Veterans Day 2025 is here, and it is time to honor those who have served with gratitude, excitement, and incredible perks. Across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, businesses and communities are offering amazing free items, discounts, and special experiences just for veterans and active-duty service members.

From free meals and coffee to museum visits, fitness passes, and local adventures, this week is all about saying thank you in a big way. Gather your friends, mark your calendar, and get ready for a week filled with appreciation, joy, and well-deserved rewards.

Here is your complete guide to the free and discounted offers available throughout the tri state area this Veterans Day, created to celebrate and honor our heroes in the most meaningful way.

How Do You Get a Veterans Day Discount?

Most businesses that offer Veterans Day deals and discounts require proof of service, and the means of proof can vary, depending on the business, as well as whether you’re a veteran or active-duty military.

Any of the following are proof of service, and most businesses will likely accept:

• Veteran ID Card (VIC), issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs
• Uniform Services ID Card
• Common Access Card (CAC)
• Veteran designation on a state driver’s license or ID
• Dependent ID Card
• DD Form 214 (DD214 – the discharge form used to access VA benefits)
• Department of Defense Form 2 (the form that identifies service members as reserved, retired, or reserve-retired)

All establishments are in New York, Westchester, Connecticut, Long Island and New Jersey:

• Applebee’s — Veteran and active-duty military receive a free meal from a select menu on November 11 at participating locations. Dine-in only.
• BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse — On November 11, active-duty and retired military dining in at BJ’s with a valid military ID will receive a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie. And from November 12 through December 31, guests with a valid military ID who dine in and purchase an entrée will receive a free Appetizer Bounce Back to enjoy on a future visit.
• California Pizza Kitchen – On November 11, veterans and active-duty service members are invited to enjoy a complimentary entrée and beverage from a special prix fixe menu when dining in at any participating CPK location. As an extra thank-you, all veterans and active-duty service members who dine with CPK on Veterans Day will receive a Buy One Get One bounce back card redeemable for a Pizza, Pasta, or Salad (of equal or lesser value) on a future visit with the purchase of any Pizza, Pasta or Salad between November 12 and November 25.
• Chili’s — Veterans and active-duty military members get a free meal on November 11 at all participating restaurants. Available in-restaurant only for select items. Military ID required to redeem offer.
• Circle K — On November 11, veterans get one free medium hot or iced coffee. The one-day-only offer is available at participating U.S. locations, and customers can redeem theirs by showing a valid military ID at purchase.
• Cracker Barrel — On November 11, veterans and active-duty service members with valid ID get a free Sunrise Pancake Special.
• Denny’s — Veterans and active-duty military personnel receive a free Original Grand Slam on November 11 from 5am to 12pm. Must show valid Military ID or DD214.
• Dickey’s Barbecue Pit — On November 11, veterans and active-duty military personnel are invited to enjoy a free Pulled Pork Sandwich at all Dickey’s Barbecue Pit locations nationwide. The offer is available for dine-in or carryout with a valid military ID, limit one per guest for the day.
• Einstein Bros. Bagels — Veterans and active-duty military get a free hot or iced coffee (any size) on November 11. Guests can enjoy their complimentary coffee in-bakery, through the mobile app, or online using code FREECOFFEE. No purchase is required.
• Famous Dave’s — Veterans get a free Georgia Chopped Pork Sandwich Georgia Chopped Pork Sandwich Lunch with choice of side on November 11. If ordering online, guests can use code VETERAN25 at checkout.
• Firehouse Subs — On November 11, active-duty military personnel and veterans can enjoy any size sub and receive a second sub for free with valid military ID.
• Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers — Veterans and active military personnel who visit on November 11 will receive a free Freddy’s Combo meal card. No purchase is necessary to receive this special offer. Cards may be redeemed through December 31, 2025.
• Golden Corral — Golden Corral is hosting their Military Appreciation Night on November 11 from 4pm to close. This includes a free “thank you” meal when dining in.
• Hacienda Mexican Restaurant — Veterans get a free Large Wet Burrito on November 11 for Dine-in or carryout. Proof required.
• Hooters — This Veterans Day, Hooters offers a free menu item on November 11. Veterans can choose from 10 Original Wings, Cheeseburger, Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, or Chicken Caesar Salad, free with drink purchase.
• Hurricane Grill and Wings — Enjoy a complimentary entree on November 11 from the following menu: 10 Bone-In Wings, Beer-Battered Fish & Chips, Steakburger, Chicken Caesar Salad, Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Chicken BLT Tacos. Veterans and active-duty military must present a military ID or wear a military uniform.
• Kona Grill — On November 11, veterans and active-duty military will receive a complimentary entrée up to $49. Military ID for verification is required.
• Kwik Fill – Free coffee for veterans at all locations.
• Manhattan Bagel extends a salute to active duty servicemembers and veterans. This Northeast US community-centric bagel chain offers a free regular-size coffee. Started in 1987, they’re known for their New York-style bagels and freshly prepared sandwiches.
• Mission BBQ — Veterans get a free sandwich on November 11.
• MOD Pizza (New Jersey, Pennsylvania) – Special offer for veterans, active-duty military and family.
• Ninety Nine Restaurant and Pub — On November 11, from opening until 4 p.m., veterans and active-duty military members who present a valid military ID will receive a free lunch entrée from the Veterans Day Menu with adult entrée purchase.
• 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. Simply show proof of military service.
• Outback Steakhouse — Outback is offering a free Aussie 3-Course Meal with valid military ID when dining in on November 10 and 11 (select entrées only).
• Piada Italian Street Food — On November 11, active-duty service members and veterans are invited to enjoy a free entrée. Guests can receive any regular-sized chef menu entrée with protein by presenting a valid military ID and mentioning the offer at checkout.
• Playa Bowls — Playa Bowls is offering free bowls for all veterans, active duty, and retired military personnel with a valid ID on November 11, at participating locations nationwide.
• Primo Hoagies (New Jersey, Pennsylvania) – Free 20-ounce beverage and 1-ounce bag of chips with purchase of Primo-size hoagie for veterans.
• Red Robin – Veterans and active-duty military guests can enjoy a complimentary Red’s Big Tavern Burger and Bottomless Side when dining in at participating restaurants on November 11.
• Ruby Tuesday — Ruby Tuesday is offering a free Garden Bar Entrée or Free Garden Bar Add-On on November 11, to veterans (retired and active-duty military with valid ID).
• Salvatore’s Old Fashioned Pizzeria in New York is honoring veterans with free 12-inch pizza on Veterans Day between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. This offer is available for dine-in, curbside pickup, and pickup services. This well-loved pizzeria has been serving Rochester with great pizza since 1978.
• Shane’s Rib Shack – Free meal (choose from two entrees), for veterans, active-duty military, at participating locations.
• Smokey Bones — Smokey Bones, is offering a free entree to all veterans and active-duty military: Bacon Cheeseburger, Pulled Pork Sandwich, or Chicken Tender Platter with one regular side on November 11 when dining in with a valid military ID. It cannot be combined with the military discount.
• Smoothie King — On November 11, active-duty military and veterans can enjoy a free 20oz smoothie at participating locations nationwide — no purchase necessary. The offer is available from 12–3pm and includes three patriotic picks: Strawberry X-Treme (red), Slim-N-Trim Vanilla (white), and Blueberry Heaven (blue).
• Starbucks — Starbucks is honoring those who have served with a free tall (12-ounce) brewed coffee (hot or iced) for veterans, military service members and military spouses at participating U.S. stores and licensed locations on November 11.
• STK Steakhouse — On November 11, veterans and active-duty military personnel receive a complimentary entrée up to up to $69. Show your military ID or proof of service to your server.
• 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.

FREE Home Care for Veterans Through VA Benefits

And the freebies do not stop there! We are proud to share that we are now serving the men and women who once served our nation! Through the VA Homemaker Home Health Aide program, Veterans can now receive professional in-home care at NO COST, allowing you to remain safe, independent, and comfortable in your own homes.

If you are part of, or eligible to join the VA health care system, you may be eligible for this free benefit. This is more than care as it is a heartfelt gesture of thanks to those who have sacrificed so much. Because every Veteran deserves not only respect, but care delivered with the same courage, loyalty, and compassion they once gave to us.

Typical ADLs included:

• Attending appointments and events
• Toileting and incontinence care
• Bathing and hygiene assistance
• Light housekeeping/meal preparation
• Dressing/grooming
• Errands
• Mobility and transfer assistance
• Monitoring of client’s condition following a hospitalization or skilled nursing stay

About Alvita Care
Alvita Care is the most trusted Home Care Services Agency offering professional and compassionate care and nursing services to clients wherever they call home. We proudly serve New York City, Westchester, Long Island, Connecticut, and New Jersey with a team of licensed and experienced home health aides and nurses dedicated to providing the highest standard of care.

Our home health aides and nurses work closely with clients, families, and healthcare providers to create customized care plans that address each individual’s unique needs. Whether you are recovering from surgery, managing a chronic illness, or simply need extra support, Alvita Care offers the reliable home care services you deserve.

Have questions? Contact us at vasb@nyivgnpner.pbz to learn more or schedule a consultation.