Columbus Restaurants Celebrate Veterans Day With Free Meals

Veterans Day is almost here, and as usual, various restaurants across Columbus, Ohio, are gearing up to honor those who have served. This year, vets and active-duty military members can enjoy bountiful deals from local and national chains, providing not just free meals but also sweet discounts.

Veterans and active-duty personnel are encouraged to swing by their favorite spots on Monday, November 11, to partake of delicious offerings available exclusively for them. All these offers call for some proof of military service—be it a military ID or another form of identification. It’s just the restaurants' way of saying thanks to those who’ve served.

Applebee's

One of the go-to places for Veterans Day is Applebee's. At participating locations, veterans can tuck away either a bacon cheeseburger, 6-ounce top sirloin, chicken tenders, double crunch shrimp, fiesta lime chicken, oriental chicken salad, or three-cheese chicken penne pasta—all free of charge. Plus, patrons will walk away with a $5 Bounce Back card for future visits within three weeks. Applebee's has nine branches scattered across central Ohio, so there's bound to be one nearby for our veterans.

Bob Evans

The New Albany-based Bob Evans is another friendly spot for veterans. They boast 33 locations throughout central Ohio, and on Veterans Day, they’re offering 10 different meal options for free. Menu items range from the classic breakfast plate—including two eggs, breakfast meat, and choice of bread—to pancakes and country-fried steak with mashed potatoes and green beans. Talk about hearty fare!

City Barbeque

Hometown favorite City Barbeque will serve up its generous welcome as well. This year, they continue the tradition of offering veterans and active members of military service free sandwiches, sides, and drinks at any of their 12 local locations. Just note, this offer is strictly for dine-in or takeout; online orders or third-party deliveries won’t qualify.

Chili's

Chili's will be offering item options such as chicken tenders, quesadillas, burgers, or soup and salad. If you’re near any of their four Columbus locations, don’t miss out on this chance to enjoy some Tex-Mex-inspired treats.

Golden Corral

At Golden Corral, the annual Military Appreciation Night is on the agenda, featuring not just free buffet dinners but also drink specials for veterans and active military. Donations to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) chapters will be accepted at select locations.

IHOP

Pancake lovers will want to head over to IHOP, which is offering free red, white, and blue pancake combos topped with strawberries, whipped cream, and blueberries from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Veterans Day. With three locations around central Ohio, breakfast is sorted for many veterans.

Little Caesars

Pizza fans can look forward to Little Caesars, which will provide free lunch combos from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The combo includes four slices of their deep-dish Detroit-style pizza and a 20-ounce soda. With 15 carryout locations across the area, there’s no excuse to pass up this offer!

Red Robin

Red Robin is ready to treat veterans to their famous Red’s Big Tavern Burger, served with bottomless fries. Available at locations like Easton Town Center and Polaris Fashion Place, it’s yet another burger option every veteran can enjoy.

Starbucks

Starbucks is serving up complimentary tall brewed hot or iced coffee for veterans, military personnel, and their spouses. Just hit up any participating location to snag your drink.

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse will allow veterans to indulge their sweet tooth with their signature dessert, the Pizookie, featuring chocolate chip cookie topped with ice cream. A $10 free appetizer coupon will also be provided for future use, which is quite the sweet bonus!

Bonefish Grill and Other Spots

For those who love seafood, Bonefish Grill will be providing free bang-bang shrimp, perfect for sharing or indulging solo. Over at Carrabba's Italian Grill, guests can score free appetizers or desserts along with complimentary non-alcoholic beverages when dining in.

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and Outback Steakhouse

Freddy's is handing out cards for free combo meals redeemable through month's end for veterans visiting their locations. Outback Steakhouse joins the fray too; anyone purchasing adult entrees will receive free bloomin’ onions and beverages to go along.

Hooters

Veterans can stop by Hooters for one complimentary meal from their special menu, which encompasses enticing options like boneless wings and buffalo chicken sandwiches—definitely worth checking out!

Alongside these well-fed opportunities, many other establishments are offering free or discounted items. From quick bites at McDonald’s to savory entrees at Olive Garden, there’s truly something for everyone this Veterans Day.

So whether you're craving burgers, pizza, barbecue, or breakfast, Columbus's restaurant scene has tons of options to choose from, making it clear how much they value the sacrifices made by the military. Grab your fellow veterans and enjoy the day dedicated to you — it’s well-deserved!