Veterans Day Free Meals and Discounts in New York

First and foremost, thank you for your service. Secondly, Veterans Day is coming up, and that means you and your family may be able to enjoy some discounts or free meals you’ve earned for your service.  

You’ve likely seen the lists online, on social media, maybe at the VA, VFW, or American Legion. There are literally thousands of Veterans Day discounts out there, and trying to keep track of them can become overwhelming quickly. To see everything, check out our comprehensive list of Veterans Day discounts and deals. Seriously, it’s probably the most comprehensive one you’ll find, as we’ve had people working on this project year-round.

However, for those who aren’t interested in seeking deals that may not benefit them and want the discounts exclusive to their local area, I’ve created state-discount pages. On top of that, I put together a guide to help you plan your entire Veterans Day to maximize those discounts.m  

These are the ones you can find in New York! 

Veterans Day Breakfast Deals

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

• Country Kitchen: Enjoy a free Country Scramble breakfast. 
• Denny’s: Veterans get a free “Build-Your-Own Grand Slams” from 5 a.m. to noon. 
• IHOP: Veterans can enjoy free Red, White, and Blue pancakes.
• Cracker Barrel: The restaurant is offering a free Sunrise Pancake special. 

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. 
• Outback Steakhouse: (New in 2025) In previous years, this chain offered a blooming onion and a drink discount. But out with the old, in with the new, as this year they’re offering a special Aussie 3-course meal!
• 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.
• Chili’s Bar and Grill: Veterans get a free meal from a special menu. 
• Bill Gray’s: Receive a free “World’s Greatest Cheeseburger”, regular fries, and a soda. When you dine in. (Upstate New Yorkers, anything claiming to be the “World’s Greatest” is worth a chance!)
• Salvatore’s Old Fashioned Pizzeria: You can do either dine-in or pick up to get a free 12-inch thin pizza if you’re a veteran or active duty military personnel. (Upstate New  York).

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. 

• 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!
• 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.
• Kwik Fill: Not a free meal, but you can receive a free large coffee for veterans at some locations. 

Final Point

Once again, I would like to express my gratitude for your service. You and your family have made countless sacrifices for this country. Please remember to bring your military ID or proof of service when you go out. I don’t want you to miss out on discounts and benefits that you’ve earned.