Veterans Day is quickly approaching, and many restaurants, retailers, and recreational areas nationwide will honor our military heroes with free meals and special deals.
Below is a list highlighting various companies and their offerings. If it’s a national chain, we recommend contacting your local restaurant or store to confirm their participation and eligibility requirements for that location.
Please note:
Some places may honor all who have served, while others might only offer deals to those currently serving. Many companies may require proof of service, such as a Military ID, a state license with a veteran designation, or a VA ID.
This list comes from the Department of Veterans Affairs and entities that directly contacted NGAUS. We’ve tailored it to include restaurants and stores local to the Central Coast and Central California. If you know of a company offering a Veterans Day discount, please reach out to Robert Tolan Jr., Co-Founder of Welcome Home Military Heroes, so he can add them to the list.
Are you interested in attending veteran events around the Central Coast?
If so, click the link below:
Veteran Day Ceremonies Across the Central Coast
Restaurants
A Street Cafe
The A Street Cafe, a Santa Maria staple, is offering a free meal to all Veterans from 6:30am to 2:00 PM.
Applebee’s
Applebee’s, a global restaurant chain known for comfort food, is treating veterans and active-duty military to a free meal from a specific menu on Veterans Day. A valid military ID or proof of service is required for this offer. Remember to participate during the Veterans Day period.
Army & Air Force Exchange Service
On Nov. 11, Army & Air Force Exchange Service offers various deals, including 15% off food purchases at participating restaurants for MILITARY STAR cardmembers.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
This Veterans Day, BJ’s Restaurant is offering a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie for dine-in guests with proof of military service. Additionally, current and former military members dining on Nov. 11 will receive a free appetizer coupon for their next visit. Military ID or other proof of service is required.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings is honoring veterans and current members of the military with a free order of 10 Boneless Wings and Fries on Nov. 11. This offer is valid for dine-in service upon presentation of a valid ID and is also available for walk-in/order at the counter at Buffalo Wild Wings GO locations.
California Pizza Kitchen
On Veterans Day, California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) is honoring U.S. veterans and active duty service members with a complimentary entrée and drink from a prix fixe menu when dining in on Monday, Nov. 11.
Chili’s Grill & Bar
Veterans and active duty military personnel can enjoy a free meal at Chili’s Grill & Bar on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2024. A valid military ID or proof of service is required, and the discount is limited to veterans who dine-in. The offer may extend to spouses and dependents but be aware that it might vary by location.
Chumash Casino
$25 free play at Chumash too w/proof of service
Dave & Buster’s
Veterans get a free entree (up to $20) and a free $10 Power Card with a valid veterans ID card on Nov. 11.
Denny’s
Veterans and active duty military personnel receive a free Original Grand Slam on Nov. 11 from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. Must show valid Military ID or DD214.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
Veterans and active duty military get a free Pulled Pork Sandwich on Nov. 11. Valid in-store, and online/app for carryout.
Dunkin’
Active and retired military get a free donut on Nov. 11. Limit one per guest while supplies last. Offer available in-store only. Not available for orders placed using On-the-Go Mobile Ordering through the Dunkin’ Mobile App.
Eureka!
Veterans get a complimentary Burger (any burger) on Nov. 11.
Golden Corral
Golden Corral hosts Military Appreciation Night on Monday, Nov. 11 from 5 p.m. to close. Active and former military members enjoy a free meal, but it’s for dine-in only. A valid military ID or proof of service is required.
Hooters
Hooters, the laid-back Florida-born restaurant famous for chicken wings, offers a free dinner entrée from the Veterans Day Menu to veterans and active-duty military on Nov. 11. Eligible guests must show proof of service and purchase a drink. This dine-in offer is valid at select Hooters locations.
IHOP
On Veterans Day, IHOP provides free Red, White & Blueberry Pancakes to veterans and active duty military at participating locations. A valid military ID or proof of service is required, dine-in only. Limit one per guest; additional restrictions may apply.
In-N-Out Burger
In-N-Out Burger will show its appreciation for all Veterans, Active Duty Military, Reserves and National Guard by offering a complimentary meal, including any burger, fries and beverage on In-N-Out Burger’s menu. All current and former members of the U.S. military will additionally receive a special edition Veterans Day decal. U.S. Veterans and Active Duty Military are respectfully asked to present proof of military service to receive the complimentary made-to-order meal of choice offered at all In-N-Out Burger locations open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11.
Little Caesars
On Nov. 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., veterans and active duty military can enjoy a complimentary Lunch Combo, which includes four slices of Little Caesars signature Detroit-style Deep Dish pizza and a 20-ounce beverage.
LongHorn Steakhouse
On Nov. 10 and Nov. 11, veterans and active duty military get 10% off their meal, along with a free appetizer or dessert for their table. This offer is available for dine-in and call-in orders only.
NUGG MD
Free medical marijuana cards.
Olive Garden
To thank members of the military for their service, Olive Garden is offering those that dine-in on Nov. 11 a complimentary entrée from a special menu.
Outback Steakhouse
Outback Steakhouse honors veterans and active duty military with a free Bloomin’ Onion and Coca-Cola on Veterans Day. This offer, dine-in or call-in only, requires valid military ID or proof of service. Beyond Veterans Day, Outback offers a year-round 10% Heroes Discount to service members, police officers, firefighters and first responders.
The Pour House
The Pour House in Paso Robles is offering a free pint of beer for all Veterans!
Raising Cane’s
Any active or nonactive military and their spouses get 10% off their entire purchase on Nov. 11 when they mention the Hero Discount Program at the register. They will need to have a valid ID to receive the discount.
Red Lobster
Veterans, active duty military and reservists get free Veteran’s Shrimp & Chip – featuring six Walt’s Favorite Shrimp, served with cocktail sauce and ketchup, as well as crispy French Fries and Coleslaw – on Nov. 11. Show a valid military ID or proof of service to redeem this dine-in only offer.
Red Robin
All veterans and active duty service members get a free Red’s Tavern Double burger with free refills of Bottomless Steak Fries when they dine in on Nov. 11.
Starbucks
On Veterans Day, Starbucks offers a free tall hot or iced coffee to veterans, active duty service members and their spouses.
Sizzler
On Nov. 11, participating locations offer a free lunch to any active duty military or veteran until 4 p.m. Choose between a free Half Dozen Crispy Shrimp, Malibu Chicken or 6 oz. Tri-Tip Steak entree.
SONIC Drive-In
On Nov. 11, get half price shakes in any size and flavor, including both Classic and Master Shakes.
Sunset Car Wash
On Veterans Day, all car washes are free for Veterans.
Texas Roadhouse
On Veterans Day, Texas Roadhouse offers free meal vouchers to veterans from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. These are redeemable for dine-in or carry out meal off a select menu through May 2025. Bring your valid military ID or proof of service to participate.
Tobin James Winery
Tobin James Winery in Paso Robles offers military discounts for our Military Heroes.
RETAIL DISCOUNTS
Academy Sports
Service members and first responders get 10% off in store and online Oct. 20 through Nov. 11.
Amazon
Amazon offers a 20% discount on select items for Veterans Day, no military ID required.
AutoNation
Military personnel, veterans and spouses get an exclusive 20% discount on all services in-store at AutoNation-branded locations nationwide and at their preferred location via AutoNation Mobile Service from Nov. 11 to Nov. 16 with valid military ID.
Great Clips
Veterans and active duty service members can visit a salon Nov. 11 and receive either a free haircut that day or a free haircut card to use at a future visit. In addition, non-military customers who get a haircut on Veterans Day will receive a free haircut card to give to an active service member or veteran they know as a way of saying thank you.
Grunt Style
This military-inspired apparel brand is offering a 25% discount for veterans and military personnel on Veterans Day, with free shipping included.
Home Depot
A 10% discount is available for veterans on all in-store purchases throughout November, including on Veterans Day.
Sleep Number
Sleep Number is offering active, veteran, retired and reservist personnel of the U.S. armed forces an exclusive discount — an additional 10% off your entire purchase, Nov. 1 through Nov. 11.
Sports Clips
Many participating Sport Clips locations are offering free Veterans Day haircuts for those with military ID.
Target
Active duty service members and veterans as well as their spouses and children get a 10% discount, which guests can use twice — in store or online — during the promotional period of Oct. 27 through Nov. 11. To redeem the offer, guests must verify eligibility by registering at Target.com/circle/military.
Tractor Supply Company
Active duty military and veterans receive a 10% discount on Nov. 11. Heroes must complete the Hometown Heroes verification process through Neighbor’s Club to receive their discount.
Under Armour
Offering a 40% discount for veterans, active duty military and first responders both online and in-store.
Walgreens
Veterans and service members and their families will receive 20% off regular price eligible store items Nov. 8 to Nov. 11.
4Patriots
Veterans and active duty military can receive a free 72-Hour Survival Food Kit, typically valued at $29, on Nov. 11. To claim this offer, eligible participants must register on the 4Patriots Veterans Day Celebration Event page — available only on Veteran’s Day.
Welcome Home Military Heroes is a veteran-run nonprofit organization that honors and supports our military heroes.
The organization operates based on your generous donations!
To donate:
Donate – Welcome Home Military Heroes