There are lots of Veterans Day discounts and free meals in 2019 at restaurants and stores to honor our former and current Military Personnel on and around Veterans Day. From free food, free haircuts, free car washes, and more; we want our heroes to feel taken care of and appreciated. Click on links for offer details and pay close attention to the details, proof of service requirements, and call your location to ensure participation. Most of the offers require military identification of some sort.
While many of the Veteran Day deals are national chains, we found a few Veterans Day discounts local to Columbus, including meals and free admissions. Please let us know if you are aware of other local deals for Veterans Day – we love to support local!
If you’re not a veteran, you probably know someone who is, so make sure to share these deals with them. Better yet, suggest meeting at one of these restaurants so they can redeem their free meal with good company!
2019 Veterans Day Deals and events
Military Appreciation Week at COSI: Active, reserved and retired military service get free general admission to COSI, November 6-10, 2019 for Military Appreciation Week. Immediate family members will also receive $2 off general admission. Simply show your military ID or mention that you are a Veteran to receive the offer. Veterans and their party also receive FREE admission to D-Day: Normandy 1944 with COSI General Admission.
Veterans Resource Fair: Thu, November 7, 2019 from 11 am – 2:00 pm at Columbus State Community College (550 E. Spring Street)
Columbus Veterans Day Parade: Friday, November 8, 2019 The theme of this years parade is “The Greatest Generation” celebrating the 75th anniversary of D-Day this year and the 75th anniversary of the end of WWII next year. The parade steps off from Nationwide Blvd and High Street the parade kicks off at noon and ends at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum. U.S. Marines are collecting new unwrapped toys for Toys-for-Tots program at the end of the parade. See Facebook page here.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus: FREE admission to all veterans and active duty military personnel on Saturday, November 9 – Monday November 11. Additionally, family members visiting with them can get a discounted admission of only $10 per person. Tickets must be purchased at the door with a valid military ID.
Veterans Day Pancake Breakfast: The Westerville Senior Center will hold a pancake breakfast in honor of area Veterans on Monday, November 11. This event is free to Veterans and $5 for all others. Registration is required and can be done at either the Senior Center (310 W. Main St.) or at the Community Center (350 N. Cleveland Ave.) Please use activity #404302-01.
Lynd Fruit Farm: On Monday, November 11, veterans and active duty military can stop by the market and pick up a gift of appreciation. It’s one small way we can can say thank you! Proof of service requested. 9399 Morse Rd. SW, Pataskala (740-927-8559)
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium: for Free admission to the Zoo for Veterans and current Military members, and their immediate families on Monday, November 11
Hilliard Veterans Day Parade: November 11 from 7-8 pm. The parade will step off from The Franklin County Fairgrounds (GATE 4 on Northwest Parkway at 7:00pm). The parade will proceed West on Northwest Parkway, South on Avery/Main Street, West on Cemetery Road to Scioto Darby Road and South on Veterans Memorial Drive, where it will conclude with a short ceremony at the Veterans Memorial at Roger A. Reynolds Municipal Park.
Free admission for military at Newport Aquarium: November 11 to 17, 2019. Active or retired member of the military, a disabled veteran, military reservist, or anyone who has ever served in the Armed Forces, just show your Military I.D.* at the Newport Aquarium ticket window to receive your free admission. Accompanying family members and friends can receive discounts of $3 off adult and $2 off child (ages 2-12) admission.
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad invites veterans, active military, first responders, and their family members (limit 4 total) for a complimentary two-hour round trip through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park on November 11. Enjoy the scenery and ride the rails through the park. A concession car will be made available throughout the duration of the train ride. A Color Guard demonstration will be held at 9:45 a.m. at Akron Northside Station and 10 a.m. at Rockside Station. Upon boarding passengers will be served water and a treat.
- Akron Northside Station, 27 Ridge Street, Akron, OH 44308
Color Guard Ceremony at 9:45 a.m., Train Departs at 10:00 AM - Rockside Station, 7900 Old Rockside Road, Independence, OH 44131
Color Guard Ceremony at 10:00 AM, Train Departs at 10:15 AM
Pro Football Hall of Fame: A partnership with Goodyear provides free admission and parking to the Pro Football Hall of Fame for veterans, National Guard Reservists, and active military, plus one guest, from November 1-11, 2019. Throughout the rest of November and every day at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, veterans and active military receive $5 off Museum admission and their spouses and dependents (under 18) receive $3 off. In addition, free parking will be provided for the month of November.
Wexner Center for the Arts: Free gallery admission (always) for veterans and active military members in support of Vets at the Wex, an ongoing public program that works with veterans and their loved ones, many living with the symptoms of traumatic brain injury or PTSD. Just show military or veteran ID.
Restaurants deals for Veterans Day 2019
16-Bit Bar + Arcade: 15% off booze to active & retired military and free koozie with purchase of a canned beer.
Applebees: Choice of free entree from a special menu on November 11, dine in only; proof of service required.
Bar Louie: Free flatbread or burger for veterans and active duty military with military I.D. on November 11. Polaris location is confirmed, details for Arena District not released as of 10/23.
BIBIBOP: Honoring Veteran’s Day by giving a FREE BOWL to all Veterans and Active Duty Military. All BIBIBOP locations, all day long. *In-store purchases only.
BJ’s Restaurant: On November 11 all military members who dine-in restaurant receive a complimentary entree up to $14.95 plus a free Dr Pepper beverage by presenting a military ID or proof of service.
Bob Evans: Free meal on November 11, 2019. Choice of six favorite meals, including: Country Biscuit Breakfast, Mini Sampler Breakfast, Brioche French Toast, Stack of Hotcakes, Soup & Salad Combo, and all eight of the Bob Evans Dinner Bell Plates. One free item from this menu only valid for Veterans and Active Duty Military personnel on November 11, 2019 at all Bob Evans Restaurants. 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.
Bru Burger Bar: Free entree for Veterans on November 11.
Bruegger’s Bagels: Free bagel and cream cheese.
Buffalo Wild Wings: Veterans and active duty military can receive a free small order of traditional or boneless wings and a side of fries on November 11. Beverage, tax, and tip not included. Proof of service required.
California Pizza Kitchen: Veterans and active military will receive a free beverage and entree from a special menu with proof of service on November 11. Excludes airports, stadiums, the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas, Guam or international locations.
Cantina Laredo: Complimentary entree for all veterans and active duty military with proof of service on November 11.
Chicken Salad Chick (Westerville): Free Chick Special and Regular Drink to any Veteran or active military service member on Monday, November 11. 687 Worthington Rd. Westerville, OH 43082
Chili’s Restaurants : Chili’s founder, Norman Brinker, proudly served in the U.S. Navy. On November 11, Chili’s offers a special menu for veterans to eat for free at the restaurant’s many locations across the United States. Valid ID is required. Call your local Chili’s for more information.
Chipotle: BOGO burritos, bowls, salads and taco orders for all active duty military, reserves, national guard, military spouses, retired military with a valid U.S. military ID and veterans with ID, at all restaurants in the US from open to close on Sunday, November 11, 2018.
Condado Tacos: Two free tacos.
City BBQ: Free lunch for veterans and troops on November 11, which includes a free sandwich, 2 sides, and a drink for dine in or carry out.
Cracker Barrel: Veterans will receive a a complimentary Crafted Coffee or a slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola® Cake at all Cracker Barrel locations on November 11. to thank them for their service and sacrifice for our country.
Denny’s: Active, inactive and retired military personnel are invited to enjoy a free Build-Your-Own Grand Slam on Monday, November 11 from 5 a.m. to noon.
Dunkin’ Donuts: On November 11, veterans and active duty military are invited to participating Dunkin’ restaurants nationwide for a free donut of their choice, no purchase necessary*
El Vaquero (all locations): 20% off veteran customer meals on Veterans Day
Golden Corral: Free dine-in “thank you” dinner on November 11 for anyone who has served in the military, as well as active and reserve.
Gordon Biersch: Veterans’s will enjoy a complimentary entree from our Veteran’s Day Menu on Monday, Nov. 11, 2019. Pair your meal with the Veterans IPA – 25 cents of every pint sold will be donated to local veterans charity November 11th – 17th.
Hot Chicken Takeover: Offer a DAILY 50% discount to active and inactive military, and first responders. They support the Columbus Veteran community throughout the year, and partner with community groups that aim to help veterans.
Houlihan’s: Houlihan’s Restaurants will honor America’s veterans and active-duty military on Veterans Day, Monday, November 11, 2019 with a complimentary meal from a Veterans Day menu, in addition to the fifteen-percent food discount that is offered every day throughout the year. Veterans Day meal is dine-in only, daily discount is dine in or carry out. Proof of service required. 3150 Tremont Rd, Upper Arlington
IHOP: On November 11 from 7 am – 7 pm, veterans can enjoy an order of free Red, White, & Blue Pancakes.
IKEA: Free combo meal consisting of entree, side salad or soup and a fountain beverage.
Joe’s Crab Shack: Veterans receive 20% off on Veteran’s Day, Monday, November 11.
Little Caesar’s Pizza: Little Caesars® Pizza will serve all United States Armed Forces veterans and active military a free Lunch Combo at participating stores. On November 11, from 11:00a.m. to 2:00p.m., veterans and active military members can receive their free $5 Lunch Combo ( four slices of Little Caesars popular Detroit-style DEEP!DEEP!™ Dish pizza, paired with a 20-ounce Pepsi product).
Max & Erma’s: Veterans and active military can enjoy a free Cheeseburger, Endless Fries, and fountain drink on November 11. Dine in only. Simply show proof of military service. Not valid with any other coupons, offers or promotions.
McCormick & Schmick’s: Veterans, members of the National Guard, Gold Star Parents and Gold Star Spouses enjoy a complimentary entree on Sunday, November 10. **All veterans must show official verification; no I.D. required by Gold Star honorees. Veterans Day entrees must be enjoyed at the restaurant. No to-go orders permitted.
Menchies: Free frozen yogurt up to 6 oz. for veterans and active military personnel on November 11. Proof of service required.
Moe’s Original BBQ Newark and Granville: Veterans get a free pork sandwich meal at both the Granville & Newark locations.
Nutcracker Family Restaurant (63 E Broad St, Pataskala): Active Duty, Reserve, Retirees and Honorably Discharged Veterans are invited for a 100% free meal on Tuesday, November 12th from 7am to 8pm. No limitation on what they can order, no special limited menu. This offer is good for anything on our regular menu. Veteran’s will need proof of Honorable Discharge and current Military Members need a Military ID for this free meal offer.
On the Border: Veterans and active duty military members get a Free Combo 2 meal, which features soup or salad, tacos, enchiladas, and other options on November 11.
Pilot Flying J: Pilot Flying J is offering veterans a free hot beverage and breakfast item. From November 8 to 11, active-duty and retired military veterans can use the myPilot app to redeem an offer for a free Pilot Coffee of any size with their choice of a PJ Fresh breakfast sandwich, packaged pastry item or a Cinnabon Center of the Roll. The offer is valid at any of the participating Pilot and Flying J Travel Centers in North America.
Primanti Bros: Active or retired military can enjoy a free Primanti Bros. Almost Famous sandwich in honor of their service to America, Sunday, Nov. 10 and Monday, Nov. 11, at all Primanti Bros. locations across six states.
Quaker Steak & Lube: Free meal up to $15 with non-alcoholic beverage or meal discount.
Rapid Fired Pizza: Free dessert pizza when you buy an entree.
Red Lobster: Red Lobster is offering a free appetizer or dessert to veterans, active duty military and reservists with a valid military ID on Monday, November 11. The offer is available in-restaurant or on To Go orders picked up in restaurant. Guests only need to show a valid military ID or proof of service to redeem this offer. Guests may choose their free appetizer or dessert from a special menu. All active duty military personnel receive a 10% discount on purchases every Monday.
Red Robin: FREE Double Tavern Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries. You must show proof of service. Offer valid only on November 11.
Rodizio Grill: Veterans Eat Free with the purchase of a Full Rodizio on November 11 at Rodizio Grill.
Roosters Wings: Show your military ID or forms and get $10 Rooster Bucks to be used anytime in November.
Spaghetti Warehouse: Veterans get a buy 1 get 1 free meal coupon offer. The coupon can be downloaded on Monday, November 4 through Monday, November 11 and redeemed on Veterans Day.
Starbucks: On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, Starbucks will donate 25 cents for every cup of brewed coffee sold nationwide to be split equally between non-profits Team Rubicon, for their work mobilizing veterans to respond to disasters and humanitarian crises around the world, and Team Red, White and Blue, for their “Ending Isolation” campaign. In addition, all veterans, active service members and their spouses will receive a free cup of coffee at participating stores.
Texas de Brazil: November 11 – November 13. Veterans receive 50% off dinner. Always a 20% Texas de Brazil discount on dinner and lunch prices (salad area only too!) for service members, EMS, and teachers! Badge or ID required; not valid on holidays (New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day, Easter Sunday, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve).
Texas Roadhouse: Veterans Day free meals for lunch with non-alcoholic beverage from 11 am – 4 pm on November 11 for active, former, or retired military.
The 94th Aero Squadron Vintage (5030 Sawyer Rd Columbus): Veterans and active duty military eat free on November 11 with purchase of a meal with active ID. They offer a 10% military discount all year long as well.
White Castle: Free breakfast combo or any 1-6 combo with coupon.
Non-Restaurant Deals for Veterans Day 2019
Fixari Family Dental: On Friday, November 8, 2019, Fixari Family Dental will host a free day of dental care for
Veterans who are in need of dental care from 8 am – 5 pm. Veterans are eligible to receive a complimentary extraction, filling or cleaning. Only a FEW appointments are left – call 614-655-3513 today!
True REST Float Spa Free Session
On Monday, November 11, True Rest Float Spa will offer a free, 60-minute float to any active-duty military member and/or veteran. Nearby locations are at Easton and Powell.
Additionally, True REST Float Spa is running a Veterans Day promotion for civilians. For every True REST Float Spa float therapy session purchased between Oct. 21- Nov. 11, an active duty personnel or veteran will be gifted a free floatation therapy session. Since 2015, True REST Float Spa has given away almost 3,000 complimentary floats to U.S. active-duty military and veterans.
Grace for Vets: Free car wash for veterans and military members on November 11 at car washes across the country. Many different companies are participating, so find the closest one to you (including Moo Moo, select Turkey Hill, and more). Use the search tool to find a participating car wash near you. All veterans and service personnel get a free car wash at participating locations. Grace For Vets is a non-profit organization that unites the car wash industry in U.S., Canada, New Zealand, Australia with this program.
Great Clips: On November 11, come in for a haircut and get a free haircut card to give to a veteran to use before the end of the year. And of course, all veterans can stop in on November 11 to get a free haircut or a free haircut card to be redeemed by the end of the year.
Crosswinds Dental: FREE day of dentistry for Veterans & 1st Responders on Friday November 15 to show our gratitude for their service and their sacrifice. The event is by appointment only and will fill up quickly. Please call 614-890-3130 to reserve an appointment!
National Parks: FREE admission for all on November 11
Lowe’s: Lowe’s offers 10% off eligible purchases every day to active military personnel, retirees, and veterans. Must sign up online for the Lowe’s personal shopping card to qualify for the discount, and the discount will
be linked to the MyLowe’s account. See registration details here.
B&Bs for Vets: Veterans are eligible for one free night at participating B&Bs in the US and Canada. Most of the inns are offering one free room night on Sunday, November 10 so you can enjoy the local Veterans Day celebrations. Visit the link for lodging near you or your destination. You must book directly with the business, and valid ID is required. See local offers below, while available. There are others located within driving distance to Columbus.
- Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center (Lewis Center, Ohio) To thank our veterans and active military we will honor 1 complimentary room on the November 10 , 2019
- Glenlaurel, A Scottish Inn & Cottages (Rockbridge, Ohio) To thank our veterans and active military we are offering two free rooms (only) on Sunday, November 10th for veterans with proof of military service at the time of booking. We will also be giving 50% off lodging only to all veterans on Monday, November 11th.
Enterprise Car Sales: Active U.S. military members, veterans and dependents will receive a Firestone Prepaid Maintenance Package valued at $300 with their used vehicle purchase during the month of November.
Super 8 by Wyndham – Super 8 is honored to welcome active and retired military members, veterans, and their families as our very important guests. Save 15% on our Best Available Rate at participating Super 8 by Wyndham hotels in the U.S. and Canada.* Veteran guests enjoy preferred parking at Super 8.
Red Roof Inn: They always offer 10% off room rates for all government, military, vets and retirees
Sports Clips: Military members can come in on Veterans Day for a free haircut on November 11. In addition, $1 from every hair service on November 11 will be donated to the “Help A Hero” fundraising campaign.
Sleep Number: Honoring our Military with special offers reserved for our country’s heroes. Military and veteran families receive an extra $100 off* select already discounted smart beds and adjustable bases with promo code. Visit one of our four Columbus area Sleep Number stores through 11/17, and show a valid military or veteran’s ID. Locations are at Tuttle Mall, Polaris Parkway, Easton Gateway, and Grove City.
Target: 10% military discount on purchases made in-store and online at Target.com from Nov. 3-11, 2019 for veterans, active duty, and their families. Click here to verify your eligibility and obtain your coupon.
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Yes! I just found it and added it. $10 Rooster Bucks to be used anytime in November with proof of service.
Roosters? Are they on today?
please add hot chicken takeover. call cameron mictell today, talked to people. no vetearns day thing, but they love burger week and resturant week
Joe’s Drain Cleaning LLC is offering 25% off services scheduled November 8-11 for Veterans and Military Members. See facebook.com/joesdraincleaningllc
Thank you! I’ll add this.
IN HONOR OF VETERANS DAY, PANERA BREAD WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL OF THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED OUR COUNTRY. WEAR YOUR UNIFORM OR SHOW YOUR MILITARY ID OR DISCHARGE PAPERS AT ANY OF THE PARTICIPATING PANERA BREAD LOCATIONS BELOW ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10 TO RECEIVE A FREE YOU-PICK-TWO MEAL.
Great info!
Just wanted to get future emails of deals in Columbus, Ohio.