Veterans Day Freebies 2020: Restaurants Offering Free Meals & More (Even Free Car Wash!)

In our list, we’ve only included free stuff for veterans and discounts reported on one of the following places:

• The brand’s /company’s official website.
• The brand’s /company’s official social media accounts (like Twitter and Facebook).
• News outlets.

Whether you’re looking for free meals on Veterans Day or money off your grocery shopping, check out our list and start saving!

By the way, don’t confuse Veterans Day with Memorial Day. The difference is, on Veterans Day we celebrate all U.S. military veterans and their services, while on Memorial Day we honor our fallen heroes (those who died while in military service.) And yes, you can get free meals for veterans on Memorial Day.

A quick note before we get started…

Before we get onto the list, we just want to mention a few useful things.

Number one: To redeem most, if not all, of these offers, you will need to show proof of service or an ID.

So don’t forget to take your ID or other documentation that proves your service, with you!

And number two: Let’s say that Applebee’s says it offers free food to veterans on November 11^th. Just because one Applebee’s offers this deal, it doesn’t mean that all locations will.

What we’re saying is that some national and chain brands will only provide a veterans offer at participating locations. So the offer might not be available at all locations.

This means that it’s a good idea to ask at your local store/business whether they offer the veterans special before you order any food or purchase any item, ticket or service.

Finally number three: Some of these offers are solely available on Veterans Day, which in 2019 falls on a Monday, whereas others are available for the whole weekend, or for the Monday after. Some deals are even available for the whole of November. We’ll let you know below when the deals are available.

Now that’s out of the way, let’s get onto the list!

Restaurants that Give Free Meals on Veterans Day

Let’s start with restaurants and other eateries that offer free meals on Veterans Day or discounts at least.

So which restaurants give free meals on Veterans Day?

You’ll find that there are so many restaurants, from Mexican restaurants to pizza places that provide free food on Veterans Day.

It’s important to note though that most of these offers are dine-in only, so don’t apply to takeout orders.

So check out the list and eat for free!

1. 99 Restaurants

On Veterans Day, veterans and active military get a free lunch with purchase of any entrée. Just show your military ID.

2. Back Yard Burgers

Get a free Back Yard Classic Burger if you’re an active duty service member or veteran. No purchase is necessary either.

3. Brig’s

Get 10% off your entire meal, including sides, beverages and desserts at Brig’s. This offer, like most of the offers in this section, is dine-in only.

4. Applebee’s

You can get a free full-size entrée from a selection of eight fan favorites when you visit your local Applebee’s.

5. Chili’s Grill & Bar

On November 11^th, you can get a free entrée/meal if you’re a veteran or an active military member.

6. Texas Roadhouse

Get a free lunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at all Texas Roadhouse locations.

7. Red Robin

This Veterans Day, you can get a free Red’s Tavern Double Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries. Just show proof of service and enjoy your meal with us.

8. On The Border

Get a Free Create-Your-Own Combo 2 Meal from On The border.

9. Famous Dave’s

In honor of Veterans Day, you can get a FREE 2 Meat Salute from Famous Dave’s on Sunday, November 11 and Monday, November 12

10. Golden Corral

Golden Corral gives retirees, veterans, active duty, and National Guard or Reserves a free dinner with its Military Appreciation Night. This year, the Military Appreciation Night is on Monday, November 12^th from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

11. California Pizza Kitchen

Veterans and active military get a free entrée on Veterans Day at the California Pizza Kitchen.

12. Buffalo Wild Wings

Get free small boneless or traditional wings and fries at Buffalo Wild Wings, if you’re a veteran or active-duty service member.

13. Little Caesars

At Little Caesars, you can get a 5 HOT-N-READY Lunch Combo and a 20 ounce Pepsi product, on November 11, 2019 between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. (local time). Just mention this offer at the checkout.

14. Friendly’s

Get a free breakfast, lunch, or dinner on Veterans Day at Friendly’s if you’re a veteran or active military member.

15. Real Mex Restaurants (El Torito, Acapulco, Chevys and El Torito Grill)

Get a free meal from Real Mex Restaurants, if you’re a veteran or current service member.

16. Bar Louie

Bar Louie gives veterans free meals (includes a free burger or flatbread up to a $15 value) on Veterans Day.

17. Eat’n Park

Get 10% off for you and your entire party at Eat’n Park for the whole of November.

18. Shane’s Rib Shack

From November 8^th to November 10^th, active and retired members of the armed forces can get a free sandwich, regular side, and 20-oz. beverage.

20. Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ Military Family Month

For the whole month of November, you can get 20% off at Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ Military. This offer is valid for up to four guests as well.

21. Texas De Brazil

At Texas De Brazil, two veterans can dine for free, and get 20% off for up to six additional guests on Sunday, November 11^th and Monday, November 12^th.

22. Cattlemens Steakhouse

Get a free 8 oz. Sirloin Steak dinner at Cattlemans Steakhouse.

23. CentraArchy Restaurants

Veterans and active duty military members can get free meals at CentraArchy Restaurants Sunday, November 11^th.

24. Cotton Patch Café

At Cotton Patch café, veterans and active duty military get Chicken Fried Steak or Chicken Fried Chicken for free on Veterans Day.

25. Fatz Southern Kitchen

Fatz Southern Kitchen provides a free Calabash Chicken Basket for veterans and active military. Plus veterans and active military get 25% off all November.

26. Green Mill and Bar

Veterans and active-duty military eat free on Veterans Day at the Green Mill and Bar.

27. Grub Burger Bar

Grub Burger Bar provides a free Veterans Day entrée. In addition to this offer, military personnel also get 10% off year round.

28. Kolache Factory

At the Kolache Factory, veterans and active military get a free breakfast.

29. Logan’s Steakhouse

At Logan’s Steakhouse, between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., veterans and military personnel get a free meal from the American Roadhouse Meals menu.

30. Hy-Vee

On Veterans Day, get a free breakfast from Hy-Vee.

31. McCormick and Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks

Get a free entrée on Sunday, November 11^th at McCormick and Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks.

32. Primanti Bros

Active duty military and veterans get one free Classic Primanti Bros. Sandwich at Primanti Bros. No additional purchase is necessary either.

33. Rib Crib

Get a free meal, including your choice of two meats and one side of your choice at Rib Crib.

34. Rock and Brews Restaurant

At Rock and Brews Restaurant, veterans, armed forces, and first responders can get a free pulled pork sandwich or strawberry fields salad on November 12^th.

35. Sagebrush Steakhouse

At Sagebrush Steakhouse, veteran and active duty military personnel can get a free meal on Sunday, November 11^th.

36. Vitality Bowls

Veterans can get free smoothies at Vitality Bowls.

37. Wienerschnitzel

At Wienerschnitzel, veterans can get a free chili dog, small fries and small Pepsi.

38. Wild Wing Café

Veterans eat for free at Wild Wing Café on Sunday, November 11^th, 2019.

39.  Hoss’s Family Steak & Sea House

At Hoss’s Family Steak & Sea House, veterans and active duty military can eat for free at the soup, salad and dessert bar. Or veterans can purchase a meal and add on the salad bar for free.

40. Taco Mac

At Taco Mac, veterans and active military can get a free six-pack of wings on Monday, November 12^th, 2019.

41. Kings Family Restaurant

Veterans and active military members can get a free entrée (there are five to choose from) at the Kings Family Restaurant on Monday, November 12^th, 2019.

42. K&W Cafeteria

Get a free meal, including an entrée, two vegetables, bread and a refillable beverage at K&W Cafeteria, from 11 a.m. until closing on Monday, November 12^th, 2019.

43. Olive Garden

In the past few years, Olive Garden Italian Restaurant has been offering free meals to Active Duty members and Veterans. They usually post the news on their Facebook page.

44. Bandanas BBQ

At Bandana’s BBQ, veterans and active duty military members eat free on November 11, 2019.

Free Appetizers and Treats for Veterans

Aside from meals, you can also get other food items for free, like appetizers, deserts, and other sweet and savory treats.

So check out these places that offer free appetizers and treats on Veterans Day.

45. Cracker Barrel

Get a free piece of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake at Cracker Barrel.

46. Dunkin Donuts

On November 11^th veterans and active duty military get a free donut of their choice at Dunkin Donuts.

47. Red Lobster

Red Lobster offers a free appetizer or dessert for Veterans Day.

48. Ruby Tuesday

On November 11^th, veterans can get a free appetizer at Ruby Tuesday.

49. Arooga’s

Arooga’s gives veterans and service members a free meal on Monday, November 12, 2019.

50. Huddle House

Huddle House provides free sweet cakes to the military over Veterans Day Weekend.

51. Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ

We mentioned the discount offered by Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ in the free meals section. However, the restaurant also offers a free dessert on November 12^th, 2019.

52. BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse

Get a free Pizookie during the month of November from BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse.

53. Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt

Get your first 6 oz. of frozen yogurt for free at Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt.

54. Scooter’s Coffee

At Scooter’s Coffee, active and retired military can get free drinks of any size.

55. Texas Corral Grill Saloon

At Texas Corral Grill Saloon, active duty service members and veterans can get a free entrée from the restaurant’s Veterans Day menu.

56. Tucanos Brazilian Grill

Tucanos Brazilian Grill gives a free Churrasco Meal for veterans who are dining with someone else who purchases an adult Churrasco Meal. Veterans who are dining alone get a half-priced meal. This offer is available from November 9^th to the 10^th, and on November 12^th.

57. Krispy Creme

Krispy Creme gives 1 free donut and small coffee to all veterans and active duty military members on Veterans Day. You can usually find the details on their Facebook page a week or two before Veterans Day.

Retail Discounts for Vets

Food and drinks aren’t the only thing that you can get money off this Veterans day. There are also plenty of retailers who provide discounts in honor of Veterans Day.

A range of stores provide these discounts, like grocery stores, clothing stores and eyewear companies.

57. Home Depot

At Home Depot, veterans can get a 10% discount on Veterans Day.

58. Publix

Publix provides all military personnel and veterans, and their families, with a 10% discount on Veterans Day.

59. Tops Friendly Markets

Veterans and active military personnel can get an 11% discount on their total purchase at Tops.

60. Southern Grocers (BI-LO, Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket or Winn-Dixie stores)

Get 11% off qualifying grocery purchases at Southern Grocers stores, like BI-LO, Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores. This offer is available from November 11^th through November 12^th, 2019.

61. SpartanNash

At SpartanNash, veterans and members of the armed forces get an 11% discount. This offer is available on November 11^th and November 12^th, 2019. Stores also hold a moment of silence at 11 a.m. and throughout the afternoon, host other in-store commemorations to honor and thank veterans.

62. Under Armour

Active duty, retirees, veterans, military spouses, and military family members, as well as first responders, police, fire, and EMT customers get a 10% discount at Under Armour.

63. Rack Room Shoes

Get a 10% discount on Veterans Day at Rack Room Shoes.

64. My Legal Edge

From October 20^th to November 30^th, MyLegalEdge gives veterans free estate planning.

65. Eyemart

Retired, active or non-active military members, veteran, and their dependents get 20% off at Eyemart

66. Kohl’s

Kohl’s already offers a 15% military discount on Mondays. This year, they are adding and extra 15% for a total of 30% off through Monday, November 11.

Entertainment

Whether it’s bowling, museums, or botanical gardens, there are plenty of entertainment and recreation places that offer discounts on and around Veterans Day.

67. Main Event Entertainment

Active-duty and retired military personnel get a free entrée and free $10 in arcade play on Sunday, November 11^th, 2019. This $10 can be used on all in arcade play on Sunday, November 11^th, 2019.

68. US National Park Service

The US National Park Service offers free admission on Veterans Day. Since there are 400 parks available, there are plenty of great places to visit.

69. Aquarium of the Pacific

Veterans and active military get free admission at the Aquarium of the Pacific.

70. Birmingham Zoo

At Birmingham Zoo, veterans, active and retired military and their dependents can get free admission on Sunday, November 11^th and Monday, November 12^th.

71. Colonial Williamsburg

From November 9^th to 12^th, active duty military, reservists, retirees, veterans, national guardsmen, and their immediate dependents can get free admission to Colonial Williamsburg.

72. Harley Davidson Museum

From November 9^th to November 11^th, active military, veterans and their families get free museum entry at the Harley Davidson Museum.

73. World of Coca-Cola

World of Coca-Cola grants complimentary admission to all military members (active duty, reserves and retirees). Also, they get a 10% discount year round.

74. Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Veterans can get free admission from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden.

75. Knott’s Berry Farm

From November 1^st to November 15^th and November 26^th to December 21, 2019, active, retired and veteran military personnel may receive free admission to Knott’s Berry Farm for themselves and one guest

Travel & Recreation Freebies & Discounts for Veterans Day

Many hotels, inns, resorts and BNBs provide discounts on and around Veterans Day.

76. BNBs for Vets

BNBs and inns across the US and Canada have partnered with B&Bs for Vets to offer veterans a free night’s stay on and around Veterans Day. These inns and B&Bs provide at least one free night to veterans. Learn more by visiting the website.

77. Westgate Resorts

Westgate Resorts provides military families with free vacations. Veterans can also save 10% on its best available rates.

78. Red Roof Inn

Active military and retirees get a 10% discount at Red Roof Inn.

79. Hyatt Hotels

Current members of the military and veterans can get between 10% and 15% off the Hyatt Standard Rate.

Free Oil Change & More for Veterans

Whether it’s free oil changes or free tire (get free air for tire here), brake and battery checks, there are plenty of auto discounts that veterans can get on and around Veterans Day.

80. Goodyear Auto Service

Active and retired military members and first responders get free “Checks for Vets”, which includes free tire, brake and batter checks. Also, they can get 10% off tires.

81. Enterprise Car Sales

With the purchase of a used vehicle from Enterprise Car Sales, military, veterans and dependents, get a Firestone prepaid maintenance package valued at $300 included.

82. Free Car Wash through Grace for Vets

Grace for Vets organizes free car washes at participating locations for veterans and service personnel.

83. Free Oil Change

Many local oil change centers and stores will provide free oil changes on and around Veterans Day. There are also many stores that offer military discounts everyday of the year. Just call your local stores and ask.

Here are a few national brands that offer free or deeply discounted oil change on Veterans Day:

• Valvoline: Valvoline offers a 15% discount for all military members.
• Jiffy Lube: This is actually not exclusive to veteran day. Jiffy Lube has an ongoing discount of 25% off as a “Thank You” to the men and women of our Armed Forces for their service to our country. Just stop by any Team Car Care owned and operated Jiffy Lube service center any day, show your ID and get your oil changed for 25% off.

Free Haircuts for Veterans

Are you wondering if there are any places that offer free haircuts to veterans?

Well, there’s one place where you can get a haircut for free this Veterans Day.

84. Great Clips

On November 11^th, veterans can get a free haircut or a free haircut card to use later. This card is redeemable until December 31, 2019.

Closing Thoughts

There are so many Veterans Day freebies and discounts available. So take advantage of some of these great deals and save yourself some money!