Wednesday, November 11 is Veterans Day, and America’s active military members and veterans can enjoy a peaceful day of rest and contemplation. They can also enjoy some of the perks of having served, such as free or steeply discounted meals at restaurants across the country!
“Although it was unusual for dining establishments to offer free meals to veterans in the past, today’s restaurants are all about encouraging veterans and their families to come out in droves on their special day. Some restaurants offer 100% free meals for veterans, while others do buy-one-get-one-free deals or free appetizers with the purchase of a full meal. Many of these restaurants are on the honor system, and they simply take the patrons’ word regarding military status, but some insist on seeing current or former military ID at the register. Here are a few of the highlights for service people trying to find Veterans Day deals on their meals.”
- 7-Eleven
- Active-duty, retired, veteran, guard, reservists, and family members get a free coffee or Big Gulp on November 11. You need to download the 7-Eleven app and link a Veterans Advantage membership to your account to claim this offer.
- Bob Evans
- Veterans and active-duty military get a free meal from a select menu on November 11. Beverages are not included, and this is dine-in only.
- Bonefish Grill
- Enjoy the Heroes Discount, which offers 10% off checks for all service members, veterans, and first responders on November 11 when you show a valid ID.
- Brick House Tavern + Tap
- Veterans get 20% off on November 11 when they dine in.
- Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
- Military personnel and their families get 20% off on November 11. Note: This offer is available for parties up to four people and is dine-in only.
- Buffalo Wild Wings
- Veterans and active-duty service members get a free order of 10 boneless wings and fries on November 11. The offer is available for dine-in or takeout.
- Chili’s
- Veterans and active-duty service members get a free meal from a select menu on November 11. You can choose from options like chicken crispers, cajun chicken pasta, and an oldtimer burger with cheese. This offer is available for dine-in only.
- Cracker Barrel
- Veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a free slice of the Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake. Also, the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store will donate a $10 gift card to Operation Homefront for every Country Fried Turkey Family Meal Basket that is sold in November.
- Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
- On November 11, veterans can stop in-store at their local participating Dickey’s for a free Pulled Pork Classic Sandwich. To redeem, present a military ID or valid proof of service.
- Farmer Boys
- Farmer Boys is showing appreciation to local veterans and active-duty military by offering a free Big Cheese at all participating locations on Wednesday, November 11. This offer is valid in the drive-thru, for carryout, and via phone orders. Military personnel must mention the offer and show proof of service when ordering their Big Cheese.
- Fogo de Chão
- The Brazilian steakhouse is offering all veterans and active-duty personnel 50% off their entire meal on Veterans Day at all U.S. and Puerto Rico locations. Plus, each veteran or active duty guest can receive 10% off the meals of up to three additional guests. (Note: Valid military ID required, and this isn’t valid toward To-Go, Butcher Shop, or Catering. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, dessert, tax, and gratuity not included. Not valid with any other offer, discount or prior purchase.)
- Friendly’s
- On Veterans Day, all former or active military personnel can receive a free All-American meal (All-American Burger with a side of fries and a drink) for lunch or dinner. Bonus: You can make it a cheeseburger for free. This offer is dine-in only.
- Golden Corral
- This year, Golden Corral is offering free meal and beverage cards to all active duty and veterans from November 1 through 30. The card will be valid for use once from November 1 through May 31 for lunch or dinner Monday through Thursday.
- Hooters
- All veterans and active-duty military get 10 free wings with any 10 purchased on November 11. Veterans who present a military ID or proof of service at participating Hooters locations nationwide are eligible.
- Hopdoddy
- On November 11, Hopdoddy Burger Bar is offering a free Classic Burger (with or without cheese) to all veterans and active military members. Show your military ID or uniform to claim your free burger. This offer is redeemable for in-store dining or to-go orders placed by phone.
- Click here to find the Hopdoddy location closest to you.
- Houlihan’s
- Veterans, active-duty military, and military families get $10 off a $30 food purchase at participating locations on November 11. This offer is valid for in-restaurant dining or for carryout.
- LaMar’s Donuts
- Veterans and active-duty military get a free donut and 12-ounce coffee at participating locations on November 11.
- Logan’s Roadhouse
- On November 11, Logan’s Roadhouse is inviting all active duty and retired U.S. military personnel to enjoy a free meal between 3–6 p.m. from the American Roadhouse menu at participating Logan’s Roadhouse restaurants nationwide.
- Metro Diner
- Hello, comfort food! Get 50% off if you’re active and retired military with a valid military ID on Veterans Day. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the diner, for pickup or delivery of their signature Fried Chicken & Waffles, Chicken Pot Pie, Meatloaf and latest chicken wing offerings.
- McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants
- Veterans, National Guard, Gold Star parents, and Gold Star Spouses can enjoy a half-priced entrée from a special menu on November 8. Reservations are strongly recommended.
- O’Charley’s
- Active-duty military and veterans can enjoy a free dine-in meal on November 11.
- Outback Steakhouse
- Get a free Bloomin’ Onion and Coke product if you’re an active or retired military member on Veterans Day. Additionally, on Veterans Day, customers will have the opportunity to donate (round up their check, add an open dollar amount) via their dining check to Operation Homefront through the end of the year.
- Also, note that Outback Steakhouse offers heroes discount daily—all servicemen and women, police officers, firefighters, and first responders get 10% off their entire check all day, every day with a valid state or federal service ID.
- Pie Five Pizza
- This Veterans Day, participating Pie Five Pizza locations are giving out a free personal pizza to all active or retired members of the military, and current or past members of the Armed Forces or Department of Defense with proof of ID. This offer is valid in-store only at participating locations.
- Pilot Flying J
- In celebration of Veterans Day, from November 9–15, Pilot Flying J will offer all veterans one free breakfast combo (valid at participating U.S. Pilot and Flying J Travel Centers). This combo includes a free Pilot Coffee of any size and one free breakfast offering, such as a French toast sausage or egg and cheese sandwich. The Veterans Day Breakfast Combo offer is available through the Pilot Flying J app.
- Red Lobster
- In honor of Veterans Day, Red Lobster is offering a free appetizer or dessert to veterans, active-duty military, and reservists with a valid military ID on November 11. Just show a valid military ID or proof of service to redeem your freebie.
- Red Robin
- Veterans and active-duty military who are Red Robin Royalty members can redeem a free Tavern Double Burger with Steak Fries between November 12 and 30 for dine-in or to-go.
- Romano’s Macaroni Grill
- Macaroni Grill is coming in hot with a free Mom’s Ricotta Meatballs + Spaghetti entrée this Veterans Day at all U.S. locations. All veterans and active military can present their military ID or other proof of service while dining in or carrying out. (Note: Not valid on delivery.)
- The Rustic
- The Rustic is offering free Rustic Burgers for all veterans and active military with a valid ID on November 11.
- Shoney’s
- Veterans and active-duty military get a free All You Care To Eat, Freshly Prepared Breakfast Bar on November 11 until 11 am. This offer is dine-in only.
- Tap House Grill
- Veterans and active-duty military get a free meal on November 11. This is for dine-in only.
- Twin Peaks
- On November 11, corporate Twin Peaks locations are showing their appreciation with a free meal from these options: chicken tenders, Carolina pulled pork sandwich, cheeseburger and the wedge.
Other Military Discounts
- Academy Sports
- From October 25 through November 11, military and first responders get 10% off at Academy Sports + Outdoors. Get details on how to redeem online and in-store.
- Best Western
- This hotel chain offers low discount hotel rates based on U.S. government per diem for military personnel traveling on official business or leisure. Book online or call 1-800-WESTERN. You’ll need to present an official identification card or work orders at time of check in.
- Costco
- Members of the U.S. armed forces, veterans, and their families who are new members of Costco will receive over $60 in savings if they validate their status here.
- CVS
- Save 20% and get free shipping when you join Veterans Advantage.
- Goodyear Auto Service and Just Tire
- From November 8–16, Goodyear Auto Service and Just Tire locations will offer active and retired military members free car care checks and free tire installation. More information on how to book an appointment can be found at GoodyearAutoService.com/military and JustTires.com/military.
- Great Clips Free Haircut
- On Veterans Day, all customers who go to a U.S. Great Clips salon for a cut will receive a free haircut card to give to an active/inactive/retired military member. Veterans can also visit any U.S. Great Clips salon on November 11 to get a free haircut that day or a free haircut card to use later. Haircuts are redeemable until December 11.
- Greyhound
- If you’re an active or retired military service member, you’ll get 10% off full-price tickets for you and your family when purchased at the station, or a 10% discount if you have a Veterans Advantage card when purchased online or at the station.
- Harley-Davidson
- Harley Davidson offers various military support benefits including special stateside military financing, including no down payment, reduced rates, and flexible term options for active-duty military personnel. Active-duty personnel also get free delivery of clothing, accessories, and more to wherever they are deployed.
- Home Depot
- A 10% discount is offered to all military with a valid military ID.
- Hot Topic
- Get a 10% military discount by calling customer service at 800-892-8674, or for international customers, call +1626-603-3182.
- Lowe’s
- Lowe’s gives veterans 10% off every day. Just sign up for a MyLowe’s account to verify your credentials.
- Motel 6
- All active and retired military personnel and their families can get up to a 10% discount on reservation rates year-round. Choose “Military” as your rate type during the reservation process and present a valid military ID at check-in.
- National Park Service
- Texas State Parks will waive day-use entry fees for everyone on Sunday, November 10. In addition, current military members and dependents, Coast Guard, Reserve, and National Guard members can get a free annual park pass by showing a Common Access Card or Military ID.
- Outback Steakhouse
- Every day, all servicemen and women, police officers, firefighters, and all first responders get 10% off their entire check.
- Rack Room Shoes
Military personnel and their dependents get 10% off their entire purchase on Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and July Fourth. - Target
- All military personnel, veterans, and their families get 10% off their purchase through November 11.
- Tough Mudder
- U.S. active duty, reserve, and retired military members get an up-to-30% discount off the participant registration price.
- Under Armour
- Get 10% off your purchases at Under Armour by verifying your eligibility at ID.me.
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