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Veterans Day is a day to remember and thank military members for their service in the armed forces. As a military veteran, it always humbles me to see the thanks given by so many people on Veterans Day. Though none of us served for recognition, it is nice (and humbling) to be thanked for your service.

Many restaurants and retailers also offer veterans special discounts or even free meals on Veterans Day. This is very generous on their part, and certainly something they don’t have to do. If you are a military veteran, I encourage you to participate in one or more of these events. These Veterans Day appreciation events are a great way to meet other veterans and show the restaurants and retailers you appreciate their generosity.

We recommend sharing this resource with any other Veterans you may know. You can also see a list of military discounts, more Veteran’s Day Free Meals, and Veterans Day Retail Discounts on our other site, The Military Wallet.

Veterans Day Ceremony - Free meals to honor veterans

Free Meals on Veterans Day 2020

Notes: Offers may vary by location; please call ahead or verify offer first, especially with franchises. Most offers require military ID or other proof of service such as a military ID Card, Veterans ID Card, veterans designation on your drivers license, veterans organization card (e.g. VFW, American Legion), or military discharge papers.

Please see this list of free Veterans Day meals for more information on days, times, and eligibility, this will be a great way for you to save money on a meal out!

Did you know? Veterans Day is celebrated Nov. 11 each year. We do our best to verify everything, but we recommend verifying the offer with the restaurant before ordering.

Free Meals & Discounts – Nov. 11, 2020

Applebee’s – free meal from a special menu. More info.
Bar Louie – Free flatbread or burger. Locations.
BJs Restaurant and Brewhouse – Free entree, up to $14.95 value. Locations.
Bob Evans – Free Meal from special menu. More info.
California Pizza Kitchen – Free pizza, salad, or pasta from special menu. More info.
Chili’s – Free meal on Veterans Day. More info.
Cotton Patch Café – Free meal from special menu. Locations.
Denny’s – Free Build Your Own Grand Slam 5 a.m. – 12 p.m. Locations.
Famous Dave’s – Free 2 Meat Combo served with choice of side and cornbread muffin More info.
Golden Corral – Promotional card redeemable for a Free Military Appreciation Meal any Mon-Thurs From November 1, 2020 – May 31, 2021. Cards available during the month of November. More info.
Max & Erma’s – Free Best Cheeseburger in America Combo at participating locations. Locations.
McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants (Nov. 8, 2020) – 1/2 Price Meal from a special menu. More info.
O’Charley’s – Free Meal from the $9.99er menu. More info.
Red Lobster — Free Appetizer or Dessert. More info.
Red Robin – Free Red’s Tavern Double and Bottomless Steak Fries at participating locations. Find one near you.
Shoney’s – Free All You Care To Eat, freshly-prepared Breakfast Bar. Locations.
Texas Roadhouse – Texas Roadhouse is giving out Free dinner vouchers on Veterans Day, which will be redeemable for a free in-store meal through June 2021.

My wife and I are both military veterans, and we went to McCormick & Schmick’s a couple of years ago on the day before Veterans Day. It was a fun evening and a delicious meal. Of course, we tipped the waiter on the full price of the meal before accounting for any discounts.

Depending on which day of the week Veterans Day falls on, some restaurants may offer their free meal on a day other than Veterans Day. For example, Golden Corral almost always offers their free meal on a Monday. That happens to be the same day as Veterans Day this year. But in most years, it falls on a different day of the week. This gives military veterans an opportunity to take advantage of more than one meal at various restaurants if they so choose.

2020 Veterans Day Discounts (Retailers):

Veterans Day Freebies:

Free Car wash. Thousands of car washes around the country are offering vets a free car wash on Veterans Day. Find a list at Grace for Veterans.
Free Haircut – Great Clips. Free haircut.
Free Haircut – Sport Clips – free haircut at participating locations.

Retail Discounts:

Home Depot Military Discount – with proof of military service.
Lowe’s Military Discount – with proof of military service (more info on Home Depot and Lowe’s Military Discount).
Publix, 10% off. Veterans Day only. Valid for current and former military members. Offer excludes prescriptions, alcohol, tobacco, gift cards, lottery tickets, postage stamps, and money services. More info.

Please pass this info along if you know any military veterans and thanks to all who have worn the uniform!

2019 Offers (Pending Updates for 2020)

Hooters – Free Meal from select menu w/ drink purchase. Locations.
IHOP – Free Red, White, & Blue Pancakes. More info.
On The Border – Free choose 2 or choose 3 “Create Your Own Combo”. More info.
Outback Steakhouse – 20% off meal ticket. Locations.
Ruby Tuesday’s – Free appetizer (up to $10) at participating restaurants. More info.
Sizzler – Free Lunch until 4 p.m.
Spaghetti Warehouse (Nov. 9 – 11) – Buy one entrée, get one free. Coupon Required.
T.G.I. Friday’s – meal at participating locations. More info.