5 Rochester Restaurants Offering Veterans Free Meals on Veterans Day

November 11 is a day that has been set aside to acknowledge and honor those who have served, and continue to serve, our country. To help honor those men and women who are current or former members of the military, each year many restaurants in Rochester offer free meals, reduced cost on meals or other food perks to them.

Before heading down to your favorite place to claim your deal, it is probably best to contact them first to check on exactly what offers they have. Also, remember to bring proof of service, such as a military ID, with you to make sure you receive your deal.

Here are a few of the restaurants in town who are offering military personnel Veterans Day deals...

Applebee's

Again this year, both Rochester-area Applebee's restaurants will be offering a free meal to veterans on November 11. Eligible veterans can choose from seven different entrees, including their American Standard All-in Burger, Chicken Tenders Platter and Fiesta Lime Chicken. The offer is only good on November 11, and service people must show their military ID.

Denny's

Once again in 2016, Denny's is inviting all active, inactive and retired military personnel to stop in anytime between 5 a.m. and noon for a free "Build Your Own Grand Slam." Please bring proof of service along with you to receive the deal.

Olive Garden

According to its Facebook page, Olive Garden will be offering veterans their choice of six entrees for free on November 11, including their spaghetti with meat sauce and their lasagna classico. All entrees include their freshly-made garlic breadsticks and your choice of soup or a salad. Bring ID along to prove your military status.

Texas Roadhouse

Texas Roadhouse is offering veterans a free lunch on Veterans Day. Their offer includes a choice of ten different lunch entrees, including two sides, along with your choice of iced tea, sweet tea, coffee or a soft drink. ID required and the offer is good only for dine-in orders.

Famous Dave's

If barbecue is your thing, Famous Dave's is offering all former and current military personnel a free two meat combo. Choose two of a number of meats, along with one side and a cornbread muffin. As with the other offers, an ID is required.

And, as a bonus, here's one offering a free appetizer or dessert...

Red Lobster

Veterans should be sure to swing by Red Lobster on either November 10 or November 11 to receive a free appetizer or dessert. The offer is open to all veterans, active duty military and reservists. Just show your military ID or proof of service to redeem the offer.

If you know of other restaurants or businesses in the Rochester area who are offering free meals or other free products or services to military personnel on November 11 in honor of Veterans Day, just let us now. We'll add that information to our list...

Updates: According to some of our Facebook friends, all four HyVee locations are offering free breakfast for veterans on Veterans Day. Dairy Queen is giving veterans a free medium Blizzard, and Great Clips and The Barbershop for Men are giving free haircuts to our current and former military personnel.