The 2025 Veterans Day Freebies Guide Where To Find Free Meals Retail Discounts And Services

Veterans Day is one of the most generous days of the year for U.S. military veterans, active-duty service members, and often their spouses and dependents. Across the country, restaurants, retail chains, grocery stores, car washes, and travel brands roll out free meals, percentage discounts, and special perks on or around November 11. The offers highlighted here have been confirmed by national and regional sources, and many are available only on the day itself, with local participation and hours varying by location. The most important reminder: bring a valid military ID, VA card, DD-214, or another form of service documentation. For sit-down meals, dine-in is often required, with takeout or delivery options limited or unavailable. Where hours are provided, plan to arrive early—popular spots fill up quickly.

Free Meals: Restaurant Offers on Veterans Day

Free meals are the heart of the day, with dozens of national chains participating. The pattern is consistent: a select menu, dine-in requirement, and proof of service.

• Applebee’s, Chili’s, Denny’s, Red Robin, and Cracker Barrel offer free meals from a limited menu for veterans and active-duty service members on November 11 only. Proof of service is required, typically a military ID or VA card. For many locations, the meal is dine-in only, so plan accordingly for timing and seating. Some locations can be busy all day; arriving before or after peak meal windows can improve the experience.
• Outback Steakhouse provides a free three-course meal with an ID as part of its “3-Course Salute.” This offer runs on November 10 and November 11, offering a small window of flexibility for those who need to schedule around work or family commitments. Proof of service is required.
• Logan’s Roadhouse offers a free lunch for veterans on November 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., providing a clear four-hour window. As with other sit-down chains, expect dine-in only and a limited menu.

Breakfast, Coffee, and Special Menu Items

Several brands pair the holiday with lighter fare and beverages, especially in the morning and mid-day.

• Hy-Vee combines a free veterans’ breakfast from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. with a 15% grocery discount on November 11. This creates a practical opportunity to stock up for the holiday and pick up ingredients for a home-cooked meal.
• Another Broken Egg Cafe serves a complimentary Patriot French Toast (topped with strawberries, blueberries, and whipped cream) with a Barista House Blend Coffee for veterans, active-duty, and retired military personnel on November 11. Dine-in only.
• Starbucks provides a free 12-ounce tall brewed coffee to veterans, current military service members, and military spouses on November 11. While Starbucks does not typically require dining-in, the offer is specific to a single size and product, and ID verification is required.
• Aroma Joe’s offers a free 24-ounce drink of choice for veterans on November 11, providing a quick, portable perk for those on the go.
• Upshot Coffee in Missouri provides a free batch brew with any purchase and a free any-size hot coffee for veterans, military, and families. Policies can vary by location or day, and local terms should be confirmed.
• Weigel’s in Tennessee offers a free 16-ounce drink or a 20-ounce Dirty Soda for all veterans and military members. The brand is comprised of independently owned and operated stores, so additional local offers may be available; confirm with your local store.

Retail and Grocery Discounts: Big Savings on Everyday Purchases

Beyond meals and coffee, retail and grocery chains offer percentage discounts that can deliver significant savings on common purchases, household items, and everyday essentials.

• Target provides 10% off two storewide purchases for Veterans Day. This can be used for groceries, household goods, and seasonal items, but is limited to two transactions. Plan to bundle purchases to maximize the benefit.
• Walgreens offers 20% off all weekend long. This broad retail discount can be applied to pharmacy and general merchandise. The weekend window provides flexibility for redeeming outside of the busy holiday.
• Home Depot and Lowe’s offer 10% discounts for military and veterans, which are often highlighted around Veterans Day. These discounts apply to home improvement purchases, tools, materials, and garden supplies, and can be substantial when paired with planned projects.
• Kohl’s offers a 30% military/veterans discount on Veterans Day. The brand also offers 15% discounts for military, veterans, and immediate family during Military Mondays throughout the year (in-store only). For Veterans Day, plan to verify whether the 30% applies online, in-store, or both.
• Academy Sports + Outdoors offers 10% off through Veterans Day, helpful for sporting goods, outdoor gear, and apparel. If you have a trip planned or need to replace equipment, the timing aligns well with the holiday.
• Born Primitive not only offers a 10% military discount year-round but also donates 100% of Veterans Day profits to help pay off medical debt for veterans. This combines shopping savings with a charitable component, which is unusual and meaningful.
• Hy-Vee adds a 15% grocery discount to the free breakfast, making the morning routine and a weekly shop more affordable.

Travel and Lodging Perks

Travel brands often extend discounts or special offers that can be combined with other perks to create a value-packed weekend.

• Red Roof Inn offers 15% off bookings. If a road trip is in the works, confirm blackout dates and terms, and consider pairing a hotel discount with fuel and dining savings to stretch a budget.

Car Washes and Automotive Services

Several national car wash brands provide free washes to veterans and active-duty service members, typically on November 11. These offers are a simple, feel-good way to refresh a vehicle at no cost.

• Waters Car Wash provides a free car wash for veterans and active-duty military on November 11. Plan to arrive early; lines can be long during holiday mornings.
• WOW Car Wash provides a free WOW MAX car wash on November 11 for active-duty and retired service members. This typically includes premium features; confirm program details at checkout.
• ZIPS Car Wash offers a free top car wash when using the code VETS at checkout. Availability can vary by location, so verify participation locally.
• WildWater Express Car Wash offers a complimentary Ultimate Package on November 11 at participating locations. This includes clear coat protectant, wheel blaster, and ceramic sealant—an unusually generous package that adds protective value beyond a standard wash.

Year-Round Military Discounts That Reappear for Veterans Day

Many brands maintain a standing military discount and use Veterans Day to raise awareness and, sometimes, boost the percentage. These programs can be a reason to plan larger purchases around the holiday or within a weekend window.

• Applebee’s highlights a free meal on Veterans Day, but the brand has also run broader promotional efforts around military appreciation in November. Some locations may boost the military discount to 15% during the month, up from a 10% year-round rate.
• Buffalo Wild Wings offers free boneless wings and fries (dine-in only) on Veterans Day, while the brand typically maintains a military discount that may be promoted more heavily in November.
• Carrabba’s Italian Grill typically offers a free dine-in appetizer or dessert and a non-alcoholic beverage for veterans and active-duty, and the brand provides a 10% military discount year-round.
• Many furniture and home improvement chains extend their standard 10% military discount into November, highlighting the value for veterans who are planning seasonal projects or holiday home improvement.

Eligibility and Identification

Most offers require proof of service. Acceptable forms include a valid military ID, a VA card, a DD-214, and in some cases, military uniforms. Spouses and dependents may be included for some offers, but participation varies by location and brand. When in doubt, call ahead to confirm eligibility and any documentation requirements.

How to Maximize Savings

Veterans Day is a rare day when a single ID can unlock multiple freebies and discounts across the day. A practical approach can make the most of the window.

Start with breakfast. If a Hy-Vee is nearby, the free veterans’ breakfast and the 15% grocery discount provide both sustenance and immediate savings on household staples. The morning window runs from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., so arrive early if you want to avoid lines and get shopping done while the discount is active.

Transition to coffee. A free 12-ounce brewed coffee at Starbucks, a 24-ounce drink at Aroma Joe’s, or a hot coffee at Upshot Coffee can keep energy up. If you’re looking for a sweet treat, Another Broken Egg’s Patriot French Toast is a sit-down option.

Plan a lunch. A sit-down free meal can anchor the day and give you time to rest between errands. Outback’s three-course salute runs November 10 and 11, and Logan’s Roadhouse offers a free lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the day itself. Applebee’s, Chili’s, Denny’s, Red Robin, and Cracker Barrel typically run free meals on November 11, but verify hours and the exact menu ahead of time.

Use retail discounts strategically. Target’s 10% off two purchases works well for a big grocery haul or a set of household items. Walgreens’ 20% off all weekend can cover pharmacy needs, personal care products, and small household goods. Home Depot and Lowe’s are ideal for project planning; pair the 10% discount with any in-store promotions. Kohl’s offers a 30% discount for military on Veterans Day, and the brand frequently runs sale stacks that you can combine, though stacking rules vary; confirm at checkout and keep receipts if an adjustment is needed.

Add a car wash. A free premium wash at Waters, WOW Car Wash, ZIPS, or WildWater Express is an easy, feel-good way to finish errands. A clean car pairs well with a longer drive, and if you’re heading out of town, a hotel discount at Red Roof Inn can round out the day.

Watch the calendar. Several offers are one-day-only and may have tight windows. A free car wash or coffee after 5 p.m. may not be honored, and lunch deals at Logan’s end at 3 p.m. A short checklist before leaving the house—ID, store list, payment method for non-free purchases, and a plan for where to eat—can prevent missed opportunities.

What to Bring and How to Redeem

Two items matter most: a valid form of military identification and a willingness to ask. Many freebies and discounts are prominently advertised, but a few require mentioning “Veterans Day” or showing your ID at checkout. If a car wash uses a promo code, check if the code is case-sensitive and whether it must be used on the app versus the in-lane terminal. For retail, some brands may require activation in-app or at a customer service desk; if you’re unsure, ask the cashier or call the store ahead of time.

Dine-in requirements are common for restaurant free meals. If you need to feed a family, many offers extend to spouses or dependents, but terms vary. A quick phone call to your local restaurant can prevent a surprise at the host stand.

One-Day and Limited-Time Offers

While some brands offer weeklong promotions, many of the best freebies are concentrated on November 11 or run just on the surrounding weekend. Outback’s three-course meal spans November 10 and 11, while Hy-Vee’s free breakfast is a morning-only event. At Logan’s Roadhouse, the free lunch is only valid between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Retail discounts like Walgreens’ 20% off can be used across the weekend, which gives you more flexibility if you have multiple errands. Car wash offers are typically single-day redemption and can be busy in the morning and midday.

Extending the Value: Year-Round Programs

Veterans Day is a natural time to discover or revisit brands with year-round military discounts. Applebee’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Carrabba’s, and many furniture and home improvement retailers offer 10% to 15% discounts for military members. Some brands may temporarily boost those discounts in November; check your email or the brand’s app for special promotions. Born Primitive’s approach of donating Veterans Day profits to pay off medical debt for veterans is an example of retail giving that goes beyond a one-time coupon, and shopping there can multiply the impact of a purchase.

Planning, Etiquette, and Fairness

Popular venues can be crowded on November 11, and businesses often staff up for the rush. Patience and courtesy go a long way toward making the day positive for everyone. If you arrive close to closing time or a location’s stated window, expect limited inventory and fewer menu options. For family meals, plan to arrive earlier rather than later. And remember: most businesses limit one freebie per customer per location, even if multiple members of your party are veterans. Spouses and dependents may be included, but policies vary; if you’re unsure, ask the manager or call ahead.

The Bottom Line

Veterans Day is a day of gratitude—and the deals and freebies that businesses provide are a tangible way to honor service. Free meals, breakfast, coffee, retail discounts, car washes, and travel offers add up quickly, and with a small amount of planning, veterans and active-duty service members can build a day of savings that stretches across the entire weekend. Bring your ID, confirm local terms, and take advantage of one-day offers while they last. For families, many of these freebies can cover a full day’s meals and errands, reducing out-of-pocket costs and letting you focus on what matters most: celebrating service and time together.

Sources

1. Best Veterans Day Freebies
2. Veterans Day freebies: where vets can eat, shop, and save on Nov. 11
3. Veterans Day freebies and discounts (USA Today, 2025)
4. Veterans Day 2025 freebies, discounts, and deals (We Are The Mighty)