SmartShopper

List: Veterans Day 2023 free meals and discounts

To thank veterans and current military members for their service, many businesses are offering free meals, restaurant deals, grocery store and retail discounts and more on Veteran's Day this year!
Posted 2023-11-07T05:22:28+00:00 - Updated 2023-11-12T19:41:56+00:00
Flags in D.C. (photo F. Prosser)

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To thank veterans and current military members for their service, many businesses are offering free meals, restaurant deals, grocery store and retail discounts and more on Veteran's Day this year!

The majority of these offers take place on Veterans Day, Saturday, November 11, 2023 but some offers take place on other days or for multiple days. As always, with offers like these, they are valid at participating locations. Not every restaurant or retailer will be participating so you may want to call your local store before heading out.

Most of the stores and restaurants require that you present some form of military ID or proof of service. Restaurant offers are usually only for dine-in meals.

Read on for the growing list of offers. We'll continue to update this list through November 11 as more restaurants and stores confirm their deals.

My deepest thanks to all who have served and who are currently serving, including my favorite veteran, my dad!

Restaurant Offers

Applebee's: All Active Duty Military, Veterans, Reserves and National Guard who dine in-restaurant will receive a complimentary full-size entrée from an exclusive menu on November 11. The menu includes 6 oz. Top Sirloin, Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, Chicken Tenders Platter, Double Crunch Shrimp, Fiesta Lime Chicken®, Oriental Chicken Salad, and Three-Cheese Chicken Penne. They will also receive a $5 bounce back card to redeem for dine-in, To Go or delivery within three weeks. See the details on their website.

Biscuitville: Active Duty Military and Veterans receive a free biscuit of your choice when you show the coupon on their website and valid military ID or proof of service on Nov. 11, 2023 at participating locations. See the coupon at biscuitville.com.

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse: On 11/11, all current and former military who dine in the restaurant will get a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie® with an $11.95 purchase. In addition, current and former military who dine in restaurant on 11/11/23 can receive a free appetizer coupon valid on their next visit ($14.95 purchase required). The offers are valid for dine-in only. Must present Military ID or other proof of service. See the details on their website.

Bob Evans: On November 11, 2023, veterans and active-duty military receive a free meal from a special menu of seven homestyle favorites at participating locations for dine-in only (beverage not included). Proof of military service required. See the details on their website.

Bonefish Grill: Bonefish Grill is offering a free order of their Bang Bang Shrimp (crispy shrimp tossed in a signature creamy, spicy sauce) with a soft beverage to service members, veterans and first responders with show of ID on Nov. 11, 2023. The offer is available all day, no purchase required. Year round, Bonefish Grill offers a 10% off Heroes Discount to service members, veterans and first responders.

Bruegger's Bagels: Veterans and Active Duty Service Members, receive a free any sized iced or hot coffee with any purchase when you visit a participating bakery on November 11, 2023. Check in at the register with your phone number or membership barcode to redeem this offer. Limit 1 per person and does not include specialty beverages. See the e-mail sent to subscriber on Nov. 10 for details.

Bubba’s 33 in Fayetteville: Bubba's 33 is welcoming veterans and active U.S. military to enjoy free lunch on Saturday, November 11, 2023 between 11:00 am – 4:00 pm. For veterans and active military unable to attend this year’s event, the restaurant will distribute rain check vouchers on Veterans Day, good through May 30, 2024. Active, retired or former U.S. military can choose one of six entrees, including a Classic Cheeseburger, Bubba’s Bacon Burger, Bacon Chicken Mac-n-Cheese, Grilled Chicken Salad, Chicken Tender Salad or any 12-inch pizza plus a choice of any Coca-Cola product, sweet tea/ice tea or coffee during lunch. Present proof of service including military or VA card, or discharge papers. They are located at 500 Westwood Shopping Ctr., Fayetteville, NC 28314.

Buffalo Wild Wings: Veterans receive 10 free boneless wings and fries on 11/11 for dine-in at participating locations. See the e-mail sent to subscribers on 11/11 for details.

Caribou Coffee: Veterans, active military members and spouses receive a free small hot brewed coffee of the day or Cold Press when you show military I.D. at participating location on Nov. 11. See the details on their website.

Carolina Ale House: Veterans and military members receive a free half rack rib platter with coleslaw and fries on Nov. 11 at participating locations. See their website for details.

Carrabba’s Italian Grill: Honoring Veterans Day on Saturday, November 11, Carrabba’s Italian Grill is offering a complimentary dine-in appetizer or dessert paired with a soft beverage for veterans and active-duty military with show of ID. Available all day, no purchase required. Year round, Carrabba’s offers a Heroes Discount providing 10% off to all service members, veterans and first responders.

Chili's Grill & Bar: All veterans & active military members get a free meal from a special menu on Veterans Day November 11, 2023 at participating Chili's Grill & Bar restaurants. The offer is available for in-restaurant only. Drink not included. Military ID required to redeem offer. See the details and menu on their website.

City Barbeque: On November 11, veterans and active US military receive a free meal including one sandwich, one individual side, and one regular beverage for dine-in or carryout. Limit one free meal per person. See the details on their website.

Denny's: On Friday, Nov. 10, Denny's is offering a complimentary Grand Slam meal to active and retired military personnel for dine-in only at participating locations from 5 a.m. to noon with a valid military ID or DD 214. Some locations may open after 5 a.m., so check with your local restaurant for hours. See the details on their website.

Dickey's Barbecue Pit: Veterans receive a free Pulled Pork Sandwich when you use code VETFREE on 11/11 with proof of service in-store, on Dickeys.com or on the Dickey's App. Limit one offer per customer at participating stores. See the details on their Facebook page.

Freddy's: On Nov. 11, Veterans and active military personnel will receive a free Freddy’s Original Double with Cheese combo meal card that is redeemable through November 30, 2023. No purchase is necessary to get the card. See the details on their website.

Golden Corral: The annual Golden Corral Military Appreciation Night will be held on Monday, November 13, 2023 from 5pm – close. U.S. Military retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard or Reserves will receive a free “thank you” meal. See the details on their website.

IHOP: On Saturday, Nov. 11 from 7am - 7pm, IHOP is offering Veterans and Active Duty Military a free Red, White & Blueberry Pancakes order for dine-in only at participating restaurants. There is a limit of 1 per guest and Military ID or proof of service is required. Offers may vary by location so check with your local IHOP for details. See the offer on the IHOP website.

Insomnia Cookies: Veterans and Active Military receive a free 6-pack of Classic cookies with any purchase in-store at participating locations. Excludes all online pick-up/delivery orders, and nationwide shipping orders. Mention this deal in-store and show valid proof of service to redeem. Offer expires 11/13/2023 at 3 AM PST. See the offer posted on their Twitter page.

Krispy Kreme: Veterans receive a free free doughnut of choice and a free small coffee, hot or iced, on Nov. 11 at participating locations. No purchase is necessary. There is a limit of one per guest, in-shop and in the drive-thru only.

Menchie's: Veterans and active military personnel get their first 6 ounces of frozen yogurt for free on Saturday, November 11 at participating locations. Must present valid military ID or proof of service. See the details on their website.

Metro Diner: Honoring Veterans Day on November 11, Metro Diner is offering 50% off to active and retired military with valid military ID, and 10% off year-round.

MOD Pizza: Those with proof of military service can buy one MOD-size pizza or salad and get one MOD-size pizza or salad free on 11/11/2023 in-store only at participating locations. There is an additional charge for alternative crust options and the offer excludes Pizza Salads. Limit 1 per person. See the offer details on their website.

Outback Steakhouse: On 11/11, military veterans, active service members and spouses can enjoy a free Bloomin' Onion with choice of a Coca-Cola beverage or 16oz Domestic Draft Bloomin' Blonde Ale with purchase of one full price adult entrée when you present proof of service. Offer includes one FREE Bloomin' Onion to share. This deal is valid for dine-in only. See the details and acceptable proof of service on their Facebook page.

Perry’s Steakhouse: Veterans can choose from a complimentary Pork Chop Friday Lunch on Nov. 10 when accompanied by a guest purchasing one lunch or dinner entree (from 10:30 am to 5 pm) or a 3-course $39 Military Menu for early dine-in dinner on Nov. 11 from 4pm - 6 pm. See the details on their website.

Potbelly Perks: Veterans receive a free cookie or regular fountain drink with entree purchase Nov. 10-11 in shops at participating locations. See the details in the e-mail sent to subscribers on Nov. 11.

QDOBA Mexican Eats: Veterans and Active Duty Military receive 50% off any entrée in-restaurant on 11/11/23 when you show your Military ID at the register at participating locations. See the offer on their website.

Red Robin: Veterans and active duty military will receive a free Red's Big Tavern Double and an endless side of steak fries when they dine in on 11/11/23. The offer is valid at participating locations. See the details on their website.

Ruby Tuesday: Veterans or Active Duty Military can receive a free Garden Bar Entree or Ruby's Cheeseburger or American Smashed Cheeseburger Nov. 10-12 when you sho proof of military service and use the code HERO23 when you dine-in. See the offer on their website.

Ruckus Pizza, Pasta, and Spirits: Veterans and active Military eat free (up to $16 menu item plus a fountain drink or tea) on November 10 and 11 at Ruckus locations in Raleigh, Cary, Apex and Morrisville, NC. See the details on their Facebook page.

Sheetz: On Saturday, November 11, 2023, Sheetz is offering all veterans and active duty military personnel a free half turkey sub and a regular size fountain drink at any of their locations. The offer includes extras & add-ons to the sub. In addition, Sheetz will also provide a free car wash (only applies to the $9 option) to veterans and active duty military at Sheetz stores that have a car wash. Military ID or proof of service required. To locate your nearest Sheetz location, visit www.sheetz.com.

Starbucks: Veterans, military service members and military spouses can receive a free 12 oz. hot or cold brewed coffee at participating locations on November 11 with military ID. They are also donating $100,000 each to Team Red, White & Blue and Travis Manion Foundation to support the Veteran community. See the details on their website.

Tijuana Flats: Veterans and active duty military receive a free entree on Saturday, Nov. 11 with the purchase of a medium fountain drink ($2.79 minimum). The offer is valid in store and to-go with ID at participating locations. Limit one.

Western Sizzlin Steakhouse in Dunn, NC: Veterans will receive 20% off your meal on Saturday, November 11 from 8 AM to 9 PM when you present your military ID when ordering. See the details on their Facebook page.

Western Sizzlin of Rocky Mount: Veterans will receive 10% off your meal and a free beverage on Saturday, November 11 when you present your military ID when ordering. See the details on their Facebook page.

Grocery Store and Drug Store Discounts

Food Lion: All veterans and active military personnel can save 10% on their in-store shopping purchase total before taxes on Nov. 11, 2023 when you show your Military ID and MVP Card at checkout in stores. Excludes alcohol (beer and wine), tobacco, gift cards, lottery, pharmacy, postage stamps and services. See the offer details on their website.

Harris Teeter: On 11/11/23, Veterans and Active Duty military personnel will receive 11% off your grocery purchase when you show military ID and VIC card. Discount applies after all coupons and discounts have been deducted. Excludes pharmacy, alcohol, fuel, tobacco and gift cards. See ad for details.

Lowes Foods: Veterans receive 11% off your total purchase on 11/11/23 in-store with military ID.

Publix: Veterans and military save 10% on Veterans Day. See store or website for details.

Target: Military personnel and veterans get 10% off two separate purchases when you verify your military status from Oct 30 and redeemable through Nov 11 using the Target Circle offer. See the details on the Target website HERE.

Walgreens: Veterans, military and their families get 20% off eligible regular price items in stores from 11/10/23 thru 11/13/23 with myWalgreens® membership and proof of service. Discount not valid on alcohol, dairy, tobacco, stamps, gift cards, newspapers, magazines, money orders/transfers, lottery tickets, and more. See the details on their website.

World of Beer: From Nov. 9 until Nov. 12, veterans and current servicewomen and servicemen can get a free order of WOB’s limited time fall food items, including the Crispy Chicken Sliders. Retired and current service animals can get a free pup cup!

Retail & Other Discounts

Dollar Tree: On Nov. 11, active duty, and retired military and first responders and their families get 10% off a purchase of $10 or more at participating locations.

Great Clips: On November 11, 2023, veterans and active service members can go into any U.S. Great Clips salon and get a free haircut or a free haircut card to use later. In addition, non-military customers who get a haircut on Veterans Day at Great Clips salons can pick up a free haircut card that they can give to an active service member or veteran as a token of thanks. The cards can be redeemed for a free haircut from November 12 through December 1, 2023, at any Great Clips salon in the United States. See the details on their website.

Lowes: On 11/11/23, get a collectible silver thank you pin free to the first 150 Veterans who come to their local store while supplies last at participating locations. In addition, military families get 10% off everyday. See the details on their website.

North Carolina Zoo: The North Carolina Zoo is offering free admission for military personnel and veterans and free admission for one accompanying guest from Nov. 6-12, 2023 for Military Appreciate Week. There will be a Military Appreciation Table at the admission booths where you can present your valid ID and pick up your vouchers. active duty, reserve, veteran and retired military personnel and only available for admission purchased on-site. See details and acceptable forms of ID on their website.

Office Depot: Veterans, active duty and retired military personnel, reservists, and their dependents receive 25% off qualifying regular and sale-priced purchases in Office Depot and OfficeMax stores nationwide from Saturday, Nov. 11 through Monday, Nov. 13, 2023. shoppers must present a valid military ID, military dependent ID or form of veteran ID at the time of purchase. See the details on their website.

Staples: Staples is offering 25% off in-store purchases to active-duty personnel, veterans, and their families from November 5 through 11 with a valid military ID. Mention the offer, which is included in their online ad this week, to get the discount. See the details on their website.

The Home Depot: Offers a 10% off discount every day to Active Military, Veterans and Spouses.

See additional discounts for military members at military.com.

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