Veterans Day 2024 deals: free meals, discounts, and more

Man standing on stage facing American flag (Image via Pexels / Brett Sayles)
Man standing on stage facing American flag (Image via Pexels / Brett Sayles)

Veterans Day is celebrated every year on November 11 to honor veterans who have served the nation. You can celebrate Veterans Day this year by gathering with your loved ones and enjoying good food. Since food brings people together, restaurants and fast food chains nationwide have created offers and discounts to celebrate their veterans. This is their way of paying tribute to those who have served and are serving.

The history of Veterans Day goes back to 1954, when President Eisenhower passed and signed a bill commemorating November 11 as Veterans Day. The notable day is celebrated by hosting national ceremonies, parades, and local events. Some people also volunteer with a veterans organization or show support for the veterans. The majority of workplaces and schools are closed on Veterans Day.

The whole nation soars with pride on this monumental day. To show their respect and participation, restaurants and fast food places give out free meals or meals at discounted prices for veterans and, in some cases, for their families.


Places to get free meals or discounts on 2024 Veterans Day

Everyone gets into the national spirit on Veterans Day, including restaurants, eateries, and fast food places. Each place shows special thanks by offering free meals or discounts for the veterans and their families. Note that most places require valid military IDs to redeem offers.

Also, the majority of these discounts and offers can be availed only by dining in. Here is a list of places to dine at:


1) Applebee's

There is a wide variety of entrées to choose from at Applebee's, including their classic bacon cheeseburger, double crunch shrimp, three-cheese chicken penne, and more. This offer includes a free lunch and dinner. Veterans will also receive a $5 Bounce Back card redeemable in under three weeks. Head to your nearest Applebee's since these offers are dine-in only.


2) Buffalo Wild Wings

Get 10 free boneless wings and fries from Buffalo Wild Wings. If you are a veteran or an active-duty member, you can show a valid military ID at the nearest Buffalo Wild Wings.


3) California Pizza Kitchen (CPK)

You get to choose a free beverage and an entrée that includes salads, pizzas, or different kinds of pasta. You can come in uniforms and provide ID or any form of proof of service to get these offers that are available for dine-in only.


4) Denny's

The offer is available only for veterans, retirees, active duty, and Reserve or National Guard. Provide proper identification to receive an Original Grand Slam at Denny's. This includes two buttermilk pancakes, eggs, bacon strips, and sausage links.


5) Eddie Merlot's

Like Denny's, Merlot's offer of a free Eddie's Prime cheeseburger and fries can only be availed by veterans, retirees, active duty, and the Reserve or National Guard, with proper military ID.


6) Fazoli's

Get Fazoli's free spaghetti with marinara or meat sauce on November 11 while dining in or through their online code 'Vet24'. All you have to do is provide your proof of service.


7) Grimaldi's Pizzeria

With 15% off for veterans on their meals all year round, Grimaldi's Pizzeria extends their offer to 24% off on Veterans Day.


8) Hard Rock Cafe

Free Legendary Burgers all day for veterans. Hard Rock Cafe also has a 15% discount for veterans all year long. Bring a valid military ID to avail of this offer and discount.

Hard Rock Cafe Veterans Day poster (Image via Hard Rock Cafe)
Hard Rock Cafe Veterans Day poster (Image via Hard Rock Cafe)

9) IHOP

In celebration of the national spirit, IHOP is handing out free red, white, and blueberry pancakes combo from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The offer is available for dine-in only with a valid military ID.


10) Johnny Rockets

Pop in your nearest Johnny Rockets for a free single burger and any drink or shake you choose. Remember to bring a valid military ID to avail of these offers.


11) Kona Grill

Prices have been slashed up to 50% for veterans and active military personnel on Veterans Day. This deal is available for dine-in only and can be redeemed using a valid military ID.


12) Little Caesars

Opens from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Enjoy a HOT-N-READY lunch combo, which includes a Detroit-style deep dish pepperoni pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi. Offers are available for dine-in at your nearest Little Caesars and are only for veterans with valid IDs.


13) Metro Diner

Metro Diner has an all-year-long 15% discount for veterans. However, on November 11, veterans and active military can get 50% off on meals like Iron City Meatloaf, Chicken Pot Pie, or Fried Chicken & Waffles. Don't forget to bring a valid military ID.


14) Native Grill & Wings

Don your military uniform or bring a valid ID to your nearest Native Grill & Wings. Veterans get to choose between ½ lb Stripper Combo, a ½ lb Boneless Combo or, a #MyNative Burger with fries. All these are available for dine-in only.


15) Olive Garden

Dine at Olive Garden from their special menu this Veterans Day. This includes the classics such as Chicken Parmigiana and Fettuccine Alfredo. These offers come with unlimited breadsticks and soup or salad. Active military, retirees, and veterans can redeem these offers.


16) Pollo Campero

Get your hands on a 2-piece to 4-piece chicken meal, a 6-piece and 9-piece nugget meal, the classic/spicy sandwich meal, and more on November 11. Come in uniform or produce a valid ID to get 50% off these meals.


17) QDOBA

QDOBA Veterans Day offers are available only for dine-in. Get 50% off any full-size entrée in participating locations. Make sure you produce a valid ID.


18) Red Robin Burgers

Red Robin Burgers offers an exclusive deal for all veterans and active duty members. Munch on some yummy Big Tavern Burger with Bottomless Steak this November 11 at the closest Red Robin Burger near you.


19) Starbucks

The Veterans Day offer at Starbucks is for veterans and active military members and includes their spouses. Get a free tall (12-ounce) brewed coffee, iced or hot, from a Starbucks closest to you.

Starbucks barista handing coffee (Image via Starbucks)
Starbucks barista handing coffee (Image via Starbucks)

20) Taziki's

Get a free Grilled Chicken Gyro meal that comes with a side of choice and chips. Available in participating locals for retirees, veterans, and active duty military.


21) Uno Pizzeria & Grill:

If you are actively serving the military or a veteran, avail yourself of your free entree on November 11 from your nearest Uno Pizzeria & Grill.


22) Veggie Grill

A 20% discount at Veggie Grill for all veterans extending to their families. Visit your nearest Veggie Grill to redeem this discount.


23) Wendy's

Offer is available only for dine-in at your closest Wendy's. Veterans receive a free breakfast combo, including any beverage, a breakfast sandwich, and seasoned potatoes.


24) Yogurtland

Active and inactive military members get 15% off on any of their in-store Yogurtland purchases. All you need is a valid military ID.

Yogurtland Veterans Day promo (Image via Yogurtland)
Yogurtland Veterans Day promo (Image via Yogurtland)

Veterans Day is a day to honor the sacrifices made by our veterans. These offers and discounts are a small gesture of showing the nation's gratitude. Celebrate Veterans Day by taking advantage of these available offers and enjoy them with your loved ones.

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Edited by Sarah Nazamuddin Harniswala