Veterans, you are the backbone of this great country, which certainly wouldn't be the same without you. While you are deserving of thanks every day, we set aside Veterans Day as a holiday to recognize your service and sacrifice.
There are many businesses offering discounts on this special day and below is a list of some restaurants offering free meals for service members past and present. Please note that offers will vary and the conditions necessary to qualify should be confirmed when making reservations or before ordering your food.
Veterans Day Free Meals FAQs
Q1. Do family members get free meals?
Answer: In most cases, only the veteran is entitled to a free meal. However, some restaurants may offer discounts to family members. Please check with each establishment for its guidelines.
Q2. Do I have to be discharged?
Answer: Not typically. Most free meal offers for Veterans Day in San Diego are for active and inactive members. Each restaurant will be able to answer that question for you.
Q3. Do I need proof of service to get a free meal?
Answer: Each restaurant will have its own requirements for veterans to prove their status. Some may require a full Military ID or U.S. Uniform Services Retired ID Card while others will accept your Leave and Earning Statement or even a picture of you in uniform. Be sure to verify what is acceptable wherever you decide to dine.
Q4. Are meals only available on November 11?
Answer: Most restaurants that offer free meals for service members on Veterans Day only offer them on the actual day. This year that is Tuesday, November 11. Some may extend the offer for the entire weekend.
Q5. Should I tip my server for my free Veterans Day meal?
Answer: The short answer here is yes, you should tip your server based on the total check as if you had paid full price as these men and women rely on tip money to pay their expenses.
image by iStock|Willowpix
These are chains known to run Veterans Day promotions and might have participating locations in San Diego:
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Chili’s — free meal from a select menu for veterans and active-duty military.
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Claim Jumper — complimentary dine-in meal from a special menu on Nov. 11.
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Red Lobster — complimentary “Shrimp & Chips” meal with proof of military service.
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Dunkin’ — free donut at participating locations.
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Applebee’s — free meal from a special menu (dine-in only).
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Bluewater Boathouse Seafood Grill (Coronado) — 10% off dinner for military personnel
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Woodstock’s Pizza — 15% discount daily with valid military ID
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Stone Brewery Tap Room (Downtown & Oceanside) — 15% military discount
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Melting Pot (Gaslamp) — 20% off the entire food bill with military ID on Sundays
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94th Aero Squadron Restaurant — not explicitly a Veterans Day offer, but themed and potentially more likely to support veteran promotions
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Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que — complimentary personal-size meal offer on Veterans Day (Nov. 10 & 11)
Local Military-Friendly Discounts in San Diego
While not necessarily free meals, some San Diego-area restaurants offer year-round military discounts which might also run special Veterans Day perks:
Hodad’s (Ocean Beach) — 15% off one burger per person with valid military ID.
Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza & Grill — 20% off for active duty and veterans.
Tips to Catch Local Free Meal Offers: local businesses often announce Veterans Day discounts closer to the date, here are ways to stay updated:
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Check local news sites (e.g., SanDiego.com) for updated “Veterans Day deals in San Diego.”
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Follow restaurant social media accounts (especially those you like) — they often post their Veterans Day offers the week of.
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Call ahead to your favorite local restaurants to ask if they’ll be offering a Veterans Day free meal or discount.
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Watch military support groups or local veteran service organizations — they sometimes partner with restaurants for freebies.
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Check restaurant apps and newsletters — some local spots will send out special Veterans Day coupons to subscribers.
Veterans Day is more than just a date on the calendar — it’s a chance for the community to show appreciation in a tangible way. Across San Diego, both national chains and local restaurants step up each year with free meals, discounted dining, and exclusive offers for active-duty military, veterans, and in some cases, their families too. While many of the bigger names like Chili’s, Applebee’s, IHOP, Red Lobster, and California Pizza Kitchen traditionally offer free meals on November 11th, several San Diego–based spots also participate with military discounts or one-day specials. Since promotions vary by location and are often announced closer to the holiday, veterans are encouraged to call ahead or check restaurant websites before heading out. Whether grabbing a free breakfast stack, a well-earned steak dinner, or just a complimentary coffee, Veterans Day in San Diego offers plenty of ways to be honored and well fed.
