By Eat Local / November 07, 2025
As Veterans Day draws near, businesses in Bloomington-Normal are uniting to express their gratitude for our veterans and active-duty military members. With a variety of offerings, including free meals and exclusive discounts, there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate and recognize those who have served our nation. Whether you’re a veteran seeking ways to commemorate the day or a community member eager to support our heroes, this list has something for everyone.
*Note: Keep in mind that while many chain and franchise restaurants participate in Veterans Day promotions, it’s wise to check with local establishments to confirm their participation in these discounts. Enjoy the festivities, and thank you for your service!
2810 Cafe – Veterans with a valid military ID can stop by 2810 during business hours for a free coffee or drink of choice.
Alexander’s Steakhouse – All veterans can enjoy 1/3 off their entree. (Valid for all veterans and active military. Must show proof of military service. Dine-in only. Good on 11/11/25 only.)
Applebee’s* – Veterans and active duty military will receive a free full-size entrée and a $5 Bounce Back Card that can be used on their next meal at Applebee’s. See the details on their website.
Avanti’s Italian Restaurant – All veterans and active military can receive a complimentary meal on Tuesday, November 11th. ($12 max value; must show ID)
Barrel House Restaurant – Veterans and Active Duty Military can enjoy 25% off.
Blaze Pizza* – FREE 11″ 1-topping pizza! (In-store only; not valid online, delivery, or third-party apps. Veterans and active-duty military must show valid ID, military ID, or DD-214 to redeem one (1) free 11” 1-topping pizza. Limit one per person.)
Bob Evans* – Veterans and active-duty military get a free meal from a select menu on November 11. (Dine-in only.)
Brass Pig Smoke & Alehouse – Veterans receive 15% off food every day but will receive 50% off for Veterans Day!
Buffalo Wild Wings* – Buffalo Wild Wings’ “Wings for Heroes” promotion offers all veterans and active-duty military members a free dine-in order of 10 boneless wings and fries.
Cadillac Jack’s – Free Smashburger for Veterans
Carl’s Ice Cream – Veterans receive a FREE Small Soft Serve Sundae at Carl’s Ice Cream on College Ave.
Chick-Fil-A – FREE regular #1 or #2 meal! (Valid 11/11 between 11:00 am and 7:00 pm. DINE-IN AND DRIVE-THRU ONLY. Must have valid ID. Offer does not include any add-ons.)
Chicken Salad Chick – Veterans and active military can enjoy a FREE meal, a scoop or sandwich and one side plus a regular drink. (Come by in military uniform or with ID/DD214 to redeem. In-restaurant or drive-thru only, not available for online or delivery orders. Valid on 11/11/25.)
Chilis* – All veterans & active military members get a free meal from a special menu at participating Chili’s Grill & Bar restaurants. (Dine-in only. Drink not included. See the details and menu on their website.)
Chipotle* – Guests who order an entrée in-restaurant and present a valid military ID will receive a second entrée for free. The promotion applies to Chipotle bowls, burritos, salads and taco entrees.
Coffee Hound – Free 12 ounce drip coffee for Veterans
Country-Aire (Atlanta) – 15% off for Veterans
Cracker Barrel* – Veterans and active-duty service members with valid ID get a free Sunrise Pancake Special.
CRAFTED Coffee & Wine – Veterans and active military can receive a free glazed donut and cup of drip coffee. Must show ID. Available while supplies last.
Crawford’s Corner Pub – Veterans receive a free appetizer, either an order of mini tacos or corn nuggets
Culver’s* – Celebrate Veterans Day with a free 1-scoop sundae when you show your military ID, VA veteran ID, or driver’s license with a veterans designation.
Dairy Queen* – veterans and active-duty military with a complimentary Medium Blizzard, available at participating locations.
Denny’s* – Free Original Grand Slam® breakfast to active and retired military personnel for dine-in only at participating locations from 5 a.m. to noon local time with a valid military ID or DD 214. See the details on their website.
Destihl Restaurant & Destihl Beer Hall – 10% off food, non-alcoholic beverages and retail items for veterans and active-duty military
Dunkin’* – Dunkin’ is offering all active and retired military members a free donut on Veterans Day
Einstein Bros Bagel* – Veterans and active-duty military get a free hot or iced coffee (any size) on November 11. Guests can enjoy their complimentary coffee in-bakery, through the mobile app, or online using code FREECOFFEE. No purchase is required.
Firehouse Subs* – Active-duty military personnel and veterans can enjoy any size sub and receive a second sub for free with valid military ID.
Froth & Fork – Enjoy 50% OFF any food menu item for all current and former military members. Valid with military ID or proof of service; Dine-In Only
Fusion Crunch – 25% off for service members and family! With a valid military ID
DR McKays – Veterans receive 10% off their meal
Golden Ticket Cinemas – All veterans and active military members with a valid military ID will receive a FREE 85oz Popcorn or FREE Bucket Refill!
Green Gables Bar & Grill – all veterans get a FREE cheeseburger today from 11 am – 9 pm.
Grove Street Bakery – Veterans and active duty military receive 25% off at Grove Street Bakery. Please mention at checkout to receive your discount.
IHOP* – Veterans and Active Duty Military can receive a free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo order. (Dine-in only at participating restaurants. There is a limit of 1 per guest and Military ID or proof of service is required.)
Insomnia Cookies* – From 11/9 to 11/11, Insomnia Cookies is giving active-duty and retired military a FREE Deluxe cookie with a $5 purchase. (Show your military ID in-store to redeem. Limit one per day.)
Jet’s Pizza* – Mix n Match deal with an online code of MX2 for military veterans, retirees, and active-duty personnel with a valid military ID. (Pick-up orders only and can’t be used for online orders.)
Kemp’s Upper Tap (Lexington) – All Veterans & Active Military Personnel your meal is on us today in honor of Veterans Day (Dine In Only)
Krispy Kreme – Veterans and active military can receive a free small hot or iced coffee and any doughnut.
Lake Road Inn (Hudson) – Veterans receive 50 percent discount on their food
Little Caesars* – Veterans and active military can enjoy a complimentary Lunch Combo, which includes four slices of Little Caesars signature Detroit-style Deep Dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi beverage. (Valid from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.)
Mexa Maya – Veterans receive 20% off
Nautical Bowls – Veterans receive buy one get one free dingy bowl in store!
Olive Garden* – Free entree for veterans and active-duty military with a valid Military ID.
Outback Steakhouse* – Outback is offering a free Aussie 3-Course Meal when dining in on November 10 and 11 (With valid military ID; select entrées only).
Pizza Ranch – All veterans and current military personnel can get a FREE BUFFET on Tuesday, November 11th during regular buffet hours!
Red Lobster* – Members of the military community can get a free Shrimp & Chips entrée on Nov. 11.
Rob Dob’s – All veterans are invited to enjoy a free meal with proof of military ID.
Run N’ Erins – Free cheeseburger & chips or grilled cheese & soup/chili; available from 11 am – 2 pm and 5 pm – 8 pm (Must have military ID)
Scooter’s Coffee – All veterans and military members get a free handcrafted beverage on Veterans Day with a valid military ID.
Smash House Tavern – Veterans eat FREE—taco plate on them!
Smoothie King* – Active-duty military and veterans can enjoy a free 20oz smoothie, available from 12–3pm. Choose between Strawberry X-Treme, Slim-N-Trim Vanilla and Blueberry Heaven.
Starbucks* – Free tall (12-ounce) brewed coffee (hot or iced) for veterans, military service members and military spouses at participating locations on November 11.
Steak N Shake – Veterans and Active Duty Military receive a free Original Double Steakburger Meal (combo)
Taco John’s* – Veterans and active-duty military members can get a free small Beef Crispy or Softshell Taco Combo.
Texas Roadhouse* – Veterans and military members can get a free Texas Roadhouse meal voucher on November 11, redeemable in-restaurant or for carry-out through May 30, 2026.
The Brown Jug (Chenoa) – SOS on a plate is free for all veterans and $3.00 for all non veterans while supplies last!
The Cat’s Meow Cafe – Active duty and veteran military members will receive a FREE drip coffee.
The Hornet’s Nest (Heyworth) – 15% off for Veterans
The Local Tap – Free Burger Basket w/Bacon & Fries; available 3-5 pm, Plus 50% off all day. Veterans only
The PASS Pub & Grill – 50% off meals for veterans; dine in only
Viking Brews Coffee – Free drip coffee for Veterans
Wendy’s – Veterans or active-duty military receive a free Wendy’s Breakfast Combo. (During breakfast hours on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at participating locations. To get this offer, notify the crew member at the register or showing your VetRewards Card)
– Free Chicken & Oven-Baked Mac Meal for all Veterans — available from 5 pm to 8 pm.
Please text 309-204-8425 to schedule a pickup time.
Westside BloNo – Head to BloNo Pizza Co. inside The Westside BloNo from 11 am–1 pm for a complimentary Lunch Buffet for all Active and Retired Military — just show your Military ID. Plus, enjoy a free bucket of golf balls for their new Trackman Range or an hour of Duckpin Bowling.
Wok to Bowl – Every veteran receives a FREE Wok Bowl. All day, dine-in only – please present military ID or proof of service.
