2023 Veterans Day deals: Free meals and discounts at businesses across Greater Cincinnati
Greater Cincinnati's veterans, past and present, can enjoy free cookies, chili and more in honor of Veterans Day on Saturday, Nov. 11.
Formerly known as Armistice Day, the holiday was first established after World War I. In 1938, it was officially made into a federal holiday by the U.S. government.
Several restaurants and attractions around Greater Cincinnati will offer deals for veterans to celebrate Veterans Day weekend. At many businesses, active and retired military personnel will need to show some form of military ID to snag deals.
Valid forms of ID include:
Your U.S. Uniformed Services ID or U.S. Uniformed Services Retired ID card.
Any veterans’ organization membership card.
Military commendation, leave or earnings statement.
A photograph of yourself in uniform.
Active service members can also wear their uniform as ID.
All specials will run at participating business locations from open until close Nov. 11 unless otherwise noted.
Here's where to find deals this weekend.
Veterans Day deals 2023
Applebee's
Veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a free meal with proof of service. Military guests also get a $5 Bounce Back Card that can be redeemed for Applebee's dine-in, to-go or delivery orders within a three-week window.
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Saturday is Military Days at the Cincinnati Zoo. All members of the military, active and retired, receive free admission and half-price admission for up to six family members.
Bob Evans
All Bob Evans locations will offer free meals for veterans with proof of service. Accepted forms of ID are: U.S. Uniformed Services Retired Card, a current leave and earnings statement (LES), veterans organization card, photo of self in uniform, wearing you uniform, DD214, and citation or commemoration.
Gold Star
All Gold Star locations will offer free meals for veterans. Veterans must show proof of service, which can include U.S. Uniformed Services ID Card, U.S. Uniformed Services Retired ID Card, a current leave and earnings statement (LES), veterans organization card, wearing uniform in store, photo of self in uniform or a citation or commemoration.
Chili's
All Chili's locations will offer free entrees to veterans with some form of military ID.
White Castle
Snag a free individual combo meal or a breakfast combo meal at participating White Castle restaurants. Must present active or retired military ID.
Golden Corral
Monday, Nov. 13, is U.S. Military Appreciation Night. From 5 p.m. to close, any person who has served in the U.S. Military (active duty, retired, veterans, National Guard or Reserves) receives a free dinner.
Graeter's Ice Cream
Active military personnel and veterans can get a free sugar cone with one scoop of ice cream.
Mike's Carwash
Mike’s Carwash will offer active military personnel and veterans a free Ultimate Wash. The $22 value is available at all 39 Mike’s Carwash locations in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.
Raising Cane's
Service workers with a valid ID will receive 10% off their meal.
McDonald’s
Current and former military members with a valid military ID can receive a free meal via dine-in or drive-thru from a select menu. For breakfast, veterans can enjoy an Egg McMuffin or Bacon Egg Cheese Biscuit, along with a hash brown and any size soft drink, tea or coffee. For lunch or dinner, veterans can enjoy a Double Cheeseburger, six-piece McNugget or a Filet-O-Fish sandwich with a small fry and any size soft drink, tea or coffee.
Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Veterans and current military personnel can receive a free Freddy’s Original Double combo meal card. Cards may be redeemed through Nov. 30, 2023.
IHOP
IHOP's Red, White & Blueberry Pancakes will be free for veterans. Offer is for dine-in only.
Red Robin
Veterans can enjoy a free Red's Tavern Double burger and refills of bottomless steak fries. Offer is for dine-in only.
Dunkin' Donuts
Snag a free donut. Offer is only available in-store, not online.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Veterans Day 2023: Where veterans can find free meals, discounts
