Veterans Day 2026: Over 30 FREE Meals, Discounts & Special Offers!

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Celebrate Veterans Day with free meals and sweet deals!

Girl hugging military personnel

Veterans Day 2026 is today, Wednesday, November 11th, and many stores and restaurants have announced 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 been 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).

Get 10% off in-store and online at Academy Sports.

All military and first responders get 10% off their in-store and online purchases at Academy Sports. This discount is available to military members currently serving and veterans from all five branches, plus the Reserves and National Guard.


Stop by Applebee’s for a free entrée.

Veterans and Active Duty Military who visit a participating Applebee’s restaurant today, November 11th, can receive 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’ll also get a $5 Bounce Back Card to use toward their next meal at Applebee’s.


Get a 5-course hibachi entrée with your appetizer purchase at Benihana.

Today, November 11th only, active military, veterans, first responders, and Gold Star Families can enjoy a complimentary 5-course hibachi entrée with the purchase of an appetizer at Benihana.

This offer requires proof of military service and is valid for dine-in only.


Treat yourself to a free meal at Biscuit Belly.

Biscuit Belly offers a daily 10% discount to all veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders. On Veterans Day, they are also offering a complimentary meal to all Veterans at any Biscuit Belly location.


Grab a free one-topping pizza from Blaze Pizza.

Today, November 11th only, veterans and active-duty military personnel can get a free one-topping pizza from participating Blaze Pizza locations nationwide.


Enjoy a free meal from Bob Evans.

Today, November 11th only, veterans and active-duty military receive a free meal from Bob Evans’ special Veterans Day menu.


Bubba’s 33 is offering a free lunch for Veterans.

Today, November 11th only, veterans can visit Bubba’s 33 for a free lunch from 11 am to 4 pm, or get a voucher for a future visit.


Enjoy a free meal at Chili’s.

Chili’s is offering veterans and active military members a FREE meal today, November 11th only. Service members can select a free entrée from the following choices: Chicken Crispers, Chili or Soup & Salad, Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas, or an Oldtimer with Cheese.


Get free chips and dip from Chipotle.

Today, November 11th only, active-duty US service members and veterans with valid proof of eligibility can receive a free order of chips and dip with a $5 in-restaurant purchase at Chipotle. Choose from guacamole, queso blanco, or salsa.


Enjoy a free Sunrise Pancake Special at Cracker Barrel.

Cracker Barrel is offering all veterans and active-duty military a complimentary Sunrise Pancake Special on Veterans Day, November 11th.

The Old Country Store will also have 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.

Today, November 11th only, Dave & Buster’s is offering 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.


Get a Free Grand Slam at Denny’s.

Today, November 11th only, Denny’s is offering 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).


Score a free Pulled Pork Sandwich from Dickey’s BBQ.

On Veterans Day 2026, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is offering all military veterans, with proof of service, a Buy One, Get One Free offer on any of Dickey’s pit-smoked sandwiches. This offer is available for pickup orders placed through the Dickey’s app or online at dickeys.com using the code VETFREE.


Get a free donut at Dunkin’!

Today only, November 11th, active and retired military members can stop by participating Dunkin’ locations nationwide and enjoy one FREE donut – no purchase or military ID is required!

This sweet freebie is available in-store only, while supplies last. Limit one per guest, and mobile app orders are excluded.


Receive a free combo meal card from Freddy’s.

Today, November 11th only, all Veterans and current military personnel can stop by Freddy’s to receive a free combo meal card – no purchase necessary! Cards may be redeemed through November 25th, 2026.


Golden Corral will have free meals for Veterans.

Today, November 11th only, from 4 PM until close, all active U.S. service members, retired military, and veterans will receive a free “thank you” buffet and beverage at Golden Corral.


Great Clips is giving free haircuts to Veterans.

Today, November 11th only, veterans and active service members can 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 get a haircut on Veterans Day at Great Clips will also receive a free haircut card to give to an active service member or veteran they know. These cards can be redeemed for a free haircut through December 4th, 2026.


Get a free breakfast buffet and 15% off your Hy-Vee purchase.

Veterans and active-duty military members can stop by Hy-Vee on Wednesday, November 11th, for a free buffet-style breakfast from 6 AM to 10 AM. Plus, they get a 15% discount on in-store or online orders placed today, November 11th only, with promo code VETS2026.


Enjoy a free Pancake Combo from IHOP.

From 7 AM to 7 PM on Veterans Day, Vets can get a FREE Red, White & Blueberry Pancake combo at IHOP with proof of service.


FREE meal at In-N-Out Burger.

Today, November 11th only, all veterans, active duty military, Reserves, and National Guard can claim a complimentary meal from In-N-Out Burger with proof of service. This includes any burger, fries, and beverage on the menu!


Get a Free Lunch Combo at Little Caesars

Today, November 11th from 11 AM–2 PM, veterans and active-duty military can 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 is required.


Get a free Bloomin’ Onion, a drink, and a meal at Outback Steakhouse.

Today, November 11th only, active and retired U.S. military personnel and veterans can receive a FREE Bloomin’ Onion and a choice of a Coca-Cola product or 16oz domestic draft beer at Outback Steakhouse. They’ll also receive a FREE Hero’s Meal for a future visit through their Dine Rewards account (valid 11/16/26 – 5/2/27).


Get a free meal and drink at Pilot.

Today, November 11th only, Pilot is treating 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.

Today, November 11th only, Publix is offering all veterans and active military personnel receive 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.


Get a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger with Steak Fries at Red Robin.

Veterans and active duty service members get a FREE Red’s Big Tavern Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries with proof of service today, November 11th only (dine-in only).


Buy one Italian Ice, get one free at Rita’s.

Today only, Rita’s Rewards members who show their Veteran ID can buy one small ice and get a second small ice free. You’ll find this offer in the Rewards section of your Rita’s app.


Get a complete meal for FREE at Ruby Tuesday.

Today, November 11th only, every U.S. veteran, retired, active duty, or reserve service member gets a FREE entrée, Garden Bar, and a bottomless drink (worth up to $17.99) with proof of military service at Ruby Tuesday.


Save up to 30% on Samsung products.

For a limited time, veterans get 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.


Enjoy a free ShackBurger.

Today, November 11th only, all active-duty military personnel and veterans are invited to enjoy a free ShackBurger at Shake Shack. Just show a valid military ID or proof of service.


Get a free meal from Sonny’s BBQ.

All Veterans can enjoy a free Pork Big Deal today, November 11th only, at Sonny’s BBQ. A Pork Big Deal comes with a pulled or sliced pork sandwich, and you can add your pick of a Sidekick and a drink.

To claim this offer, show your valid military ID or proof of service.


Veterans & service members get a free haircut at Sport Clips.

Participating Sport Clips locations will offer free haircuts for veterans and service members today, November 11th only.


Grab a free hot or iced coffee from Starbucks.

On Veterans Day, Veterans, military service members, and military spouses can enjoy a FREE tall (12 oz) brewed coffee (hot or iced) from Starbucks. This offer is valid on November 11th only, in café and drive-thru orders only. Cold Brew, Nitro, and beverage customizations are excluded from this offer, and there’s a limit of one per customer.


Save an additional 20% on your Target purchase.

Target’s military discount is back today, November 11th only, and it’s 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 will be loaded into your account automatically!


Get 10% off at Tractor Supply.

Today, November 11th only, Tractor Supply is offering 10% off for verified Hometown Heroes.


Score 20% off at Walgreens.

Military and veterans get 20% off eligible regular-price items at Walgreens with myWalgreens (free to join), in-store only, today, November 11th only.


Get a Free Cheeseburger at Wendy’s.

Today, November 11th only, veterans and active-duty military can 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.


Enjoy a free appetizer from Yard House.

Today, November 11th only, veterans and active-duty military personnel will receive a FREE appetizer with a valid military ID. This offer is 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!


About the writer:

Denise has been blogging since 2018 and following Hip2Save since 2008. With a Bachelors degree in Business from Purdue University and 15 years of banking experience, she always has savings on her mind. When she's not browsing the clearance racks of Target, you can find her watching documentaries or cheering on her son at his soccer games with her family.


Join The Discussion

Comments 8

  1. Kellie Z

    Michael’s has a veterans benefit all year. It is 15% off your purchase.

    • Trish (Hip Sidekick)

      Thanks for sharing, Kellie! ❤️

    • Sylvia

      Where at?

      • Amber (Hip Sidekick)

        Hey Sylvia! I do see those details here if helpful!

  2. Amy

    Plus 10% off groceries at Kroger

    • Amber (Hip Sidekick)

      Thanks, Amy! It looks like that may vary by region. Good to keep an eye out for!

  3. Sylvia

    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.

    • Amber (Hip Sidekick)

      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. ❤️

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