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Ultimate List of Veterans Day Free Meals!

Ultimate List of Veterans Day Free Meals!

Veterans and active military get free meals and more on Veterans Day! This list, freshly updated for Veterans Day 2020, includes restaurants and retailers that will give you tangible proof of their gratitude for your service. You can find free breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks between. Or, get a free hotel stay, a free car wash, or a free wedding dress!

Here are a few essential things to remember:

  • Don’t forget your ID! Some venues will accept photographs, DD214 forms or serve you if you are in uniform… but the best way to avoid the hassle is to bring your military or VA ID.
  • Call ahead! Not all locations participate in this program so you’ll want to check ahead of time to make sure your local restaurant is participating.
  • Prepare for a wait! For some restaurants, Veterans Day is the busiest day of the year… and most of these locations require you to dine-in to get the deal.
  • Don’t forget to tip! When you’re visiting a dine-in restaurant, please tip your waitstaff based on the total amount of your bill regardless of your actual charges.
  • Read the dates carefully. Keep in mind that some deals are offered for limited hours on Veterans Day, while others run for a few days or even all month.

Veterans Day 2020 Free Meals

BJ’s Restaurants & Brewhouse provides free meals valued up to $14.95 and a Dr. Pepper on Veteran’s Day!

Charlie Brown’s provides a free lunch from a select Veterans Day menu.

Chicken Salad Chick offers a free meal and drink in honor of Veterans Day! This deal is valid at all locations.

Chipotle offers a free burrito, bowl, salad or order of tacos. However, this offer is only valid with the purchase of an entree.

Country Kitchen invites you to enjoy a free Country Scramble.

Denny’s often gives all military personnel whether active or retired, a Free Build Your Own Grand Slam for Veteran’s Day! Historically, this was only available from 5 am to noon so check with your store to see when it is available to you.

Farmer Boys gives out free Big Cheese Cheeseburgers to veterans and military.

IHOP offers a free stack of red, white and blue pancakes on Veteran’s Day! These buttermilk pancakes are topped with strawberries, blueberries and whipped cream. They’re only available free between 7 am and 7 pm!

Pinaccle Entertainment Casinos provide free lunch buffets for veterans and those with valid military ID. There are participating locations in Kansas City, St. Louis, Chicago, Cincinnati, Baton Rouge and more. You must dine between 11 am and 2 pm to receive this offer.

54th Street Grill offers a free meal (up to $12 value).

Applebee’s provides a free meal from a special Veterans Day menu. In previous years, spouses and caregivers were also invited to get a discount but this year, it’s limited to veterans and active military only. The menu includes the following:

  • Classic Bacon Cheeseburger
  • Chicken Tenders
  • Fiesta Lime Chicken
  • Oriental Chicken Salad
  • 6 oz. USDA Select Top Sirloin
  • Double Crunch Shrimp
  • Three Cheese Chicken Penne

Bakers Square Offers a free meal for veterans and active duty service members.

Bar Louie is offering a free burger or flatbread. up to $15 in value.

Ben’s Soft Pretzels offers a free Jumbo Soft Pretzel.

BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse also offers their free $14.95 meal on Veteran’s Day and a free Dr. Pepper! You may also be able to get a free beer. Contact your local restaurant for details.

Bob Evans locations are providing a free breakfast, lunch or dinner from a select menu of their most popular choices.

Bonefish Grill offers a free appetizer with purchase of an entree.

Bruegger’s Bagels offers a free bagel and cream cheese for presenting a military ID.

Buffalo Wild Wings gives active and retired service members a free small order of wings and side of fries if you dine-in! You must present proof of service including an ID card, a DD214, veteran’s card, photograph of you in uniform, or wear your uniform to the restaurant.

California Pizza Kitchen invites military and former military to choose from a pizza, full-size salad or pasta from their special Veterans Day menu.

Carlo’s Bakery provides a free large cannoli to customers with a veteran or military ID. You can choose plain or chocolate.

Carrabba’s provides a  free calamari with a purchase!

Carrows provides a free slice of pie! No purchase necessary but you will need to have photo ID.

Chevy’s Fresh Mex invites veterans and military to enjoy a free three-item combo meal between 11 am and 10 pm. The combos include enchiladas, soft or crispy tacos, tamales, flautas, or chile relleno. You can also choose from a side of homemade beans, refried beans or vegetarian black beans. Corn tamalito is included.

Chili’s provides a free meal from a special Veterans Day menu. The selections are limited to these five options:

  • Chicken Crisper s
  • Margarita Grilled Chicken
  • Bowl of Chili or Soup and Salad
  • Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas
  • Just Bacon Burger
  • Old-timer with Cheese
  • Cajun Chicken Pasts

Chuck E Cheese’s has in the past given a free one-topping personal pizza to all military members for Veteran’s day.

CiCi’s Pizza provides a free buffet, including pizza, salad, desserts and more, to customers with a military or veteran ID. Drink is not included.

City Barbeque offers a free sandwich, two sides, and a regular beverage.

CoCo’s Bakery offers a free slice of pie!

Cotton Patch Cafe offers a free Chicken Fried Steak or Chicken Fried Chicken  to Veterans and Active Duty Military.

Cracker Barrel offers a free Pumpkin Pie Latte (available iced or hot) or a slice of our Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola® Cake at all 640+ locations! I wish I lived near a Cracker Barrel because I really think I need to try one of these.

Dickey’s BBQ Pit participating locations usually offer a free sandwich, side and drink on Veteran’s Day!

Dunkin’ Doughnuts is offering a free donut of their choice, no purchase necessary!

Famous Dave’s offers a Veteran’s Day deal for all military personnel of a free two meat combo with 1 side and a corn bread muffin.

Fazoli’s provides a free spaghetti to customers with a military or veteran ID. You can choose a marinara or meat sauce.

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers provides a free combo meal card. The card must be picked up by an eligible veteran or active duty military member but the card can be redeemed by anyone.

Friendly’s provides a free breakfast, lunch or dinner to customers with a military or veterans ID. The free breakfast is a Big-Two-Do meal with coffee. The free lunch and dinner is an All-American Burger/Cheeseburger with fries and a beverage.

Glory Days Grill provides a free appetizer or order of wings (boneless or regular).

Green Mill provides a free lunch or dinner for veterans and active military. You can choose from the menu, although pizzas are limited to one small one-topping deep dish pizzas.

Grub Burger Bar provides a free entree.

Hooters invites veterans for a free meal from the following:

  • 10-Piece Traditional Wings
  • 10-Piece Smoked Wings
  • 10-Piece Boneless Wings
  • Hooters Burger
  • Buffalo Chicken Salad
  • Buffalo Chicken Sandwich.

Hy-Vee Enjoy a free breakfast for veterans and active military members November 11, 2019 from 6 – 11 A.M.

IKEA does free entrees for veterans with military ID.

K&W Cafeteria invites veterans and military to enjoy a free meal including an entree, 2 sides, bread and a beverage. 11 A.M. – close.

Krispy Kreme gives a free doughnut and small coffee to veterans, no military ID required!

Krystal offers a free sausage biscuit during breakfast hours (6-11 am). You can pick it up in-store or in the drive-thru!

LaMar’s provides free 12 oz. coffee and a donut to customers with ID who arrive between 5 am and 3 pm. The coffee is 12 oz size.

Little Caesars Pizza does a free$5 HOT-N-READY Lunch Combo®, which includes four slices of DEEP!DEEP! Dish pepperoni pizza and a 20 ounce Pepsi product, the deal is only available from 11am-2pm local time.

Main Event in addition to a free meal, you’ll also receive a 30 minutes of game play. The meal is one of the following choices:

  • Bacon & Cheddar Burger
  • Jumbo Wings & Fries Combo
  • 10¢¢ Ultimate Sausage & Pepperoni Pizza
  • Classic Cobb Salad
  • Crispy Chicken Tender Sandwich
  • Chicken Tenders & Fries

Margaritas Mexican Restaurant gives veterans and active duty members AND their significant others complimentary entrees!

Max & Erma’s provides a free Best Cheeseburger in America, Endless Seasoned Fries, and a fountain drink. You’ll need to dine-in for this deal.

McCormick and Schmick’s honors veterans and Gold Star families with a free lunch or dinner on Veterans Day. Some of the menu options include salmon rigatoni, buttermilk shrimp, chicken fettuccine, and tender beef medallions. Valid on Veterans Day.

Mimi’s Cafe offers a free meal with the purchase of a nonalcoholic beverage. Meal choices include :

  • Fried Chicken & Waffles
  • Brioche French Toast
  • Four Buttermilk Griddlecakes
  • Slow-Roasted Turkey:
  • Brioche Cheeseburger
  • Mandarin Chicken Salad

Mission BBQ provides free sandwiches and cake for military and veterans.

Nekter Juice Bar provides a free 16oz smoothie or juice to veterans and military.

O’Charley’s offers veterans a free meal from their $9.99 menu. The selection includes Famous Chicken Tenders & Fries, Honey-Drizzled Southern-Fried Chicken, Homestyle Chicken Pot Pie and more. Remember, Veterans get a 10% discount all year round!

Olive Garden provides a free meal that includes unlimited soup, salad, and breadsticks. Some locations may limit your selection to a menu of popular options.

On the Border invites veterans and active military to enjoy a free Create Your Own Combo meal. You’ll get to choose 2 or 3 selections of soup, salad, tacos, tostadas, enchiladas, and other delicious treats. You’ll also get to choose black beans, refried beans or rice for no extra charge. Drinks are not included.

Outback Steakhouse gives 20% off Military Members’ check.

Peet’s Coffee & Tea invites veterans and military to select one free drip coffee or tea.

Perkins restaurants will give both past and present service members a free magnificent seven meal, which includes eggs, pancakes and a side of bacon or sausage.

Pizza Factory provides a free mini one-topping pizza and a regular soda. The locations in San Juan Bautista and Patterson California are offering free lunch buffets instead. The Anacortes WA location is also providing a free buffet.

Primanti Bros. provides a free Primanti Bros. Almost Famous sandwich . No sides, desserts or beverages are included.

Quaker Steak and Lube provides free or discounted meals, depending on their location and preference. The discount is capped at a certain dollar amount ($15), so depending on your preference your meal may merely be discounted by the value of the free meal.

Red Lobster provides a meal on Veteran’s Day. According to an email I just received, “Red Lobster is offering guests a free Walt’s Favorite Shrimp, Fries and Coleslaw, featuring six hand-breaded, butterflied and lightly fried shrimp served with coctail sauce, as well as crispy French Fries and Coleslaw.”

The offer is available for dine-in and to-go orders that are placed inside the restaurant between 11am and 4pm on Friday, November 11. Guests will need to show a military ID or proof of service to redeem the offer.

Red Robin offers a free Red’s Tavern Double Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries.

Rock & Brews will serve you a free pulled pork sandwich or Strawberry Fields Salad to all veterans, active military members and first responders!

Romano’s Macaroni Grill offers a free Mom’s Ricotta Meatballs & Spaghetti meals. The meal includes house-made beef, veal, pork and ricotta meatballs sprinkled with romano cheese and crushed red chiles. It is topped with imported Pomodorina sauce and served over imported, bronze-cut spaghetti. All 93 locations are participating.

Ruby’s Diner will give you a free meal on Veterans Day!

Sagehouse Steakhouse provides one free non-alcoholic beverage and a free meal  from a limited menu, including:

  • Grilled Chicken House Salads
  • Grilled Chicken Caesar Salads
  • Hand Breaded Chicken Strips
  • 6oz Texas Sirloin
  • Fried Tilapia
  • Super Cheezy Chicken
  • Steakhouse Burger
  • Shaved Steak & Cheddar

Sizzler provides free meals from a limited menu until 4 pm. You’ll also get a free coffee, tea or soda. The menu includes:

  • 6 oz Tri Tip Steak
  • Single Malibu Chicken
  • Half Dozen Fried Shrimp

Subway restaurants have historically offered free 6-inch subs to service members for veteran’s day!

Tap House Grill provides a complimentary meal to all veterans and active/inactive military members.

Texas Corral offers a select Veterans Day menu for those who qualify. All meals include iced tea, lemonade or coffee. You can choose between these entree options:

  • 6 oz sirloin
  • Country fried chicken
  • Cowboy pork chop
  • Fajitas
  • Smokey Roasted Chicken
  • BBQ Pulled Pork
  • Bacon Cheddar Burger
  • Fried Catfish

Texas Roadhouse from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. all veterans — including all active, retired, or former U.S. military — can enjoy a free lunch at Texas Roadhouse.

TGI Fridays will provide a free lunch between 11 am and 2 pm for all veterans and active duty military. The value of the meal is capped at $12 and the menu varies by location.

Tijuana Flats offers a free meal for veterans, also!

TooJay’s provides a free meal from a special limited menu, which features:

  • Shepherd’s Pie
  • Stuffed Chicken Breast
  • Chopped Sirloin
  • Choose Too Half Sandwich and Soup
  • Fish & Chips
  • Atlantic Cod with Lemon Dill Butter
  • Open-Faced Turkey Sandwich
  • Create Your Own Omelette

Uno Pizzeria & Grill provides a free meal or individual pizza with the purchase of another meal or pizza. You will need to show a valid ID.

Village Inn provides a free custom breakfast. Select four items from their Inn-credible VIB menu and enjoy your free breakfast at any time on Veteran’s Day!

Vitality Bowls is offering free smoothies to veterans on Veterans Day at participating locations.

Wienerschnitzel gives veterans and military a free chili dog, small drink and fries!

CentraArchy Restaurants provides a free meal for veterans. This company owns restaurants like New York Prime, California Dreaming, The Tavern at Phipps, Chophouse New Orleans, Carolina Roadhouse, Joey D’s Oak Room, Chophouse 47, Burro Loco and more.

Country Cookin provides a free salad bar or $5 off any entree. Requires that you fill out a service card to receive the discount.

Golden Corral provides a free buffet and beverage on  Veteran’s Day! Anyone who is serving or has served in the military, including National Guard or Reserves, are invited to participate. Their offer is only valid from 5 pm to 9 pm.

Hoss’s Family Steak and Sea House will offer their soup, salad and dessert bar for free to veterans and active duty members. Must show proof of military status and valid I.D.

Outback Steakhouse is offering a 15% discount off the total check. Since this discount does not take effect until after Veteran’s Day, it cannot be combined with your free Bloomin’ Onion offer.

White Castle provides a free Breakfast Combo or Castle Combo Meal.

Plus, there are SO many restaurants that offer free meals to veterans before, during and after Veterans Day! We’ve got an everyday epic list for you right here.

Pick up Extra Veterans Day Deals at these stores!

Bass Pro Shop offers 10% off with military ID on Veterans Day. They also offer 5% off on any given day!

Bed and Breakfast Inns for Vets will give veterans at least one night free on or around Veterans Day. Participating locations in the U.S. and Canada.

Bed Bath & Beyond often does 25% off to military members.

Brides Across America is partnering with bridal salons to provide military brides a free dress! To qualify, brides must pre-register online. Register based on your state.

Commissary stores on base also often have Veterans Day deals! Check with your local commissary for more information.

Free Hair Cuts may be available in your area. Many salons and barbers offer free haircuts to Veterans and Active Duty members. Simply call stores in your area to find participating locations. A few salons that typically offer deals are Great Clips and Sports Clips 

Goodwill offers all those with a valid military ID 50% off all donated apparel on Veterans Day.

Grace for Vets, a non-profit organization, organizes car washes in 3,484 locations across the US, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia to provide a free car wash to veterans and service personnel. Find a car wash near you online.

Home Depot offers a year-round discount and on Veterans Day, Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day, they also offer a 10% discount.

QuickTrip (QT) does a free fountain or hot drink on Veterans Day! You must show your military ID.

Starbucks offers all military members and their spouses a free tall brewed coffee on Veterans Day

TOPS Market is offering an 11% discount this Veterans Day to veterans and active duty personnel.

US National Park Service will waive fees for day-use recreation sites for the entire Veterans Day weekend. Also, check out deals you can get for state and national parks year-round as a veteran.

Westgate Resorts is going to give away 1,500 free vacations! The first 1,500 eligible service members who complete the online form will receive a free vacation to either Orlando, Florida or Las Vegas, Nevada!

Did we miss anything? Comment below with other Veterans Day deals for 2020!

Veterans get more FREE stuff!

Nicole is the founder and lead researcher of Low Income Relief. After a personal experience with poverty and homelessness following her husband's sudden medical discharge from the U.S. Army, Nicole discovered the life-changing impact of community resources. This experience ignited her passion for empowering others to navigate similar crises. Nicole launched her writing career at age 16, working for various newspapers and publications. Her commitment to in-depth research and accessible content has been recognized by Google for Publishers and other industry leaders. For over 20 years, she has applied her investigative skills to uncover the most helpful, up-to-date information on benefits programs and community resources, ensuring Low Income Relief maintains the most extensive resource databases available.