Military members serve for many reasons, recognition is generally not high on the list. We serve to defend our country, defend freedom, and be a part of something bigger than ourselves. Though we don’t serve for recognition, it can be nice to have someone thank us for what we have done for our country. Veterans Day started almost a century ago with local celebrations and parades. Through the years, it has grown into a national celebration to remember those who have sacrificed more than most of us will ever know.
Now, many restaurants and retailers offer discounts as a way to say thanks to those who have served. This is very generous of them, and we want to thank all of those who support the military. If you are a military member or veteran, then I hope you can take part of this national celebration and enjoy a meal as a thanks for your service.
Please share this with your friends and fellow servicemembers and help them enjoy a meal as well!
Free Meals & Appetizers on Veteran’s Day 2018
Please note that many of these offers are franchises, and the offer and participation may vary by location. We recommend calling ahead to verify both the offer and participation before you show up.
ID is almost always required, and again, this can vary by location. Some forms of ID include your current military ID card, a state ID with a veterans designation, a service organization ID card (e.g. VFW, American Legion, or other service organization), DD 214, and sometimes a photo of you in your uniform or other proof of service.
Veterans Day is Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018 this year, which means it is officially recognized by the government on Monday, Nov. 12th. Because of this, many organizations are celebrating Veterans Day on Sunday, while others choose to celebrate on Monday. This makes it more fun for those who want to enjoy Veterans Day all weekend!
We have these offers broken out by date, to make it easier for you to find an offer that works with your schedule.
Friday, Nov. 9, 2018:
- Spaghetti Warehouse (Nov. 9-11, 2018). Buy any original Recipe Spaghetti entrée, get one free. Coupon required (see website). Coupon Required.
Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018:
- Applebee’s – free meal. See the Veterans Day Menu.
- Bar Louie. Free appetizer or entrée, up to $15. Website.
- BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse. Free Entrée up to $12.95. Locations.
- Bob Evans. Free meal from Veterans Day menu. Website.
- Buffalo Wild Wings. Free order of traditional or boneless wings and a side of fries. Announcement.
- California Pizza Kitchen. Free meal from the special Veterans Day Menu. Dine-in only. Website.
- Chili’s. Free meal from a select menu. Website.
- Chipotle. Buy 1 Get 1 free burrito, bowl, salad or order of tacos. Announcement.
- Famous Dave’s (Nov 11-12, 2018). Free 2 Meat Combo served with choice of side and corn bread muffin. Website.
- Friendly’s. Free breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Participating locations only. Website.
- Hooters. Free meal from select menu, with any drink purchase. Website.
- Houlihan’s. Free meal at participating locations only. Website.
- Little Caesars Pizza. Free pizza or $5 HOT-N-READY Lunch Combo from 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Website.
- Logan’s Roadhouse. Free entrée from special menu. Website.
- Max & Erma’s – free Best Cheeseburger in America Combo. Website.
- McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant. Free lunch or dinner from special menu. Please call ahead to verify participation. More info.
- O’Charley’s (Nov 11-12, 2018). Free $9.99er with ID. Announcement.
- Olive Garden. Free meal from a Veterans Day menu. Includes unlimited soup or house salad and garlic breadsticks. Website.
- On the Border. Free Choose 2 or Choose 3 Combo. Announcement.
- Outback Steakhouse. 10% off for military and first responders. Website.
- Red Lobster (Nov 11-12, 2018). Free Appetizer or dessert from special menu. Website.
- Red Robin. Free Tavern Double™ burger with Bottomless Steak Fries®. Participating locations only. Announcement.
- Ruby Tuesday’s. Free appetizer (up to $10) at participating restaurants. Announcement.
- Texas Roadhouse. Free meal from special menu. Announcement.
- T.G.I. Friday’s. Free menu item up to $12 at participating locations. Announcement.
Monday, Nov. 12, 2018:
- Denny’s. Free Build Your Own Grand Slam, from 5 a.m. to Noon. Participating locations only. Please call ahead. Locations
- Golden Corral. Free meal (5pm – 9pm). For more information visit the Golden Corral Military Appreciation Page.
- Shoney’s. Free All-American Burger. Dine-in only. Announcement.
Veterans Day Retail Discounts
- Free Car wash at thousands of locations at across the US. Find locations at Grace for Veterans.
- Great Clips. Free Haircut. Nov. 11, 2018. More info.
- Home Depot Military Discount – with proof of military service.
- Lowe’s Military Discount – with proof of military service.
- Sport Clips. Free haircut. More info.
Veterans Day Attractions & Events
- Anheuser-Busch Parks. Free admission at select parks. See Waves of Honor website for more info.
- Colonial Williamsburg Free Admission, Nov. 11, 2018. More info.
- Fee Free Day at National Parks. Over 100 national Parks will be participating in this event November 11, 2018.
- Harley-Davidson Museum. Nov. 9-11. Free Admission for all active military, veterans, and their families. More info.
- Historic Jamestowne – Free Admission November 11.
- Knotts Berry Farm Military Tribute Days – Free Admission for veteran or active servicemember, plus one guest. Visit site for more info.
- Pro Football Hall of Fame – Free Admission for member plus one guest, entire month of November. More info.
- Veterans Day Parades – National list of Veterans Day parades.
We recommend sharing this resource with any other Veterans you may know. You can also find more Veterans Day offers and resources at The Military Wallet:
Photo credit: watch4u
Previous Offers (Awaiting Update)
- CiCi’s Pizza (2017). Free pizza buffet with military ID. Website.
- IHOP (2017). Free Red, White, & Blue pancakes at participating locations. Website.
- Sizzler Restaurants (2017). Free lunch until 4pm. Choice of 3 entrees, and a free coffee, tea, or fountain drink. Website.
- Village Inn (2017). Free INN-credible V.I.B. breakfast. Participating locations only. Please call ahead. Website.
