Roanoke Area Veterans Day Free Meals And Discounts Complete Guide 2025

Introduction

Veterans Day is observed annually on November 11th to honor military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Many businesses across Roanoke and the surrounding areas express their appreciation by offering free meals, discounts, and special promotions to veterans and active-duty service members. This comprehensive guide outlines the various offers available in the Roanoke region for Veterans Day 2025, including dining options, retail discounts, entertainment venues, and special events. All offers require proof of military service through a valid military ID or other documentation as specified by each establishment.

Free Meals for Veterans

Numerous restaurants in the Roanoke area and nationwide chains provide complimentary meals to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day. These offers vary by establishment and may have specific time restrictions or menu limitations.

Restaurant Chain Offers

Several national restaurant chains with locations in or near Roanoke participate in Veterans Day dining promotions:

• Applebee's: Veterans and active-duty military receive a free meal from a select menu.
• Buffalo Wild Wings: Offers six free boneless wings and fries with valid ID at participating locations.
• Chili's: Provides a free meal at participating restaurants.
• Chipotle: Features a buy-one-entree,-get-one-free promotion from 4 to 8 p.m.
• Circle K: Offers free hot or iced medium coffee.
• Cracker Barrel: Serves a free Sunrise Pancake Breakfast.
• Denny's: Provides a free Original Grand Slam from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Dunkin' Donuts: Veterans receive a free donut while supplies last, in-store only.
• Firehouse Subs: Buy any size sub and get a second one free.
• Golden Corral: Offers a free dinner buffet and beverage from 4 p.m. to close.
• IHOP: Provides free Red, White, and Blue Pancakes for active duty and retired Veterans on November 10.
• Insomnia Cookies: Offers a free deluxe cookie with a $5 purchase from November 8-11, with valid military ID.
• Little Caesars: Complimentary lunch combo including four slices of signature Detroit-style deep dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi beverage from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Logan's Roadhouse: Free meal from a select menu starting at 11 a.m.

Local Dining Offers

In addition to national chains, several local restaurants in the Roanoke area and surrounding communities provide special Veterans Day offers:

• Mission BBQ: Plans to honor veterans and active-duty military with free sandwiches and cake on Veterans Day.
• Red Robin: Offers all veterans and active duty military members a free Red's Tavern Double burger with Bottomless Steak Fries on November 11.
• Red Lobster: Allows veterans, active-duty military, and reservists with valid military ID or proof of service to choose a free appetizer or dessert from a special menu on November 11.
• Chuck E. Cheese's: Offers one free personal pizza to all active and retired military members at participating stores nationwide on November 11.
• Outback Steakhouse: Honors those who have served with a free 3-course meal on November 10 and 11. Military ID is required.
• South of KDG: Offers free meals for all Veterans on Veterans Day (November 11). A Military ID must be presented to your server when ordering.

Retail and Service Discounts

Beyond dining, many retail establishments and service providers offer special discounts for veterans on Veterans Day and throughout the year.

Retail Discounts

• Ace Hardware: Provides a 10% discount to veterans, active-duty military, and reserves every day at all seven Outer Banks locations. Valid military ID must be presented.
• Artsy Octopus: Offers military, veterans, and first responders a 20% discount every day. Patrons must show ID upon checkout to receive the discount.
• Colonial Inn (Nags Head): Offers 15% discounts off vacation stays.

Healthcare Services

Several healthcare providers offer free services to veterans in observance of Veterans Day:

• Morgan Family Dentistry (Kitty Hawk): Veterans (active & retired) can contact the clinic directly to schedule a free appointment. Military ID is required for the discount. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred. For more information, call 252-261-2358.
• Atlantic Dentistry (Kitty Hawk): Honors the nation's heroes by offering free dental services to all veterans on Friday, November 7. Whether veterans need a cleaning, check-up, or other dental care, the clinic provides these services as a thank you for their service. To schedule an appointment, call 252-261-7700.

Entertainment and Attraction Offers

Several entertainment venues and attractions in the Roanoke area offer free admission or special discounts for veterans on Veterans Day.

• NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island: Offers 50% off admission for all active-duty, retired, or reserve military members and their immediate family members on Veterans Day, November 11. Tickets must be reserved ahead of time on the aquarium's website. The aquarium is located at 374 Airport Road, Manteo and is open daily from 9am-5pm. Proof of service/military ID must be shown.

• OB-Xscape Rooms (Southern Shores): Offers veterans one free 60-minute game on Veterans Day. This special is available for veterans online, and a Military ID must be presented. Advanced booking is recommended. For details, call 252-564-9636. The venue is located at 1 Ocean Blvd. Ste. 108-111 in Southern Shores.

Special Events and Community Recognition

In addition to business offers, several special events and community recognition activities take place in the Roanoke area for Veterans Day:

• Virginia Veterans Parade: Held in Downtown Roanoke, this parade provides an opportunity for the community to give personal thanks to local veterans. The event includes a meet and greet with veterans before the parade at 9:30 a.m. in the market building. The parade itself allows veterans to be honored and recognized for their service to the country.

• NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island: In addition to the admission discount, the aquarium hosts a "Season of Thankfulness" food drive that runs through November 30, benefiting the Roanoke Island Food Pantry at Mount Olivet United Methodist Church in Manteo. Guests are invited to bring non-perishable food to the aquarium for donation, providing an opportunity to support the community while honoring veterans.

• National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution: Places a wreath at the Roanoke Veterans Memorial following the parade, continuing the tradition of honoring those who have served.

Extended Offers and Promotions

Some businesses extend their Veterans Day promotions beyond November 11th:

• Restaurant (unnamed): Offers military members 20% off their checks from November 12 through November 16, and then 10% off for military, fire, and police beginning November 17.

• Seaside Vacations: Guests are eligible to receive one free adult ticket when booking a party of four or more with the Manteo Historic Walking Tour. Additionally, Seaside Vacations guests can learn about Roanoke Island history through episode #16 of the Outer Banks Podcast.

Conclusion

Veterans Day in the Roanoke area offers numerous opportunities for veterans and active-duty service members to receive complimentary meals, discounts, and special recognition. From free dining options at national chains like Applebee's and IHOP to local favorites like Mission BBQ and Red Lobster, service members have a wide variety of choices to celebrate the occasion. Beyond dining, veterans can enjoy discounts at retail stores, free healthcare services, reduced admission to attractions like the NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island, and special community events like the Virginia Veterans Parade.

While many offers are specifically for Veterans Day (November 11th), some promotions extend through the following weekend or even provide year-round discounts. Veterans should always bring valid military ID when taking advantage of these offers and verify with individual locations, as participation may vary by location.

The community's recognition of veterans through these business offers and special events demonstrates appreciation for the sacrifices made by those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Veterans Day provides an opportunity for both veterans and civilians to reflect on the importance of military service and to express gratitude for the freedoms protected by service members.

Sources

1. List of Veterans Day Deals and Freebies
2. Virginia Veterans Day Coverage
3. 11 Free Meals to Celebrate Veterans Day
4. Outer Banks Veterans Day Discounts
5. Places Offering Veterans Day Freebies and Discounts
6. Free Finds in Roanoke