Comprehensive Guide to Veterans Day Discounts and Freebies in Bakersfield (2025)

Veterans Day is a time to honor and appreciate U.S. military veterans, and many businesses in Bakersfield and across the country offer special discounts and freebies to express gratitude. These offers range from free meals at restaurants to discounted services at retail stores. Below is a detailed overview of verified Veterans Day deals available in the Bakersfield area and nationwide, based on the provided sources.

Restaurants Offering Free Meals or Discounts

National Chains

Several major restaurant chains provide Veterans Day freebies, often with specific conditions such as valid military ID requirements or dine-in-only policies. Examples include: - Applebee’s: Offers a free dine-in entrée from a special menu. Dine-in only. Source 1 and 2. - Chili’s: Provides one free entrée from a limited menu. Dine-in only. Source 1. - Golden Corral: Hosts an annual free buffet for veterans and active-duty military from 4 PM to 9 PM. Source 2 and 3. - Denny’s: Offers a free Original Grand Slam from 5:00 a.m. to noon on November 10. Valid ID required. Source 1. - Buffalo Wild Wings: Provides a free order of 10 boneless wings and fries. Valid ID required. Source 1. - BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse: Offers a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie with any $9.95+ purchase. Valid ID required. Source 1. - Dave & Buster’s: Gives a free entree (up to $20) and a free $10 Power Card. Valid veteran ID required. Source 1. - Eureka!: Offers a complimentary American Cheeseburger all day. Source 1. - Red Lobster: Provides a free appetizer or dessert with proof of service. Source 2. - Little Caesars: Offers its $5 lunch special (four slices and a 20-ounce beverage) for free from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Source 2. - California Pizza Kitchen: Offers a limited menu selection of pizzas, salads, or pasta dishes. Dine-in only. Source 2. - Logan’s Roadhouse: Provides a free entrée from a limited menu from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dine-in only. Source 4. - Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que: Offers a free meal with a $10 Bonus Card from 11 a.m. to close. Source 4. - Main Event: Offers a free double cheeseburger with fries and 30 minutes of gameplay. Source 4. - McCormick & Schmick’s: Provides a half-priced entrée. Source 4.

Local Bakersfield Establishments

Local Bakersfield businesses also participate with exclusive offers: - ProDonut: Offers free donuts at its trailer at 24th and M Streets from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Source 2. - Texas Roadhouse: Offers one of 10 free entrees from a special Veterans Day menu from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Source 2. - Sonder: Provides free poutine and 10% off for guests all day. Valid ID required. Source 2. - Saltwater Poke: Offers happy hour pricing all day. Valid ID required. Source 2. - Dunkin’: Offers a free donut. Source 2.

Coffee and Fast-Food Chains

• Starbucks: Offers free coffee or tea for veterans and military personnel. Source 3.
• Wendy’s: Offers a free breakfast combo or coffee. Source 3.
• Taco Bell: Offers a free Beefy 5-Layer Burrito with military ID. Source 3.
• Dunkin’: Offers a free donut. Some locations may offer more. Source 3.

Retail Discounts

Home Improvement Stores

• Lowe’s: Offers 10% off storewide. Valid for one purchase, exclusions apply. Military ID or proof of service required. Source 3.
• Home Depot: Offers 10% off storewide. One-time use only, exclusions apply. Military ID or proof of service required. Source 3.

Free Services and Experiences

Automotive Services

• Meineke: Offers a free oil change for veterans. Availability may vary by location. Source 3.
• Jiffy Lube: Offers a free or discounted oil change for veterans. Source 3.
• Car Wash Services: Some local chains or national providers like Mr. Clean Car Wash offer free car washes for veterans. Source 3.

Personal Care and Wellness

• Great Clips: Offers a free haircut for veterans. Source 3.
• Sport Clips: Offers a free haircut for veterans. Hours may vary by location. Source 3.
• Planet Fitness: Offers free access to the gym for veterans on Veterans Day only. Source 3.

Pet Care

• Some local pet care providers offer free pet grooming, boarding, or daycare for military families. Source 3.

Entertainment and Cultural Experiences

Parks and Monuments

Veterans can take advantage of free admission to national parks and monuments on Veterans Day. This is a great opportunity to explore natural and historical sites with family. Source 3.

Important Notes on Eligibility and Redemption

• Valid Military ID or Proof of Service: Most offers require a valid military ID or other proof of service, such as a veteran ID card.
• Dine-In Only: Many restaurant offers are valid for dine-in only, not for takeout or delivery.
• Limited Time: Most offers are valid only on Veterans Day (November 11) or the weekend before, with specific time windows (e.g., Denny’s on November 10 from 5:00 a.m. to noon).
• Location-Specific Availability: Some offers, especially at local businesses, may vary by location. It is advisable to contact the specific business in advance to confirm participation and details.
• Stacking Discounts: Some retailers, like Target and Walgreens, may allow stacking Veterans Day discounts with coupons or rewards points. Home Depot and Lowe’s may allow stacking with sales, but policies can vary, and it is recommended to ask in-store for confirmation. Source 3.

How to Find Additional Deals

• Official Websites and Social Media: Many businesses announce their Veterans Day offers on their official websites or social media pages.
• Local Military Organizations: Groups like the American Legion or VFW often publish lists of local participating businesses.
• Community Websites and Social Media: Local Facebook groups or city websites may have updated lists of regional deals. Source 3.

Conclusion

Veterans Day is an excellent opportunity for veterans and active-duty military to take advantage of a wide range of freebies and discounts offered by restaurants, retail stores, and service providers. Bakersfield and the surrounding areas have a strong community of businesses that honor and support veterans with these special offers. To ensure a smooth experience, veterans should carry valid military ID or proof of service, confirm the specific terms of each offer in advance, and plan their day to make the most of the available deals.

Sources

1. Veterans Day discounts for veterans in Kern County
2. Veterans Day special list of local restaurants offering freebies & discounts on food
3. Veterans Day Freebies
4. 2025 Veterans Day Deals and Discounts