Comprehensive Guide To Veterans Day Free Meals And Discounts Across America

Veterans Day is annually observed on November 11th to honor military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. As a token of appreciation, numerous restaurants, retailers, and brands offer special promotions, free meals, and exclusive discounts to veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the available freebies and discounts based on verified information from official sources.

Restaurant Free Meals on Veterans Day

Many restaurants across the United States offer complimentary meals to veterans and active-duty service members on Veterans Day. These offers typically require proof of military service and may have specific terms and conditions.

Major Restaurant Chains with Free Meal Offers

• Applebee's: For the 18th consecutive year, Applebee's is offering veterans and active-duty military a complimentary meal on November 11. This offer is available at participating locations for dine-in only. Beverages and gratuity are not included, and the offer is not valid with other coupons or discounts.

• Chili's: All veterans and active-duty service members can receive a free meal on November 11 at participating restaurants. The offer is valid for dine-in only with a valid military ID. Beverages and gratuity are not included.

• Golden Corral: Military Appreciation Night is scheduled for November 11 from 4 pm to close. Active-duty military, retirees, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans will receive a free "thank you" meal and drink. This offer is for dine-in only.

• Red Robin Gourmet Burgers: On Veterans Day, veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a complimentary Big Tavern Burger when dining in at participating Red Robin locations. The offer is not valid for online or to-go orders.

• Starbucks: Veterans, military service members, and their spouses can get a free 12 oz hot or iced brewed coffee on November 11. Additionally, Starbucks is donating $200,000, shared evenly, to the USO and Wounded Warrior Project to support veteran and military communities.

Additional Restaurant Offers

Several other establishments provide free meals or significant discounts on Veterans Day:

• Freebirds: Offering 50% off for military members on Veterans Day at participating locations in-store.

• Freddy's: All veterans and current military personnel who visit Freddy's on Veterans Day will receive a meal card valid for any FREE combo meal of their choice.

• Green Mill: Providing a FREE 2-topping personal pizza, desert fire pasta, Western mill burger, or cobb salad with chicken to all veterans.

• Hamburger Stand: Veterans and active-duty military get a free hamburger, regular fries, and small soda on November 11.

• Houlihan's: Offering 50% off select entrees for Veterans Day, available for dine-in only. The discounted items include shrimp scampi, Houlihan's cheeseburger, whole grain veggie burger, meatloaf No. 9, fish and chips, stuffed chicken breast, heartland grilled chicken, and chicken parmesan.

• Wendy's: Salutes those who served or are currently serving in the U.S. military with a free Breakfast Combo, no purchase required, during breakfast hours on November 11. When ordering online, guests can use code VETERANS25 to redeem this offer.

• White Castle: Veterans and active-duty military get a free individual combo meal or a breakfast combo meal when dining at a participating restaurant on November 11.

• Wienerschnitzel: On November 11, all veterans and active-duty military are invited to enjoy a free Original Chili Dog, Small Fries, and Small Soda at participating locations nationwide, available all day with a valid military ID or proof of service.

• Wings and Rings: Veterans and active military can receive a free lunch on November 11. This offer is for dine-in only.

• WOB Bar & Kitchen: On November 11, veterans and active-duty service members are invited to enjoy a complimentary order of WOB's newest craving, 2-piece Smash Burger Sliders at participating locations nationwide.

• Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza: Veterans and active-duty military get 10% off their entire order on November 11. This offer is for dine-in only.

• Roy Rogers (East Coast): Veterans get a free Uncle Ralph's brownie with any purchase on Veterans Day.

• Ruby Tuesday: Veterans and active military usually receive a free meal from a special Veterans Day menu.

• Salvatore's Old Fashioned Pizzeria (New York): Offers a free 12-inch ThinThin pizza (cheese and one topping) for veterans and active military, available for pick up or dine-in.

• Sheetz (Eastern U.S.): All veterans and active duty military personnel get a free half turkey sub and a regular size fountain drink at any of Sheetz's 800+ store locations. The offer includes extras & add-ons to the sub.

• Long Doggers (Florida): Veterans can pick up $20 vouchers on Veterans Day.

• Lucille's Smokehouse (California): Offers a free meal, plus a $10 bonus card for future use.

• Margaritas Mexican Restaurant (Northeast): Veterans receive 50% off an entree.

• Max & Erma's (Midwest): Veterans receive 25% off on Veterans Day (may vary by location).

• Little Caesars: The Veterans Day deal includes a Free Hot-N-Ready lunch combo, which includes four slices of Little Caesars signature Detroit-style Deep Dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi beverage, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Regional Restaurant Offers

Many regional restaurants also participate in Veterans Day celebrations with special offers:

• Seven Doors Kitchen & Cocktails (The Colony, Texas): Generally offer a free meal for veterans and active-duty military.

• Shane's Rib Shack (Southeast, New York, Arizona): Expect a free BBQ Pork or Chopped BBQ Chicken Plate (half-pound meat and two sides) for all active, inactive, and retired military personnel. This is in-store only and may vary by location.

• Logan's Roadhouse: Veterans and active military typically receive a free meal from select menu (dine-in only); they also offer a 10% military discount year-round.

• Margaritas Mexican Restaurant: Veterans receive 50% off an entree.

• Max & Erma's: Veterans receive 25% off on Veterans Day (may vary by location).

• Cracker Barrel: Specials may include a free deluxe cookie with $5 purchase; any classic cookie for $1 year-round.

• Denny's: Free meal with military ID; 25% off year-round for military in uniform.

• J. Christophers (Georgia, Tennessee): Free meal, may vary by location.

• Joella's Hot Chicken (Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky): Usually offer a free meal or sandwich for veterans.

• Juice it Up! (Southwest): All veterans and active-duty military receive a free medium classic smoothie.

• Keel Farms (Florida): Free lunch and beverage for veterans and active military.

• Kings Family Restaurant (Pennsylvania): Free meal from select menu for veterans and active military.

• Legal Sea Foods: Free bowl of chowder for veterans and active military (dine-in only; not valid at airport locations).

• Lion's Choice (Missouri, Illinois): Free original roast beef sandwich for veterans and active military.

Retail Discounts and Freebies for Veterans Day

Beyond restaurants, numerous retailers and brands offer special discounts and freebies to honor veterans and military personnel on Veterans Day:

• Seasonal 10% discount for veterans, military, and first responders at various retailers.

• Born Primitive: In addition to its year-round 15% military discount, Born Primitive donates 100% of its Veterans Day profits to help pay off medical debt for veterans.

• Kohl's: Generally boosts military discount to 15% in November (10% year-round). Throughout the year, Kohl's hosts Military Mondays, offering military, veterans, and immediate family a 15% discount (in-store only).

• Ace Hardware: 10% off year-round, highlighted on Veterans Day.

• Petco: 10% discount for veterans, military, and families year-round, with a potential increase to 30% off around Veterans Day (in-store only).

• T-Mobile: 50% off any plan for life, highlighted on Veterans Day.

• ALDI: 10% off groceries for veterans and active military on Veterans Day.

• US Army: Free U.S. military ring from November 7 through November 14, valid for dine-in, carry-out and delivery.

Important Considerations When Claiming Veterans Day Offers

When taking advantage of Veterans Day freebies and discounts, it's important to keep several factors in mind:

1. Proof of Service: Most offers require valid military identification or proof of service. This can include a military ID card, DD-214 form, Veterans ID card, or other official documentation.

2. Participation Varies: Many offers are only available at participating locations, which may vary by region or franchise ownership. It's advisable to check with your local establishment before visiting.

3. Dine-In Requirements: Most restaurant offers are specifically for dine-in customers and may not be valid for takeout, delivery, or online orders.

4. Date and Time Restrictions: Veterans Day offers are typically only available on November 11th during specific hours, usually during meal times or business hours.

5. Limitations: Some offers may have limitations such as one per customer, specific menu items only, or restrictions on combining with other promotions.

6. Accompaniments: Many free meal offers do not include beverages, appetizers, or desserts, which must be purchased separately.

7. Gratuity: While the meal may be complimentary, standard tipping practices still apply for service received.

Planning Your Veterans Day Freebies Experience

To make the most of Veterans Day offers:

1. Research in Advance: Check the websites of your favorite restaurants and retailers to confirm participation and specific terms.

2. Verify Location Participation: Call ahead to confirm that your local establishment is participating, as policies can vary by location.

3. Prepare Documentation: Ensure you have proper military identification or proof of service readily available.

4. Plan Your Schedule: Note the specific times each offer is available, as some may be restricted to certain meal periods.

5. Consider Group Dining: If dining with a group, check if the entire party can receive the discount or if it's limited to the veteran/military member.

6. Budget for Extras: Remember that beverages, appetizers, desserts, and gratuities are typically not included with free meal offers.

Conclusion

Veterans Day provides an opportunity for businesses to express gratitude to those who have served in the U.S. military through complimentary meals, discounts, and special offers. While participation varies by location and establishment, the range of options available spans from major restaurant chains to local businesses across various industries. Veterans and active-duty service members can take advantage of these offers as a token of appreciation for their service, provided they meet the eligibility requirements and follow the specified redemption procedures. As always, it's recommended to verify details directly with participating locations, as offers may change or have specific limitations not listed in promotional materials.

Sources

1. Veterans Day Events in San Diego
2. Veterans Day Deals and Discounts
3. Best Veterans Day Freebies
4. Restaurants Veterans Day Military Discounts