San Antonio, often referred to as Military City USA, demonstrates significant community support for veterans and active-duty military personnel each November. On Veterans Day, November 11, local businesses across the city and surrounding areas offer a variety of free meals, discounts on services, and special appreciation events. These offers are designed to honor those who have served in the United States Armed Forces, including active-duty members, veterans, retired personnel, and in some cases, their immediate families.
To access these benefits, individuals typically need to present valid identification, such as a military ID, VA card, or DD-214 form. Many promotions are valid only on November 11, though some extend throughout the month or offer vouchers for future use. The following guide details verified freebies and discounts available in San Antonio and nearby regions, categorized by the type of offer.
Free Meals and Food Deals
A significant portion of Veterans Day freebies focuses on complimentary dining. National chains and local eateries alike participate, offering full meals, specific menu items, or desserts to eligible guests.
National Chains * Applebee’s: Veterans and active-duty service members can enjoy a free full-size entrée from a special Veterans Day menu when dining in on November 11. * Outback Steakhouse: Active-duty military and veterans are eligible for a free 3-course Aussie Meal for dine-in on November 11. Additionally, Outback offers a year-round 10% discount for military members, police officers, firefighters, first responders, nurses, doctors, and medical staff with valid IDs, as well as active-duty military and their immediate family members. * Golden Corral: Hosting its 25th annual Military Appreciation Night, Golden Corral provides a free buffet dinner and drink on November 11, starting after 4 p.m. * Whataburger: This Texas classic offers a free breakfast taquito to veterans and active-duty military on November 11. Whataburger also provides free coffee for service members year-round. * BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: Dine-in guests receive a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie® and a voucher for a free appetizer for a future visit. * Cracker Barrel: Veterans can start their morning with a free Sunrise Pancake Special. * Blaze Pizza: Active-duty military and veterans receive a free one-topping pizza. * Pluckers Wing Bar: Eligible individuals can score a free meal up to $16 on November 11. * Hooters: Veterans can get a free select menu item on November 11 when dining in and purchasing a drink. This offer is valid at participating locations only and requires proof of service. * Pilot: Veterans can receive a free select menu item through the Pilot app. Guests must verify their identity via the app to be eligible. There are three Pilot locations in the San Antonio area.
Local San Antonio Favorites * The Jerk Shack / Freight Fried Chicken: This local favorite offers veterans a $10 two-piece chicken plate on November 11. * Kolache Factory: Veterans can enjoy a free kolache and any size coffee to kick off their morning.
Regional Highlights (New Braunfels, Boerne, Cibolo, Schertz) * New Braunfels & Boerne: Local establishments such as Krause’s Café and Dodging Duck Brewhaus are offering free entrées or appetizers with valid military ID. * Cibolo & Schertz: 1908 House of Wine & Ale and Magnolia Pancake Haus (Cibolo location) are providing free coffee and breakfast specials to honor local service members.
Free Services and Retail Discounts
Beyond dining, San Antonio businesses offer complimentary services and substantial retail discounts for the military community.
Car Washes Vehicle cleanliness is a popular freebie category on Veterans Day. * The Wash Tub: Across San Antonio locations, veterans and active-duty military receive a complimentary full-service car wash on November 11. * Texas Express Car Wash: The location at 6570 Babcock Road offers a free car wash to all veterans and military personnel on November 11. * The Express Car Wash: All active-duty military, retired members, and veterans can get a free car wash (up to a $25 value) on Veterans Day at all five San Antonio locations. A valid ID or proof of military status is required.
Haircuts and Personal Care * Great Clips: On November 11, participating locations offer a free haircut or a free haircut card for a future visit to active-duty military and veterans. Non-military customers can also receive a free haircut card to gift to a service member. * Twisted Tattoo San Antonio: Showing appreciation with 25% off tattoos for veterans and active-duty personnel on November 11.
Retail Discounts * Target: Active-duty military, veterans, and their families can save 10% off two storewide purchases when buying with Target Circle. This offer is valid through November 11, both in-store and online. Military status must be verified to join Target Circle. * Kohl’s: Veterans and military members receive 30% off in-store purchases on November 10 and 11 with a valid military ID. * Rack Room Shoes: Military members receive 10% off every day, with extra savings available on Veterans Day.
Entertainment and Family Activities
Several entertainment venues in San Antonio offer free admission or discounted tickets to honor the military community.
- San Antonio Zoo: All active-duty, retired, and veteran members of the United States military, National Guard, and reserves can enjoy free admission for the entire month of November. Additionally, up to four immediate family members can receive 50% off Any Day Tickets on the day of their visit.
- SeaWorld San Antonio: The theme park celebrates veterans from Thursday, November 6, to Sunday, November 9, with special events including a flag field of honor and a Hero Wall. Veterans and active-duty personnel can also snag discounted tickets and passes.
- Dave & Busters: Veterans and active military members receive a free entrée and a $10 Power Card on Veterans Day. A valid military ID is required.
Verification Requirements and Best Practices
To successfully redeem these offers, veterans and active-duty personnel should be prepared to verify their eligibility.
Identification Most participating businesses require a valid form of identification. Acceptable documents generally include: * Military ID * VA Card * DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty)
Terms and Conditions * Participation: It is recommended to contact the local business to confirm participation in these promotions, as not all locations of a chain may participate. * Dine-In vs. Takeout: Many restaurant offers are valid for dine-in only. * Timing: Some offers are limited to specific hours on November 11. * Vouchers: Several businesses, such as Great Clips and BJ’s Restaurant, provide vouchers for free items to be used on a future visit, allowing for flexibility.
Conclusion
San Antonio offers a robust lineup of freebies and discounts for veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day. The offerings range from free meals at national chains and local eateries to complimentary services like car washes and haircuts, as well as discounted retail and entertainment tickets. By bringing proper identification and verifying participation in advance, eligible individuals can fully enjoy the community's appreciation.