The Best Veterans Day Deals and Discounts for 2021

I’m always amazed at how many companies offer generous discounts over Veterans’ Day.  Veterans’ Day was created to recognize the service of our military veterans, and corporate America continues to provide that recognition in a very tangible way with amazing Veterans Day deals and discounts. I know it’s good public relations, but it’s also just a nice gesture.

Some of these offers have not been updated for 2021. Dates will change when we have updates.

If you’re a veteran, don’t be shy about taking advantage of these offers. But first, be sure that you understand a few etiquette issues.

1. Each company gets to decide what it wants to accept as proof of military service. It might be a DD-214, a veteran’s ID card, a VA healthcare ID card, or even a picture of yourself in uniform. Please don’t argue with them if you don’t have the ID that they are requesting. It’s not personal, and it does no one any good to fight about it.
2. Free offers generally do not include a gratuity for your server. Please tip on what the full amount of the bill would have been without the discount.
3. Call to verify that your location is participating, and for any details like what kind of proof of service they are accepting, etc.. I’d call the day before so that you’re not swamping them on the actual day.

Most of the big Veterans Day deals and discounts are announced right at the end of October and into the beginning of November. This list will continue to be updated from now until Veterans Day, so be sure to bookmark it so you remember to check back!

Applebee’s

Applebee’s is letting individual locations handle their Veterans’ Day promotions based upon local area conditions and restrictions. You must provide proof of military service, but there are no specific directions on what the proof needs to be.

Bed and Breakfast for Vets

B&B for Vets is a program of the Association of Lodging Professionals, and offers a free one-night stay at a participating Bed and Breakfast on either Wednesday, 10 November or Thursday, 11 November 2021. These tend to book up quickly so don’t procrastinate.

Bed Bath and Beyond

Bed Bath and Beyond offers 25% off your entire in-store purchase on Thursday, 11 November 2021. The announcement says “For Active-Duty U.S. Military, Vets, and Spouses.” It does not specify what is required for identification.

Bob Evans Restaurants

On November 11, 2021, Bob Evans Restaurants will offer a special menu of seven homestyle favorites to veterans and active-duty military. Dine-in only, beverage not included. Not valid with other offers, discounts, or coupons. Veterans and active-duty military simply show proof of military service. Proof of service includes: US Uniformed Services ID Card, US Uniformed Services Retired Card, current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), veterans organization card (i.e. American Legion, VFW), a photograph of yourself in uniform, wearing a uniform, DD214, and citation or commendation. Beverages and gratuity are not included. Tax additional where applicable. 

Chili’s Restaurants

On Veteran’s Day, Chili’s restaurants allow all veterans or active duty military service members to get a free entrée at participating restaurants.  This deal includes a limited menu of entrees, and the website recommends calling individual locations for specifics. 

Cracker Barrel 

Cracker Barrel has released their plans for the 2020 holiday season, but have not released official Veteran’s Day specific discounts. This years “Gift of Shared Traditions” includes an in-store special on November 11 and a month-long promotion. I will update this as soon as Cracker Barrel shares more specific information!

Country Kitchen Restaurants

Country Kitchen Restaurants are giving veterans and active duty military member a free Country Scramble with proof of service or ID for dine in. This offer is only on Wednesday, 11 November, 2020. The menu does not actually have a “Country Scramble” option but the promotional photo appears to be scrambled eggs and pancakes!

Denny’s Restaurants

At Denny’s, veterans and military personnel can Build Your Own free Grand Slam from 5am to noon. This offer is the second slide on the homepage, and hours may vary by location. You can enjoy a nice breakfast spread whether you are active duty or retired!

Dunkin Donuts

Veterans can get a free donut from Dunkin Donut locations on Wednesday, 11 November, no purchase necessary. Along with this free donut for veterans and active duty personnel, Dunkin is partnered with A Million Thanks to support veterans for the second year in a row. 

7-Eleven

7-Eleven actually has a great Veteran’s discount year round if you join their membership program, but on Wednesday, 11 November this year, they are offering a free coffee or Big Gulp. This offer can also be redeemed on July 4th and Memorial Day! 

Famous Daves

Famous Daves is offering a free Georgia Chopped Pork Sandwich and a side for all veterans and currently serving military personnel. Valid at participating locations for dine-in and to go orders placed online – not valid for delivery or call in orders. Must present valid proof of service. Available all day on 11 November 2021. Online orders use the code VETERAN at checkout at famousdaves.com/menu.

Free Car Wash

GraceforVets coordinates a program where your local area car wash can offer a free car wash to veterans and service members for Veterans Day. This year, over 4,000 locations are participating!

The program does not specify what kind of ID is required, so you might want to call your participating car wash before you go. You can verify the location and hours of operation at the same time.

Golden Corral

When I think of Veteran’s Day deals, I think of Golden Corral. They’ve been doing this promotion for 20 years now!

While details for 2021 have not yet been announced, I can’t imagine Golden Corral not having a deal for Veterans’ Day. I am sure it will come!

Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurants

Last year’s deal: At Gordon Biersch locations, veterans can enjoy one of four free entrees with proof of military ID. This offer is redeemable on Wednesday, 11 November, 2020. This same day, 25 cents of every beer sold will be donated to an organization for veteran support. This offer can only be enjoyed dine-in. 

Glory Days Grill Restaurants

2021 promotion not yet announced: At Glory Days Grill, veterans can enjoy a free appetizer or regular order of wings! This offer appears to only apply to veterans at NOVA, MD, NC, and WV locations on Wednesday, 11 November. 

Great Clips

Participating Great Clips locations will offer a free haircut, or a gift card for a free haircut at a later date. Civilians can get a haircut and receive a gift card to give to a veteran friend or relative. What a clever way to eliminate the crowds! You do have to visit the Great Clips on 11 November 2021 to receive your gift card.

McCormick & Schmick’s

2021 not yet updated: This one is happening on Sunday, 8 November 2020. McCormick & Schmick’s offers 50% off an entree. This offer is available to veterans of the U.S. Military, National Guard, Gold Star parents and Gold Star spouses.

Reservations are strongly recommended.

Red Lobster Restaurants

2021 not yet updated: On Wednesday, 11 November 2020, Red Lobster restaurants are offering a free appetizer or dessert from a limited menu, and all you have to do is show a military ID! This menu includes seafood stuffed mushrooms, crab-stuffed shrimp rangoon, jumbo shrimp cocktail, mozzarella sticks, chocolate wave, vanilla bean cheesecake, key lime pie, and more!

Sports Clips Haircuts

Many Sports Clips locations are offering a free haircut to active-duty military personnel or veterans on Thursday, 11 November 2021. Now, we recommend calling your local store to check ahead of time.

Yard House

In honor of Veterans Day, Yard House restaurants are offering a complimentary appetizer to active duty military and veterans. There’s not any more detail on their announcements page, so you might want to call just to be sure.

Help Us Get Every Discount On This List!

Do you know of Veterans Day deals or discounts not listed here? Please tell us about it in the comments, so we can add them to the list!