Veterans Day is Wednesday, November 11, 2026. To show their appreciation, several popular restaurants and retailers are offering free meals, special discounts, and other deals to veterans and active-duty military members.
Whether you’re looking to grab a free lunch, enjoy a complimentary coffee, or save on holiday shopping, there are plenty of ways to take advantage of these Veterans Day offers.
Here are some of the deals available across the country.
Restaurants Offering Free Food on Veterans Day
Several national restaurant chains are celebrating Veterans Day with complimentary meals and other food offers.
Here are some of the deals to know about:
Applebee’s: Veterans and active-duty military members can receive a free dine-in entrée from a special Veterans Day menu on November 11.Denny’s: Veterans and active-duty military members can enjoy a free Original Grand Slam breakfast from 5 a.m. until noon.Golden Corral: The restaurant is bringing back its annual Military Appreciation Night on November 11, offering veterans a free buffet.Red Lobster: Veterans, active-duty military members and reservists can receive a free Shrimp & Chips meal.Red Robin: Veterans and active-duty military members can get a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger with bottomless fries.Chili’s: Participating locations are offering a free entrée from a select Veterans Day menu.Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: Veterans and active-duty military members who visit on November 11 will receive a free combo meal card to use by November 25.Smashburger: Participating locations are offering veterans a free All-American Smashburger.Yard House: Veterans and active-duty military members can receive a free appetizer.Free Coffee and Other Food Deals
Not every offer requires sitting down for a full meal. Some popular chains are also giving away complimentary drinks and smaller treats.
Starbucks: Veterans, active-duty service members and military spouses can receive a free 12-ounce hot or iced brewed coffee at participating locations.Chipotle: Veterans and active-duty military members can get free chips with their choice of guacamole, queso blanco or salsa with a $5 purchase at participating locations.WOB Bar & Kitchen: Participating locations nationwide are offering veterans and active-duty service members a free Smash Burger and fries.Veterans Day Retail Discounts
There are also several opportunities to save on shopping and everyday essentials.
Kohl’s: Military members, veterans and their families can receive 30% off in-store purchases November 10–11. Exclusions apply.Walgreens: Veterans, active-duty military members and their immediate families can receive 20% off eligible regularly priced items in-store.Food Lion: Veterans and active-duty service members can receive 10% off in-store purchases on November 11 with a military ID and MVP card.Publix: Veterans, active-duty military members and their families can receive 10% off groceries on November 11 with proof of service.Rack Room Shoes: Veterans, active-duty military members and dependents can receive 20% off in-store purchases on Veterans Day.Other Veterans Day Freebies
Looking for something beyond food and shopping? A few additional businesses are offering special perks.
Great Clips: Veterans and active-duty military members can receive a free haircut on November 11. Customers getting a haircut that day can also request a free haircut card to give to a veteran.Grace for Vets: Participating car washes nationwide are offering free car washes to veterans and active-duty military members on November 11.National Park Service: All visitors can enjoy free admission to national parks on Veterans Day.Don’t Forget to Check the Details
Most of these offers require proof of military service, such as a military ID or other accepted documentation. Some are limited to participating locations and may require dine-in service.
Deals can also vary by location, so it’s a good idea to contact your local restaurant or retailer before making plans.
Dining and Cooking