100+ Veterans Day Military Deals and Discounts for 2024

While military and other organizations across the country pause to honor veterans on Nov. 11, businesses also get into the spirit.

Written by: Maureen Milliken

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Veterans Day, and often the days around it and even the entire month of November, is a great opportunity for veterans, military members, and their families to find military discounts and freebies.

Free meals are a nice salute to service, but retail stores, services and even zoos also recognize veterans with free items, deals and discounts.

Check out 107+ places – in alphabetical order! – where vets and military members can get free or discounted services from businesses.

How Do You Get a Veterans Day Discount?

Most businesses that offer Veterans Day deals and discounts require proof of service, and the means of proof can vary, depending on the business, as well as whether you’re a veteran or active-duty military.

Any of the following are proof of service, and most businesses will likely accept:

  • Veteran ID Card (VIC), issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Uniform Services ID Card
  • Common Access Card (CAC)
  • Veteran designation on a state driver’s license or ID
  • Dependent ID Card
  • DD Form 214 (DD214 – the discharge form used to access VA benefits)
  • Department of Defense Form 2 (the form that identifies service members as reserved, retired, or reserve-retired)

It’s a good idea to call ahead to check what kind of ID you’ll need – some businesses are very specific; others just want to make sure you’re a veteran or military member.

Some businesses with online deals and discounts also use an ID service, like VerifyPass or SheerID, which are accredited official identity programs. They have a monthly fee but help protect your identity and are efficient if you often take advantage of veterans or military discounts.

Many businesses also partner with Veterans Advantage, a free military benefits program that connects veterans and military members with discounts and other deals. If you join, your ID information is part of being a member.

Some businesses also offer Veterans Day discounts to members of the reserves, National Guard, ROTC and more, even if they don’t specify that in their promotion.

Before heading out, or clicking on “buy,” for online deals, be sure you understand what’s required to get your veterans’ freebie or discount.

Veterans Day Restaurant Deals & Free Meals

Restaurants, coffee shops, pubs and more across America have Veterans Day deals, many with free meals or items for vets and active-duty military members.

Restaurant policies can change quickly, so be sure to double-check before you sit down to eat.

Here are just some of what’s offered on Veterans Day (deals are for Nov. 11, unless otherwise noted and require ID, unless noted). These are just some of what’s available, so check locally to see if your favorite restaurant has a Veterans Day deal.

  1. 7-Eleven – Free coffee or Big Gulp, sign in or register with 7Rewards, for veterans, active-duty military members.
  2. Applebee’s – Free meal off a special menu for veterans, active-duty military.
  3. Aroma Joe’s Coffee – Free coffee, up to 24 ounces, for veterans, active-duty military.
  4. Big Boy – Veterans and active-duty military can pick up voucher on Nov. 11 for a free future meal at participating locations.
  5. Bob Evans – Special free menu for veterans.
  6. Brugger’s Bagels – Free medium fresh-brewed coffee (hot or iced) when veterans buy a breakfast.
  7. Buffalo Wild Wings – Free order of boneless wings and side of fries for all veterans, active-duty military, both dine-in and takeout, at participating U.S. locations.
  8. California Pizza Kitchen – Free meal and non-alcoholic drink from a special menu Nov. 8-10, both dine-in and takeout for veterans, active-duty military; 20% of all sales on those three days will be donated to Disabled American Veterans.
  9. Casey’s General Store (Midwest) – Free coffee on Nov. 11; for month of November, $1 will be donated for every online or in-app purchase of a large pizza and two-liter Pepsi brand drink to organizations that support disabled veterans, families of military members and more.
  10. Chili’s Grill & Bar – Free meal from a special menu for veterans, active-duty military.
  11. Country Kitchen Restaurants – Free country scramble for veterans, active-duty military at participating locations.
  12. Cracker Barrel – In-store specials on Nov. 11 for veterans, including free slice of double fudge Coca-Cola cake with their meal; promotions throughout November – Military Appreciation Month – to support military families, in partnership with Operation Homefront.
  13. Crooked Pint Ale House (Arizona, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin) – Veterans and active-duty military eat free.
  14. Denny’s – Free Build Your Own Grand Slam breakfast from 5 a.m. until noon for veterans, active-duty military.
  15. Duffy’s Sports Grill (Florida) – Veterans and active-duty service members eat free.
  16. Dunkin’ – Free doughnut, all locations nationwide, no purchase necessary, for veterans, active-duty military; veterans get 10% off doughnuts and coffee, year-round.
  17. Einstein Bros. Bagels – Free medium coffee (hot or iced) for veterans, active-duty military.
  18. El Chico Café – Veterans and active-duty military eat for free ($20 limit).
  19. El Fenix Mexican Restaurant (Texas) – Free taco dinner for veterans.
  20. Food City – Veterans and active military eat free at the Food City deli, proof of military service and ValuCard required.
  21. Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers – Veterans on Nov. 11 get a card for a free Freddy’s Original Double combo meal, valid through Nov. 30.
  22. Friendly’s (Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire) – Free All-American meal for lunch or dinner (All-American burger or cheeseburger, side of fries and a drink) for veterans, active-duty military.
  23. Hard Rock Café – Free Legendary Steak Burger for veterans, active-duty military Nov. 11; 15% military discount year-round.
  24. IHOP – Free Red, White and Blueberry pancakes for veterans, active-duty military, all locations, for dine-in customers.
  25. Ikea – Veterans get a free meal.
  26. Incredible Pizza (Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas) – Veterans eat for free Nov. 6-12.
  27. Golden Corral – Veterans eat for free 5 p.m.-closing Nov. 14, Military Appreciation Night.
  28. GuacAmigos (Newport Beach, California) – Free entrée (on items up to $15) and $5 towards a future meal for veterans.
  29. Hamburger Stand (Arizona, California, Colorado, Wyoming) – Free hamburger, regular fries and small Pepsi for veterans, active-duty military.
  30. Huddle House – Free MVP breakfast platter for veterans, active-duty military.
  31. Huey Magoo’s (Midwest, South) – Free meal for one for veterans, active-duty military, when a companion buys a meal for one and two beverages.
  32. Hy-Vee Supermarkets (Midwest, South) – Free breakfast 6-10 a.m. Nov. 11, as well as 15% off groceries for veterans, active-duty military; from Nov. 1-13, all customers round up their payment to help veteran causes, part of Hy-Vee’s Homefront program.
  33. Krispy Kreme – Free doughnut and coffee for veterans.
  34. Kwik Fill (New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio) – Free coffee for veterans at all locations.
  35. Lion’s Choice (Missouri) – Free original roast beef sandwich for veterans, active-duty military.
  36. Little Caesars – Free Lunch Combo from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. for veterans, active-duty military at participating locations.
  37. Logan’s Roadhouse – Free meal from American roadhouse menu for veterans, active-duty military from 3 to 6 p.m. at all locations.
  38. Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que (Arizona, California, Nevada) – Free dessert and a 20% discount for veterans, active-duty military Nov. 11; 20% off the entire month of November for veterans.
  39. Luna Grill (California, Texas) – Buy-one-get-one-free deal for veterans, active-duty military Nov. 11-13 at all locations.
  40. Macaroni Grill – Free Mom’s Ricotta Meatballs and Spaghetti for veterans, active-duty military.
  41. Margarita’s Mexican Restaurant – 50% off entrée, dine-in only, for veterans, active-duty military.
  42. Max & Erma’s (Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Pennsylvania) – Free cheeseburger, endless fries, fountain drink and chocolate chip cookie for veterans, active-duty military at participating locations.
  43. Metro Diner – 50% off any meal for veterans, active-duty military.
  44. MOD Pizza (New Jersey, Pennsylvania) – Veterans, active-duty military can sign up by Nov. 8 for a buy-one-get-one-free pizza, coupon will be sent to be redeemed Nov. 11.
  45. Morton’s The Steakhouse (Northeast states, Georgia) – 20% off, valid for parties up to four, for veterans, active-duty military.
  46. Native Grill & Wings (Arizona, Illinois, Texas) – One free menu item (up to $11.99) for veterans, active-duty military.
  47. Nekter Juice Bar – Free fresh juice or superfood smoothie (16 ounces) for veterans.
  48. Ninety-Nine Restaurant & Pub (New England, New York) – Free entrée from a special menu for veterans, active-duty military with purchase of any other entrée, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., dine-in only.
  49. O’Charley’s – Free meal ($10 value) for veterans off a Veterans Thank-You Menu at participating locations.
  50. Olive Garden – Free entrée from a special menu (all include breadsticks and choice of soup or salad) for veterans, active-duty military.
  51. On the Border – Free pick-two combo for veterans, active-duty military.
  52. Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt – 50% off cup of frozen yogurt for veterans, active-duty military.
  53. Outback Steakhouse — Free bloomin’ onion and Coca-Cola for veterans, active-duty military.
  54. Peet’s Coffee – Free drip coffee or tea for veterans, active-duty military.
  55. Perkins – Free Magnificent Seven Breakfast Meal for veterans, active-duty military.
  56. Perry’s Steakhouses (Colorado, Illinois, Texas, Southeast states) – Free pork chop dinner with purchase of a dinner entrée for veterans, active-duty military.
  57. Petro, TA Stopping Centers – Free meal from a special menu, including beverage, at participating Country Pride and Iron Skillet restaurants for veterans, active-duty military, reservists.
  58. Pie Five Pizza – Free personal pizza at participating locations, dine-in only, for veterans, active-duty military.
  59. Pizza Inn (Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas) – Free buffet and other deals for veterans, active-duty military at participating locations.
  60. Primanti Bros. (Maryland, Pennsylvania) – Free classic sandwich for veterans.
  61. Primo Hoagies (New Jersey, Pennsylvania) – Free 20-ounce beverage and 1-ounce bag of chips with purchase of a Primo-size hoagie for veterans.
  62. Quaker Steak & Lube (Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia) – Free or discounted meals (up to $15) and free nonalcoholic beverage at participating locations for veterans, active-duty military, reservists.
  63. RA Sushi – Free shareable meal, dine-in only, for veterans, active-duty military.
  64. Rapid Fire Pizza (Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, South Carolina) – Free dessert pizza or cheezy bread with the purchase of an entrée for veterans, active-duty military.
  65. Red Lobster – Free appetizer or dessert for veterans; 10% discount for veterans, active-duty on Miliary Mondays throughout the year.
  66. Red Robin Gourmet Burgers (New England, New Jersey, New York) – Free Red Robin Tavern Double Burger and bottomless steak fries Nov. 1-14, both dine-in and takeout.
  67. Rock & Brews (Florida, Kansas, Missouri, Texas) – Free pulled pork sandwich or Strawberry Fields salad for veterans, active-duty military at participating locations.
  68. Roy Rogers – Free Uncle Ralph’s brownie with any purchase for veterans at participating locations.
  69. Shane’s Rib Shack (Alabama, Georgia, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina) – Free sandwich combo meal Nov. 11-13 for veterans, active-duty military at participating locations.
  70. Shari’s Café (Pacific Northwest) – Free slice of pie and buy-one-get-one-free entrée for veterans and active-duty military.
  71. Sheetz (Pennsylvania) – Free 6-inch turkey sub and a regular-size fountain drink for veterans, active-duty military at any location, as well as a free car wash.
  72. Shoney’s – Free all-you-care-to-eat breakfast until 11 a.m. for veterans, active-duty military.
  73. Silver Fox Steakhouse (Texas) – Free entrée (up to $45) for veterans, active-duty military.
  74. Smoothie King – Free 20-ounce smoothie for veterans, active-duty military.
  75. Sonny’s BBQ (Southeast) – Free pulled or sliced pork sandwich, as well as a voucher for free BBQ egg rolls on a future visit for veterans, active-duty military.
  76. Starbucks – Free 12-ounce (tall) hot-brewed coffee for veterans, active-duty military, reservists, military spouses.
  77. Taco John’s (Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin) – Free small beef #1 combo meal by redeeming the offer in the Taco John’s app for veterans, active-duty military, reservists.
  78. Tap House Grill (Illinois) – Free meal and a Sam Adams pint while supplies last for veterans, active-duty military.
  79. TCBY – First 6 ounces are free for veterans, active-duty military.
  80. Texas Roadhouse – Free meal voucher for veterans 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
  81. Thirsty Lion (Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, Texas) – Veterans, active-duty military eat for free.
  82. TravelCenters of America – Free meal for veterans, active-duty military at participating locations.
  83. Tucanos Brazilian Grill (Colorado, Idaho, Missouri, New Mexico, Utah, Virginia) – Free churrasco meal with the purchase of another churrasco meal (or a half-price meal available for solo diners), Nov. 9-11 for veterans, active-duty military. Those who post a selfie at Tucano’s Veterans Day get a free dessert certificate.
  84. Uno’s Pizzeria & Grill – Free entrée or individual pizza with the purchase of second meal of equal or greater value for veterans, active-duty military.
  85. Wendy’s – Free small breakfast combo, no purchase necessary, for veterans, active-duty military.
  86. White Castle – Free breakfast combo or Castle Comb 1 to 6 for veterans, active-duty military.
  87. Wienerschnitzel (Southwest, Northwest, Midwest) – Free chili dog with small fries, small Pepsi for veterans, active-duty military, bring military ID or dress in uniform.
  88. Ziggi’s Coffee – Free 16-ounce drink for veterans at all locations.
  89. American Legion, VFW and other veterans’ organizations, as well as churches, Elks lodges, community nonprofits and more, host special breakfasts, lunches and dinners on and around Veterans Day, at which veterans eat for free. Check local news listings to see what’s cooking in your area.

» More: Find Year-Round Military Discounts on Dining

Veterans Day Retail Discounts and Deals for the Military

Many retailers, including Target, Home Depot and Lowe’s, have year-round military discounts. Many businesses that offer services, including travel, auto and more, also offer deals year-round for veterans and military members.

Here are some that offer a special Veterans Day Discount:

  1. B&Bs for Vets – The Association of Lodging Professionals lists B&Bs that offer a free room on Nov. 10 and 11 to veterans and active-duty military, so they can attend Veterans Day observances. Preference is to those who haven’t participated, all 50 states, click here for information.
  2. Bed, Bath & Beyond – Veterans get 25% off their in-store purchases on Nov. 11.
  3. Brakes to Go (Texas) – 10% off brake repair service for veterans, active-duty military during November.
  4. Car wash – Nonprofit Grace for Vets has compiled more than 1,500 independent car washes across the U.S. that provide free car washes to veterans and active-duty military on Nov. 11, click here for information.
  5. Dell Electronics – 10% discount for veterans on Nov. 11 purchases.
  6. Great Clips – Veterans and active-duty military can get a free haircut on Nov. 11, or a coupon for one at a later date.
  7. Jefferson Lines buses – Free one-way trip on Jefferson routes between Nov. 11-23, or round trip if first half is between Nov. 11-23 and second half is before Dec. 31, for veterans, active-duty military.
  8. L.L. Bean – Boosts its year-round 10% discount for veterans and active-duty military to 15% Nov. 1-11.
  9. Sports Clips – Free haircuts for veterans and active-duty military at some locations, click here for locations.
  10. Target – Target is offering a 10% discount covering your full basket, excluding certain items. You can use the discount twice during the promotional period of Oct. 30-Nov. 12. To redeem the offer, guests must verify eligibility by registering here.

Free Admission on Veterans Day (Parks, Museums & Zoos)

Many parks, museums and historic sites have Veterans Day Deals – check in your area to see what’s offered. Here are some:

  1. Colonial Williamsburg (Virginia) – Free admission for veterans, active-duty military and families on Veterans Day weekend.
  2. Country Music Hall of Fame (Nashville, Tennessee) – Veterans, active-duty military and up to three guests admitted free on Nov. 11.
  3. Crayola Experience (Plano, Texas) – Free admission for veterans and active-duty military throughout November; family members get 25% off.
  4. Harley-Davidson Museum (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) – Free admission to veterans and active-duty military Nov. 11.
  5. Maine Wildlife Park – The wild animal park in Gray, Maine, run by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, offers free admission to veterans, active-duty military and their families on Nov. 11, the day it closes for the season.
  6. State Parks – Alabama, California, Florida, and Washington state parks are admission-free on Nov. 11; check with your state to see whether there is a Veterans Day discount or deal – many have year-round deals for veterans who are residents of the state, disabled or former POWs.
  7. National Parks – All U.S. national parks and historic sites managed by the National Park Service will have free admission for all visitors Nov. 11.
  8. Zoos – Many zoos across the country offer free admission, as well as discounts or free admission to family members. Check with your local zoo to see if they have a Veterans Day deal. Some require tickets in advance, some are only valid at the ticket window, so check the website before making plans. Some of the Veterans Day zoo deals are:
  • Akron Zoo (Ohio) – Free admission for veterans, active-duty military; immediate family members get 50% off
  • Baton Rouge Zoo – Free admission for veterans, active-duty military on Nov. 5.
  • Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens (Ohio) – Free admission for veterans, active-duty military, reservists, National Guard and ROTC, and up to six half-off admissions for family members.
  • New Zoo and Adventure Park (Green Bay, Wisconsin) – Free admission to veterans, active-duty military and their families
  • North Carolina Zoo – Free admission to veterans, active-duty military and one guest during Military Appreciation Week, Nov. 7-13.
  • Port Defiance Zoo & Aquarium – Veterans admitted free, and immediate family members get 50% off during Veterans Appreciation Days, Nov. 11-13.
  • Zoo Miami – Veterans admitted free Nov. 10-13, with up to six family members admitted for 25% off.
  • Zoo New England – Veterans and immediate family members admitted free to Franklin Park Zoo (Boston) and Stone Zoo (Stoneham, Massachusetts)

About The Author

Maureen Milliken

Maureen Milliken has been writing about finance, banking, investment, entrepreneurship, real estate and other related topics for more than 30 years. She started as the “Business Beat” columnist for the now-defunct Haverhill (Mass.) Gazette and currently is one of the hosts of the Mainebiz business-focused podcast, “The Day that Changed Everything” in addition to her daily writing. She also is is the author of three mystery novels and two nonfiction books.

Sources:

  1. N.A. (ND) History of Veterans Day. Retrieved from https://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.asp
  2. N.A. (ND) State Park Passes. Retrieved from http://www.usvetcamper.com/veterans/state-park-passes/
  3. N.A. (ND) Types of Veteran ID Cards. Retrieved from https://www.va.gov/records/get-veteran-id-cards/
  4. N.A. (2022, October 12) Veterans Day 2022 Free meals, discounts and offers. Retrieved from https://news.va.gov/109711/veterans-day-discounts-free-meals/
  5. N.A. (ND) Veterans Day Deals 2022. Retrieved from https://www.operationwearehere.com/veteransdaypromotions.html