Written by: Kyle McCrea (Army Veteran and The New School Creative Writing MFA)
Fall is finally here at The New School and that means changing weather, Parades and of course, Veteran’s Day.
Every year shops, museums and restaurants across the country celebrate the incredible service of our armed forces by offering discounts of all kinds.
Since there is so much information out there and so little time to take advantage of them, we here at CMAS decided to compile as much as we could so you can enjoy a day of freebies, discounts and fun experiences.
Featured below are a few categories to help you plan out your day and throughout the rest of the year!
Local Dining: Veteran’s Day Only
151 Coffee: Veterans and active duty military receive one free drink, any size, on November 11. Show military ID or proof of service when placing your order.
54th Street Grill: On November 11, veterans and active-duty military get up to $10 off any entrée. This special offer is available for dine-in only and is not valid with other discounts, such as their everyday 15% military offer. Proof of service is required.
Bar Louie: On November 10 and 11, veterans and active duty military get a free burger of their choice (excluding the Big Louie). This offer is valid for dine-in only at participating locations. Present a valid military ID or proof of service to redeem.
BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse: On November 11, veterans and active-duty service members may dine-in and enjoy a complimentary Chocolate Chunk Pizookie. Additionally for dine-in or takeout you will receive a free appetizer coupon for your use between November 12 - December 31 with no minimum food purchase required.
Buffalo Wild Wings: On November 11, all past and present armed services members can enjoy 10 free boneless wings and fries by showing a valid ID or WeSalute+ ID Card. This offer is only available for dine-in orders, orders placed via a Buffalo Wild Wings GO location, or walk-in orders placed at the counter.
California Pizza Kitchen: Veterans and active-duty military get a complimentary non-alcoholic beverage and can choose one free entrée from a special menu on November 11.
Charley’s Cheesesteaks: Active-duty military members and veterans get a free regular-sized Gourmet Fry on November 11. Military ID or proof of service required. No purchase necessary.
Chili's: All veterans and active-duty military members get a free meal on November 11 at participating locations. Available in-restaurant only for select items.
Chipotle: On November 11, active-duty U.S. service members and veterans get free chips and their choice of guac, Queso Blanco or salsa with a $5 purchase. Guests can choose between Chipotle’s classic chips or new Chili Lime Chips. The offer is available all day on November 11 at participating locations. Show valid proof of military or veteran status at checkout.
Dave & Buster's: Active-duty military and veterans get a free entrée (up to $20) and a complimentary $10 Power Card on November 11. In-store only. A valid military ID is required.
Denny's: On November 11, veterans and active-duty military personnel get a free Original Grand Slam breakfast from 5 a.m. until noon. Available with a valid military ID.
Dunkin' Donuts: On November 11, Dunkin' is offering active and retired military a free donut. This offer is available in-store only and limited to one per guest while supplies last. Not available for orders placed using the On-the-Go Mobile Ordering through the Dunkin' Mobile App.
Fogo de Chão: Veterans and active-duty personnel enjoy 50% off their Full Churrasco or Indulgent Churrasco meals on November 7. Guests dining with eligible service members can enjoy 10% off the same offerings. To redeem, inform your server when ordering. Restrictions apply.
Golden Corral: Golden Corral is hosting their Military Appreciation Night on November 11from 4pm to close. This includes a free “thank you” meal when dining in.
Hard Rock Cafe: On November 11, Hard Rock Cafe locations nationwide invite all military service members to enjoy a complimentary Classic Smash Burger all day long (valid ID required). Veterans can also combine this offer with Hard Rock Cafe's 15% military discount, making it easy to bring friends and family along for the celebration. Additionally, if guests are members of the Unity by Hard Rock loyalty program, they can earn points for their meal.
Hooters: On November 11, all military eat free from a special Veterans Day menu with a beverage purchase. Available at participating locations. The offer is dine-in only and limited to 1 per person.
IHOP: Veterans and active-duty military get a free Red, White, and Blueberry Pancake Combo on November 11. Dine-in only, at participating restaurants nationwide. Military ID or proof of service required.
Lazy Dog Restaurants: On November 11, active-duty military, veterans, retirees and reserve/National Guard members get a complimentary Fireside Favorites entrée, personal-sized dessert and soda. Guests can choose from six entrées.
Margaritas Mexican Restaurant: Veterans get 50% off your entree on November 11 when dining in at locations in the Northeast.
Olive Garden: On November 11, Olive Garden will offer each veteran and current member of the military who dines in a free entrée from a special menu. Show proof of military service.
Outback Steakhouse: Outback is offering a free Bloomin’ Onion and beverage for active-duty military personnel and veterans on November 10 and 11. Enjoy your Veterans Day offer and receive a free Hero's Meal for a future visit through Dine Rewards.
Red Lobster: Red Lobster is offering free Veteran’s Shrimp & Chips on November 11. Show a valid military ID, WeSalute+ ID Card, or proof of service to redeem this dine-in only offer.
Ruby Tuesday: Veterans and all active-duty, Reserve and National Guard service members get a free Everyday Fresh Meal by showing proof of military service on November 11. The meal includes a choice of one of 13 select entrées + The Garden Bar + a bottomless drink. Dine-in only at participating locations.
Sizzler: On November 11, from open until 4 p.m., veterans and active-duty service members can enjoy a complimentary lunch and non-alcoholic beverage. Guests can choose between three dishes: 6oz Tri-Tip Sirloin Steak, Malibu Chicken or half dozen Crispy Shrimp.
SONIC: On November 11, guests can sip on half-priced shakes in any size and flavor, including both Classic and Master Shakes.
Starbucks: Starbucks is honoring those who have served with a free tall (12-ounce) hot or cold brewed coffee for veterans, military service members and military spouses at participating U.S. stores and licensed locations on November 11.
Texas Roadhouse: Texas Roadhouse will distribute free meal vouchers to veterans and active-duty U.S. military members on November 11. Vouchers will be available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guests must provide proof of service, such as a military or VA card or discharge papers. The vouchers can be redeemed through May 31, 2027, for a choice of 10 entrées, including a 6-ounce sirloin, along with two made-from-scratch sides and a Coca-Cola product, sweet tea, iced tea, or coffee.
Twin Peaks: On November 11, veterans and active-duty service members get a free entrée from a select menu. Throughout November, military members with a valid military ID and/or in uniform can receive 20% off.
White Castle: Veterans and active-duty military get a free individual combo meal or a breakfast combo meal when dining at a participating restaurant on November 11.
Yard House: Veterans and active-duty military members receive a complimentary appetizer on November 11. This offer is valid for dine-in only. Present a valid military ID to your server to redeem.
New York Museums: Year Round
9/11 Memorial and Museum, Manhattan: Free admission for veterans and active-duty military members with ID
Albany Institute of History & Art, Albany: Free admission for active-duty military members with ID and $2 off admission fee for veterans
American Airpower Museum, Farmingdale: Free admission for active-duty military members with ID and $3 off admission fee for veterans
American Museum of Natural History, Manhattan: During select times of the year, free admission for veterans and active-duty military members and one guest. Free admission for all members of the military and their families during the Blue Star program, from Armed Forces Day to Labor Day
Buffalo History Museum, Buffalo: Free admission for veterans and active-duty military members with ID
Buffalo Naval & Military Park, Buffalo: Free admission for veterans on Veterans Day, including Veterans Day ceremony. Year-round, $7 off admission fee for veterans and free admission for active-duty military members, Gold Star and Blue Star Families, and veterans who served aboard USS Little Rock, USS The Sullivans, and USS Croaker
Dunkirk Lighthouse, Dunkirk: $2 off admission fee for veterans with ID
Fenton History Center, Jamestown: Free admission for active-duty military members and families in the summer (Armed Forces Day through Labor Day) and $2 off admission fee for veterans year-round
Fort William Henry Museum, Lake George: Free admission for veterans and active-duty military members with ID
Historic Palmyra Museums, Palmyra: Free admission for veterans and active-duty military members with ID
Intrepid Museum, Manhattan: Free admission for veterans and active-duty military members with ID
The Jewish Museum, Manhattan: Free admission for veterans and active-duty military members and up to five family members with ID
National Museum Of Racing And Hall Of Fame, Saratoga Springs: Free admission for veterans and active-duty military members and their family with ID
Olympic Center and Olympic Jumping Complex, Lake Placid: $3-$5 off admission fee for active-duty military members
Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum & Reichert Planetarium, Centerport: Free admission for veterans and active-duty military members and up to five family members with ID
USS Slater, Albany: The USS Slater will hold a Veteran’s Day ceremony in the morning and then the World War II-era destroyer escort will be open for tours, with free admission for veterans. Year-round, $2 off admission fee for veterans.
Nationwide Retail:
4Patriots: 4Patriots is offering its best-selling 72-Hour Survival Food Kit for free to all veterans and active military on November 11.
Academy Sports + Outdoors: Active-duty service members and veterans get 10% off the entire purchase online or in-store from October 30 to November 11.
Army & Air Force Exchange Service: In honor of Veterans Day 2026, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service will honor active-duty service members, military retirees and service-connected disabled veterans with in-store giveaways November 7, 11 and 20 during Salute to Service Month. Giveaways are available to eligible shoppers with in-store shopping benefits, while supplies last. AAFES will offer Veteran for Life keychains November 7, challenge coins November 11 and collectible Service-specific penny POGS November 20.
Ashley Stewart: Get an additional 20% off your entire purchase from November 1 through 11. Cannot be combined with other offers. Valid in Ashley Stewart Stores.
AutoNation: AutoNation is offering veterans and active-duty service members 15% off services, parts and accessories on November 11 at AutoNation-branded locations nationwide. During the month of November, eligible customers can also receive 15% off through AutoNation Mobile Service.
Brides Across America: Brides Across America holds a wedding gown giveaway for military service members in partnership with bridal salons across the country in November. Qualifying brides register to attend the event at a participating bridal salon by completing the registration form. There is a $125 tax-deductible donation required when registering for the event. Attend the event and select one of the designated gowns on display. Visit the Brides Across America website for more details.
DEVIL-DOG Dungarees: Active duty, retirees, veterans, military spouses and military family members get 50% off the entire website from November 2 through 13.
Discount Filter Shop: Discount Filter Shop offers 15% off refrigerator water filters from November 8 to 11, to active duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, veterans, retirees and military families. Brands include Whirlpool, GE, Samsung, LG, Frigidaire, Bosch and Kenmore, with free US shipping on every order.
Grace for Vets: Car washes from around the world who join this program offer free car washes to veterans and service members on November 11.
Great Clips: On November 11, veterans and active military service members can go to any U.S. Great Clips salon and get a free haircut or a card for a free haircut that can be redeemed during a future visit.
Kohl’s: Active-duty military, veterans, retirees and their immediate family members will receive 30% off their purchase, in-store only, on November 10 and 11. Some exclusions apply. In order to receive the military discount, eligible customers must present proper identification.
Orthofeet: On November 11 and 12, Orthofeet will offer up to 30% off. Verify with ID.me at checkout.
Rack Room Shoes: Military personnel and their dependents get a 20% discount off their entire purchase in store on November 11.
Sheetz: On November 11, Sheetz invites all veterans and active duty military personnel to enjoy a free half turkey sub and a regular size fountain drink at any of Sheetz’s 800+ store locations. The offer includes extras and add-ons to the sub. Sheetz will also provide a free car wash to veterans and active duty military. Military ID or proof of service must be presented to qualify.
Sport Clips: On November 11, participating Sport Clips locations will provide free haircuts to veterans and active-duty service members.
Target: Target is offering a 20% military discount November 5 through 11 to all active-duty military personnel, veterans and their families. Terms and conditions apply.
TOPS: On November 11, TOPS will honor an 11% discount to all veterans and active military personnel (or their family members).
Tractor Supply Company: Tractor Supply Company offers active-duty military and veterans a 10% discount on October 28, November 7 and November 11.
Walgreens: From November 8 through 11, veterans, military and their families will receive 20% off regular price eligible store items at any Walgreens or Duane Reade drugstore nationwide. Restrictions may apply.
Nationwide Travel:
National Parks: On November 11, get free admission to all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee.
If you’ve made it this far, I’d like to say thank you very much for reading and I hope this has made your holiday in the city a little easier to navigate. You’ve given so much of yourself and now you can take a little back.
From one Veteran to another, thank you for having my back and holding the line. Stay warm out there and go enjoy some Applebee’s.
