Veterans Day is a significant occasion for honoring military service members and veterans, and in the Seattle area and beyond, numerous businesses extend their gratitude through complimentary meals, discounted services, and free access to entertainment. For consumers in the Pacific Northwest and across the United States, this day represents an opportunity to access a variety of no-cost offers and promotional deals. This article provides a detailed overview of the freebies and discounts available to veterans and active-duty military personnel, based on verified information from recent promotional listings. It covers free meals at popular restaurant chains, complimentary services such as haircuts and car washes, and free admission to museums, wildlife parks, and theaters. The offers detailed here are primarily for Veterans Day 2023, 2024, and 2025, with specific dates, locations, and redemption requirements clearly outlined to assist eligible individuals in planning their participation.
The scope of Veterans Day freebies extends beyond simple meal vouchers. It includes a range of services and experiences designed to show appreciation for those who have served. From frozen yogurt and burgers to movie tickets and wildlife park admission, the variety of offers reflects a broad community effort to honor veterans. It is important to note that most of these offers are available only to veterans and active-duty military members, often requiring valid proof of service, such as a military ID or DD 214. Many deals are also limited to participating locations, dine-in only, and specific time windows. Therefore, verifying details directly with the business or through official promotional pages is strongly recommended before making plans. This guide compiles information from multiple sources to present a clear and organized picture of the available opportunities, helping eligible individuals take advantage of these gestures of appreciation.
Free Meals and Dining Offers
A significant portion of Veterans Day freebies centers on complimentary meals at various restaurant chains. These offers are among the most popular and widely available, catering to different tastes and preferences. For veterans and active-duty military personnel, these meals provide a tangible way to be recognized on a day dedicated to their service.
Applebee’s offers a free meal to veterans and active service members on November 11. Eligible individuals can choose from a select menu that includes the Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, 6 oz. Top Sirloin, Chicken Tenders Platters, Double Crunch Shrimp, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Oriental Chicken Salad, or Three-Cheese Chicken Penne. In addition to the free entrée, participants will receive a $5 Bounce Back Card for a future visit, valid within a three-week redemption window. This offer is for dine-in only and requires proof of military status.
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers welcomes veterans and active military guests to dine-in and enjoy a complimentary Red’s Big Tavern Burger on Veterans Day, specifically noted as November 11, 2023, in the source data. This offer is available at multiple Puget Sound locations, making it a convenient option for Seattle-area veterans.
Yardhouse, located in downtown Seattle, provides a complimentary appetizer to veterans and active-duty military on November 11, 2023. This dine-in offer requires no purchase, allowing veterans to enjoy a starter as part of their celebration.
For those who enjoy a casual dining experience with a rock-and-roll theme, the popular rock-and-roll memorabilia restaurant (identified in the context as Hard Rock Cafe based on the associated link) is serving veterans and active-duty military members one of its signature entrées for free on Veterans Day. The offer is also redeemable with Hard Rock Cafe’s 15% military discount, encouraging veterans to bring family and friends. More details are available on the Living On The Cheap website.
Other national chains with notable offers include:
- Applebee’s: As previously detailed, offers a free select entrée and a $5 bounce-back card.
- Ford’s Garage: Honors veterans and active-duty military with a free American Standard Burger or up to $15 off an entrée of their choice. This dine-in offer is available at participating locations with a valid military ID.
- Firehouse Subs: Salutes service members by offering a free sub of equal or lesser value when they purchase any size sub and show a valid military ID. This offer is valid in-store only, with a limit of one per customer.
- Friendly’s: From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on November 11, veterans can enjoy a free All-American Cheeseburger and a drink of choice with an active Military ID.
- Sheetz: On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, service members can enjoy a free half turkey sub with a regular fountain drink, including all extras and add-ons, at any of Sheetz’s 800+ locations. Additionally, those with a valid military ID or proof of service can receive a free $9 car wash at participating stores with car wash facilities.
- Starbucks: On Veterans Day, Starbucks offers a free “tall” (12-oz) hot or iced brewed coffee to active military service members, veterans, and military spouses. The offer is valid on café and drive-thru orders only, with a limit of one per customer.
- STK Steakhouse: Veterans receive 50% off food all weekend long, from Saturday, November 9 through Tuesday, November 11.
- Twin Peaks: Offers a free lunch on November 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Benihana: From November 9 to 11, Benihana provides a free entrée (up to $59) to all active-duty, retired, and veteran military members when dining in.
- Bonefish Grill: Honors vets every day, though specific Veterans Day 2025 offers were not detailed in the provided data.
- Bombshells Restaurant & Bar: Offers military veterans a free entrée on November 11. Active-duty military will receive 20% off all menu items (except for alcohol).
- Bubba's 33: Veterans can get a free lunch or a voucher for a future visit on Veterans Day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Veterans and active-duty military can get 10 free boneless wings and fries on Veterans Day.
- Chili's: Veterans and active military members can get a free meal at all Chili's locations for dine-in.
- Einstein Bros. Bagels and Bruegger's Bagels: Offer a free hot or iced coffee of any size to all veterans and active-duty service members on Tuesday, November 11. Guests can claim their complimentary coffee in-bakery, through the mobile app, or online with the code FREECOFFEE, with no purchase necessary.
- Hopcat: Veterans and active duty military can get a signature double burger and soft drink for free on Veterans Day.
- IHOP: Veterans and military members can get a free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake combo.
- Jet's Pizza: Offers active-duty military and veterans 20% off all menu-priced pizzas using the code VET25.
- Little Caesars: Veterans and active military can enjoy a complimentary lunch combo – four slices of deep dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi – from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For a more localized experience in the Seattle area, Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt offers all veterans their first 6 ounces of frozen yogurt and toppings for free on Veterans Day. If vets swirl more than 6 ounces, they can just pay the difference. This offer is available at multiple Puget Sound locations.
Free Services and Retail Discounts
Beyond dining, several businesses offer complimentary services or significant discounts to veterans and active-duty military personnel. These deals often cover practical needs like hair care, automotive services, and retail purchases.
Great Clips provides a valuable service for veterans and active military members. On November 11, they can visit a Great Clips salon and receive either a free haircut that day or a free haircut gift card to use at a later date. An interesting aspect of this offer is that non-military customers who purchase a service at a U.S. Great Clips salon on Veterans Day can give a free haircut card to a military service member they know, extending the appreciation beyond the individual veteran.
AutoNation offers a 20% discount on all services in-store at AutoNation-branded locations nationwide. This discount is valid from November 10 to 15, providing a broader window for veterans to take advantage of automotive maintenance or repair services.
Crocs offers a 15% military discount, though the provided data does not specify if this is a Veterans Day-specific promotion or a standing offer. Veterans are advised to check the Crocs website for current terms and conditions.
Free Admission to Entertainment and Attractions
Veterans and active-duty military members can also enjoy free access to various entertainment venues and attractions, allowing for a day of leisure and cultural enrichment.
The Museum of Flight in Seattle offers free general admission for all veterans and active-duty military during its annual Veterans Day Ceremony. This free admission can only be redeemed on-site and does not extend to the entire group of visitors. The museum honors all men and women who have served, past and present.
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park in Eatonville provides free admission on November 9-11, 2024, from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM for U.S. military veterans and active-duty members. Immediate family members receive half-off general admission. This offer must be redeemed at the admission window and is not valid online or for premier tours such as Wild Drives or Keeper Adventure Tours.
For movie enthusiasts, Emagine Theatres will be offering active-duty military members and veterans a free movie of their choice at any box office. Guests must provide either a service ID card or discharge papers to redeem this offer.
The Detroit Zoo offers free admission and parking for all veterans and active-duty military personnel, along with one guest, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Veterans Day.
Additionally, an accessible foraging hike on Cougar Mountain in Renton is free for veterans and their families. The hike, led by mycophiles, includes coffee and donuts and takes place at the Harvey Manning Trailhead. This offers a unique outdoor experience for those interested in nature.
General Guidelines and Considerations for Veterans Day Offers
When planning to redeem Veterans Day freebies, it is crucial to understand the common terms and conditions that apply to most offers. The following guidelines are derived from the source data and are essential for a smooth experience:
- Participation and Supplies: Offers are available at participating locations only, while supplies last. It is advisable to call ahead or check online to confirm that a specific location is honoring the deal.
- Eligibility: Deals are primarily open to veterans and active military members, not family members (unless explicitly noted otherwise). Proof of military status or service is required for offer redemption. Acceptable documents typically include a military ID, DD 214, or, in some cases, being in uniform.
- Limitations: Most offers are limited to one per person. They are generally valid for dine-in only, unless stated otherwise (e.g., Starbucks drive-thru, Sheetz car wash).
- Exclusions and Additional Costs: Offers do not usually include gratuity and/or tax. Participants should be prepared to pay for these additional costs. Some offers, like the free haircut at Great Clips, may have alternatives like a gift card for future use.
- Verification: Always verify the details of an offer directly with the business or through official promotional channels before making plans. Price and participation may vary by location and market.
For deals that are not explicitly listed in the provided data, such as those for beauty, baby care, pet products, health, or household goods, the source material does not contain specific information. Consumers interested in non-dining freebies should consult official brand websites, verified sign-up forms, or certified promotional landing pages for the most accurate and current information.
Conclusion
Veterans Day freebies and discounts in Seattle and across the United States represent a significant community effort to honor military service. The available offers span a wide range, from complimentary meals at major restaurant chains like Applebee’s, Red Robin, and Chili's, to free services such as haircuts from Great Clips and car washes from Sheetz. Entertainment options are also plentiful, with free admission to museums like the Museum of Flight, wildlife parks such as Northwest Trek, and theaters like Emagine Theatres. While the provided source data focuses primarily on dining and local Seattle attractions, the principles of verification, participation limitations, and proof of service are universal. For veterans and active-duty military personnel, these offers provide a tangible expression of gratitude. To maximize the benefits, individuals should confirm offer details with participating locations, ensure they have valid identification, and be aware of any associated costs like tax or gratuity. By planning ahead and understanding the terms, eligible participants can fully enjoy the recognition and freebies offered on this important day.