  • Pro Football Hall of Fame, 2121 George Halas Drive N.W., Canton: Veterans as well as members of the National Guard and active military, plus one guest for each, will receive free admission and parking to the Hall of Fame in Canton. The discount also applies to Blue Star Mothers and Gold Star Families. (www.profootballhof.com)

  • Red Lobster: Veterans, active military and reservists will receive a free fried shrimp meal with French fries and coleslaw. The offer is available for dine-in and takeout orders placed in-restaurant between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. (www.redlobster.com)

  • Starbucks: Get a free, hot tall (12-ounce) brewed coffee if you are a veteran, active military or a military spouse. (www.starbucks.com)

  • True Rest Float Spa: An hour of free float therapy for veterans and active duty military is offered on the 11th of every month, including Veterans Day. (truerest.com)

mwalker@dispatch.com

@micah_walker701

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Veterans Day: Here's where to find freebies around Ohio