Veterans Day is Thursday, November 11, 2021. Many businesses recognize the service and sacrifice of veterans by offering a free meal or menu item, or some other type of discount or free product.
If you or a family member are a member of the military, please scroll through this list and see if there’s a free restaurant meal or other deal you can take advantage of. And please share this list with anyone who might benefit from it.
For the most part, these freebies and deals are for both veterans and active-duty military members. Not all take place on Nov. 11th, so check the details. NOTE: In 2021, many of the retail discounts are good from Nov. 11th to 14th — that’s the section that comes AFTER the food/restaurant freebies and discounts.
You’ll want to click the links to find out whether you qualify for the deal, and what kind of ID is required. Please also verify that the location nearest you is actually participating in the Veterans Day giveaway or deal.
The list below is organized like this:
Restaurant and food offers first, then other free items (like haircuts, golf, and museum tickets), then Atlanta events like the Veterans Day Parade.
This is a growing list, so bookmark it and check back!
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Free meals & discounted restaurant offers
Applebee’s
Every year on Veteran’s Day, Applebee’s serves a free meal to active duty and veteran military service members. On November 11th, 2021, all active military, veterans, reserve members, and National Guard can receive a full-size entrée from an exclusive menu. Dine-in only. They will also receive a $5 bounce back card to redeem for dine-in, to-go orders, or delivery, within three weeks. More info.
Choices for the free entrée include:
- 6 oz. Top Sirloin
- Double Crunch Shrimp
- Fiesta Lime Chicken
- Chicken Tenders Platter
- Classic Bacon Cheeseburger
- Oriental Chicken Salad
- Three-Cheese Chicken Penne
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar
Vets and active duty military can head to Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar for a classic American meal. Vets enjoy a FREE All-American Burger (with choice of cheese) and basic side (fries, tots, sweet potato fries or chips) — on November 11th, 2021, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Bartaco
Active duty and retired military can relax at bartaco on Veterans Day. The upscale street taco and specialty cocktail restaurant is offering them 20% off their dine-in food purchase on November 11th, 2021.
Bonefish Grill
The Heroes Discount is a 10% discount for all service members, veterans, and first responders — the offer is good every day of the year, with valid ID.
Buffalo Wild Wings
The restaurant is once again offering a FREE order of 10 boneless wings and fries for all past and present armed services members on Veterans Day 2021. The offer is available for dine-in or takeout. You must show proof of service.
California Pizza Kitchen
Veterans and active military can get a FREE entrée and beverage from a select menu on November 11th, 2021.
Caribou Coffee
All veterans, active military members, and their spouses can receive a FREE small cup of hot brewed coffee on Veterans Day 2021. Just ask for it when you order.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill
All service members, veterans, and first responders get 10% off any visit on Veterans Day and all year-round with valid ID.
Chicken Salad Chick
FREE Chick Special and regular drink on November 11th, 2021. The offer is good for all active military and veterans. Wear a uniform or bring a valid ID or DD214.
Find locations online, including:
- Buckhead
- Alpharetta
- Marietta
- East Cobb
- Vinings
- Johns Creek
- Cartersville
- Cumming
- Decatur
- Suwanee
- Kennesaw
- McDonough
- Newnan
- Peachtree City
- Stockbridge
Chili’s
Veterans and active duty military members can get a FREE meal at Chili’s on November 11th, 2021. Choices for entrées include:
- Chicken Crisperws
- Margarita Grilled Chicken
- Bowl of Chili or Soup & Salad
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas
- Just Bacon Burger
- Oldtimer with Cheese
- Cajun Chicken Pasta
Cicis Pizza
The chain is offering a FREE adult buffet with a valid military I.D. on November 11, 2021 in honor of Veterans Day. The offer extends to all active and retired military personnel — just print the coupon or show it on your phone, before you order. You’ll also need a valid military ID.
Cracker Barrel
On Thursday, November 11th, Cracker Barrel will thank the brave men and women who have served our nation by offering all U.S. military veterans a FREE slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola® Cake when dining at any Cracker Barrel location nationwide. You must make a another purchase to receive the free dessert. For online orders, use coupon code VETSDAY21.
Read the news story
Denny’s
FREE breakfast! On November 11th, 2021, veterans can build their own Grand Slam breakfast. The deal is good from 5 a.m. to noon. Hours may vary by location. Dine-in only. Available to all active, non-active, and retired personnel with military ID or DD214. More info in press release.
There is a Denny’s at 5534 Jimmy Carter Blvd, Norcross, GA 30093.

Grand Slam Breakfast, photo courtesy of Denny’s.
Dunkin’ Donuts
On November 11, 2021, veterans and active duty military are invited to participating Dunkin’ restaurants nationwide for a free donut of your choice, no purchase necessary!
Einstein Bros. Bagels
FREE hot or iced coffee for active military and veterans, on Nov. 11th, 2021. Note that an additional purchase is required.
Fogo de Chão
Veterans and active duty military can enjoy 50% off their entire meal, PLUS 10% off the meal price of up to three more diners in the party. Offer is good on November, 11th, 2021.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Freddy’s will be giving out FREE meal cards to any veteran or active-duty military personnel who visits a Freddy’s restaurant on Veterans Day in 2021. The cards are good for a combo meal on a return visit, and can be used through Nov. 30th, 2021.
You’ll find metro area locations in:
- Conyers
- Cartersvile
- Cumming
- Dawsonville
- Duluth
- Kennesaw
- Marietta
- McDonough
- Snellville
Golden Corral
On Thursday, November 11th, 2021, Golden Corral is offering a FREE meal to any person who has served in the U.S. Military. The offer is available from 5 p.m. until close.
Active duty, National Guard, Reserves, retirees and veterans are all eligible. Dine-in only. Guests of military members must pay regular price for their meals.
Grub
On Veterans Day, November 11th, 2021, Grub will offer a FREE entree to all active, former, and retired military. The offer is valid at all locations in Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas. Wear your uniform or bring a military ID or proof of service.
Hard Rock Cafe
Thank you for your service!
All veterans will receive a FREE Legendary Burger all day long on Thursday, November 11th, 2021.
Atlanta’s Hard Rock Cafe is located in downtown Atlanta at 215 Peachtree Street.
The fine print:
To qualify for the free Legendary® Burger, a valid military government issued identification card must be presented> The offer is for dine-in only, wit a limit of one free Burger per person. More info
Hooters
Active duty and veterans can eat FREE at Hooters on Thursday, November 11th, 2021. The Veterans Day menu includes Buffalo Chicken Salad, Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Hooters Burger and 10-piece Boneless Wings. More info.
Veterans can receive 20% off their bill on November 11th, 2021.
Krispy Kreme
Little Caesars
Offering a FREE Hot-N-Ready Lunch Combo to active duty and other veterans, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on November 11th, 2021. Bring proof of service. The combo meal includes a 4-slice DEEP!DEEP! Dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi product.
Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt
On November 11th, 2021 all veterans will receive their first 6 oz of frozen yogurt for FREE. If you swirl more than 6 ounces, you just pay the difference.
McCormick & Schmick’s
Veterans, national guardsmen, Gold Star parents, and Gold Star spouses can enjoy a half-priced entrée on Sunday, November 7th, 2021. More info.
O’Charley’s Restaurant
Veterans and active duty personnel will receive a FREE entrée on Veterans Day, November 11th, 2021.
Choose from O’Charley’s Famous Chicken Tenders & Fries, Classic Cheeseburger, Honey-Drizzled Southern-Fried Chicken Peach Chutney Chicken, Chicken Alfredo, or Southern Fried Chicken Tender Salad.
On The Border
Veterans can get a FREE Pick 2 Combo Meal on November 11th, 2021.
Red Lobster
In honor of Veterans Day 2021, Red Lobster is offering a FREE appetizer or dessert from a select menu to veterans, active duty military and reservists. Customers only need to show a valid military ID or proof of service to enjoy the offer.
Red Robin
Iin 2021, veterans and active military must also be members of the restaurant’s Red Robin Royalty loyalty program to get the Veteran’s Day deal. Sign up or Red Robin’s Royalty Program with military designation by Monday, November 1st, 2021. Once registered, you will receive an offer for a FREE Tavern Double Burger, which comes with a side of bottomless fries. You can redeem the offer for dine-in or to-go, from November 1st to 14th, 2021.
More info in press release.
Romano’s Macaroni Grill
The Italian restaurant is serving a FREE full-size order of Mom’s Ricotta Meatballs + Spaghetti on November 11th, 2021.
Ruby Tuesday
FREE entree from the Endless Garden Bar at participating locations, with military ID. The offer includes active and retired military.
Smashburger
On November 11th, 2021, vets can get a FREE Single Classic Burger.
Starbucks
On November 11th, 2021, Starbucks will offer a FREE tall (12-ounce) hot brewed coffee for veterans, military service members, and military spouses at participating U.S. Starbucks stores. Find a Starbucks near you.
STK Steakhouse
Active military and veterans can enjoy 20% off their check on Veterans Day in 2021.
Veterans and active military can chill out on November 11th, 2021 with their first 6 ounces of frozen yogurt and toppings for FREE. If you get more than 6oz, just pay the difference. The deal was announced in a Facebook post.
Texas Roadhouse
The restaurant will honor veterans and active military with a special “drive-up” giveaway on November 11th, 2021 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. They will distribute meal vouchers in the parking lot. The voucher is valid is through May 30, 2022 and can be redeemed for a FREE entrée from a select menu. The event is drive-thru only. However, vouchers can be redeemed when the restaurant is open for dinner.
Tin Lizzy’s Cantina
On November 11th, the Cantina is extending 50% OFF food purchases for all active, retired, and former military members — plus a guest. The offer was announced in a Facebook post.
Tucker Brewing
The popular local brewery invites all veterans and active military to enjoy a FREE beer on Veterans Day 2021 in the taproom or beer garden. Hours on Thursday, Nov. 11th are 4 to 9 p.m. — come for great brews, live music, and a few rounds of cornhole. Additionally, all military and first responders can enjoy 20% OFF every Sunday at Tucker Brewing.
NOTE: We received this info via Tucker Brewing’s regular email communications.
Wendy’s
Participating Wendy’s locations nationwide are offering a FREE small breakfast combo to all veterans and active military, with valid ID.
No purchase is necessary to redeem the offer at restaurants or drive-ins. The offer is good on November 11th, 2021 during breakfast hours — usually from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m. Check your location, as breakfast hours may vary slightly.
Vets and active military can get a FREE appetizer on November 11th, 2021.
More info
Other freebies and discounts
Bed, Bath & Beyond
The Armed Forces Appreciation Event runs from Nov. 11th to 13th in 2021 — with 25% off an entire purchase either online or in-store.
Details here, including FAQs on how to redeem the offer.
Walgreens
On Thursday, Nov. 11 through Sunday, Nov. 14, veterans, military and their families will receive 20% OFF regular price eligible store items at any Walgreens or Duane Reade drugstore nationwide. This is the 2021 offer. Read the press release.
Dollar General
Dollar General proudly recognizes veterans, active-duty military, National Guard and Reserve, and their immediate family members for their sacrifices in serving our country. To extend thanks, Dollar General is offering an 20% OFF for four days (November 11 – 14, 2021) on qualifying, in-store purchases.
NOTE: Eligible customers should first complete a military credential verification process online at dollargeneral.com/military and then add the discount as a DG Digital Coupon. More info
World of Coca-Cola
Military members (active duty, reserves, and retirees) can visit World of Coca-Cola for FREE year-round, but Veterans Day is extra special. From now through Sunday, November 14, 2021, members of the Armed Forces can buy up to four general admission tickets at half-price, for their family and friends to join them on a visit to the attraction. Buy tickets online here. Service members will be asked for military ID when they arrive at the attraction.
Six Flags over Georgia
The park will host Military Appreciation Days on November 13th and 14th, 2021, with FREE admission for veterans and active-duty military.
During Military Appreciation Days, veterans will receive one free admission ticket with a valid Veterans ID, Official State ID with their Veteran Endorsement or DD214. Additional tickets may be purchased at a discounted rate of $24.99.
Active-duty military service members will receive free admission to Six Flags Over Georgia with a valid Military ID. In addition, up to three immediate family members will receive free admission with each service member. If a service member is currently deployed, a spouse and up to three immediate family members will receive free admission with a current Military ID. Additional tickets may be purchased at a discounted rate of $24.99.
Government civilian and contracted workers can purchase an unlimited amount of admission tickets at a discounted rate of $24.99 and must show their government badge.
All tickets must be picked up or purchased at the main ticket booths at the park.
Georgia State Parks
On Veterans Day — November 11, 2021 — vets and their families can also get FREE admission to the Hardman Farm Historic Site.
National Parks
FREE admission for everyone, at all National Parks on Thursday, November 11, 2021.
There are 11 National Parks in Georgia, plus three National Heritage Areas.
Three are within an easy drive of Atlanta.
Click here for a list and details.
Great Clips
FREE haircuts for veterans and active duty military on Wednesday, November 11, 2021. Don’t need a haircut? Just drop by and pick up a voucher for a free haircut at a later date. Non-military customers can pay for a hair service on Veterans Day and get a free haircut card to give to a military service member that they know. More info.
Sport Clips
Many Sport Clips locations are offering FREE haircuts on November 11 to active duty personnel and veterans.
Find a participating location near you.
Metro Atlanta participating locations include:
- Marietta
- Perimeter
- Norcross
- Duluth
- Brookhaven
- Decatur
- Druid Hills
- Tucker
True REST Float Spa
On November 11th, 2021, any active duty military, reservist or veteran can enjoy a free 60-minute float therapy session. More info. There is a location in McDonough.
Target
From Oct. 31 to Nov. 13, Target is offering all U.S. active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families 10% off two separate purchases. (Some exclusions apply.) To receive the offer, you must first confirm eligibility by registering here. After verification, the exclusive one-Target Circle offer will be available in customer’s account to use in-store or online.
Punch Bowl Social
Veterans and active duty military can enjoy one hour of FREE activities at the gastropub on Thursday, November 11th, 2021. The offer is good from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and our Atlanta-area location is at The Battery.
Games and activities include:
- Vintage arcade games
- Giant scrabble
- Bowling
- Ping Pong
- Skeeball
- Karaoke
Grace For Vets
Vets can get revved up for a little car maintenance on Nov. 11th. Grace For Vets is again coordinating a FREE car wash for veterans and military personnel in 2021, thanks to participating car wash locations across the country. For locations, click here.
PGA TOUR Superstore
From November 10th to 15th, 2021, the store will be offering all active duty military personnel and veterans 15% off their in-store purchase. PGA TOUR Superstore, a specialty retailer for golf and tennis, has locations in Lawrenceville, Roswell, and Kennesaw. You can find all store locations here.
Veterans Day 2021 events
Atlanta History Center’s Veterans Day Ceremony
The program takes place on Thursday, November 11th from 11 a.m. to noon, in Veterans Park (corner of West Paces Ferry Road and Slaton Drive). It will feature speakers, music, and the opportunity to connect with other veterans and their families. Register for a FREE ticket, which includes FREE admission to Atlanta History Center following the program.
Veterans Day Tribute in Sandy Springs
This is the city’s 12th Annual Veterans Day Celebration, taking place on Thursday, Nov. 11 at 11:30 a.m. on the City Green. The event is FREE and open to the community. Parking is available in the underground parking garage. Former WSB-TV anchorman John Pruitt will emcee the event.
Woodstock Veterans Day Ceremony
November 11, 2021 at 7 p.m. FREE to attend. Located at the Park at City Center, at 101 Arnold Mill Road in Woodstock.
Dunwoody Veterans Day Ceremony
November 11th at 10 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial in Brook Run Park (4770 North Peachtree Rd.) The theme of the FREE event is “Centennial Commemoration of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.”
Acworth Veterans Day Ceremony
November 11th from 2 to 3 p.m. at Cauble Park (4425 Beach Street). FREE to attend.
Smyrna Veterans Day – Honoring Those Who’ve Served
November 11th at 11:00 a.m., at Veterans Park (2800 King Street). In case of rain, the event will be indoors at the Smyrna Community Center. FREE to attend — come and honor local veterans from ages 18 to 98.
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The offer seems to be in place only at participating locations. We can see the coupon at some stores, but not others.
Thank you for your service!
Meineke says they offer a coupon for a free basic oil change if you go to there web site and click on coupons, but when you go to the site the coupon is not there and the store says they no nothing about a free oil change