Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, is a time when businesses across the United States express gratitude to veterans and active-duty military personnel through special offers. In the Phoenix metropolitan area, a wide array of restaurants, retailers, and service providers participate by offering complimentary meals, significant discounts, and free services. This guide compiles verified information from local news sources and official announcements to provide a comprehensive overview of Veterans Day deals available to military members in the Phoenix region, including Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, and other surrounding areas.
The offers detailed below are primarily for Veterans Day (November 11) unless otherwise specified, and most require valid military identification or proof of service. It is essential for individuals to confirm details directly with the participating location, as offers can vary and are subject to change. The following information is organized by category for ease of reference.
Restaurant and Food Service Deals
Many restaurant chains and local eateries offer free meals or discounted dining experiences on Veterans Day. These deals are typically available for dine-in service unless noted otherwise, and may exclude alcohol or apply only to select menu items.
National and Regional Chains
- Applebee’s: Veterans and active-duty military members can receive a free meal from a select menu. Options include a 6 oz. Top Sirloin, Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, Chicken Tenders Platter, Double Crunch Shrimp, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Oriental Chicken Salad, and Three-Cheese Chicken Penne. This offer is valid for dine-in only at participating locations.
- Benihana: Active-duty military personnel and veterans are eligible for a complimentary entrée, valued up to $59, on Veterans Day.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Veterans and active-duty service members can receive a free 10-piece order of boneless wings and fries. A valid military ID is required. The offer is available for dine-in or, at participating Buffalo Wild Wings GO locations, for walk-in or counter orders only.
- Chili’s: Veterans and active-duty military members receive a free meal at all participating restaurants. The offer is available for dine-in only and applies to select items; military ID is required.
- Chipotle: Veterans and active-duty military can order one entrée in-restaurant and receive a second entrée for free. This offer is valid for bowls, burritos, salads, and taco entrées. It excludes alcohol and requires proof of ID.
- Cracker Barrel: Veterans and active-duty service members receive a complimentary Sunrise Pancake Special at all locations. This offer is available for dine-in guests.
- Dave & Buster’s in Tempe: From November 8-11, veterans and active military with valid ID can receive a free entrée (up to a $20 value) and a $10 Power Card for games. Veterans and active military can also combine this offer with their regular 15% discount on food and beverages for additional savings.
- Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom: Locations in Chandler (2950 E. Germann Road) and Goodyear (1828 N. Litchfield Road) will offer a complimentary entrée from an exclusive menu for active military members and veterans on Veterans Day. Available selections, with proof of service, include a classic cheeseburger, spaghetti and meatballs, and the Chicago Fire Calzone.
- Peter Piper Pizza: Veterans receive a 10% discount on their entire purchase all year long with valid ID.
Local Arizona Restaurants and Concepts
- Chompie’s Restaurant: With locations in Scottsdale and the broader Phoenix area, Chompie’s offers a 20% discount on entrée or retail purchases for active, retired, and veteran service members. This discount is valid for both dine-in and takeout orders.
- Cider Corps Taproom: With locations in Mesa and Phoenix, Cider Corps provides a 30% discount on all beverage purchases for active military and veterans. This is a year-round offer.
- Grimaldi’s Pizzeria: Military service members and veterans receive a 15% discount every day of the year. To receive the discount, patrons must show their military ID. This offer is only valid for dine-in and call-in takeout.
- Haymaker and Copper & Sage (Westside Concepts): This restaurant group offers free ‘Handheld’ menu items to all past and present military personnel on Veterans Day at both establishments. Handhelds include items like tacos, burgers, and chicken sandwiches.
- In-N-Out Burger: Veterans and active-duty military receive a free meal (burger, fries, and drink) at Scottsdale and other Valley locations on Veterans Day.
- Industry Standard: Located in Downtown Phoenix, this restaurant offers a 25% discount on the entire bill for veterans and active-duty military on Veterans Day.
- Jocque Concepts: In Old Town Scottsdale, Jocque Concepts provides a 25% discount on food purchases for veterans and active-duty military on Veterans Day.
- Los Sombreros: With locations in Scottsdale and Mesa, Los Sombreros offers a free entrée to veterans and active-duty military on Veterans Day. The Oaxacan-inspired menu includes items like carnitas, mole poblano, and enchiladas.
- Morning Squeeze: This Arizona-born breakfast and brunch spot with three locations in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe offers a 10% discount to veterans every time they visit.
- Myke’s Pizza: A 10% discount is available for active military and veterans all year long.
- Original Breakfast House: This veteran-owned North Phoenix breakfast and brunch spot serves complimentary meals to veterans and active-duty military members all day on Veterans Day. The restaurant also hosts a Veterans Day celebration benefiting the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
- Over Easy: An Arizona-born breakfast and brunch chain with multiple locations, Over Easy offers a 10% discount to veterans every time they visit.
- Streets of New York: Valley-wide, this restaurant offers a 20% discount for veterans and active-duty military.
Quick-Service and Specialty Food Offers
- Arizona Wilderness Brewing: On Veterans Day, all veterans can enjoy a free pint at any Arizona Wilderness location. The cost of the pint is generously paid for by fellow patrons. Supplies are limited.
- Charleys Cheesesteaks: Active-duty military members and veterans receive a free regular-sized Gourmet Fry. Military ID or proof of service is required, and no purchase is necessary.
- Circle K: Veterans can stop by Circle K for a free hot or iced medium coffee.
Retail, Service, and Entertainment Discounts
Beyond dining, numerous businesses offer discounts on retail purchases, services, and entertainment experiences for veterans and active-duty military personnel.
Retail and Services
- Cobblestone Auto Spa: This Valley-wide service provides a free car wash and express oil change for veterans and military personnel on Veterans Day.
- Grimaldi’s Pizzeria: In addition to the daily 15% discount, Grimaldi’s offers this discount for dine-in and call-in takeout.
- Peter Piper Pizza: As noted, a 10% year-round discount is available for veterans.
- The Wigwam: This Valley resort offers educators a 20% discount on the best available rates.
Entertainment and Recreation
- Arizona State Parks: Statewide, Arizona State Parks offer special admission rates or free day-use for veterans with valid ID.
- Butterfly Wonderland – Scottsdale: A military discount on tickets is available with valid ID.
- Dave & Buster’s in Tempe: The offer includes a free entrée and a $10 Power Card for games from November 8-11.
- Escape the Room AZ – Old Town Scottsdale: A military discount is available for escape game bookings.
- Great Wolf Lodge – Scottsdale / Salt River: Veterans, active, and retired military personnel can receive up to 40% off room rates with promo code HEROES.
- Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament – Scottsdale: Exclusive military discounts are available for veterans and active-duty military on show tickets.
- Mountain Shadows Resort – Scottsdale: This resort offers a “Hometown Heroes” rate, providing active and retired military with up to 40% off room rates during select dates.
- Octane Raceway – Scottsdale / Talking Stick District: Military discounts are available on kart racing and Velocity VR experiences.
- Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs – Scottsdale: Discounted military admission is available with valid ID.
- Putting World – Scottsdale Quarter: Veterans and active-duty military receive free indoor mini-golf all day on Veterans Day.
- Rainbow Ryders – Phoenix metro: This hot air balloon company is offering Veterans Day sunrise balloon flights at a discounted rate of $175 per person with code SALUTE505602; ID is required. A separate offer from November 8-17 provides flights at $165 per person for active and retired military, requiring a call to 480.299-0154 to book.
- Roaring Fork – Scottsdale: Veterans and active-duty military receive 20% off the entire meal on Veterans Day, valid after 4 PM.
- Scottsdale Plaza Resort & Villas – Scottsdale: Active-duty or retired veterans can receive up to 15% off nightly room rates.
- SMoCA – Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art: Veterans and active-duty military receive reduced admission: $10 online or $13 walk-up.
Year-Round and Extended Offers
Some businesses extend their gratitude beyond Veterans Day, offering discounts or freebies to military members throughout the year.
- Cider Corps Taproom: The 30% discount on all beverage purchases for active military and veterans is a year-round offer.
- Grimaldi’s Pizzeria: The 15% discount for military service members and veterans is available every day of the year.
- Morning Squeeze: A 10% discount is offered to veterans every time they visit.
- Myke’s Pizza: A 10% discount for active military and veterans is available all year long.
- Over Easy: A 10% discount for veterans is available every time they visit.
- Peter Piper Pizza: A 10% discount on the entire purchase for veterans is available all year long with valid ID.
Important Considerations for Participants
When seeking Veterans Day offers, it is crucial to understand the common requirements and limitations associated with these promotions.
- Identification: Most offers require valid military identification. This can include a military ID card, a Veterans Affairs (VA) card, a state-issued driver’s license with a veteran designation, or other official proof of service. It is advisable to carry proper identification when visiting participating establishments.
- Dine-In vs. Takeout: Many restaurant offers, particularly free meals, are valid for dine-in service only. Some, like the offer at Chompie’s, may extend to takeout. Always verify the service method before visiting.
- Participating Locations: Not all locations of a national chain may participate in Veterans Day promotions. It is recommended to check with the specific restaurant or business beforehand.
- Alcohol Exclusions: Free meal and discount offers typically exclude alcoholic beverages.
- Limited Supplies or Timeframes: Some offers, such as the free pint at Arizona Wilderness Brewing, are subject to limited supplies. Others are only available on Veterans Day or during a specific date range (e.g., Dave & Buster’s from November 8-11).
- Combining Offers: Some businesses, like Dave & Buster’s, allow veterans to combine their Veterans Day offer with a regular military discount for greater savings. However, this is not universal, and policies should be confirmed in advance.
Conclusion
The Phoenix area offers a diverse range of Veterans Day deals for military personnel, spanning from complimentary meals at national chains to discounts on local dining, retail services, and entertainment. While the majority of these offers are concentrated on Veterans Day itself, several businesses provide year-round discounts as a sustained gesture of appreciation. For the most accurate and current information, veterans and active-duty military members should contact the specific business directly or consult official announcements from reputable local news sources. Proper identification is essential to redeem these offers.