Veterans Day 2022 Deals, Freebies In Tampa Bay

TAMPA BAY, FL — Restaurants and retail stores across Tampa Bay will give back to U.S. veterans and active-duty military by offering them everything from free haircuts to discounted steak dinners on Veterans Day.

This year’s holiday honoring U.S. veterans is Nov. 11. A variety of offers also apply to family members and guests, according to lists compiled by Military.com and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

If you’re an active-duty military member, reservist member of the National Guard or military retiree, the easiest way to access Veterans Day discounts is to use your military ID card, according to the VA.

For veterans who receive health benefits, the VA benefits photo ID card should also serve as easy proof of veteran status at most businesses.

Here’s a list of some of the best Veterans Day deals, steals and freebies for 2022:

7-Eleven: Veterans get a free quarter-pound Big Bite hot dog on Nov. 11. Available in-store and via delivery through the 7NOW app.

Another Broken Egg Cafe: Veterans and active-duty military members get a free Patriot French Toast Combo and coffee this Veterans Day. Available for dine-in only at participating cafes. Click here for details.

Applebee’s: Veterans and active-duty military can select a free meal from a limited menu on Veterans Day. Proof of service is required.

Bar Louie: This Veterans Day, men and women who have served and are serving in the U.S. Armed Forces will receive a free Craft Burger of their choice.

Beef O' Brady's: Veterans get a free meal on Nov. 11 at participating locations with the purchase of equal or greater value up to $12. Proof of service is required. Click here for details.

BJ's Restaurant: Current and former military who dine in on Nov. 11 will enjoy a complimentary meal and a Dr. Pepper beverage.

Bob Evan’s: Veterans and active-duty military get a free meal from a select menu on Nov. 11. Dine-in only.

Brandon Harley-Davidson: Starting at noon on Friday, Brandon Harley Davidson is offering free lunch to active-duty, retired and veteran military personnel, as well as their families. Free hot dogs and refreshments will be served until 2 p.m.

Buffalo Wild Wings: Veterans and active-duty military who dine in or order takeout at their local B-Dubs can receive a free order of boneless wings and a side of fries.

Bullfrog Creek Brewing Co.: The veteran-owned brewery is offering a free beer to fellow veterans on Saturday, starting at noon.

Caddy’s Treasure Island: Caddy’s Treaure Island is offering a free burger and NÜTRL beer to veterans on Friday when proof of service is shown.

California Pizza Kitchen: On Nov. 11, veterans and active-duty military receive a complimentary non-alcoholic beverage and a choice of one free entrée from a special menu.

Chicken Salad Chick: On Nov. 11, get a free Chick Special and regular drink.

Chick-fil-A: On Nov. 11, some participating Chick-fil-A locations may offer specials or discounts. Check your local Chick-fil-A to confirm.

Chili’s: Veterans and active-duty service members get a free meal from a select menu on Nov. 11. Available for in-restaurant only.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium: Veterans and active-duty personnel receive free admission through Nov. 13 and may also receive free admission for one guest and 15 percent off for up to four additional guests. Also enjoy 20 percent off on concessions at Shark Bites Cafe, retail purchases and photos.

Cracker Barrel: Veterans get a free slice of double chocolate fudge Coca-Cola cake in-store or online on Nov. 11.

Denny’s: Veterans or active-duty military with a valid ID get a free Build-Your-Own Grand Slam breakfast from 5 a.m. to noon.

Dollar General: Veterans, active-duty military, National Guard and Reserve and their immediate family members save 20 percent Nov. 10-13 on in-store purchases.

Duffy’s Sports Grill: On Nov. 11, veterans and active-duty service members eat free on Veterans Day.

Dunkin’ Donuts: Veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a free donut at Dunkin’ restaurants nationwide. No purchase necessary.

Einstein Brothers Bagels: Veterans and active-duty military get a free hot or iced coffee (any size) with any in-store purchase on Nov. 11.

Glory Days Grill: On Nov. 11, get a free appetizer or a regular order of boneless or grilled boneless wings on Veterans Day.

Florida Aquarium: Veterans and members of the U.S military receive complimentary admission all weekend long.

Golden Corral: Military Appreciation Night will be held Nov. 14 from 5 p.m. to close. This includes a free “thank you” meal when dining in.

Great Clips: Veterans and active service members can go into any U.S. Great Clips salon on Nov. 11 and get a free haircut or a free haircut card for a future visit.

Hard Rock Cafe: Both active-duty and retired military can receive a free Legendary Steak Burger at the Hard Rock Cafe on Veterans day.

Hooters: Active-duty military and veterans can buy any 10 wings and get 10 boneless free on Nov. 11.

IHOP: Veterans and active-duty military can get free Red, White and Blueberry pancakes at any IHOP on Nov. 11. Valid only on dine-in orders with proof of service.

IKEA: Enjoy a free meal at IKEA on Veterans Day. Military ID is required.

Jet’s Pizza: On Veterans Day, veterans and active-duty personnel can order 50 percent off menu-priced pizzas with a military ID. Pick up orders only.

Joellas Hot Chicken: On Nov. 11, all veterans, active duty and reservists get a free meal of two jumbo tenders, one Southern side, dippin’ sauce and a drink on Veterans Day.

Keel Farms, Plant City: Free meal and drink in being offered to all active military, veterans, reserves and National Guard members between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Proof of service is required.

Kohl’s: Veterans, active and former military personnel, and their immediate families get 30 percent off in-store purchases Nov. 11-13.

Krispy Kreme: On Veterans Day, get a free donut and coffee.

Melting Pot: On Nov. 11, veterans eat for free on Veterans Day at select Melting Pot locations with the purchase of regular-priced, four-course meals.

Menchie’s: On Nov. 11, veterans can cool off with a free 6 ounces of frozen yogurt.

Mission BBQ: On Nov. 11, veterans and active-duty military will receive a free sandwich on Veterans Day.

Metro Diner: On Nov. 11, veterans and active-duty military will receive 50 percent off a meal of their choosing on Veterans Day.

National Parks: All National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to all visitors on Veterans Day.

Olive Garden: Active-duty service members get a free entree from a special menu. All entrees include breadsticks and a choice of soup or salad.

Outback Steakhouse: All military veterans and active service members can enjoy a free Bloomin’ Onion and Coca-Cola on Veterans Day.

Pirate Water Taxi, Tampa: Veterans will receive free all-day passes. Board at stop No. 7 at the Tampa Convention Center and bring proof of service.

Red Lobster: Veterans, active-duty military and reservists get a free Walt's Favorite Shrimp, Fries, and Coleslaw on Nov. 11 between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. local time.

Red Robin: Veterans and active-duty military get one free Red’s Tavern Double with Bottomless Steak Fries on Nov. 11. Dine-in orders only.

Salty Shamrock: “Salty’s” is thanking current and former military men and women by offering a free shepherd's pie to those with a valid military ID.

Smokey Bones: On Veterans Day, military may select one of these three entrées without any substitutions:

• Meatloaf entrée with fries, baked beans, roasted corn or coleslaw
• Eight-piece boneless wings with fries, baked beans, roasted corn or coleslaw.
• Pulled pork sandwich with fries, baked beans, roasted corn or coleslaw.

Smoothie King: Veterans get a free 20-ounce smoothie with a military ID on Veterans Day.

Sonny’s BBQ: On Veterans Day, veterans and active-duty military with a valid ID will receive a free pulled or sliced pork sandwich plus a voucher for free BBQ egg rolls on a future visit. Dine in or takeout only.

Sports Clips: Participating locations will provide free haircuts to veterans and active-duty service members on Nov. 11 with valid proof of service.

Starbucks: Starbucks will offer a free tall hot brewed or iced coffee for veterans, military service members and military spouses on Nov. 11.

Suncoast Primate Sanctuary: All veterans and active-duty military get free admission to the Suncoast Primate Sanctuary on Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Family members who bring a donation from the sanctuary’s wish list, or fresh fruit or vegetables for the primates, will receive $5 off admission.

Target: All U.S. active-duty military personnel, veterans and their families get 10 percent off the guest’s full basket. To receive the offer, guests must first demonstrate eligibility by registering at www.target.com/circle/military.

Texas de Brazil: Veterans receive 25 percent off dinner Nov. 11 and 12.

Tijuana Flats: Active military and veterans will receive 50 percent off all adult entrées with a valid ID on Veterans Day. The offer is valid for dine-in and takeout orders. Orders may also be placed online on the Tijuana Flats rewards app.

Texas Roadhouse: Veterans and active-duty military will receive a meal voucher on Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. These vouchers are good for dine-in or carry-out and can be used until May 30.

Village Inn: Veterans get a free V.I.B. breakfast on Veterans Day.

TooJay’s (Florida): Veterans and active-duty military can eat free from a select Veterans Day menu on Nov. 11.

Wawa: On Nov. 11, coffee is free for veterans, active-duty military and family members.

Walgreens: Veterans, active-duty military and their families will get 20 percent off regular-price, eligible store items from Nov. 11-14 at any Walgreens or Duane Reade drugstore nationwide.

Wendy’s: Locations nationwide are offering a free small breakfast combo with a valid military ID on Veterans Day. No purchase is necessary.

Westfield Brandon: Free $25 gift cards will be presented to veterans and current service members on Saturday in honor of Veterans Day. From 7-10 p.m., veterans and activity military members can select a free gift card to The Cheesecake Factory, Bahama Breeze or P.F. Chang’s when a military ID is shown.

Yard House: Veterans and active-duty military will receive a complimentary appetizer on Veterans Day with a valid military ID. The offer is valid for dine-in only.

Yogurtology: On Veterans Day, Yogurtology will offer a free 5-ounce frozen yogurt to all veterans and active military personnel.

Zaxby’s: At participating locations only, all veterans and current military get free boneless wings on Veterans Day.