Here's where you can find free Veterans Day meals and discounts across Des Moines metro
Restaurants across the country are giving thanks to military personnel this Veteran's Day with freebies and discounts.
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.
Iowa restaurants and stores offering Veterans Day deals
Here are some of the locally owned restaurants and stores where veterans and active-duty military members can grab a bite, enjoy a treat or save some money:
Big Grove Brewery
This Veterans Day, Big Gove invites all veterans, active duty service members and Gold Star families to enjoy a meal at no cost. The complimentary meal options will include hot beef, a four-cheese sandwich, or a chicken Caesar salad. No pre-registration is needed, and meals are available from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Captain Roy's
Enjoy a free breakfast on Nov. 10 at 9 a.m.
Veterans Day 2023: Where to celebrate in central Iowa
Casey's
On Nov. 11, veterans can receive any size coffee or fountain drink for free.
Fareway
On Nov. 11, Fareway is offering 15% off to all military personnel, active or retired.
Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream
Happy Joe’s will give all veterans, retired and active-duty U.S. military personnel a free lunch buffet with a drink on Saturday.
Hy-Vee
Enjoy a free dine-in breakfast for veterans and active military members on Nov. 10, from 6 to 10 a.m.
Peace Tree
Veterans and active duty service members get their second beer for free.
The Poke Company
The Poke Company's Des Moines location offers a 20% discount year-round for veterans, active duty military and first responders.
Prairie Meadows
Join a celebration ceremony on Friday, Nov. 10 at 11 a.m. in the Meadows Events Center. Enjoy a free box lunch, live music, military displays and remarks from military personnel.
Smokey D's BBQ
Enjoy a free lunch platter on Smokey D's.
Vibes Kitchen & Bar
The downtown Des Moines restaurant is offering free bao buns with the purchase of select entrees and flatbreads.
Ziggi's Coffee
On Saturday, Nov. 11, all Veterans and active-duty military members are invited to enjoy a free 16 ounce drink at Ziggi's.
National chains offering Veterans Day deals
Plenty of national chains with a presence in Iowa are offering deals to honor veterans, too. Here's some of what you can find:
Applebees
On Nov. 11 only, participating Applebee's are serving free meals to veterans and active duty military. With proof of service, they can choose from eight entrees, dine-in only.
Proof of service includes U.S. Uniformed Services ID Card, U.S. Uniformed Services Retired ID Card, current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), veterans organization card (e.g., American Legion, VFW), photograph of yourself in uniform, wearing uniform, DD214 and citation or commendation.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Get 10 free boneless wings and fries for all veterans and active duty military with proof of service. Valid for dine-in or call-in orders.
Caribou Coffee
On Nov. 11, veterans, active-duty military members and their spouses with a valid ID can receive a small hot brewed coffee of the day or a cold press, excluding nitro.
Chick-fil-A
Show your military or veteran ID for a free chicken sandwich at participating locations.
Cracker Barrel
A free slice of Coca-Cola Cake is available to veterans with any purchase.
Denny's
Veterans and active military personnel get a free Build Your Own Grand Slam on Nov. 11, from 5 a.m. to noon, dine-in only.
Dunkin
Veterans and active duty military can receive a free donut of their choice on Nov. 11 at participating locations, in-store only.
Fazoli's
Get free spaghetti with meat sauce or marinara on Nov. 10 or 11 at participating locations. Proof of military service is required. You may need to join Fazoli’s eFamily email club to take advantage of this Veterans Day free food offer.
Freddy’s
Receive a free Freddy’s Original Double with Cheese combo meal card. No purchase is necessary to receive this special offer. Cards may be redeemed through Nov. 30.
IHOP
Get a free Red, White & Blue Pancakes or a Pancake Combo from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for dine-in service only. Military ID or proof of service is required.
Krispy Kreme
Veterans and active-duty military can start their Veterans Day off with a free breakfast at Krispy Kreme that includes a doughnut of choice and a small coffee. No purchase, ID, or coupon is necessary.
Little Caesars:
Veterans and military personnel can get a free lunch combo between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Outback Steakhouse
Outback Steakhouse is giving all active and retired military personnel a free Bloomin' Onion and beverage with the purchase of an adult entree in-restaurant on Saturday, November 11. And any veterans who come to the restaurant on Nov. 11 also get a free $10 bonus (to redeem from Nov. 12 to Dec. 17, 2023).
Red Lobster
On Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. local time, Red Lobster will give all veterans, active-duty military and reservists a meal voucher for a Veterans Shrimp & Chips dinner – six hand-breaded, butterflied and lightly fried shrimp, french fries and coleslaw – to be redeemed from Monday, Nov. 13, to Sunday, Dec. 10 for dine-in only. (Guests only need to show a valid military ID or proof of service to redeem.)
Taco Johns
Get a free Small Beef Taco Combo Meal when guests enter the promo code “VETERAN” under the "more" tab in the Taco John’s App.
Texas Roadhouse:
Veterans can enjoy a free lunch at Teax Roadhouse locations from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Proof of service is required.
Village Inn
Veterans and active military members get a free VIB breakfast this Veteran's Day. This offer is not valid at all locations, so be sure to check ahead of time. Dine-in and pick-up orders only, gratuity and tax are not included.
Wendy’s
Active-duty military and veterans get a free breakfast combo on Nov. 11 at participating Wendy's locations from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at vreynarodriguez@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter @VictoriaReynaR.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Veterans Day 2023: free meals and discounts in the Des Moines metro
