Veterans Day 2026: Free Meals, Coffee & Discounts Around Columbia!
From a free breakfast at McDonald’s to discounted dinners and plenty of ways to say THANK YOU, businesses across the Midlands are honoring our veterans this Wednesday, November 11th!
Veterans Day is a time to recognize the men and women who have served our country. And here in Columbia, a number of restaurants and businesses are showing their appreciation with free meals, special discounts and a few well-deserved treats.
Whether you’re starting the morning with coffee, grabbing lunch or heading out for dinner, here’s where veterans and active-duty military members can find a little extra appreciation this Veterans Day.
McDONALD’S: FREE BREAKFAST FOR VETERANS!
Let’s start with breakfast!
Participating McDonald’s restaurants are honoring veterans on Wednesday, November 11th, with a FREE Breakfast Extra Value Meal for eligible veterans with valid identification.
A hot breakfast and a simple way to say thanks to those who have served!
When: Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Offer: Free Breakfast Extra Value Meal
Requirement: Valid military or veteran identification
Important: Available at participating McDonald’s locations. Contact your neighborhood restaurant to confirm participation and eligible breakfast selections.
MORE VETERANS DAY DEALS AROUND COLUMBIA
California Dreaming — 50% Off Your Entrée
One of Columbia’s longtime favorites is showing some serious appreciation! California Dreaming, located inside the historic Union Station downtown, is offering veterans and active-duty military members 50% off any entrée from its regular dinner menu on November 11th.
Bring valid military identification or proof of service. Dine-in only.
Where: 401 S. Main Street, Columbia
California Dreaming Veterans Day Details
MISSION BBQ — Free Sandwich for Veterans
MISSION BBQ is honoring America’s heroes with a FREE sandwich on Veterans Day!
The restaurant is also inviting guests to join its live National Anthem observance at noon.
Where: 275 Harbison Boulevard, Columbia
Golden Corral — FREE Military Appreciation Dinner
Golden Corral is bringing back its Military Appreciation Night!
Veterans, retirees and active-duty military members can enjoy a FREE buffet dinner and beverage on Wednesday, November 11th, from 4 PM until closing.
Dine-in only. Family members are welcome but pay regular prices.
Local location: 5300 Forest Drive, Columbia
Golden Corral Military Appreciation Night
Red Robin — FREE Burger and Bottomless Fries
Veterans and active-duty military members can enjoy a FREE Red’s Big Tavern Burger with Bottomless Steak Fries at participating Red Robin restaurants.
Show proof of military service. Dine-in only, November 11th.
Where: Columbiana Centre, 100 Columbiana Circle
MORE FREE MEALS & RESTAURANT DISCOUNTS
- Applebee’s: FREE full-size entrée from a special Veterans Day menu for veterans and active-duty military. Participating restaurants, dine-in only. Guests also receive a $5 promotional card for a future visit.
- Chili’s: FREE meal from a special Veterans Day menu featuring select favorites. Available for dine-in at participating restaurants.
- Texas Roadhouse: Veterans and active-duty military can pick up a FREE meal voucher between 11 AM and 2 PM on November 11th. Vouchers are redeemable through May 31, 2027. Bring proof of service.
- Olive Garden: FREE entrée from a special Veterans Day menu, with unlimited breadsticks and soup or salad. Dine-in only.
- Denny’s: FREE Original Grand Slam breakfast for veterans and active-duty military from 5 AM until noon. Dine-in only; proof of service required.
- IHOP: FREE Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo from 7 AM to 7 PM at participating locations.
- Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: Stop in November 11th for a FREE combo meal card, redeemable through November 25th. No purchase necessary.
- Wendy’s: FREE Dave’s Single hamburger for veterans and active-duty military at participating restaurants. Order inside or at the drive-thru; mobile and delivery orders are excluded.
- Chicken Salad Chick: 50% off an eligible meal with up to two sides and a regular drink. Valid military ID or uniform required.
- LongHorn Steakhouse: 10% off the meal, plus a complimentary appetizer or dessert for the table with the purchase of an adult entrée.
- Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen: FREE appetizer or dessert for veterans and active military members on November 11th. No purchase required.
COFFEE, DOUGHNUTS & SWEET TREATS
Sometimes a simple cup of coffee is the perfect way to say thanks!
- Krispy Kreme: FREE doughnut of choice and a small hot or iced coffee for veterans and active-duty military at participating shops on November 11th.
- Starbucks: FREE tall (12-ounce) hot or iced brewed coffee for veterans, service members and military spouses at participating stores.
- 7 Brew Coffee: 50% off a drink order for veterans at participating stands on November 11th.
- Circle K: FREE medium hot or iced coffee with valid military ID at participating locations. No purchase necessary.
A LITTLE MORE THAN A FREE MEAL
Great Clips is offering veterans and active-duty military members a FREE haircut on Veterans Day, or a card for a complimentary haircut on a future visit.
Non-military customers can also receive a free haircut card to give to a veteran as a way of paying it forward.
Great Clips Thank a Veteran Program
LOCAL BUSINESSES HONORING VETERANS YEAR-ROUND
Veterans Day isn’t the only opportunity to support businesses that give back to our military community.
American Legion Post 174 in the Irmo area maintains a list of local businesses offering ongoing discounts to veterans and active-duty military members, including:
- Tipsy Toad Tavern: Listed 10% everyday military discount and 20% on Mondays.
- Loveland Coffee: Listed 10% military discount.
- The Wicked Wisk in Chapin: Listed 10% military discount.
- Flight Deck Restaurant in Lexington: Listed 10% military discount.
- Eggs Up Grill: Listed everyday military discounts, with additional recognition for veterans of earlier wars.
These are discounts listed by the local American Legion, not separately confirmed November 11 specials. Please contact each business to verify current participation and conditions.
See American Legion Post 174’s Local Discount List
BEFORE YOU HEAD OUT
Most Veterans Day deals require some form of proof of service, such as a military ID, veteran ID, veteran-designated driver’s license or discharge paperwork.
Offers may be limited to dine-in, certain hours or specific menu items. Participation can vary by location, so calling ahead is always a good idea.
KNOW OF ANOTHER LOCAL BUSINESS HONORING OUR VETERANS?
Let FOX 102.3 know! We’d love to recognize more Columbia-area businesses thanking those who served.
And to every veteran, active-duty service member and military family across the Midlands:
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. From all of us at Columbia’s Classic Rock, FOX 102.3.