The best Veterans Day free meals and discounts

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Veterans Day is an opportunity for everyone to thank those who have served our country, which is why retailers and restaurants offer special promos for the occasion. Just for the day, US Armed Forces veterans and active-duty members can score Veterans Day discounts and freebies, like free meals, sweet discounts, and more.

Most establishments require valid proof of service to identify status and reap these benefits. Several of these locations and retailers also offer benefits to spouses and families of active-duty service members and veterans.

I've gathered a list of the best Veterans Day discounts and freebies exclusive to US military members. You can also find more of the season's best savings in our roundup of the best Black Friday deals.

The best Veterans Day freebies and discounts

Retailer Veterans Day discounts

• Ikea: Get 15% off in-store home furnishing items from November 10-22.
• Kohl's: Get 30% off qualifying in-store purchases during Veterans Day weekend with a valid military ID.
• Macy's: Save on clothing, home goods, and accessories during Macy's Veterans Day sale.
• Office Depot and OfficeMax: Get 25% off qualifying purchases from November 9 to 11.
• Reebok: Get 40% off after verifying through ID.Me.
• Rite Aid: Get 15% off regular-priced in-store items from November 10 to 12.
• Samsung: Get up to 30% off after verifying your eligibility.
• Sleep Number: Get 20% off most beds, bases, and bedding through November 13.
• Sperry: Get 20% off with valid proof of service.
• Sport Clips: Get a free haircut on November 11 with valid proof of service.
• Target: Get a 10% discount through November 11 both online and in-stores.
• Tuft & Needle: Get 15% off your order after placing your order with the customer support team.
• Uggs: Get 10% off all items.
• Under Armour: Get 40% off now, plus a year-round 20% off discount.
• The Vitamin Shoppe: Get 25% off in-store purchases from November 11 to 13.

Free meals and restaurant discounts for Veterans Day

• 7-Eleven: Get a free coffee or Big Gulp with a 7Rewards account.
• Applebee's: Get a free dine-in meal from a limited menu on November 11.
• BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse: Get a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie when you dine in.
• Bubba Gump: Get 20% off your dine-in meal on November 11.
• Buffalo Wild Wings: Get 10 free boneless wings and fries when you dine in and offer a valid ID.
• California Pizza Kitchen: Get a free entrée and drink from a limited menu when dining in on November 11.
• Carrabba's: Get 10% off any visit.
• Chick-fil-A: Get a free Chicken Biscuit or Chicken Sandwich with proof of service on November 11 at participating locations.
• Chili's: Get a free Veterans Day meal from the limited menu.
• Cracker Barrel: Get a complimentary Sunrise Pancake Special when you dine-in. Also, all military-themed apparel is 25% off until November 11 in-stores and online.
• Denny's: Get a free Original Grand Slam on November 11 until 12 p.m. local time.
• Farmer Boys: Get a free Big Cheese Burger when you dine in and offer proof of service.
• Dunkin': Get a free doughnut on Veterans Day.
• Golden Corral: Get a free "thank you" meal on November 11 from 4 p.m. until closing.
• Hard Rock Cafe: Get a complimentary Legendary Burger with valid ID.
• IHOP: On November 11, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., get a free Red, White, and Blueberry Pancake Combo.
• Krispy Kreme: Get a free coffee and doughnut at any participating locations.
• Lazy Dog Restaurants: Get a free entrée on Veterans Day.
• Little Caesars Pizza: Get a free lunch combo from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at participation locations.
• MOD Pizza: Get a free Mega Cookie for you and your spouse.
• Outback Steakhouse: Get 10% off your check all day.
• Olive Garden: Get a free meal on November 11 from the limited menu.
• Peet's Coffee: Get one free drip coffee or tea of any size at participation locations.
• Red Lobster: Get a free shrimp and chips paired with french fries and cole slaw when you dine in.
• Red Robin: Get a free Red's Big Tavern Burger with bottomless steak fries.
• Sizzler: Choose a free meal from a limited menu, available through 4 p.m. on November 11.
• Starbucks: Get a free 12-ounce drip coffee.
• Sonic Drive-In: Get any shake at half price.
• Subway: Get a free six-inch sub or a 10% discount off any sub.
• Texas Roadhouse: Get a free meal voucher from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., usable through May 2025.
• TGI Fridays: Get a free meal on November 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. from a limited menu.
• White Castle: Get a free individual combo meal or breakfast combo meal on November 11.
• Wendy's: Get a free small breakfast combo on November 11.
• Yard House: Get a free complimentary appetizer.

When is Veterans Day?

Veterans Day lands on November 11 every year, making it a Monday this year.

How is military or veteran status verified?

Your status as a veteran or active-duty service member can be verified in several ways, which will differ depending on the location you're visiting.

Most restaurants ask to view valid proof of service in the form of a Military ID or a Veteran ID. If you're hoping to score a free meal, be sure to bring yours with you in order to do so.

Several retailers use the verification service ID.Me to check your status when making online purchases. We've used the platform for years and trust it to keep your information private, but if you're unsure, you can call customer service at the retailer you're shopping with.

Check out our guide to the best teacher discounts for year-round educator offers. Find more fall savings in our best Black Friday deals guide here.