Check out these Veterans Day 2023 free food deals in North Jersey

Veterans Day is this Saturday, November 11, and — to honor the troops — many North Jersey restaurants will be offering special deals to service members.

"Every Veterans Day, I offer free food to all veterans and their families," Steve Chrisomalis of acclaimed Garfield gem Steve's Burgers said. "I feel as if it's my obligation to give back to those who give back to those who give so much to keep this great country and everyone in it safe."

That touching sentiment is no surprise coming from New Jersey's culinary humanitarian of the year, but the local burger wizard isn't the only one jumping in on the patriotic action. In fact, from Applebee's to IHOP, many of the area's biggest chain restaurants are also acknowledging the day. Deals range from complimentary fries to fully-comped entrées — with on-the-house desserts and no-charge sirloins in between.

So, if you've ever fought for the Land of the Free (and like pancakes, fried chicken and crab legs), read on.

Here are all the Jersey restaurant chains serving Veterans Day specials.

NJ restaurant chains offering Veterans Day free meals and discounts:

• Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza & Wings: Free 12" Cheese Pizza.

• Applebee’s: Free entrée from a selective menu for all active duty military, veterans, reserves, and National Guard. Some options include the 6 oz. Top Sirloin, Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, Double Crunch Shrimp, Oriental Chicken Salad and Three-Cheese Chicken Penne, to name a few.

• Bar Louie: Free craft burgers for all veterans and active-duty military. Dine-in only.

• bb.q Chicken: 25% off all orders to U.S. military veterans and active duty service members. Valid at participating locations only — so call ahead.

• Benihana: Active-duty military members and veterans get a free appetizer with any lunch or dinner entrée purchase.

• Bob Evans: A free breakfast-themed dish for any veterans and active duty military guests. Options include Country Biscuit Breakfast, The Classic Breakfast, The Mini Sampler, Brioche French Toast, Down-Home Country-Fried Steak and more.

• Bonefish Grill: A complimentary order of Bang Bang Shrimp with a soft beverage.

• Brick House Tavern + Tap: 20% off meals from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Buffalo Wild Wings: A free order of 10 Boneless Wings and Fries for active military and veterans.

• BurgerFi: 20% off all orders.

• California Pizza Kitchen: Free (non-alcoholic) beverage and one entrée from a prix-fixed menu. Pizza varieties include The Original BBQ Chicken Pizza, Hawaiian, Mushroom Pepperoni Sausage, Pepperoni, or Five Cheese, with salad and pasta options — if those are preferred to pizza.

• Charleys Cheesesteaks: Free gourmet fries for veterans and service members.

• Chili's: A free meal for veterans and active service menu from the following options: Old Timer with Cheese, Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas, Three-Piece Crispers with fries, or Chili or Soup with a side salad.

• Dave & Buster's: Free entree (up to $20) and a free $10 Power Card with a valid veterans ID.

• Denny's: Free Original Grand Slam from opening to noon.

• Dunkin': Free donut of choice for veterans and active-duty military.

• Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: All veterans and active military personnel who visit on Veterans Day will receive a free Freddy’s Original Double with Cheese combo meal card, which may be redeemed through November 30, 2023.

• Friendly’s: A free All American Cheeseburger and drink of choice from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Huddle House: All active duty, retired military and veterans can receive a (customizable) free MVP Breakfast Platter meal.

• IHOP: Free Red, White & Blueberry Pancakes.

• IKEA: Veterans and active-duty military members can dine for free in the restaurant from November 10 to 12.

• Insomnia Cookies: Free 6-pack of Classic cookies with any purchase for veterans and active-duty military.

• Joe's Crab Shack: 20% off meal from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Krispy Kreme: Free doughnut and coffee.

• Little Caesar's: In-store only; free Lunch Combo (at participating stores) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Outback Steakhouse: Active military and vets get a free Bloomin' Onion and beverage with the purchase of an adult entree (in-store).

• Playa Bowls: Free bowl for veterans with ID (in select locations, call ahead).

• Red Lobster: Veterans, active-duty military and reservists get free printed meal vouchers for Shrimp & Chips (from 11:00am to 4:00pm) on November 11. The voucher can be redeemed from November 13 through December 10.

• Red Robin: Complimentary Red's Big Tavern Burger and endless steak fries for veterans and active military.

• Smoothie King: Free smoothie from one of three red, white, and blue smoothies at participating locations.

• Starbucks: A free 12-ounce hot or cold brewed coffee for veterans, military service members and military spouses.

• Uno Pizzeria & Grill: Free meal at participating locations (veterans and active duty).

• Wendy's: Free breakfast combo during breakfast hours.

• White Castle: Free individual combo or breakfast combo meal at participating locations for veterans and active-duty military.

Kara VanDooijeweert is a food writer for NorthJersey.com and The Record. If you can't find her in Jersey's best restaurants, she's probably off running a race course in the mountains. Catch her on Instagram: @karanicolev & @northjerseyeats, join our NorthJerseyEats Facebook group, and sign up for her North Jersey Eats newsletter.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Veterans Day 2023: Free food deals in North Jersey