Veterans Day Free Meals and Discounts in California

First and foremost, thank you for your service. Secondly, as Veterans Day approaches, you can expect to receive discounts and deals as a small gesture of appreciation for your service.

There are literally thousands of discounts specifically geared toward the military community, but sifting through them can be overwhelming. When I was writing this, I didn’t realize just how overwhelming many of those lists can be, so I figured I’d help you out a little bit.

Each year, I put together a piece aimed at helping you plan your day on Veterans Day to maximize your discounts and show you the savings. However, I’ve also had many of you reach out asking for more state-based discounts or deals. That makes sense. Seeing a discount or free meal for a Colorado food chain doesn’t help you if you’re living in California.  

11/4 Update: I was able to add a few more this year, and I concentrated on adding more regional options because, as we all know, California is a large state.

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.
• Coco’s Bakery Restaurant: (Greater LA area) Get a free homestyle Breakfast! (Try the country-fried steak and eggs, and thank me later.)

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.
• Outback Steakhouse: (New this year!) In years past, the chain offered a blooming onion and a drink discount. This year, they’re offering a special Aussie 3-course meal! 
• California Pizza Kitchen: Offers a free entrée from a special menu. 
• California Fish Grill: Get a complimentary taco and soft drink, so pop in and get a quick lunch to go!
• 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!) 
• Logan’s Roadhouse: This one is for all my Central Valley and NorCal folks! The restaurant is offering a free meal (lunch). 
• 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 a lot of time eating at a dine-in spot for lunch; many 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 can be redeemed on the same day or later.
• Hamburger Stand: Known for its 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 offer free pizza slices or discounts.(Pizza slice on the go, say less.)

Veterans Day Entertainment Discounts in California

Now that you’ve figured out where you’re going to get some grub, I’d imagine you may want to take it easy, and I, for one, don’t blame you. Who doesn’t enjoy a stress-free day on the couch?

However, if you’d like to get out and explore something new or spend time with your family, let’s look at some options to make the most of your day.

• California State Parks: Oh, so you’re a go-getter! Perfect, check out the state parks, because veterans and active-duty servicemembers get free admission!
• National Parks: Free admission is offered on Veterans Day. Note: If the government is shut down, you can expect possible delays or limited visitor capacity
• USS Midway Museum: By far one of the coolest tours I’ve been on. Ever see a floating city? Well now’s your chance. Veterans can get free admission to this massive museum in San Diego. 
• Six Flags: Still awaiting confirmation, but historically, active-duty personnel and veterans can receive free park admission, while family and friends can enjoy a discounted ticket price. (Magic Mountain is my favorite theme park, ever. Check out Full Throttle or X2!)

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. Being a military family can be taxing due to the frequent location changes and deployments. Remember to have your military ID or proof of service when you go!