Veterans Day 2027: Over 30 FREE Meals, Discounts & Special Offers to Watch For!
Celebrate Veterans Day with free meals and sweet deals!
Veterans Day 2027 is Thursday, November 11th, and many stores and restaurants will offer free meals and other discounts, freebies, and deals for veterans, active-duty military members, and their spouses!
Below, we’re sharing all the free meals and other offers that have were confirmed for Veterans Day 2026.
Please note that in many cases, proof of military service will be required to claim these offers. We recommend calling ahead to make sure that your local restaurants and retailers are participating (and to verify their ID requirements).
10% off in-store and online at Academy Sports
All military and first responders got 10% off their in-store and online purchases at Academy Sports. This discount was available to military members currently serving and veterans from all five branches, plus the Reserves and National Guard.
Free entrée at Applebee’s
Veterans and Active Duty Military who visited a participating Applebee’s restaurant on November 11th, 2026, received a free full-size entrée from the following list:
- 6 oz. Top Sirloin
- Classic Bacon Cheeseburger
- Chicken Tenders Platter
- Double Crunch Shrimp
- Fiesta Lime Chicken
- Oriental Chicken Salad
- Three-Cheese Chicken Penne
They also got a $5 Bounce Back Card to use toward their next meal at Applebee’s.
5-course hibachi entrée with your appetizer purchase at Benihana
On November 11th, 2026, active military, veterans, first responders, and Gold Star Families got a complimentary 5-course hibachi entrée with the purchase of an appetizer at Benihana.
This offer required proof of military service and was valid for dine-in only.
Free meal at Biscuit Belly
Biscuit Belly offered a daily 10% discount to all veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders. On Veterans Day, they also offered a complimentary meal to all Veterans at any Biscuit Belly location.
Free one-topping pizza from Blaze Pizza
On November 11th, 2026, veterans and active-duty military personnel got a free one-topping pizza from participating Blaze Pizza locations nationwide.
Free meal from Bob Evans
On November 11th, 2026, veterans and active-duty military received a free meal from Bob Evans’ special Veterans Day menu.
Free lunch for Veterans at Bubba’s 33
On November 11th, 2026, veterans could visit Bubba’s 33 for a free lunch from 11 am to 4 pm, or get a voucher for a future visit.
Free meal at Chili’s
Chili’s offered veterans and active military members a FREE meal on November 11th, 2026. Service members could select a free entrée from the following choices: Chicken Crispers, Chili or Soup & Salad, Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas, or an Oldtimer with Cheese.
Free chips and dip from Chipotle
On November 11th, 2026, active-duty US service members and veterans with valid proof of eligibility received a free order of chips and dip with a $5 in-restaurant purchase at Chipotle. Choose from guacamole, queso blanco, or salsa.
Free Sunrise Pancake Special at Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel offered all veterans and active-duty military a complimentary Sunrise Pancake Special on Veterans Day, November 11th.
The Old Country Store also had special retail offers available for everyone, including 25% off the military collection through November 12th and buy one, get one free Duke Cannon items through November 30th.
Get free all-day play at Dave & Buster’s.
On November 11th, 2026, Dave & Buster’s offered free all-day Unlimited Game Play and/or one free dessert item with the purchase of a qualifying entree for veterans and active military! Just present your DD214 veteran ID, active-duty ID, or valid military ID to redeem.
Free Grand Slam at Denny’s
On November 11th, 2026, Denny’s offered a FREE Original Grand Slam to active-duty, inactive, and retired military personnel from 5 AM to noon! Just show a valid military ID or DD-214 at participating locations to enjoy this dine-in-only freebie (beverage not included).
Free Pulled Pork Sandwich from Dickey’s BBQ
On Veterans Day 2026, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit offered all military veterans, with proof of service, a Buy One, Get One Free offer on any of Dickey’s pit-smoked sandwiches. This offer was available for pickup orders placed through the Dickey’s app or online at dickeys.com using a promo code.
Free donut at Dunkin’
On November 11th, 2026, active and retired military members could stop by participating Dunkin’ locations nationwide for one FREE donut – no purchase or military ID required!
This sweet freebie was available in-store only, while supplies last. Limit one per guest, and mobile app orders are excluded.
Free combo meal card from Freddy’s
On November 11th, 2026, all Veterans and current military personnel could stop by Freddy’s to receive a free combo meal card – no purchase necessary! Cards may be redeemed through November 25th, 2026.
Free meals for Veterans at Golden Corral
On November 11th, 2026, from 4 PM until close, all active U.S. service members, retired military, and veterans received a free “thank you” buffet and beverage at Golden Corral.
Free haircuts for Veterans at Great Clips
On November 11th, 2026, veterans and active service members could go into any U.S. Great Clips salon and get a free haircut or a free haircut card for a future visit.
Additionally, non-military customers who got a haircut on Veterans Day at Great Clips also received a free haircut card to give to an active service member or veteran they know. These cards could be redeemed for a free haircut through December 4th, 2026.
Free breakfast buffet and 15% off your Hy-Vee purchase
Veterans and active-duty military members could stop by Hy-Vee on Wednesday, November 11th, for a free buffet-style breakfast from 6 AM to 10 AM. Plus, they got a 15% discount on in-store or online orders placed November 11th only, with a promo code.
Free Pancake Combo from IHOP
From 7 AM to 7 PM on Veterans Day 2026, Vets got a FREE Red, White & Blueberry Pancake combo at IHOP with proof of service.
FREE meal at In-N-Out Burger
On November 11th, 2026, all veterans, active duty military, Reserves, and National Guard could claim a complimentary meal from In-N-Out Burger with proof of service. This included any burger, fries, and beverage on the menu!
Free Lunch Combo at Little Caesars
On Veterans Day 2026, from 11 AM–2 PM, veterans and active-duty military could score a FREE HOT-N-READY Lunch Combo at Little Caesars, including four slices of Detroit-style Deep Dish pizza and a 20oz Pepsi!
No coupon needed, but proof of military service was required.
Free Bloomin’ Onion, a drink, and a meal at Outback Steakhouse
On November 11th, 2026, active and retired U.S. military personnel and veterans received a FREE Bloomin’ Onion and a choice of a Coca-Cola product or 16oz domestic draft beer at Outback Steakhouse. They’ll also received a FREE Hero’s Meal for a future visit through their Dine Rewards account (valid 11/16/26 – 5/2/27).
Free meal and drink at Pilot
On November 11th, 2026, Pilot treated active-duty military members and veterans to a FREE sandwich and coffee or fountain drink at participating locations! Just verify your military status through ID.me and claim the offer in the Pilot app.
10% off at Publix
On November 11th, 2026, Publix offered all veterans and active military personnel a discount of 10% on groceries in-store only. Just present a veteran ID card, military ID card, discharge document, or a driver’s license with veteran designation.
Free Red’s Big Tavern Burger with Steak Fries at Red Robin
Veterans and active duty service members got a FREE Red’s Big Tavern Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries with proof of service on November 11th, 2026 (dine-in only).
Buy one Italian Ice, get one free at Rita’s
On Veterans Day 2026, Rita’s Rewards members who showed their Veteran ID could buy one small ice and get a second small ice free. This offer was found in the Rewards section of your Rita’s app.
Free complete meal at Ruby Tuesday
On November 11th, 2026, every U.S. veteran, retired, active duty, or reserve service member got a FREE entrée, Garden Bar, and a bottomless drink (worth up to $17.99) with proof of military service at Ruby Tuesday.
Up to 30% off Samsung products
For a limited time, veterans got up to 30% off Samsung products through Samsung’s WeSalute+ Member Store. To access this discount, veterans must follow these steps to create an account.
Free ShackBurger at Shake Shack
On November 11th, 2026, all active-duty military personnel and veterans were invited to enjoy a free ShackBurger at Shake Shack. Just show a valid military ID or proof of service.
Free meal from Sonny’s BBQ
All Veterans could enjoy a free Pork Big Deal on November 11th, 2026, at Sonny’s BBQ. A Pork Big Deal came with a pulled or sliced pork sandwich, and you could add your pick of a Sidekick and a drink.
To claim this offer, show your valid military ID or proof of service.
Free haircut at Sport Clips
Participating Sport Clips locations offered free haircuts for veterans and service members on November 11th, 2026.
Free hot or iced coffee from Starbucks
On Veterans Day 2026, Veterans, military service members, and military spouses could enjoy a FREE tall (12 oz) brewed coffee (hot or iced) from Starbucks. This offer was valid on November 11th only, in café and drive-thru orders only. Cold Brew, Nitro, and beverage customizations were excluded from this offer, and there was a limit of one per customer.
20% off your Target purchase
Target’s military discount returned for Veterans Day 2026, and it was valid for 20% off your purchase!
To claim this offer, create or sign in to your Target Circle account (free to join), and verify your military status. If you’ve previously verified your military status, the Circle offer was loaded into your account automatically!
10% off at Tractor Supply
On November 11th, 2026, Tractor Supply offered 10% off for verified Hometown Heroes.
20% off at Walgreens
Military and veterans got 20% off eligible regular-price items at Walgreens with myWalgreens (free to join), in-store only, on November 11th, 2026.
Free Cheeseburger at Wendy’s
On November 11th, 2026, veterans and active-duty military could score a FREE Dave’s Single Cheeseburger at participating Wendy’s locations!
Just identify yourself as a veteran or active-duty military member when ordering in-store or at the drive-thru; limit one per person, with no purchase necessary, no substitutions, and no app, kiosk, mobile, or delivery orders.
Free appetizer from Yard House
On November 11th, 2026, veterans and active-duty military personnel received a FREE appetizer with a valid military ID. This offer was available for dine-in guests only, and no purchase is necessary.
Please remember that in many cases, proof of military service is required to get these deals. We recommend calling ahead to make sure that your local restaurants and retailers are participating (and to verify their ID requirements).
A BIG thank you to all the Military personnel who served our country in the past and who are currently serving our country and protecting our freedom! ♥
Thank a veteran with these FREE “Thank You For Your Service” printable cards!
Michael’s has a veterans benefit all year. It is 15% off your purchase.
Thanks for sharing, Kellie! ❤️
Where at?
Hey Sylvia! I do see those details here if helpful!
Plus 10% off groceries at Kroger
Thanks, Amy! It looks like that may vary by region. Good to keep an eye out for!
Here is another thought. Hubby is in a nursing home so he obviously can’t get any of the freebies. That would pretty much go for any vet in one. His only has 2 veterans in it, including him. Maybe a case of pop in a large one because often that’s a treat or a pack of cheese crackers or chips. If small like my husband’s is a big mac, fries, etc. There are lots of ways to thank them.
YES! Thanks for taking the time to mention that! Such a great idea, Sylvia. Also, HUGE thanks to you and your hubby for his service. ❤️