There are lots of benefits available for the military — not only government programs but discounts at local restaurants and businesses too. You just need to know where to go!
Most places just need a copy of your military ID or DD214 to verify. McGuyver keeps a photo of his DD214 on his phone — works great and nobody has ever questioned it!
Important note: Discounts vary A LOT by location since most of these restaurants are franchised. Always ask before you order — and if you know of a location offering a great deal leave it in the comments!
Restaurants That Offer Military Discounts — Updated 2026
Applebee’s
10% off for military with valid ID at most locations. Some locations offer Military Monday specials with 30% off on Mondays. On Veterans Day Applebee’s offers a free meal from a special menu to veterans and active duty military — one of the best Veterans Day freebies out there every year.
Arby’s
10% off for active duty and veterans with a valid military ID at participating locations. Since most Arby’s are franchised it is worth asking at your local location.
Backyard Burgers
Possible 20% off with a valid military ID at participating locations.
Bob Evans
10% off for active duty and retired military with a valid military ID at most locations year round.
Bonefish Grill
10% discount for veterans, active duty and first responders every day with a valid ID. Great choice for a nicer dinner out!
Boston Market
20% off your meal at participating locations with a valid military ID.
Buffalo Wild Wings
10% discount for veterans through the WeSalute program at most locations. Call ahead to confirm with your local restaurant.
Burger King
Some participating Burger King locations offer a 10% military discount. Worth asking at your local location.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill
10% discount for active duty and non-active duty military with a valid military ID at participating locations.
Chick-fil-A
Varies by location — can include 10% off or free sandwiches. Check the Chick-fil-A app for current military offers and Veterans Day specials.
Chili’s
Free meal from a special menu on Veterans Day for veterans and active duty military with valid ID. Year round discounts vary by location — always worth asking! Also check the Chili’s rewards program for free chips and queso with every visit.
Chuck E. Cheese
Special military packages available with valid military ID or CAC card. The Alpha package — 1 large one-topping pizza, 4 drinks, and 45 play points for $28.99 (regular $40 value). The Bravo package — 2 large one-topping pizzas, 4 drinks, and 100 play points for $46.99 (regular $69 value).
Cinnabon
Most locations offer 15% off with a valid military ID. Great excuse for a Cinnabon!
Cracker Barrel
20-30% off your meal AND store items with a valid military ID at participating locations. Veterans Day brings additional specials including a free dessert with purchase. One of the better military discounts out there!
Dairy Queen
Military discount at some locations — can be as high as 50% off if you are in uniform. Worth asking at your local DQ!
Dave and Buster’s
10% military discount on food, non-alcoholic beverages AND games at all locations with a valid military ID. Great for a family outing!
Del Taco
Possible 50% off at select locations with valid military ID.
Denny’s
10-20% discount depending on location with a valid military ID. On Veterans Day Denny’s offers a free Build Your Own Grand Slam breakfast from 5AM to noon — one of the most popular Veterans Day freebies every year!
Dunkin’
Some locations offer a 10% military discount. On Veterans Day Dunkin’ offers a free donut to veterans and active duty military at all locations — no purchase required!
Famous Dave’s BBQ
Free meal for veterans and active service members on Veterans Day at participating locations. Past deals have included a free two-meat lunch combo with a side and cornbread muffin.
Golden Corral
10-20% off your buffet meal with your military ID depending on location. Famous for their annual Military Appreciation Night every November — one of the most popular Veterans Day events in the country with hundreds of thousands of free meals served!
Hard Rock Cafe
15% off food and non-alcoholic beverages plus additional perks through the Unity by Hard Rock Veterans Program including free parking and BOGO buffet vouchers. All verified members receive automatic upgrade to Legend status. Valid military ID required.
IHOP
20% off with a valid military ID at participating locations. On Veterans Day IHOP offers free Red White and Blueberry pancakes or a pancake combo for veterans and active duty military from 7AM to 7PM.
Johnny Rockets
10% off with a valid military ID. Some locations offer 50% off if you are in uniform.
LongHorn Steakhouse
10% off for active duty and veterans with a valid military ID. Some locations offer 20% off on Military Mondays. Veterans Day brings a free appetizer or dessert for the table.
Lone Star Steakhouse
20% off on Mondays and 10% off every other day of the week with a valid military ID.
Ninety Nine Restaurant and Pub
10% off military discount every day for military members and veterans with valid ID. Northeast states only.
Noodles and Company
10% discount for military and first responders with valid ID at participating locations.
O’Charley’s
10% off for active duty and veteran military with a valid form of ID every day at most locations. Veterans Day brings a free meal from a special menu.
Olive Garden
Free entrée from a special menu for veterans and active duty military on Veterans Day at participating locations.
Outback Steakhouse
10% off for active duty, veterans, retirees, and their families every day with a valid ID — and it includes first responders too! Veterans Day brings a free Bloomin’ Onion and beverage. One of the most consistent military discount programs out there.
Papa Murphy’s Pizza
50% off take and bake pizza at select locations with valid military ID. Worth calling your local location to check!
Pei Wei Asian Diner
15% off for military personnel, police officers and firefighters with applicable ID at participating locations.
Pizza Hut
10% discount for active duty and veteran military with valid military ID at participating locations.
Popeyes
Most locations offer a 20% discount to active duty and veteran military with valid ID. No restrictions and can be combined with other offers at most locations.
Raising Cane’s
10% military discount at certain locations with valid ID. If you have not tried Raising Cane’s yet — the chicken fingers are worth it!
Red Lobster
10% off every day of the week with valid military ID at participating locations. Veterans Day brings a free appetizer or dessert from a special menu for veterans, active duty and reservists.
Ruby Tuesday
10% off at select locations with valid military ID.
Schlotzsky’s Deli
10-30% off depending on location with valid military ID.
Shoney’s
15% off to military with a valid ID at participating locations.
Texas de Brazil
10% off dinner and lunch prices for service members with a valid badge or ID — valid for up to 4 people per table. Not valid on holidays. A great choice for a special occasion dinner!
Texas Roadhouse
10% off your meal year round for all branches of the military with a valid military ID. Free meal vouchers on Veterans Day for dine-in or carry-out. One of the most consistent and reliable military discount programs around!
The Melting Pot
This fondue restaurant offers a 50% discount a few times a year — usually for a week at a time. Worth following them on social media to catch the promotion when it comes around!
Don’t Forget to Ask!
Ask about military discounts at any of your favorite local restaurants — especially if you are in a military town. Many local restaurants offer discounts that are never advertised anywhere. The worst they can say is no and most of the time they are happy to help.
Know a restaurant that offers a military discount that is not on this list? Leave it in the comments and I will add it!
Looking for more military freebies and discounts? Check out my Blue Star Museums free admission for military families and my complete guide to freebies updated daily!
