Hey, folks. Veterans Day is coming up this year on Thursday, Nov. 11 and we know you like deals. Here are a few for you to check out. Note that most will require proof of service, so bring it along. And reservations are probably a good idea.
Dining deals
BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse is offering current and former military a free meal and Dr. Pepper beverage from a special menu. Meals include the Bacon-Guacamole Deluxe Cheeseburger, Jumbo Spaghetti & Meatballs, Small Specialty Pizzas, Parmesan Crusted Chicken, Grilled Chicken Alfredo, and more. Service members will also receive a free Dr Pepper beverage with their entree. Military ID required. bjsrestaurants.com/
Black Angus Steakhouse is selling its All-American Steak Plate for $11.99 (regularly around $23.99) from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Good for eat in and takeout. Includes a sirloin steak, mashed potatoes, broccoli and non-alcoholic drink. Good throughout the U.S. blackangus.com/
Denny’s is giving away a free Build Your Own Grand Slam includes a choice of four items such as fluffy buttermilk pancakes, eggs cooked to order, bacon strips, buttermilk biscuits and hash browns. From 5 a.m. to noon only. Dine in only. dennys.com/
El Torito is offering veterans and active military a free 3-item Mexican combination plate of their choice, including refried beans, rice and sweet corn cake. Veterans can choose a taco plate, enchilada plate or a Mexican combo plate. This deal is good all day at all El Torito locations. ElTorito.com
Farmer Boys is giving its Big Cheese sandwich for free all day long to active, former or retired military. At participating locations only, check the list online. One per person. farmerboys.com/veterans-day-2021/
Lucille’s Smokehouse offers a complimentary Original Pulled Pork Sandwich with a choice of side at its 21 locations. lucillesbbq.com
OC Fairgrounds Heroes Hall: SAAAB (Santa Ana Army Air Base) Exhibit Reopening Ceremony which will include an All-American Boys Chorus performance, Marine Corps birthday cake cutting and kids activities. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Heroes Hall is next to Centennial Farm; enter at Gate 1. ocfair.com/heroeshall
Red Lobster: Veterans, active duty or reservists can receive a free appetizer or dessert from a special menu. Appetizers include lobster and langostino pizza, sea-food stuffed mushrooms, jumbo coconut shrimp, lobster-artichoke-seafood dip, crab stuffed shrimp rangoon, jumbo shrimp cocktail, mozzarella cheese sticks and more. Desserts include cheescake, brownie or key lime pie. Dine-in only. redlobster.com
Other offers
Knott’s Berry Farm: OK, here’s the bad news. Knott’s is not offering its annual freebie for veterans this year. So sad. But the good news is that the park is offering heavily discounted admission tickets, available Monday through Thursday (except Thanksgiving time) for its annual Military Tribute Days. From Nov. 1 to Nov. 18, and then from Nov. 29 to Dec. 16 (Mondays through Thursdays only) active, retired and veteran military can buy $19.99 tickets for themselves and as many as five guests. Buy at Knotts.com or at ticket booths, or for $20 at participating base military ticket offices. Dependents cannot buy these without the military member present, unless able to show deployment papers. knotts.com/events/military-tribute-days
Segerstrom Center for the Arts is celebrating National Veterans and Military Families Month with free Sunday concerts at 1 p.m. outside on the plaza. Enjoy live music curated and emceed by jazz lover and Air Force veteran and radio personality, Bubba Jackson. Nov. 7: Ron Kobayashi Quartet. Nov. 14: Yolanda Johnson and Her All-Star Band and Nov. 21: Scotty Barnhart Quintet featuring vocalist Natalie Jacob. Bring chairs, blankets and food or buy at George’s Cafe. Make a reservation for the free tickets in person at 600 Town Center Dr. in Costa Mesa or call 714-556-2787. Also note that veterans and military families can get 50% off in November on selected Segerstrom Center concerts including ABBA The Concert (Nov. 2) Laura Benanti (Nov. 11-13), Postmodern Jukebox (Nov. 18) jazz vocalist Veronica Swift (Nov. 20), Parsons Dance Company (Nov. 20) and Steve Tyrell (Nov. 20). Segerstrom Center for the Arts and producers of “Jesus Christ Superstar” are also offering a bloc of complimentary tickets on Nov. 11, the Veteran’s Day evening performance. The discount is available by phone or at the Box Office with a valid military ID (discount limited to four tickets, subject to availability, and some seating restrictions). SCFTA.org
SeaWorld San Diego offers free tickets to U.S. military, veterans and three guests to visit the park through Dec. 24, 2021. U.S. military veterans and retirees must register online at www.WavesofHonor.com in advance and verify proof of service through the ID.me qualification process. SeaWorld works with ID.me to provide an online verification of former military personnel in a secure and privacy-enhancing manner. Once veterans and their guests have registered online, they can bring their e-tickets directly to the park’s entrance turnstiles. Waves of Honor additionally provides any U.S. active-duty military, activated or drilling reservist, or National Guardsman one complimentary admission for themselves and up to three dependents per year to SeaWorld. As an added thank you, veterans and active militaryservice members can also purchase up to six additional tickets at 50% off. Service members and their direct dependents must have a valid active military ID to participate. Learn more: seaworld.com/san-diego/tickets/military-discount/
And thanks for your service!