Veterans Day Free Meals and Discounts in Illinois

As Veterans Day comes around this year, I would like to say thank you for your service. I hope you receive the respect and honor you earned for serving your country and your community. 

I wanted to write up a little something to break down Veterans Day discounts and deals for our servicemembers and their families living in Illinois. I really tried to find places not just in Chicago, but also in the western parts of the state and downstate. These discounts will be just part of our main list, which shows all the free meals and discounts available on Veterans Day. Though I want you and your families to have the best Veterans Day possible, know that while our sources are reputable, some of these discounts may differ from previous years; locations may vary and are subject to change.

If you want a more in-depth look at planning your Veterans Day from start to finish to help you maximize your discounts, check out our Veterans Day Discount Day Planner.  

Veterans Day Breakfast Deals

For Veterans Day, here are some deals at popular breakfast spots.

• Dennys: Active and retired veterans can enjoy a free Original Grand Slam from 5 am to noon.
• Hy-Vee: Some locations offer veterans a free buffet-style breakfast, typically from 6 am to 10 am. Be sure to call ahead. (Yes, this is a grocery store, but don’t sleep on Hy-Vee breakfast)
• Starbucks: Active-duty military members, veterans, and their spouses can enjoy a free tall hot or cold coffee. 
• IHOP: Veterans can enjoy free Red, White, and Blue Pancakes.
• Huddle House: Veterans and servicemembers can get a free MVP Breakfast platter

Veterans Day Free Meals When You Dine-In for Lunch or Dinner

Here are some restaurants around Illinois and the Midwest where veterans and military service members can get a free meal. 

• Hickory River Smokehouse: Veterans can enjoy a free meal from this BBQ joint.
• Obed & Isaac’s Microbrewery (Dine-In Only): Veterans can get a free meal from 11 am to 9 pm.
• Chili’s Bar & Grill: Veterans can get a free meal from a special menu.
• Applebee’s: Veterans can get a free meal from a special menu.
• Beef ‘O’ Brady’s: Veterans can receive a free meal with the purchase of an equal or greater value.
• Red Robin: Veterans get a free burger and bottomless fries.
• Mission BBQ (Peoria, Springfield, Chicagoland): Veterans can receive a free sandwich and cake.
• Olive Garden: Veterans receive a free meal from a select menu. The breadsticks, soup, or salad are included.   
• Texas Roadhouse: Veterans receive a free meal voucher. 
• Bob Evans: Offers a free meal from a special menu for veterans.  

Veterans Day Fast Food Discounts

If you want something a little less niche and you cannot get to your local places, here are some fast-food discounts.

• Chipotle: From 4 pm to 8 pm, veterans get a BOGO deal: buy a meal, get a second for free. 
• McDonald’s: Unfortunately, McDonald’s does not offer the same deals and discounts at every location. Some locations offer free coffee, and some offer a full-blown combo meal.
• Wendy’s: At special locations, Wendy’s offers veterans a free breakfast combo.
• Blaze Pizza: Offers free pizzas to veterans and military members. (Plus, they donate money from the sales to Folds of Honor!)

Veterans Day Entertainment Discounts in Illinois

Now, Veterans Day discounts don’t stop at food. Several places in the state want to honor your service with either free or discounted admission. Those deals offer a great chance to spend time with the family. 

• Field Museum (Chicago): Veterans get free admission. There are additional discounts for up to 6 military family members.  
• Annual Veterans Day Commemoration Ceremony (Chicago): The ceremony begins at 11 am, and admission is free. 
• Brookfield Zoo Chicago Event: Admission is free for veterans year-round. The zoo hosts an annual celebration honoring veterans, equipped with live music and more. 
• Shedd Aquarium: Veterans and retired service members get free admission.

Final Thoughts

Again, I want to say thank you for your service and the sacrifices that you have made for this country. As a reminder, don’t forget to bring your Military ID with you to these restaurants and entertainment spots so you can receive your deals and discounts. You will not want to miss out.