Veterans Day Free Meals and Discounts in California

First and foremost, thank you for your service. Secondly, as Veterans Day rolls around, you’ve earned discounts and deals as a small gesture for your service.

There are literally thousands of discounts geared directly toward the military community, but sometimes, that’s a lot to look through. When I was writing this, I didn’t realize quite how overwhelming a lot of those lists can be, so I figured I’d help you out a little bit.

I’ve already put together a piece aimed at helping you plan your day on Veterans Day to maximize your discounts and show you the savings. But now, I want to break down some of the dine-in, fast food, and breakfast discounts offered by some of the larger states in the country. 

Let’s start first with California!

Veterans Day Breakfast Deals

Starting off the day, knock out some free breakfast at one of these places:

• Country Kitchen: Veterans can enjoy a free Country Scramble breakfast. 
• Denny’s: Gives out a free “Build-Your-Own Grand Slams” to veterans from 5 a.m. to noon. 
• IHOP: Veterans can enjoy free Red, White and Blue pancakes.

Veterans Day Free Meals When You Dine-In for Lunch or Dinner

Whether you’re planning to treat yourself or gather with friends and family, these dine-in restaurants are serving up some solid discounts for veterans on Veterans Day:

• Applebee’s: Veterans can get a free meal from a special menu.
• Texas Roadhouse: Veterans receive a free meal voucher. (It’s kind of nice if you want to come back when it’s less crowded!)
• Olive Garden: Olive Garden offers veterans a free meal from a select menu. The best part is that breadsticks, salad, or soup (my favorite is the gnocchi!) are included.
• California Pizza Kitchen: Offers a free entrée from a special menu. 
• Chili’s Bar and Grill: Veterans get a free meal from a special menu. 
• Claim Jumper: Known for its generous portions, Claim Jumper is providing a free meal from a special menu this Veterans Day. (Fingers crossed, the Tri-tip sandwich is on the menu!) 
• Red Robin: A fan favorite, Red Robin will offer a free Red’s Tavern Double Burger and bottomless fries for veterans on Veterans Day. 

Veterans Day Fast Food Discounts

Let’s say you’re on the go and don’t want to spend so much time eating at a dine-in spot for lunch, a lot of fast food options are available. 

• In-N-Out Burger: A free meal, including a drink and fries! (Not saying you should do this, but if it were me, I might hit In-N-Out about three times that day) 
• McDonald’s: This one is kind of sticky. Not all offer deals, but many do, so be sure to ask. The ones that have had deals before often include at least a free coffee, but sometimes they range to include a full combo meal. 
• Dairy Queen: Some Dairy Queen locations offer free ice cream treats! 
• Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers: Veterans can receive a free combo meal card on Veterans Day, which you can cash-in on later or same-day!
• Hamburger Stand: Known for their sliders and classic fast-food vibe, Hamburger Stand locations sometimes offer discounts or free items to veterans. Be sure to ask if they’re participating near you.
• Starbucks: Starbucks offers a free tall brewed coffee for veterans and military spouses. (This is one everyone in the family can enjoy!)
• Little Caesar’s Pizza: Some Little Caesar’s locations will give out free pizza slices or discounts.(Pizza slice on the go, say less.)

Final Point

I want to stress that I understand this isn’t the reason you served or are still serving this country. So, I hope this doesn’t come off as flippant. I just want you and your family to maximize any and all offers you can on this day because you’ve earned it. Honestly, so have they. It can be taxing to be a military family with the location changes and deployments. 

Remember to have your military ID or proof of service when you go!