Over 50 Veterans Day Discounts and Freebies

There are lots of Veterans Day discounts and free meals in 2018 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!

2018 Veterans Day Deals and events

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad invites veterans and their family members (limit 4) for a complimentary two-hour round trip through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Enjoy the scenery and ride the rails through the park. A concession car will be made available throughout the duration of the train ride. We encourage passengers to join us for a demonstration from the Color Guard at 9:10 a.m. at Rockside Station and 2:40 p.m. at Akron Northside Station. We also invite the public to Peninsula Depot, located at 1630 Mill St., as the train passes at 10:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. and 3:30-4 p.m.

Local Veterans Day deals and events: 

Columbus Veterans Day Parade: Friday, November 9, 2018  This year’s parade will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the WWI Armistice and the American Legion Centennial., along with all of the heroes of our military branches.  The celebration starts at the reviewing stand in front of Columbus City Hall with invocation and conferment of MilVets scholarships.  The parade steps off from Nationwide Blvd and High Street the parade kicks off at noon with a performance by the Nationwide Nationaires singing group and a flyover along the route.  The parade brings Santa’s first visit for the year in Central Ohio, and Santa and the U.S. Marines are collecting new unwrapped toys for Toys-for-Tots program at the end of the parade.  See Facebook page here.

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.

Veterans Day Pancake Breakfast: The Westerville Senior Center will hold a pancake breakfast in honor of area Veterans on Friday, November 9. 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.

Blue Salute Veterans Appreciation Breakfast: 4th annual veterans’ breakfast on Saturday, November 10 from 9 am – noon with guest speaker is Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Hall, U.S. Army. Barnett Community Recreation Center, 1184 Barnett Road.  Veterans can register here, or call 614-354-4366.

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium: for Free admission to the Zoo for Veterans and current Military members, and their immediate families on Sunday, November 11

Veterans Day Special at COSI: Active, reserved and retired military service get free general admission to COSI, November 7-11. 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.

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.

Lynd Fruit Farm: On Monday, November 12, veterans and active duty military can stop by the market and receive a free bag of apples.  It’s one small way we can can say thank you! Proof of service requested. 9399 Morse Rd. SW, Pataskala (740-927-8559)

Restaurants deals for Veterans Day 2018

Sunday, November 11, 2018

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. Additionally, through its week-long “Mission for Vets” campaign, from Monday, November 5 to Monday, November 12, Bar Louie invites its guests to donate via an add-on to their checks. All proceeds will be donated to Operation Homefront’s Critical Financial Assistance program to help veterans and their families in immediate need.

BJ’s Restaurants: On November 11, all military members who dine-in restaurant receive a complimentary entree up to $12.95 plus a free Dr Pepper beverage by presenting a military ID or proof of service. For the entire month of November, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse and Dr Pepper are contributing 11,000 Pizookies® to the restaurant’s ‘Buy a Hero a Pizookie’ program. Current or retired military simply claim a Pizookie® by following this link from November 1 through November 30, while supplies last. Once claimed, the offer is emailed and valid for 72 hours. Guests who would like to honor these heroes can contribute $1 or more on their restaurant bill to the program.  With a contribution of $1 of more, Guests will receive a bounce-back coupon for a FREE Pizookie® with any food purchase of $9.95 valid through December 31, 2018. It’s a win-win!

Bob Evans: Free meal on November 11. Choice of six favorite meals, including: Stack of Hotcakes, Fresh Baked Brioche French Toast, Country Biscuit Breakfast, Mini Sampler Breakfast, Soup and Salad Combo, and Country Fried Steak Dinner.

Bonefish Grill: Active and retired service members with valid military ID can enjoy a complimentary Bang Bang Shrimp®

California Pizza Kitchen:  Veterans and active military will receive a free 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.

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, Novembe 11, 2018. 

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 complimentary Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake dessert on November 11.

Dunkin’ Donuts: Anyone who shows a military I.D. on November 11 will receive a free donut of their choice. No purchase necessary.

Little Caesar’s Pizza: Little Caesars® Pizza will serve all United States Armed Forces veterans and active military a free $5 HOT-N-READY® Lunch Combo at participating stores. On Sunday, 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 can enjoy a free Cheeseburger, Endless Fries, and fountain drink on November 11

McCormick & Schmick’s: Veterans and Gold Star Honorees (parents and spouse) enjoy a complimentary entree on Sunday, November 11.  **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

Mimi’s Cafe: Honorees with a military ID can choose from select free menu items with the purchase of a non-alcoholic beverage. Menu items include: Slow-Roasted Turkey entree, Brioche Cheeseburger, Asian Chicken Salad, Brioche French Toast, Breakfast Tacos, or Four Buttermilk Griddlecakes. Offer is good only on November 11.

On the Border: Veterans and active duty military members get a free “Create Your Own Combo” meal, which features soup or salad, tacos, tostadas, enchiladas, and other options on November 11.

Pilot Flying J: Pilot Flying J is offering those who serve a free breakfast. From November 10 to 12,  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: November 11: Veterans and Active Duty Military get one FREE Classic Primanti Bros. Sandwich; available all day, at participating locations. No purchase necessary.

Red Lobster: All active duty military personnel receive a 10% discount on purchases every Monday. On November 11 and 12, veterans, active duty and reservists will receive a free appetizer or dessert from a special menu.

Red Robin: FREE Double Tavern Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries. You must show proof of service. Offer valid only on November 11, 2018.

Ruby Tuesday: Free appetizer up to $10 for active, retired, or reserve military on November 11.

Spaghetti Warehouse: November 9 – November 11. Download a special, three-day “buy one entrée, get one free” coupon offer, and bring a vet to lunch or dinner.

Texas de Brazil: November 11 and November 12. Two veterans or active-duty military dine for free plus 20% off the regular dinner price for up to 6 additional guests.

Texas Roadhouse: Veterans Day free meals for lunch with non-alcoholic beverage on November 11 for active, former, or retired military.

Monday, November 12, 2018

Golden Corral: Free buffet on November 12 from 5 – 9 p.m. for anyone who has served in the military, as well as active and reserve.

Denny’s: Active, inactive and retired military personnel are invited to enjoy a free Build-Your-Own Grand Slam on Monday, November 12 from 5 a.m. to noon.

Non-Restaurant Deals for Veterans Day 2018

Target: 10% military discount on purchases made in-store and online at Target.com from Nov. 4-12, 2018 for veterans, active duty, and their families. Click here to verify your eligibility and obtain your coupon.

B&Bs for Vets: Veterans are eligible for one free night at participating B&Bs in the US and Canada. The offer is good for one night on or around Veterans Day, November 11. Visit the link for lodging near you or your destination. You must book directly with the business, and valid ID is required.

Goodyear Auto Service/Just Tires: Goodyear Auto Service and Just Tires locations nationwide say “thanks” to those who serve by offering all active and retired military members and first responders FREE “Checks for Vets,” plus up to $250 off tires. The offer is valid from November 9 through November 11 – book appointments beginning November 9, but the offer can be redeemed through November 16. You can find more details here. The “Checks for Vets” offer includes FREE tire, brake and battery checks. Military and first responders will also receive 10 percent off tires instantly, which could save you $250 when used with additional in-store offers.

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.

Great Clips: On Nov. 11, come in for a haircut and get a free haircut card to give to a veteran.  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.

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.

National Parks: FREE admission for all on November 11

Pro Football Hall of Fame: A partnership with Goodyear provides free admission to the Pro Football Hall of Fame for veterans, National Guard Reservists, and active military, plus one guest, throughout the entire month of November.

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.

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.

Sleep Number: Honoring our Military with special offers reserved for our country’s heroes. $1000 savings on Sleep Number 360 i10 mattress sets, $500 savings on  Sleep Number 360 c4 mattress sets, Additional savings on other Sleep Number mattress sets – see Sleep Professional for details, Additional $100 savings when you upgrade to a Flex Fit smart adjustable base, and 25% off ALL bedding collection items. Visit one of our four Columbus area Sleep Number stores from 11/01/18 – 11/18/18, and show a valid military or veteran’s ID to receive these exclusive offers. Locations are at Tuttle Mall, Polaris Parkway, Easton Gateway, and Grove City.

Super 8 by Wyndham – 20% off for Military Members from October 16 through December 11, 2018. Any current or retired military personnel, veterans and their families who book and stay at participating Super 8 hotels in the U.S. and Canada can take advantage of Super 8’s 20% off military discount. Additionally, guests that book using this offer through a Wyndham direct booking channel will be automatically enrolled into Wyndham Rewards and eligible for 500 bonus points. Learn more at super8.com/military.

Red Rood Inn: Home for the Holidays Military Discount for Active Duty and Veterans. From November 1 – December 31, 2018, all active duty and veterans can enjoy 20% off our best available rate for stays reserved November 1, 2018 – February 28, 2019 when using VP#623095.*

The following deals are EXPIRED from 2017 are being verified for 2018. Most businesses will update their offers in early November.

• Boston Market: BOGO deal – buy one individual meal with drink and get a second free – on Veterans Day weekend from Friday, Nov. 10 – Sunday, Nov. 12 at all U.S. locations; no I.D., but coupon is required and available at BostonMarket.com.
• Fazoli’s: All active, inactive and retired military personnel a free spaghetti with marinara or meat sauce, no purchase necessary with an I.D. or in uniform. This offer will run all weekend from Friday, November 10th through Sunday, November 12th. In addition to the Veterans Day weekend offer, Fazoli’s is rolling out an ongoing year round discount program for veterans by offering ten percent off any purchase with a military I.D. or in uniform.
• IHOP: On November 12, veterans can enjoy an order of free Red, White, & Blue Pancakes.
• Panera: Submitted by a reader – please check your location to verify participation.  Wear your uniform or show your military ID or discharge papers to participating Panera Bread locations on Friday, November 10 to receive a free You-Pick-Two meal.
• 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.
• Cantina Laredo: Complimentary entree for all veterans and active duty military with proof of service on November 11.
• Chuck E Cheese: Active and retired military members can enjoy a FREE individual 1-topping pizza with offer code 5500 on November 11.  Military families get special deals through the year too.
• Circle K: Free Polar Pop to military Veterans on November 11.
• Hofbrauhaus Columbus: Military eats free on November 11.  Active Duty, Reserves, Veterans can get a free meal up to $15.
• McDonalds (Columbus and Central Ohio): As a way to say thank you for their service, participating McDonald’s restaurants in Columbus and Central Ohio will offer a free breakfast, lunch or dinner Extra Value Meal to veterans and active military. The one-day special will be available on Saturday, November 11.
• White Castle: Free Breakfast Combo or Castle Combo Meal 1-6 for veterans and active duty military on November 11.
• World of Beer: Veterans get $5 off their bill on November 11.