Veterans Day Freebies 2026: Free Meals, Car Washes, Haircuts and BOGO Deals
By Nate Kinney, Mission Roll Call
If you’re looking for a free Veterans Day meal, a haircut or a car wash today, here’s where to start. We pulled offers from Mission Roll Call’s Veteran Discount Directory for Wednesday, November 11, 2026, from a biscuit sandwich and coffee at Biscuit Belly to a free haircut at Great Clips. We’ve also included where to find a free car wash and flagged which deals require a purchase or give you a voucher to use later.
Before you head out, bring proof of military service and call ahead to confirm your location is participating. Offers generally apply only to the eligible guest. Check whether the deal is dine-in only, whether drinks are included and what time it ends. Times below are local.
Browse Mission Roll Call’s Veteran Discount Directory
Watch our quick Veterans Day freebies update:
Free Veterans Day Meals and Appetizers
| Restaurant | What you can get today |
|---|---|
| Applebee’s | A free entrée from the Veterans Day menu at participating restaurants. Dine in and show proof of service. Offer details |
| Biscuit Belly | A free bacon, egg and cheese, sausage, egg and cheese, or chicken biscuit sandwich with hot drip coffee or a fountain drink for veterans and active-duty service members. Dine-in only at all locations. Offer details |
| Bob Evans | A free homestyle meal from the Veterans Day menu for veterans and active-duty military. Dine-in only with proof of service. Offer details |
| Chili’s | A free meal from a select menu for veterans and active-duty military. Dine-in only at participating restaurants. Offer details |
| Cracker Barrel | A free Sunrise Pancake Special for veterans and active-duty military. Dine-in only with proof of service, while supplies last. Offer details |
| Denny’s | A free Original Grand Slam from store opening to noon for eligible current and former military personnel. Dine-in only at participating restaurants. Offer details |
| Golden Corral | A free buffet meal and beverage from 4 p.m. to close for current and former military members. Dine-in only. Offer details |
| Grillsmith | A free entrée for veterans and active-duty military. Confirm the menu and participating location before visiting. Directory listing |
| Hickory River Smokehouse | One free barbecue meal for veterans and active-duty military with valid military ID. Dine in, carry out or use the drive-through where available. Offer details |
| IHOP | A free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for veterans and active-duty military at participating restaurants. Dine-in only. Offer details |
| MISSION BBQ | A free sandwich for veterans and active-duty military. Bring proof of service. Directory listing |
| Outback Steakhouse | A free Bloomin’ Onion and nonalcoholic beverage for eligible military guests dining in. Ask your server about the offer. Offer details |
| Red Robin | A free Red’s Big Tavern Burger and bottomless fries for veterans and active-duty military with proof of service. Dine-in only at participating locations. Offer details |
| Ruby Tuesday | A free Everyday Fresh Meal with an entrée, the Garden Bar and a bottomless drink for eligible veterans and military members. Dine in and show proof of service. Offer details |
| The Common Man | A free entrée at Common Man family restaurants and Common Man Roadside locations in New Hampshire for veterans and current service members with valid military ID. Offer details |
| Wendy’s | One free Dave’s Single for veterans and active-duty military at participating U.S. restaurants. Identify yourself when ordering at the counter or drive-through. No purchase required. Offer details |
| World of Beer | A free Single Smash Burger and fries for veterans at participating locations. Dine in and bring proof of service. Offer details |
| Yard House | A free appetizer for veterans and active-duty service members who dine in and show proof of service. Offer details |
| Shane’s Rib Shack | A free chopped barbecue pork or chicken plate at participating locations. Show proof of service and order in store. Offer details |
| Smashburger | A free Single All-American Smash or Americana Big Dog at participating restaurants for veterans and active-duty military. Order in store with proof of service. Offer details |
| Sonny’s BBQ | A free pulled or sliced pork sandwich with a side and drink for veterans and active-duty military with proof of service. Dine in, take out or order at the drive-through. Offer details |
Free Veterans Day Coffee and Desserts
- Starbucks offers veterans, service members and military spouses a free tall hot or iced brewed coffee at participating stores. Offer details
- Dunkin’ offers active and retired military members one free doughnut in store at participating locations, while supplies last. Offer details
- Krispy Kreme offers veterans and active-duty military a free doughnut of their choice and a small brewed coffee at participating U.S. shops. Offer details
- TCBY offers veterans and active-duty military a free six-ounce serving of frozen yogurt at participating locations with proof of service. Offer details
- Hattie B’s Hot Chicken lists a free dessert for veterans and active-duty military with military ID. Call your location to confirm the dessert and any ordering requirements. Directory listing
Free Haircuts and Car Washes on Veterans Day
Great Clips offers veterans and active-duty service members a free haircut or a card to use later. Stop by a U.S. salon November 11 to claim it. The haircut card is redeemable through December 4, 2026. Offer details
Sport Clips offers free Veterans Day haircuts for veterans and active-duty service members at participating locations. Check with your store before visiting. Find a participating store
Looking for a free car wash? VA News lists Grace For Vets as an additional Veterans Day resource. Participating car washes across the country offer veterans and active-duty military a free wash on November 11. Check the locator and confirm hours with the wash before driving over. Find a participating Grace For Vets car wash · VA News offer roundup
Buy One Get One Free and Other Offers With a Purchase
- Firebirds Wood Fired Grill offers a complimentary meal for veterans and active-duty service members with the purchase of another entrée. Firebirds says it also covers the meal for eligible guests dining alone. Directory listing
- STK Steakhouse offers eligible guests a complimentary entrée from its Veterans Day menu with the purchase of a starter at participating U.S. locations. November 11 is the last day of the promotion. Offer details
Free Meal Vouchers to Pick Up on November 11
| Restaurant | What to know |
|---|---|
| Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers | Pick up a free combo meal card today with proof of service and redeem it through November 25, 2026. No purchase is required to pick up the card. Offer details |
| Texas Roadhouse | Pick up a free meal voucher from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with proof of service. Confirm pickup and redemption details with your restaurant and check the expiration printed on your voucher. Directory listing |
| Aspen Creek Grill | Pick up a free $15 meal voucher from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. with proof of service. Use it for dine-in through December 24, 2026. Alcohol is excluded, and guests cover any amount above the voucher value. 2026 offer details from VA News |
Free Military Offers Available Year Round
The Veteran Discount Directory is free to browse year-round. If you’re planning a trip, exploring a career change or looking for help with schoolwork, start here.
- National Park Service offers a free lifetime Military Pass for eligible veterans and Gold Star families. An online order may carry a processing fee. Check where you can get one in person. Military Pass details
- Discount Tire offers free repairs for eligible flat tires. Ask your local store if the tire can be repaired safely. Directory listing
- Tutor.com for U.S. Military Families offers free online tutoring for eligible service members and military families. Check eligibility
- Microsoft Software & Systems Academy offers no-cost tech career training for eligible transitioning service members and veterans. Check application dates and program requirements. Program details
Veterans Day Freebies FAQ
Do I need a military ID?
Many businesses ask for proof of service. A military ID, a veteran ID or a state-issued ID with a veteran designation may qualify. Check the specific offer before heading out.
Can military spouses claim free Veterans Day offers?
Eligibility varies. Starbucks includes military spouses in its brewed coffee offer. Check each listing for family eligibility before you go.
Can I use these deals after Veterans Day?
Most holiday offers above end November 11. Pick up any voucher on the stated date and check its redemption deadline. You can also search the VDD for year-round offers.
We built the Veteran Discount Directory to make offers like these easier to find, whether you’re grabbing lunch today or planning a family outing next month. We update deals weekly and verify them often, but businesses can change their offers between checks. Thank you for your honorable service. If you find an offer someone you served with could use, send it their way.
Explore the free Veteran Discount Directory · Read our broader 2026 Veterans Day discounts and deals guide