Veterans Day freebies and deals 2018

Restaurants and other businesses want to thank our veterans and active military members on Veterans Day with FREE or discounted food or services on Sunday, November 11 (unless another date is noted). Some deals are available for veterans only, while others are valid for both veterans and active military personnel. Offers don’t usually cover gratuity and tax. In addition, proof of military status is required for most offers, so be prepared to show ID verifying your service. As always, more deals will be added as they’re announced, 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.)

Participation may vary, so be sure to check with your local restaurant to confirm that they’ll be offering the Veterans Day special.

Free food and drink

Applebee’s : Every year on Veteran’s Day, Applebee’s serves a free meal to active duty and veteran military service members. Although the majority of Applebee’s restaurants participate, call your local franchise and ask about requirements.

54th Street Grill & Bar: All military personnel receive a FREE entree (up to $12). Dine-in only, on Veteran’s Day, Sunday, November 11.

Back Yard Burgers: On Sunday, November 11, Back Yard Burgers is offering a free Back Yard Classic Burger to all active duty service members and veterans who show their military ID, discharge papers, proof of service or are in uniform. Find a Back Yard Burger near you. No purchase is necessary for veterans to get this complimentary burger.

Bar Louie :  Active military and veterans will receive a free flatbread or burger up to $15 in value on Sunday, November 11, from open to close. Valid military I.D. must be shown.

BJ’s Restaurants: On Sunday, November 11, all military members who dine-in restaurant receive a complimentary entree up to $12.95 plus a free Dr Pepper beverage by presenting a military ID or proof of service at any BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse location nationwide. And for the entire month of November, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse and Dr Pepper are contributing 11,000 Pizookies® to the restaurant’s ‘Buy a Hero a Pizookie’ program. Current or retired military simply claim a Pizookie® by following this link from November 1 through November 30, while supplies last. Once claimed, the offer is emailed and valid for 72 hours. Guests who would like to honor these heroes can contribute $1 or more on their restaurant bill to the program.  With a contribution of $1 of more, Guests will receive a bounce-back coupon for a FREE Pizookie® with any food purchase of $9.95 valid through December 31, 2018.

Bob Evans : Veterans and active duty military receive a free meal from a special menu on this Veterans’ Day, November 11, 2018.

Bonefish Grill: On Sunday, November 11^th, active and retired service members with a valid military ID will receive a complimentary Bang Bang Shrimp® appetizer. You must present a valid military ID. Visit BonefishGrill.com to find a location near you.

Boston Market: Buy one individual meal and a drink, get one individual meal free with coupon on November 11 or 12. Offer good for dine-in guests and online orders using the promo code 37585.

Buffalo Wild Wings : Free small wings and fries for active and retired service members on November 11.

CentraArchy Restaurants : On Sunday, November 11,  CentraArchy Restaurants are honoring veterans and active duty military service members with a free entrée. Includes California Dreaming, New York Prime, Chophouse ’47, The Tavern at Phipps, Carolina Roadhouse, Joey D’s Oak Room, Burro Loco, Gulfstream Cafe, Chophouse New Orleans.

Chili’s Restaurants : Chili’s founder, Norman Brinker, proudly served in the U.S. Navy. On November 11, Chili’s offers a special menu for veterans to eat for free at the restaurant’s many locations across the United States. Valid ID is required. Call your local Chili’s for more information.

Chipotle : Chipotle is offering a special buy-one-get-one (BOGO) offer on Veterans Day, Sunday, November 11, 2018. The BOGO promotion is available for all active duty military, reserves, national guard, military spouses and retired military with valid ID, at all restaurants in the U.S. from open to close on Veterans Day. The offer (purchase one entree item and receive one of equal or lesser value) is valid on burritos, bowls, salads and taco orders, but only on in-store purchases. You may not combine with other coupons, promotions or special offers. Limit one free menu item per military ID, subject to availability.

Cracker Barrel: All military veterans will receive a free slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake dessert. Dine in only.

Cotton Patch Cafe: Veterans and active duty receive a free Chicken Fried Steak or Chicken Fried Chicken on Veteran’s Day, November 11.

Cracker Barrel : Free Goo-Goo Cluster Latte, or Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake with purchase of a meal on November 11. 

Denny’s : On November 11, veterans, retired, non-active and active duty military are eligible to receive a Free Build-Your-Own Grand Slam. You must show valid ID or DD 214. Offer is valid from 5 am to noon, November 11, and in-store only. Call your local Denny’s for more details.

Dunkin Donuts : On Sunday, November 11, veterans and active duty military are eligible to receive a free donut of their choice with no purchase necessary at participating Dunkin Donuts. Limit one per customer, in-store only. This offer is not available for orders placed on On-the-Go app.

Famous Dave’s: Get a FREE Two-Meat Salute (Two-Meat Combo served with your choice of one side and a corn bread Muffin) on Sunday, November 11 and Monday, November 12 in honor of Veterans Day.

Friendly’s: Friendly’s is treating veterans and active military to a free dine-in breakfast, lunch or dinner from select menus on November 11, 2018. Start the day with the Big-Two-Do^® Breakfast with a fresh cup of coffee; and for lunch or dinner, the All American Burger with fries and a drink. A valid military ID or honorable discharge card must be shown.

Golden Corral: On Monday, November 12, 2018 from 5 PM to 9 PM, military veterans, retires and active duty personnel are invited to a free sit-in “thank you” dinner.

Green Mill: FREE menu item for lunch or dinner at participating locations. The offer includes any single item from the menu for dine-in only. Pizza is restricted to small one-topping Deep Dish pizza. Active duty military and veterans must show proof of service. Available only on November 11, 2018 at participating restaurants only. Not valid with any other discount or offer. Beverages and gratuity not included.

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.

HMSHost :Military veterans and active duty personnel may receive a complimentary Budweiser BBQ Cheddar Burger at one of its approximately 50 participating HMSHost-operated airport restaurants. The offer is valid on Monday, November 12, and customers must present valid identification. Follow the link for more details. HMSHost is also holding special Honor Our American Heroes events at select U.S. airports. HMSHost invites travelers to pause from their travels and write their messages of gratitude for veterans. You can also share messages of gratitude on social media using #HMSHostFoodFight.

Houlihan’s : Veterans and active-duty military on Veterans Day, Sunday, November 11, 2018 with a complimentary entrée. Houlihan’s also continues to offer a 15% military discount every day of the year. The Veterans Day menu at Houlihan’s include the Houlihan’s Burger, Housemade Veggie Burger, Heartland Grilled Chicken Salad, Fish and Chips, Brentwood Chicken Sandwich, Southwest Grilled Chicken Wrap, Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo and a 5-oz. Petite Top Sirloin (the northeast Houlihan’s will offer the Down Home Pot Roast in place of the sirloin.) Guests will need to be in uniform or provide proof of military service which may include a U.S. Uniform Services Identification Card, U.S. Uniform Services Retired Identification Card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement, Veterans Organization Card, photograph in uniform, DD214, Citation or Commendation. The offer is valid on November 11, 2018 at participating Houlihan’s, and is dine-in only. Beverages and gratuities are not included. Limit one (1) meal per veteran or active-duty military.

Huddle House: Free order of Sweet Cakes to all active military members and veterans with proper I.D. from Nov. 9-12.

Hy-Vee : Most Hy-Vee’s provide a free breakfast buffet for veterans during regular breakfast hours on every Veterans Day.

Little Caesar’s Pizza : Little Caesars® Pizza will serve all United States Armed Forces veterans and active military a free $5 HOT-N-READY® Lunch Combo at participating stores. On Sunday, November 11, from 11:00a.m. to 2:00p.m., veterans and active military members can receive their free $5 Lunch Combo ( four slices of Little Caesars popular Detroit-style DEEP!DEEP!™ Dish pizza, paired with a 20-ounce Pepsi product).

Metro Diner:The restaurant will offer 20% off to active and retired military with valid military ID on Monday, November 12^th. Available at all diners. Visit MetroDiner.com to find a diner near you.

McCormick & Schmick’s:  Veterans and Gold Star families (parents and spouse) can enjoy a complimentary lunch or dinner at McCormick and Schmick’s on Sunday, November 11.

Mimi’s Cafe : Honorees with a military ID can choose from select menu items with the purchase of a non-alcoholic beverage. Menu items include: Slow-Roasted Turkey entree, Brioche Cheeseburger, Asian Chicken Salad, Brioche French Toast, Breakfast Tacos, or Four Buttermilk Griddlecakes. Offer is good only on November 11.

On the Border:  Simply present proof of military ID or service on November 11, and enjoy a Free Create-Your-Own Combo 2 Meal. Choose any two items off the combo menu like tacos, enchiladas, empanadas, mini chimis and more. All are served with Mexican rice and beans, plus endless chips & salsa.

Outback Steakhouse : Present valid ID for a free Bloomin’ Onion and a beverage on November 11.

Pilot Flying J: Pilot Flying J is offering those who serve a free breakfast. From November 10 to 12,  active-duty and retired military veterans can use the myPilot app to redeem an offer for a free Pilot Coffee of any size with their choice of a PJ Fresh breakfast sandwich, packaged pastry item or a Cinnabon Center of the Roll. The offer is valid at any of the participating Pilot and Flying J Travel Centers in North America.

Red Lobster: All active duty military personnel receive a 10% discount on purchases every Monday. On November 11 and 12, veterans, active duty and reservists will receive a free appetizer or dessert from a special menu.

Red Robin: FREE Double Tavern Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries. You must show proof of service. Offer valid only on November 11, 2018.

Rock and Brews: All active duty military, veterans, and first responders will receive a complimentary meal on Veteran’s Day at any Rock & Brews location nationwide. Contact your local Rock and Brews for more information.

Sagebrush Steakhouse: All veteran and active duty personnel are eligible to receive a complimentary meal from a select menu on November 11, 2018. The offer is valid from 11am to 10pm. All veterans will be entered into a drawing for a $25 gift card.

Shane’s Rib Shack: Shane’s Rib Shack locations will offer military personnel a free sandwich, regular side, and 20-ounce beverage. Offer is good November 8 through 10. Military ID or proof of service is required. Call your participating restaurant for more details.

Starbuck’s : Free 12 oz. coffee on November 11 at any participating Starbuck’s.

Texas Corral: Veterans and active duty service members receive one entree from a special Veteran’s Day menu with a beverage (iced tea, coffee or lemonade).

Texas Roadhouse: FREE meal from a limited menu to active, retired, and former military personnel on November 11.  Call your local restaurant for specific guidelines – each restaurant may offer different menu items.

Wienerschnitzel: On November 11, Wienerschnitzel is offering a free Chili Dog with a small fry and a small Pepsi to all veterans and active duty service members. Present your military ID or dress in your uniform.

Wild Wing Cafe: Military veterans, retirees, and active duty  may choose from any Awesome Salad, Wild Wrap, Beefy Burger or Chicken Sandwich. Please show proof of military service. Proof of service includes: U.S. Uniformed Services ID Card, U.S. Uniformed Services Retired ID Card, veterans organization card (ie: American Legion, VFW), photograph of yourself in uniform, citation or commendation. Some restrictions may apply. Valid all day on November 11 at participating locations.

Other Discounts & Freebies

Aquarium of the Pacific : Admission is free for active duty and veterans of the military on November 11, 2018. 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 or around Veterans Day, November 11. 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.

Goodyear Auto Service/Just Tires: Goodyear Auto Service and Just Tires locations nationwide say “thanks” to those who serve by offering all active and retired military members and first responders FREE “Checks for Vets,” plus up to $250 off tires. The offer is valid from November 9 through November 11 – book appointments beginning November 9, but the offer can be redeemed through November 16. You can find more details here. The “Checks for Vets” offer includes FREE tire, brake and battery checks. Military and first responders will also receive 10 percent off tires instantly, which could save you $250 when used with additional in-store offers.

Grace for Vets : Active duty or veteran military service members are entitled to a free car wash on November 11. Use the search tool to find a participating car wash near you. All veterans and service personnel get a free car wash at participating locations. Grace For Vets is a non-profit organization that unites the car wash industry in U.S., Canada, New Zealand, Australia with this program.

Great Clips: FREE haircuts for veterans and active duty military.

Guitar Center : Present your military ID, and Guitar Center Repair locations will offer a free restring to all active and retired military members (offer is valid for Guitar Center Repair locations only) on Sunday, November 11.  Retired and active military at Guitar Center locations chain-wide receive 10% off in-store year-round. But everyone saves at Guitar Center this Sunday, November 11 with a 15% off Veteran’s Day savings coupon.

National Parks: FREE entry for everyone — even if you’re not a veteran or active military member — at all its parks on Veteran’s Day, November 11.

Dental Care: Pan Care Health, a Florida dental company is offering free health and dental care for veterans on November 9th.

Red Roof Inn : All active duty and veterans can enjoy 20% off the best available rate for stays reserved November 1, 2018 – February 28, 2019 when using VP#623095. The Home for the Holidays rate is only available when you book online at redroof.com or by calling 800.RED.ROOF (800.733.7663). This offer may not be combined with other offers or discounts, and may not be available on high-demand nights. The offer is valid from November 1 to December 31, 2018.

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.

Sports Clips: Active duty and retired or veteran service members can get a free hair cut on November 11.