Thank you for your service. Everyone wants to thank veterans and active military members for their courage and sacrifice. And restaurants and other businesses show their appreciation on Veterans Day with FREE or discounted meals or services on Nov. 11.
Some deals are available for veterans only, while others are also valid for active military personnel. Offers don’t usually include gratuity and tax, so be prepared to pay a little, if necessary. In addition, proof of military status is required for most offers, so be prepared to show ID verifying your service or show up in uniform.
As always, more deals will be added as they’re confirmed, so make sure you check back. If you know of any deals we left out, please comment below. (Living on the Cheap will only include the deals we are able to independently verify.)
There is a limit of one offer per person at participating locations, while supplies last. Participation may vary, so check with your local restaurant or business to confirm participation.
And always make sure to check out the single deals listed in the Dining category of Living on the Cheap!
While we’re compiling this year’s Veterans Day deals, be sure to read our article about how to find military discounts year-round.
2021 Veterans Day deals and freebies
National Parks: Veterans Day, Nov. 11, is the last of the Free Entrance Days at National Parks throughout the country most years. The free admission deal is not limited to veterans; the National Park Service invites all visitors to remember our veterans by visiting any National Park Service site for free on Veterans Day.
Applebee’s : Every year on Veteran’s Day, Applebee’s has served a free meal to active duty and veteran military service members. Although the majority of Applebee’s restaurants do participate, call your local franchise and ask about details and requirements. This link is where they usually announce the current year’s offer.
Car wash: Grace For Vets is again coordinating a FREE car wash for veterans and military personnel on Nov. 11, thanks to participating car wash locations across the country. For participating locations, click here.
Cracker Barrel: Frequently, Cracker Barrel’s Veterans Day deal is that all military veterans will receive a FREE a slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake while dining at the restaurant on 11/11.
Golden Corral: With a 20-year track record of offering a Military Appreciation Event every year, it’s likely the Golden Corral Veterans Day deal will be on for 2021. Last year, active or former U.S. military members picked up a promotional card during the month of November that was redeemable for a FREE “Thank You” Meal from Nov. 1 to May 31, 2021. For more information, click here.
IHOP: The International House of Pancakes is famous for its Red, White, and Blue pancakes, and usually those pancakes are free for active and former military on Veterans Day, November 11. Just check the website or social media for 2021 information.
Red Robin: This generous Veterans Day offer of a FREE Tavern Double Burger and bottomless fries is a staple of our listing every year. However, last year they required that you become a member of its loyalty club and register in advance. We’ll keep an eye out for the Red Robin Veterans Day deal in 2021.
True REST Float Spa: On Veterans Day, True REST is shutting its doors to the general public and will offer all active-duty, reservist and veterans one free, 60-minute float session at one of their 36 locations across the country.
In addition, True REST Float Spa has designated every 11th day of the month as U.S. Military Appreciation Day and offers a free, 60-minute float to any active-duty military member and/or veteran.
**The deals below are from past years. Our team will be reviewing them all and updating the ones we can confirm for 2021**
Bakers Square: Bakers Square gives military members a 10% discount throughout the year, but is currently raising money for The Folded Flag Foundation. Each guest who donates $5 on their dine-in check will receive a $5 voucher toward a future in-store purchase at the same participating restaurant. On November 11, Bakers Square will also offer a free meal to veterans and active duty service members with a valid ID.
BJ’s Restaurants: On Sunday, November 11, all military members who dine-in restaurant receive a complimentary entree up to $14.95 plus a free Dr Pepper beverage by presenting a military ID or proof of service at any BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse location nationwide.
Bob Evans: Veterans and active duty military can enjoy a comforting meal. The restaurant is offering a special menu of seven homestyle favorites available to veterans and active duty military for FREE. For more information, click here.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.: All military personnel, including veterans and their families, will receive 20% off their bill. The discount requires this coupon.
Buffalo Wild Wings: The restaurant is offering a FREE order of 10 boneless wings and fries for all past and present armed services members this Veterans Day. The offer is available for dine-in or takeout and proof of service must be shown for redemption.
California Pizza Kitchen: This Veterans Day, enjoy a complimentary meal from the Veterans Day menu at all participating California Pizza Kitchen locations. Guests can choose from complimentary pizza, pasta or full size salad and beverage by showing proof of service. They will also receive a card for a BOGO free pizza, pasta, or salad redeemable from November 12 to November 20.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill: From Friday, November 8 – Monday, November 11, firefighters, police officers, veterans and active military will receive a free order of Calamari with any purchase. You must present valid ID. Carraba’s also offers a 10 percent discount to active military and veterans throughout the year. Visit Carrabbas.com to find a location near you.
Chicken Salad Chick: Veterans or active service military will receive a free Chick Special and regular drink. The deal is valid for dine-in only on Monday, November 11.
Chili’s: Chili’s founder, Norman Brinker, proudly served in the U.S. Navy. The popular restaurant is offering a special menu for veterans to eat for FREE from a select menu. For more information, click here.
Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream: Receive a free small ice-cream plus two mix-ins, free to any veteran on Monday, November 11.
Cotton Patch Cafe: Veterans and active duty receive a free Chicken Fried Steak or Chicken Fried Chicken on Veteran’s Day, November 11.
Denny’s: All veterans get a FREE Build Your Own Grand Slam breakfast from 5 a.m. to noon. Hours vary by location. Dine-in only. Available for active, non-active or retired military personnel with a valid Military ID or DD 214.
Dollar General: Veterans, active duty military members, members of the National Guard and Reserve and their immediate family members will receive 11% off on qualifying purchases in all store locations or online by using promo code MILITARY11.
Dunkin’: Veterans and active duty military can enjoy a FREE donut of their choice at the donut shop.
Erbert and Gerbert’s: Download the app to get BOGO sandwich offer on National Sandwich Day, Sunday, November 3, 2019.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: Freddy’s honors veterans throughout the year, but any veteran who visits the restaurant on November 11 will receive a free combo meal card good through November 30, 2019.
Friendly’s: All veterans will receive a thank you Big-Two-Do breakfast or All-American Burger on Veteran’s Day. All former or active service members are eligible with a valid military ID or honorable discharge card.
Great Clips: Veterans and active duty personnel can get a FREE haircut on Nov. 11 or pick up a card for complimentary cut for a later date (valid through Nov. 11.) Others who get a service on Veterans Day will get card to give a veteran for a complimentary cut. Review our post here.
Grub Burger Bar: Veterans and active military get a complimentary entree on November 11. Proof of duty required. Grub also provides an ongoing year round discount for veterans by offering a 10% percent off any purchase with a valid military I.D. or uniform.
Golden Corral: For the safety of its honored guests and communities, the chain’s Military Appreciation Event will look a little different this year. Active or former military members who have served in the U.S. Military can pick up a promotional card during the month of November redeemable for a FREE “Thank You” Meal from Nov. 1 to May 31, 2021. For more information, click here.
Hamburger Stand: Wear your military uniform or show valid ID to receive a FREE hamburger, regular fries and small Pepsi on Veterans Day.
Houlihan’s: Houlihan’s Restaurants offers a year-round discount of 15 percent to active-duty military and veterans. But on Veteran’s Day, they are eligible for a complimentary meal from the Veteran’s Day Menu, which includes the Houlihan’s Burger, Veggie Burger, Heartland Grilled Chicken Salad (grilled or fried), Fish and Chips, Brentwood Chicken Sandwich (grilled or fried), Southwest Grilled Chicken Wrap, Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo and a 5-oz. Petite Top Sirloin. The offer is good for dine-in only on Monday, November 11. Read more here.
Huddle House: Receive a FREE order of Sweet Cakes (any variety) if you are active duty, retired or a veteran by showing valid ID from November 8 to 11, 2019.
LaMar’s Donuts & Coffee: Veterans and active military get a FREE regular donut and small coffee at the donut shop. Just show your ID and they’ll give you your complimentary caffeine and sugar fix for the day.
Little Caesars: Veterans and active military get a FREE $5 HOT-N-READY Lunch Combo, which includes four slices of DEEP!DEEP! Dish pepperoni pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi product. The offer is available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Logan’s Roadhouse: All active duty and retired U.S. military personnel are invited to enjoy a free dine-in meal from of the American Roadhouse menu on Veterans Day. This offer is available from 3 pm to 6 pm at all participating Logan’s Roadhouse restaurants nationwide. Beginning November 11 and continuing through the remainder of 2019, Logan’s Roadhouse asks guests to roundup their check if they choose to benefit Folds of Honor, which provides educational scholarships to spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled service-members.
McAlister’s Deli: Get free delivery with DoorDash on November 3 in honor of National Sandwich Day. (Not a Veterans Day deal, but it’s a deal in November.)
McCormick & Schmick’s: Veterans Day is an opportunity for the fine dining restaurant to honor those who have served our country. Veterans of the U.S. Military, National Guard, Gold Star Parents and Gold Star Spouses are invited to enjoy a select half-priced entrée on Nov. 8. For more information, click here.
Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt: Veterans receive their first 6 ounces of frozen yogurt and toppings for FREE on Veterans Day at the yogurt shop. If you swirl more than 6 ounces, just pay the difference.
Outback Steakhouse: Active military and veterans receive a FREE Bloomin’ Onion and Coke product on Veterans Day.
Pilot Flying J : All active-duty and retired military veterans are welcome to enjoy a free breakfast from November 8 to November 11. Guests will receive a free Pilot Coffee of any size with a choice of one free PJ Fresh® breakfast sandwich, breakfast pizza or a breakfast grill item. Veterans can redeem the offer at any of the 650+ participating Pilot and Flying J Travel Centers in the U.S. via the Pilot Flying J app.
Primanti Bros.: Active or retired military can receive a free Primanti Bros. Almost Famous sandwich Sunday, November 10 and Monday, November 11, at all participating Primanti Bros. locations.
Quiznos: This deal is not just for Veteran’s Day, but since it runs through November we are including it here. Quiznos celebrates the multiplayer online role-playing game Guild Wars 2 with special reward codes available in-store. Guests will receive a card containing a unique code for in-game items in Guild Wars 2 with every order that includes at least one sub. The deal runs from November 1 through November 30, but only at participating restaurants while supplies last.
Red Lobster: In honor of Veterans Day, Red Lobster is offering a FREE appetizer or dessert to veterans, active duty military and reservists. Customers only need to show a valid military ID or proof of service to redeem this offer.
Red Robin: This generous Veterans Day offer of a FREE Tavern Double Burger and bottomless fries is a staple of our listing every year. However, last year they required that you become a member of its loyalty club and register by Nov. 5. Get all the details in our post about Red Robin’s Veterans Day offer.
Shane’s Rib Shake: Active and retired members of the Armed Forces will receive a free sandwich, regular side, and 20 ounce beverage. The offer is available November 11 through November 13. Guests must present military ID or proof of service.
Shoney’s: Shoney’s says thank you to veterans and troops with a FREE All You Care To Eat, Freshly Prepared BREAKFAST BAR on Monday November 11, 2019. The deal is offered from opening hour to 11 am.
Sizzler: Veterans can get a free meal at participating locations, selecting one of these meals: 6oz Tri-Tip Sirloin, single Malibu Chicken or (6) Jumbo Crispy Shrimp, plus a side dish and beverage (fountain drink, tea or coffee only). The deal is available from opening to 4 p.m. Dine-in only. Veterans must show ID. Gratuity is not included in the deal.
Smoothie King: On Veteran’s Day, veterans and active military personnel can receive a free 20 oz. smoothie of their choice. You must show valid military ID.
Sport Clips: The salon is offering FREE haircuts to active duty U.S. service members and veterans on Veterans Day, with valid proof of service. To find a participating location, click here.
Starbucks: On Veterans Day, the ubiquitous coffee chain is offering veterans, military service members and their spouses a FREE tall hot brewed coffee.
Target: In honor of Veterans Day, between Nov. 1 and 11, the popular retailer is offering all U.S. active-duty military personnel, veterans and their families 10% off their full basket. Some exclusions apply. To receive the offer, you must first demonstrate eligibility by registering here. After eligibility has been verified, an exclusive, one-time Target Circle offer will be available for the customer to use in-store or online.
Village Inn: Veterans and active military can enjoy the chain’s VIB breakfast for FREE. Plus, all veterans and active duty members who dine at the restaurant on November 11 will receive a coupon good for 20% off the entire check for their next visit.
Walgreens: Veterans, military and their families receive 20% off eligible regular price items — from Nov. 11 to 15. Balance Rewards card or myWalgreens and proof of service are required. For more details, click here.
Weinerschnitzel: Veterans can enjoy a FREE chili, small fries and small Pepsi. Just show a proper ID.
Wendy’s: To thank all of those who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. Military, the fast-food restaurant is offering them a FREE small breakfast combo.
Vet Tix: The non-profit organization provides free entertainment and event tickets to military members and veterans. This year, they are hosting their own virtual entertainment event, Support Vet Tix. The family-friendly program is free and available to anyone in the world.
Ziggi’s Coffee: Military veterans and active-duty military will receive one free 16 oz. drink per person this Veterans Day, with valid military ID or proof of service. Limit one discount per customer. Offer cannot be combined with any other special offers or discounts, and the offer does not include Red Bull Infusions.
Other Discounts & Freebies
Aquarium of the Pacific : Admission is free for active duty and veterans of the military on November 11. Valid ID must be shown at the ticket window.
B&Bs for Vets: Veterans are eligible for one free night at participating B&Bs in the US and Canada. The offer is good for one night on Sunday, November 10. Visit the link for lodging near you or your destination. You must book directly with the business, and valid ID is required.
Brides Across America: FREE wedding gowns for military brides.
Main Event: On Monday, November 11, all active-duty and retired U.S. military personnel will receive 30 minutes of game play that can be used on more than 100 interactive video games. They can also enjoy a free entrée from a special menu featuring Bacon & Cheddar Burger, Jumbo Wings & Fries Combo, 10¢¢ Ultimate Sausage & Pepperoni Pizza, Classic Cobb Salad, Crispy Chicken Tender Sandwich, and Chicken Tenders & Fries.
Meineke: Go to the locations page of the company website and click on the coupons tab.
Motel 6:Receive up to a 10 percent off rates at all locations – at any time of the year. Select “Military” as your Rate Type during the reservation process (before confirming your reservation). The special rate is valid only in the country that a guest serves (or served). You must present a valid military ID when you check in.
Seaworld: Military veterans and active duty military get free entrance into SeaWorld theme parks for free or at lower cost when they access the theme park website through Waves of Honor. You must get the tickets through the Waves of Honor site – this offer is not available at the gate.
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