Veterans Day isn’t just a date on the calendar, it’s one of the few days when your service gets you something real back. Across the country, restaurants, shops, and even car washes are saying thanks the best way they know how: with free meals, serious discounts, and a few unexpected perks. Whether you want a full steak dinner, a fresh haircut, or just a free coffee to start the morning, here’s where to go this year to claim what you’ve earned.
Starbucks
On Veterans Day, Starbucks pours a free tall brewed coffee (hot or iced) for veterans, active-duty service members and military spouses. It’s the basic brewed coffee, not a custom latte, but it’s completely free and available in cafés and drive-thrus at participating stores. Just tell them you served and be ready to show proof if they ask. It’s a nice, quick “we see you” from a brand almost everyone passes anyway.
Applebee’s
Applebee’s is running its usual thank-you: vets and active-duty can sit down on Nov. 11 and pick a free entrée from a special Veterans Day menu with things like a 6-oz sirloin, bacon cheeseburger, chicken tenders platter or pasta, depending on the year’s lineup. You dine in, show military or veteran ID, eat free, then they hand you a small “come back later” offer to use in a few weeks. Easy, familiar, filling.
Like our content? Follow us for more.
Take 5 Oil Change
Not everything has to be food. Take 5 Oil Change is knocking 25% off oil changes for vets and active-duty on Nov. 11, and a lot of their shops keep a military discount all year. Show your proof of service, mention the Veterans Day deal, and they apply it to your service. It’s a good one to grab if your car is due anyway and you don’t want to burn cash on maintenance.
MOD Pizza
MOD is keeping it straightforward: on Nov. 11, veterans, active-duty and spouses get 50% off a MOD-size pizza or salad at participating shops. You order your custom pie or salad, show your ID, and they cut the price in half at the register. It’s fast-casual, so you’re in and out, and it’s good if you don’t want a heavy sit-down meal. Check your store first because franchise locations can set their own rules.
McCormick & Schmick’s
This one’s a little more dressed up. McCormick & Schmick’s invites veterans, active-duty, National Guard, Gold Star parents and Gold Star spouses to dine on a special entrée at 50% off around Veterans Day 2025. Some locations pick the exact day (often the Sunday before), so don’t just turn up, call first. Show your proof of service when you’re seated. Nice option if you want seafood or steak and a slower meal.
Great Clips
Walk into Great Clips on Nov. 11, tell them you’re a vet or on active duty, and they’ll give you a free haircut or a free haircut card to use later if you’re short on time. It’s simple, useful and saves you having to budget for grooming this month. You still tip your stylist, but the cut is covered. Available at participating salons only.
Mountain Mike’s
If you’re in one of the states where Mountain Mike’s operates, you can tack on something extra to your order. On Nov. 11, vets and active-duty get free garlic sticks with a qualifying purchase, usually $25, when they redeem the in-app offer or use the code the chain gives out for Veterans Day. It’s a nice add-on when you were buying pizza for the house anyway.
White Castle
Craver HQ is in, too. On Veterans Day, White Castle treats vets and active-duty to a free combo meal or breakfast combo. You show your military ID or other proof, order your combo and go. It’s fast, it’s hot and it’s available at participating locations only, so double-check yours. Good for anyone who wants something grab-and-go instead of a sit-down lunch.
Dunkin’
Dunkin’ keeps it short and sweet. On Nov. 11, veterans and active-duty get a free doughnut of their choice at participating locations, no drink purchase required. You just tell them you’re a vet, show ID if they ask, pick your doughnut and you’re done. It’s not a full breakfast, but it’s a nice sugar stop to go with your own coffee.
Chili’s
Chili’s is offering vets and active-duty a free entrée from a special Veterans Day menu on Nov. 11. You dine in, show proof of service, and pick from their list, it’s usually burgers, chicken and other mid-priced items. Sides, tax and tip are on you. This is a good choice if you like casual dining but don’t want to figure out a coupon code.
Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt
Menchie’s gives all veterans and active-duty their first six ounces of frozen yogurt and toppings for free on Veterans Day. That’s enough for a decent cup. You go in, tell them you served, and they zero it out at the register. If you go over six ounces you just pay the difference. It’s a low-key treat if you’re already out hitting other offers.
Torchy’s Tacos
Torchy’s is giving vets and active-duty a free taco and a fountain drink on Nov. 11. You show your military ID, order your taco, grab your drink and that’s it. It’s fast, it’s fresh and it’s good if you don’t want to sit through a full meal. Participation can vary by location, so call first if yours is franchised.
National parks (fee-free day)
Veterans Day is one of the national park system’s fee-free days, so anyone can visit participating national parks and pay $0 to get in. That includes you, and you don’t have to prove service for this one. If you’d rather spend Nov. 11 outside instead of in a restaurant line, this is the way. Check the NPS site to make sure the park you want is included.
Sport Clips
Sport Clips joins the haircut crew on Nov. 11 with a free cut for veterans and active-duty at participating shops. Show your ID, sit down, and your cut is covered. Some stores give you a free-cut card instead if they’re slammed. Either way, you walk away with grooming handled. Check their participating-locations page before you go so you don’t waste a drive.
Bubba’s 33
Bubba’s 33 is offering vets and active-duty a free lunch entrée from a set menu on Nov. 11 between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Can’t make that window? You can stop in and grab a voucher to use another day. Either way you get a meal. Come ready to show proof of service, and remember guests pay regular price.
TCBY
TCBY lets veterans and active-duty cool off with the first six ounces of frozen yogurt free on Nov. 11. It works just like Menchie’s: get your cup, pull your flavor, add toppings, and if you stay under the six-ounce mark you’re set. Overshoot it and you pay the difference. It’s a good add-on stop if you’re already doing other errands.
Golden Corral
Golden Corral runs its Military Appreciation Night on Nov. 11 from 4 p.m. to close. Any person who has served, active-duty, Reserve, Guard, veteran, retiree, can eat free from the buffet. Everyone else at the table pays regular price. You dine in, show proof of service, and enjoy as much as you want. It’s one of the bigger, better-known Veterans Day meals.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill
Carrabba’s doesn’t just do Veterans Day, they run a 10% “Heroes Discount” all year for service members, veterans and first responders. That means you can go on Nov. 11 or any other day and knock a little off your bill. You still need to verify, and alcohol is usually excluded, but it’s a good choice when you want Italian instead of burgers.
Red Robin
Red Robin is feeding vets and active-duty a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger with bottomless fries on Nov. 11. You dine in, show ID, and you’re good. Fries are bottomless like usual, so you can actually leave full. It’s one per person and only at participating restaurants, so call first if yours is franchise-run.
Bonefish Grill
Bonefish gives service members, vets and first responders 10% off all year with its Heroes Discount. That includes Veterans Day. If you want something nicer, say Bang Bang Shrimp and a drink, this trims the bill a bit. Bring your ID or other proof so they can apply it.
Free car wash (Grace for Vets)
This one’s national. The Grace for Vets program teams up with participating car washes to clean vehicles for veterans and military personnel for free on Nov. 11. You show up, show proof of service if they ask, and your wash is comped. It’s not flashy, but it’s money you don’t have to spend. Check their site for local participating washes before you head out.
Target
Target is giving all verified military, vets and their families 10% off two separate purchases through Nov. 11. You have to verify your status in Target Circle first, then the offer shows up in your account. It’s good for holiday shopping, clothes, basics, lots of items, with the usual exclusions. Two trips, two discounts.
Samsung
Samsung’s military offers program is year-round, not just Veterans Day, but it’s worth putting here. Once you verify through ID.me, you can see up to 30% off phones, appliances, tablets and other Samsung gear. If you were going to upgrade your phone near the end of the year anyway, doing it under the military portal keeps some cash in your pocket.
Outback Steakhouse
Outback has a similar setup to its sister brands: a standing 10% Heroes Discount for active-duty, vets and first responders. Show ID and they apply it to your check. On or around Veterans Day they sometimes add a limited-time freebie, so it’s smart to peek at your local Outback’s page first. Good when you want a steak but still want to feel the “thank you.”
Farmer Boys
Farmer Boys, mostly in AZ, CA and NV, is selling its Big Cheese burger to veterans and active-duty for just $4 on Veterans Day. Not totally free, but way cheaper than the regular price. You show proof of service and pay the reduced price. Nice for people in the Southwest who don’t have the bigger national chains nearby.
IHOP (extra deal)
IHOP is bringing back its Veterans Day offer: vets and active-duty can get a free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo on Nov. 11, 2025, usually from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. You dine in, show military ID or other proof, and breakfast is handled. The combo normally comes with pancakes, eggs and meat, so it’s a proper meal, not just a single pancake.
Denny’s (extra deal)
Denny’s is inviting active and retired military in for a free Original Grand Slam on Veterans Day 2025 from opening until noon at participating locations. That’s pancakes, eggs, bacon and sausage, the full spread. Just bring your military ID or DD-214 and dine in. It’s one of the best breakfast values on the list.
Little Caesars (extra deal)
On Nov. 11, 2025, Little Caesars is giving veterans and active-duty a free Lunch Combo, four slices of Detroit-style deep dish plus a 20-oz drink, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. You just walk in during the window, show proof of service, and grab the combo. Super quick if you don’t want to sit down anywhere.
Buffalo Wild Wings (extra deal)
Buffalo Wild Wings is doing its usual Veterans Day thank-you: vets and active-duty get 10 free boneless wings and fries on Nov. 11, 2025, with valid ID. You can dine in or, at BWW GO locations, walk in and order at the counter. Perfect if you’re already planning to watch a game.
Texas Roadhouse (extra deal)
Texas Roadhouse will be handing out meal vouchers to veterans and active-duty on Veterans Day 2025, usually in the morning. You stop in, show proof of service, and they give you a voucher good for one of several entrées, two sides and a non-alcoholic drink. The best part is you can redeem it later, all the way into 2026, so you don’t have to fight the crowds the same day.
Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme thanks veterans and active-duty on Nov. 11 with a free doughnut of your choice plus a hot or iced coffee at participating shops. No purchase, just proof of service. It’s a quick win if you’re already out grabbing other offers and want something sweet without spending. One per eligible guest, and locations can vary, so it’s smart to confirm your store.
Aroma Joe’s
At participating Aroma Joe’s locations, veterans can grab a free 24-ounce drink on Veterans Day, coffee, AJ’s Rush, whatever’s your thing. You show your military ID at the window, they ring it in at $0 and you roll out. It’s one of the faster, drive-thru-friendly offers on the list, which is handy if you don’t want to sit down anywhere.
Dave & Buster’s
Dave & Buster’s makes the day a little more fun by giving vets and active-duty a free entrée (up to the value they set) and a free Power Card to play games on Nov. 11. You dine in, show proof of service and they take care of the rest. It’s a good one if you’ve got kids with you or just want something that isn’t another burger-and-fries stop.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
BJ’s invites veterans and active-duty to dine in on Veterans Day for a free Pizookie dessert and then hands them a coupon for a free appetizer to use on a later visit. So you get something now and something later. Just show your military or veteran ID when you order so your server can apply it.
Floyd’s 99 Barbershop
Floyd’s 99 runs a Veterans Day thank-you where military and veterans can get 50% off haircuts in the promo window. It’s a solid, real-world discount, not just a token 10%, and it’s perfect if you were due for a cut anyway. Call your shop first to confirm hours and that they’re participating, then bring proof of service.
Olive Garden
Olive Garden keeps things simple: veterans and active-duty who dine in on Nov. 11 can pick a free entrée from the restaurant’s Veterans Day menu. You still cover drinks and tip, but the meal itself is on them. Show your military ID or other proof of service when you’re seated so they can note it on the check.
Claim Jumper Steakhouse & Bar
Claim Jumper gives veterans and active-duty a free meal from a special Veterans Day menu at participating locations. It’s dine-in and you’ll need to show proof of service, but you get a proper sit-down meal, not just a snack. A good pick if you want to celebrate somewhere a bit bigger than fast food.
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar
Bad Daddy’s thanks vets with a free All-American Burger and side on Veterans Day, usually during a specific time window. No purchase needed, just show your military or veteran ID so they can comp it. It’s a strong offer if you’ve got a location near you and want an actual entrée, not just dessert.
California Pizza Kitchen
CPK gives veterans and active-duty a free entrée and drink from its Veterans Day menu when they dine in, and then hands them a BOGO to use later in November. So you eat free now and get a deal to come back. You’ll need to show military ID and visit a participating restaurant.
Like our content? Follow us for more.
