Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, is a significant occasion for honoring the service and sacrifice of military veterans and active-duty personnel. Across the United States, numerous businesses extend their gratitude through special offers, including complimentary meals, discounts, and free services. For residents and visitors in Denver, Colorado, the day is marked by a wide array of participating establishments. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Veterans Day freebies and discounts available in the Denver area, based on verified information from promotional sources. It focuses on food and beverage offers, retail discounts, and entertainment options, detailing eligibility requirements, verification processes, and important terms and conditions for consumers.
Understanding Eligibility and Verification
Before exploring specific offers, it is crucial to understand the general eligibility criteria and verification processes that apply to most Veterans Day promotions. These rules are designed to ensure that benefits are extended to the intended recipients—veterans and active-duty military members—and to prevent misuse.
Eligibility: The vast majority of offers are exclusively available to veterans and/or active-duty military personnel. In most cases, these benefits do not automatically extend to family members or friends, unless explicitly stated otherwise in the offer details. Some promotions may include spouses or families, but this is not the norm and must be confirmed on a case-by-case basis.
Verification: Proof of service is almost always required to claim a Veterans Day offer. Acceptable forms of identification typically include: * Military ID (common access card, DD Form 2) * Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) * State-issued driver’s license or ID with a veteran designation * Other official documentation such as a discharge paper (DD-214)
Verification methods can vary by business. Some may require a physical ID presented at the point of sale, while others might accept digital verification through apps or online registration. It is advisable to have proper documentation ready to ensure a smooth redemption process.
General Terms and Limitations: * One Offer Per Person: Limit one offer per veteran or active military member, even if a business has multiple locations. The offer can typically be redeemed only once per qualifying customer. * Gratuity and Tax: While the meal or service may be complimentary, gratuity is generally not included. Consumers should be prepared to leave a tip for the staff. In some cases, tax may also not be included in the offer. * Combination with Other Discounts: Most offers cannot be combined with other discounts, coupons, or promotional codes. * Advance Reservations: For sit-down restaurants or services requiring appointments, making a reservation or appointment ahead of time is recommended, as these locations may be busy on Veterans Day.
Free Meals and Dining Discounts
A significant portion of Veterans Day offers in Denver revolves around complimentary meals and food discounts. These range from full entrées to specific menu items, often available at popular national chains and local establishments.
Full-Service and Casual Dining Restaurants
Outback Steakhouse is offering all military personnel a free entrée along with a Coca-Cola and a steakhouse side on November 10 and 11. The select menu includes a 6-oz. Center-Cut Sirloin, The Bloomin’ Burger, 6 Gold Coast Coconut Shrimp, 6 Grilled Shrimp on the Barbie, or 8-oz. Grilled Chicken on the Barbie.
IHOP is serving a free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo to all military veterans on November 11, available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Village Inn provides veterans and active military with a free 2-2-2 Breakfast on Veterans Day. This complimentary breakfast includes two eggs (any style), two buttermilk pancakes, and two bacon strips or sausage links. The offer is valid for dine-in, to-go, and online orders. For online orders, the promo code VETERANS25 must be used.
Red Robin is offering veterans and active military a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries on November 11.
Red Lobster is providing veterans, active-duty military, and reservists with a free Walt’s Favorite Shrimp & Chips on November 11. This meal features six Walt’s Favorite Shrimp (served with cocktail sauce and ketchup), French fries, and coleslaw.
Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom is offering veterans a free entrée from a select menu with the purchase of a beverage on November 11.
Hooters is giving all active-duty and retired military personnel a free entrée on Veterans Day, November 11. The offer requires the purchase of a beverage and includes a select Veterans Day menu featuring a Chicken Caesar Salad, Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, Cheeseburger, or 10 Original Wings.
Kona Grill is offering veterans and active-duty military a free entrée (up to $49 value) from November 9 to 11. There is one location in Colorado at 3000 E. 1st Ave. in Denver.
Rodizio Grill is honoring all veterans with a free meal with the purchase of one Full Rodizio adult dinner from November 10 to 14.
Ambler (inside Hotel Indigo) is offering veterans and active-duty service members 10% off their bill on November 11. As an extra thank-you, they can enjoy a free appetizer or dessert with the purchase of an entrée.
Los Chingones is offering 50% off meals to veterans and active military on November 11. There are two locations in Denver.
#HashTag is also offering 50% off meals to veterans and active military on November 11, with three locations in Colorado (Denver and Highlands Ranch).
Kachina Cantina is providing veterans and active-duty military with 15% off all food and drinks on November 11. The restaurant is located at 1890 Wazee St.
Poka Lola Social Club is offering veterans and active-duty military 15% off handcrafted cocktails on November 11. The cocktail bar is located at 1850 Wazee St. in Denver.
Fast Food and Quick-Service Restaurants
Hamburger Stand is offering veterans and active-duty military a free hamburger, regular fries, and a small soda on Veterans Day, November 11, 2024.
Little Caesars is providing a free Lunch Combo to veterans and active military on Veterans Day. The combo includes a 4-slice Detroit-style Deep Dish pizza with pepperoni and a 20-oz. Pepsi product. The offer is only available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on November 11.
QDOBA is offering veterans and active military free Chips & Dip for Veterans Day on November 11.
Torchy’s Tacos is giving veterans and active-duty military a free taco and fountain drink on November 11.
Popeyes is not offering a specific Veterans Day freebie but is running a promotion through November 16 for its popular $6 Big Box, which includes two pieces of Signature Chicken or three Chicken Tenders, two regular sides, and one biscuit. This offer is open to all customers.
Bakeries, Donuts, and Frozen Treats
Paris Baguette is offering all veterans, active-duty personnel, and their families a free pastry with any purchase on November 11. The offer excludes loaf breads, multi-pack pastries or breads, cake slices, cream puffs, select tarts, and baguettes.
Krispy Kreme is providing veterans and active military with a free doughnut of their choice and a small coffee (hot or iced) on November 11, 2024. The offer is only available in-shop or at the drive-thru.
LaMar’s Donuts is offering veterans and active military a free donut with a hole and a small coffee on November 11, 2024. Specialty donuts are excluded from the offer.
TCBY is giving veterans and active military their first 6 ounces of frozen yogurt and toppings for free on November 11.
Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt is also providing all veterans and active-duty military with their first 6 ounces of frozen yogurt and toppings for free on Veterans Day, November 11.
Retail and Service Discounts
Beyond dining, several retailers and service providers in Denver are extending discounts to veterans and active military personnel.
Target is offering veterans 10% off two separate purchases (in-store and online) from October 26 to November 11. Registration and a digital coupon are required.
Kohl’s is offering active and former military personnel, veterans, and their families 30% off their purchase on Veterans Day, November 11. Exclusions apply, and consumers should check in-store for more details.
King Soopers is providing veterans and active military with 10% off on in-store food and household purchases on November 11.
IKEA is serving veterans and active military members a free entrée at its in-store Swedish Restaurant from November 9 to 11.
Jiffy Lube is offering all veterans and military personnel a free conventional oil change (which includes the cost of the conventional oil change, shop supplies fee, and up to 5 quarts of oil) on November 11.
Mountain Mike’s is offering free Garlic Sticks with a minimum purchase of $25 on November 11. Mountain Rewards members will receive the offer in-app. For non-members, the promo code VT25 should be used at checkout online. There are three locations in Colorado (Aurora, Colorado Springs, and Parker).
Raising Cane’s offers active and non-active military, as well as fire, police, and EMTs, 10% off their entire purchase all year long. This discount also applies to their family members.
Entertainment and Other Offers
Veterans Day is also an opportunity for free or discounted entertainment and other services.
The Denver Brass offers free tickets to their shows through VetTix all year long. The Denver Brass is an elite ensemble recognized as one of the premier ensembles of its kind.
Main Event is offering veterans and active-duty service members a free Double Cheeseburger and Fries, as well as 30 minutes of free game play on November 11. There are four locations in Colorado (Colorado Springs, Highlands Ranch, Thornton, and Windsor).
Museum of Illusions Denver is offering veterans and active-duty service members free admission from November 11 to 17, 2025. This offer is for in-person visits only. The museum is located at 951 16th Street Mall in Denver.
National Park Service is offering free entrance fee to more than 400 U.S. parks on November 11, allowing all Americans to celebrate Veterans Day outdoors.
Parking: In Denver, metered parking is free on Veterans Day.
Conclusion
Veterans Day in Denver presents a wide variety of opportunities for veterans and active-duty military personnel to receive free meals, discounts on retail and services, and complimentary entertainment. The offers span from full-service restaurants like Outback Steakhouse and IHOP to quick-service options like Little Caesars and Torchy’s Tacos, and extend to retail discounts at Target and Kohl’s, as well as free admission to local attractions like the Museum of Illusions. It is essential for consumers to note that most offers are exclusively for veterans and active military members, requiring proper verification of service. Terms such as "one offer per person," the exclusion of gratuity and sometimes tax, and the inability to combine offers with other discounts are common. To maximize these benefits, individuals are advised to make advance reservations where applicable, have proper identification ready, and check specific offer details, including locations and time restrictions, as these can vary by establishment. This guide, based on verified promotional information, serves as a resource for navigating the Veterans Day freebies and discounts available in the Denver area.