Veterans Day 2018: All the places vets can get freebies and meal deals Sunday and Monday

This Veterans Day, veterans and active-duty military can take advantage of an extra day of deals.

As they do each year, restaurants are saluting veterans by offering free food and meal deals.

Thanks to the federal holiday falling on Sunday, it's officially observed Monday. This leads to a split with some businesses showing their appreciation Sunday and others Monday.

Proof of service such as a military ID is typically required and a few businesses will allow dressing in uniform as a form of identification. Discharge papers, VA cards and veteran organization membership cards also can be used to prove service at most businesses.

Deals are available at participating locations and offers can vary. Check with your closest location to confirm. The businesses listed here have more than 20 locations. Many smaller chains and individual restaurants also will offer deals and the easiest way to find specials is by checking social media. 

More:Veterans Day 2018: Military discounts and sales special for vets

More:Veterans Day 2018: What's open and closed on Monday after the federal holiday

More:When is Veterans Day, and why is it marked on the same day each year?

Sunday free meals and discounts

Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill: Free meal from a special menu Sunday.

Back Yard Burgers: Free Back Yard Classic Burger Sunday.

Bakers Square: Free Veterans Day Breakfast Sunday plus get a 20 percent off coupon for a future visit.

Bar Louie: Free flatbread or burger Sunday.

Bertucci's: Free small cheese pizza Sunday and Monday.

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: Free meal up to $12.95 and free Dr. Pepper beverage Sunday. Also in November, military personnel can also reserve a Pizookie through the Buy a Hero a Pizookie Program.

Bob Evans: Free meal from a special menu available all day Sunday at all locations.

Bonefish Grill: Free Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer Sunday.

Boston Market: Buy one individual meal and a drink, get one individual meal free with a coupon posted at www.bostonmarket.com Sunday or Monday. This deal is not only for veterans.

Buffalo’s Café: 50 percent discount for veteran and military Sunday.

Buffalo Wild Wings: Free small order of traditional or boneless wings with a side of fries Sunday.

Buffalo Wings & Rings: Five free wings and a free beverage Sunday.

California Pizza Kitchen: Free meal from special menu Sunday. Get a buy-one-get-one free card to use Nov. 12-18.

Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen: Free appetizer or dessert Sunday.

Chevys: Free three-item combo 3 p.m. to close Sunday.

Chili's: Free meal from special menu Sunday.

Chipotle: Buy-one-get-one free deal Sunday.

Chuck E. Cheese’s: Free personal one-topping pizza Sunday.

Cicis: Free adult buffet Sunday.

City Barbeque: Free sandwich, two sides and a regular beverage Sunday.

Corner Bakery Cafe: Free “Choose 2” meal Sunday with military ID.

Cotton Patch Cafe: Free Chicken Fried Steak or Chicken Fried Chicken Sunday.

Cracker Barrel: Free slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake or a Crafted Coffee beverage.

Creamistry: 50 percent off any single item Sunday and Monday.

Daphne's: 10 percent discount Sunday.

Duffy's Sports Grill: For Veterans Day, the Florida-based chain is extending its regular active-duty military discount to veterans. From 5 p.m. to close Sunday, veterans get 40 percent off food purchases.

Dunkin': Free doughnut Sunday. No purchase required.

East Coast Wings + Grill: Free meal from special menu Sunday.

El Fenix: Free meal from special menu Sunday.

El Torito: Free three-item combo 3 p.m. to close Sunday.

Famous Dave's: Free two meat lunch combo Sunday and Monday.

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill: Veterans and active duty service members get a free lunch or dinner Monday with purchase of another entrée.

Fogo de Chão: 50 percent off meal Veterans’ Day weekend Friday through Sunday and 10 percent off for up to three guests’ meals.

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: Veterans and active military who visit a Freddy’s restaurant Sunday get a free combo meal card good through Nov. 30.

Freebirds World Burrito: Veterans and active military get a buy-one-get-one free deal on full-size entrees Sunday.

Friendly's: Free Big-Two-Do breakfast or free All-American Burger meal for lunch or dinner.

GetGo Cafe + Markets: Free coffee or fountain drink, excluding made-to-order and packaged beverages Sunday. Also available for first responders.

Glory Days Grill: Free appetizer or a regular order of boneless or grilled wings Sunday and Monday for veterans. 

Green Mill: Free menu item for lunch or dinner Sunday.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria: 15 percent off Sunday and Monday. Not valid in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

Grub Burger Bar: Free entrée Sunday. Plus, offers ongoing 10 percent discount throughout the year.

Hickory Tavern: Free Tavern Burger with the purchase of a beverage Sunday.

Hooters: Free meal from a special menu Sunday.

Houlihan’s Restaurant + Bar: Free meal from special menu Sunday. Plus, the chain has a 15 percent military discount every day of the year.

Huddle House: Free order of Sweet Cakes through Monday.

Hurricane Grill & Wings: Free meal Sunday.

Jimboy’s Tacos: Free meal up to $10 at participating locations Sunday.

Kolache Factory: Free kolache and a free coffee Sunday.

Krispy Kreme: One free doughnut and a small cup of coffee Sunday. No ID is required.

LaMar’s Donuts: Free doughnut and 12-ounce coffee Sunday.

Little Caesars: Free Hot-N-Ready lunch combo from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.

Logan's Roadhouse: Free meal from special menu between 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday.

LongHorn Steakhouse: Free appetizer or dessert Sunday.

Main Event: Free meal from special Veterans Day menu and $10 in arcade game play Sunday.

Margaritas Mexican Restaurants: Free meal Sunday.

Max & Erma’s: Free cheeseburger, fries and fountain drink Sunday.

McCormick & Schmick’s: Free lunch or dinner from a special menu Sunday for vets and Gold Star Honorees, including parents and spouse.

Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt: Free six ounces of frozen yogurt Sunday.

Miller's Ale House: 50 percent off meal Sunday.

Mimi's Cafe: Free meal from special menu Sunday.

Mission BBQ: Free sandwich and cake Sunday.

MOD Pizza: Free MOD-size pizza or salad Sunday.

Native Grill & Wings: Free menu item up to $11.99 Sunday.

Ninety Nine Restaurant & Pub: Free meal from special menu with purchase of another entree from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

O’Charley’s: Free meal from special menu Sunday and Monday.

Olive Garden: Free meal from special menu Sunday.

On The Border: Free Create-Your-Own combo meal Sunday.

Outback Steakhouse: Free Bloomin' Onion and non-alcoholic beverage Sunday, plus 10 percent off everyday.

Peet’s Coffee: Free small cup of coffee or tea Sunday.

Pluckers Wing Bar: Free meal, side and non-alcoholic beverage, up to $15, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday. Dine-in only.

Ponderosa and Bonanaza Steakhouses: Veterans can choose a free buffet and beverage or 50 percent off a menu item. Some locations will honor veterans Sunday and other locations on Monday so check with your closest location.

PT’s Taverns: The chain will offer happy hour selections throughout the entire day to veterans and active-duty service members who present a valid military ID Sunday.

Primanti Bros.: Free classic sandwich Sunday.

Quaker Steak & Lube: Offers vary by location.

Red Lobster: Free appetizer or dessert Sunday and Monday.

Red Robin: Free Red’s Tavern Double burger with Bottomless Steak Fries Sunday.

Rock Bottom Restaurants & Breweries: Vets eat free Saturday through Monday. Plus, each brewery will be brewing a limited-edition Veterans Day IPA and Saturday through Nov. 12, 25 cents from every pint will go to a local Veterans charity.

Romano’s Macaroni Grill: Free Mom’s Ricotta Meatballs and Spaghetti entrée Sunday.

Ruby Tuesday: Free appetizer up to a $10 Sunday.

Scooter’s Coffee: Free drink of any size Sunday. Plus, stores will be taking donations for Wounded Warriors Family Support Sunday and Monday.

Shake Shack: Free scoop of Shake Shack Custard at all locations Sunday.

Sheetz: Free six-inch turkey sub and a regular size fountain drink Sunday.

Sizzler: Free lunch from special menu until 4 p.m. Sunday.

Starbucks: Free tall coffee for any veteran, active duty military and military spouse Sunday.

SweetFrog Frozen Yogurt: Free 12-ounce frozen yogurt Sunday.

Taco Cabana: Free Brisket Taco Sunday.

Texas de Brazil: Two veterans dine for free plus 20 percent off for up to six additional guests on Sunday and Monday.

Texas Roadhouse: Free lunch from a special menu Sunday. Hours may vary.

TGI Fridays: Free meal up to $12 Sunday and Monday.

The Greene Turtle: Free meal up to $12 Sunday.

Tijuana Flats: Free entree and drink Sunday with military ID. Dine in or take out. One per person.

TooJay’s: Free meal from a special menu Sunday.

Waffle House: Use a printable coupon to get one free classic waffle through Nov. 30. The coupon's fine print does not say it’s only for veterans and active military but does need to be printed. Find the coupon at www.wafflehouse.com/veteransdaycoupon.

Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar: Free classic burgers Sunday.

Wawa: Free hot coffee Sunday.

Wienerschnitzel: Free Chili Dog, small fries and a small drink Sunday.

Wild Wing Café: Free select meal at participating locations Sunday.

White Castle: Free combo meal for veterans and active military members who dine in or go through the drive-thru Sunday and Monday.

World of Beer: Free draught beer or $5 off check for all veterans. Offers vary by location.

Yard House: Free appetizer Sunday.

Zoës Kitchen: Free meal Sunday and Monday with a valid military ID. 

Other Veteran's Day freebies

American Family Care: Free flu shots Sunday. Find locations at www.afcurgentcare.com.

Car wash: Veterans and active military can get a free car wash at participating locations nationwide Sunday. Find locations at www.graceforvets.org.

Great Clips: Veterans and active duty get a free haircut on Sunday or pick up a free haircut card to use through Dec. 31. Also non-veterans who get a haircut Sunday get a free haircut card to give to a veteran.

Sports Clips: Participating Sport Clips locations will offer free haircuts to active duty military and veterans Sunday through its Help A Hero campaign. Also Sunday, $1 from every haircut service will be donated to the program.

Hair Club: Free haircuts to veterans and active military personnel in honor of Veterans Day for the month of November. Also get half price off select hair restoration solutions through Nov. 30, an offer also available to first responders.

Monday freebies and discounts

Another Broken Egg Café: Free Patriot French Toast Combo and coffee Monday.

Benihana: Free appetizer with purchase of an entree Monday.

Ben’s Soft Pretzel: Free regular Jumbo Soft Pretzel 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday.

Bertucci's: Free small cheese pizza Sunday and Monday.

Black Angus Steakhouse: Special top sirloin steak meal for $9.99 Monday.

Boston Market: Buy one individual meal and a drink, get one individual meal free with a coupon posted at www.bostonmarket.com Sunday or Monday. This deal is not only for veterans.

Bruegger’s Bagels: Free drip coffee Monday.

Burgerim: 50 percent off Monday.

Carrabba’s: Free appetizer with any purchase when you mention the Veterans Day veterans and military special through Monday.

Chicken Salad Chick: Free Chick Special and regular drink to veterans and active-duty military Monday.

Claim Jumper: Free meal Monday.

Country Kitchen: Free Country Scramble Monday at participating locations.

Country Pride: Free meal and beverage from a select menu Monday.

Creamistry: 50 percent off any single item Sunday and Monday.

Denny's: From 5 a.m. to noon Monday, active, inactive and retired military personnel get a free Build Your Own Grand Slam at participating locations.

Famous Dave's: Free two meat lunch combo Sunday and Monday for veterans or active military with valid identification.

Farmer Boys: Free Big Cheese cheeseburgers Monday.

Fatz Southern Kitchen: Free World Famous Calabash Chicken Basket Monday. Plus, in November active military and veterans get 25 percent off entrees.

Gigi’s Cupcakes: Free cupcake Monday for to veterans and first responders.

Golden Corral: Free dinner buffet with beverage from 5 to 9 p.m. Monday to any person who is serving or has served in a United States Military branch, including the National Guard and Reserves.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria: 15 percent off Sunday and Monday. Not valid in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

HMSHost: Free Budweiser BBQ Cheddar Burger at participating HMSHost-operated airport restaurants Monday.

Hoss’s Family Steak & Sea House: Free salad bar and dessert 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday. Or buy a meal and add on the salad bar for free.

Huddle House: Free order of Sweet Cakes through Monday.

Hy-Vee: Free breakfast Monday.

IHOP: Free Red, White and blue pancakes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday or a free patriotic pancake combo offer varies by location.

Country Pride: Free meal and beverage from a select menu Monday.

Metro Diner: 20 percent off Monday.

O’Charley’s: Free meal from special menu Sunday and Monday.

P.F. Chang's: Free entree with purchase of another entree, proof of service and coupon Monday. Find the coupon at www.pfchangs.com.

Pilot Flying J: Saturday through Monday, there will be a coupon on the myPilot app for a free Pilot Coffee with choice of a fresh breakfast sandwich, packaged pastry item or a Cinnamon Center of the Roll. This deal is open to all.

Ponderosa and Bonanaza Steakhouses: Veterans can choose a free buffet and beverage or 50 percent off a menu item. Some locations will honor veterans Sunday and other locations on Monday so check with your closest location.

Potbelly Sandwich Shop: Free cookie with any purchase Monday.

Ovation Brands: Free buffet and bottled water at Old Country Buffet, Ryan's, HomeTown Buffet and Country Buffet and Furr's Fresh Buffet Monday.

Red Lobster: Free appetizer or dessert Sunday and Monday.

Rock Bottom Restaurants & Breweries: Vets eat free Saturday through Monday. Plus, each brewery will be brewing a limited-edition Veterans Day IPA and Saturday through Nov. 17, 25 cents from every pint will go to a local veterans charity.

Rock & Brews Restaurants: Free meal from select menu for veterans, active military and first responders Monday.

Shoney’s: Free All-You-Care-To-Eat breakfast bar 6 to 11 a.m. Monday.

Sonny’s BBQ: Free pulled or sliced pork big deal combo Monday. Dine-in only.

Souplantation/Sweet Tomatoes: Free adult meal with purchase of a full-priced adult meal.

Texas de Brazil: Two veterans dine for free plus 20 percent off for up to six additional guests on Sunday and Monday.

Twin Peaks: Free meal from a special menu 11 a.m. to midnight Monday.

White Castle: Free combo meal for veterans and active military members who dine in or go through the drive-thru Sunday and Monday.

Zaxby’s: Free chicken fillet sandwich Monday at more than 600 locations.

Other Monday freebies

Cinemark: Free tickets Monday to veterans, active-duty and their spouses for Universal Pictures' movie First Man at more than 60 locations nationwide.

Hair Club: Free haircuts to veterans and active military personnel in honor of Veterans Day for the month of November. Also get half price off select hair restoration solutions through Nov. 30, an offer also available to first responders.

More:Every major retailer having Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2018 sales [Updating]

More:The best pre-Black Friday deals you can get right now

Kelly Tyko is a consumer columnist and retail reporter for Treasure Coast Newspapers and TCPalm.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK. Read her Bargainista tips at TCPalm.com/Bargainista, follow her on Twitter @KellyTyko and email her at kelly.tyko@tcpalm.com. Sign up for her weekly newsletter at www.tcpalm.com/newsletters.