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 in 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 2020
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 Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2020, this year, which is the same day Veterans Day is officially recognized by the government. When Veterans Day falls on a weekend, Veterans Day is officially recognized on the following business day.
We have these offers broken out by date, to make it easier for you to find an offer that works with your schedule.
Before Veterans Day:
- Golden Corral (Nov 1 – 30). Promo card redeemable for a free lunch or diner through May 31, 2021. Cards available during the month of November, while supplies last. For more information visit the Golden Corral Military Appreciation Page.
- McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant (Nov 8, 2020). Half-price meal from a special menu. Please call ahead to verify participation. More info.
Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2020:
- Applebee’s – free meal. See the Veterans Day Menu.
- Bar Louie. Free Flatbread or Burger, with proof of service. Website.
- BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse. Free Entrée up to $14.95, plus a free Dr. Pepper. 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. Website.
- California Pizza Kitchen. Free meal from the special Veterans Day Menu. Dine-in only. Website.
- Chili’s. Free meal from a select menu. Website.
- CiCi’s Pizza. Free pizza buffet with military ID. Website.
- Denny’s. Free Build Your Own Grand Slam, from 5 a.m. to Noon. Participating locations only. Please call ahead. Locations.
- Famous Dave’s. 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. 10 free boneless wings with the purchase of 10 wings. Website.
- Houlihan’s. $10 off a $30 food purchase at participating locations. Website.
- IHOP. Free Red, White, & Blue pancakes at participating locations (some locations are not participating this year due to current events). 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 and a chocolate chip cookie. Website.
- O’Charley’s. Free meal from the ” Veterans Thank You Menu”, 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 (2019). Free Pick-2 Combo Meal. Announcement.
- Outback Steakhouse. Free Bloomin’ Onion and a Coca-Cola product. 10% off for military and first responders. Website.
- Red Lobster. Free Appetizer or dessert from special menu. Website.
- Red Robin (Nov. 12 – 30). Free Tavern Double™ burger with Bottomless Steak Fries®. Participating locations only. Must be a Red Robin Royalty member.
- Ruby Tuesday. Free sandwich with fries or tots. Announcement.
- Shoney’s (6:00 am – 11:00 am). Free All You Care To Eat, freshly-prepared Breakfast Bar. Dine-in only. Announcement.
- Sizzler Restaurants. Free lunch until 4pm. Choice of select entrees, and a free coffee, tea, or fountain drink. Website.
- Texas Roadhouse (11:00 am – 2:00 pm). Gift card redeemable for a free meal between Nov 12, 2020, and June, 2021. Cards will be distributed at the Texas Roadhouse parking lots. Locations.
- T.G.I. Friday’s. Free item from Veterans Day menu at participating locations. 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, 2020. 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
- Colonial Williamsburg Free Admission, Nov. 11, 2020. More info.
- Fee Free Day at National Parks. Over 100 national Parks will be participating in this event November 11, 2020.
- 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.
- 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
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Previous Offers (Awaiting Update)
- Chipotle (2019). Buy 1 Get 1 free burrito, bowl, salad or order of tacos. Announcement.
