Stores and Restaurants Open on Veterans Day in San Antonio

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Veterans Day holds special significance in San Antonio, proudly celebrated as Military City USA. It is a day dedicated to honoring our armed forces, veterans, and military families. Because Veterans Day is an official federal holiday, it is natural to wonder which local stores, supermarkets, and eateries keep their doors open.

To take the guesswork out of your plans, we’ve put together a verified guide to stores and restaurants open on Veterans Day in San Antonio for 2026! From running grocery errands at H-E-B to browsing big-box retailers or enjoying free meals and special dining perks across the Alamo City, here is your complete rundown.

Editor’s Note: We work hard to provide you with accurate, updated information. However, all details are subject to change. Please verify information before heading out. This post may contain affiliate links.

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Remember to check out our complete guides to Veterans Day Deals & Freebies in San Antonio, Veterans Day Parades & Ceremonies in San Antonio, and Best Cheap Eats in San Antonio!

Grocery Stores Open on Veterans Day in San Antonio

H-E-B & Central Market – Unlike Easter Sunday or Christmas, San Antonio’s homegrown grocer is open for regular business hours on Veterans Day across all Alamo City locations (typically 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM). Central Market on Broadway is also open during regular hours (7:00 AM – 10:00 PM). In-store pharmacies operate standard weekday schedules.

Trader Joe’s – Both San Antonio Trader Joe’s locations (Quarry Village and Sonterra) are open during regular hours from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM for seasonal fall treats and floral arrangements.

Whole Foods Market – The Alamo Quarry Market and Vineyard locations operate under regular hours (8:00 AM – 9:00 PM) for organic pantry items, hot bar favorites, and bakery specialties.

Sprouts Farmers Market – San Antonio Sprouts locations maintain regular hours (7:00 AM – 10:00 PM) for fresh produce, vitamins, and bulk dry goods.

Walmart Supercenters – San Antonio Walmart locations run on standard schedules (6:00 AM – 11:00 PM) for groceries, general merchandise, and pharmacy needs.

7-Eleven – Most 7-Eleven convenience stops across Greater San Antonio are open 24/7 for fuel, cold drinks, and quick snacks.

Circle K – Open 24/7 for grab-and-go convenience and fuel, frequently offering complimentary coffee promotions for service members on Veterans Day.

Retail & Big Box Stores Open on Veterans Day in San Antonio

Target – All San Antonio Target stores operate regular weekday hours (8:00 AM to 10:00 PM). Active military, veterans, and their families can also take advantage of Target’s Circle military appreciation discount during Veterans Day week.

Costco & Sam’s Club – Both warehouse clubs on UTSA Blvd, San Pedro, and Judson Road are open during standard weekday warehouse operating hours (Costco: 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM; Sam’s Club: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM).

Academy Sports + Outdoors – Texas’s favorite sports retailer is open during regular hours (8:00 AM – 9:00 PM) and proudly offers its seasonal military and first responder discount program.

Bass Pro Shops – The massive outdoor outpost at The Rim is open during regular hours (8:00 AM – 9:00 PM) and offers its Legendary Salute 10% daily military discount.

The Home Depot & Lowe’s – Both home improvement chains operate regular weekday hours (6:00 AM – 10:00 PM) and provide year-round 10% discounts for verified active-duty service members and veterans.

Best Buy – San Antonio Best Buy stores are open during standard retail hours (typically 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM), making it simple to check out early Black Friday and holiday tech savings.

CVS Pharmacy & Walgreens – Most retail front stores are open on regular or 24-hour schedules for wellness products, convenience items, and prescriptions (check local counter hours for pharmacy times).

IKEA Alamo Ranch – The Live Oak IKEA store and restaurant are open during regular hours (10:00 AM – 9:00 PM) for home furnishings and Swedish meatballs.

Barnes & Noble – Locations at Northwoods, San Pedro Crossing, and La Cantera maintain standard hours (9:30 AM to 9:00 PM).

Dollar Tree & Family Dollar – San Antonio Dollar Tree branches remain open during normal operating hours from 9 am to 9 PM, and Family Dollar from 8 AM to – 10 PM for affordable essentials and seasonal goods.

PetSmart & Petco – Major pet supply stores are open (9 am – 8 pm) during standard weekday hours across town.

Restaurants Open on Veterans Day in San Antonio (Plus Free Meals & Deals!)

Veterans Day is renowned as one of the best dining days of the year across Military City USA. Dozens of local icons and national chains are open for normal dining hours, welcoming active service members, retirees, and veterans with free meals and generous discounts:

Local San Antonio Favorites Open

    • Mi Tierra Café y Panadería: Open 24/7 in Historic Market Square, serving iconic Tex-Mex enchilada plates, pan dulce, and cold cervezas all day and night.
    • Las Palapas: All San Antonio locations are open regular hours with drive-thru and dine-in service, featuring their classic bean and cheese tacos, caldo, and fajitas.
    • Schilo’s German-Texan Restaurant: San Antonio’s oldest operating restaurant in Downtown is open regular daytime hours (8:00 AM – 2:30 PM), serving authentic split pea soup, deli sandwiches, and homemade root beer.
    • Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille: Located at La Cantera, Perry’s is open for dinner service and hosts its annual Military Appreciation special: a complimentary dinner-cut pork chop from 4:00 PM to close for veterans accompanied by a guest purchasing a dinner entrée (solo dining veterans receive 50% off).
    • Feges BBQ: For veterans traveling along the I-10 corridor, this acclaimed veteran-owned Texas barbecue smokehouse opens regular hours, offering complimentary two-meat, two-side plates to service members.
    • Pluckers Wing Bar: Open at all San Antonio locations (including Loop 1604, UTSA Blvd, and Selma), offering veterans a completely free meal (entrée, side, and non-alcoholic drink up to $17 value) for dine-in guests with ID.
    • Torchy’s Tacos: Open standard operating hours at The Rim, Lincoln Heights, and Medical Center, providing a complimentary taco and non-alcoholic fountain beverage to veterans.

National Chains Open with Veterans Day Menus

    • Golden Corral: Open regular hours and hosting its famous Military Appreciation Night from 4:00 PM to close with a free buffet dinner and beverage for military members.
    • Texas Roadhouse: San Antonio locations distribute free dinner vouchers for future dining to veterans who stop by between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM on November 11.
    • Chili’s Grill & Bar: Open regular hours across San Antonio, providing a free dine-in entrée from a dedicated Veterans Day promotional menu (including Oldtimer burgers and Chicken Crispers).
    • Applebee’s: All Alamo City outposts are open regular hours, treating veterans to a complimentary full-size meal from an exclusive holiday menu.
    • Outback Steakhouse: Operating normal hours with a complimentary Aussie 3-Course meal (steak or chicken entrée, soup or salad, and dessert) for military diners.
    • Red Robin: Open regular hours, offering veterans a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger accompanied by bottomless steak fries.
    • Denny’s: Open standard hours, offering a free Original Grand Slam breakfast for veterans between 5:00 AM and 12:00 PM.

Stores Closed in San Antonio on Veterans Day

While retail stores and restaurants remain active, Veterans Day is an official federal, state, and bank holiday. The following public services and facilities in San Antonio are typically closed today:

    • City of San Antonio Municipal Offices: City Hall, municipal administrative offices, and Municipal Court are closed.
    • U.S. Postal Service (USPS): Post office locations across Bexar County are closed, and regular residential mail is paused. (Private couriers like UPS and FedEx continue regular deliveries).
    • Banks & Credit Unions: Frost Bank, Broadway Bank, Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union (RBFCU), Security Service Federal Credit Union (SSFCU), USAA financial centers, and major national bank lobbies are closed. (Online banking and ATMs operate normally).
    • Public Libraries: San Antonio Public Library (SAPL) Central Library and all neighborhood branch libraries are closed.
    • Financial Bond Markets: While the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ trade as normal, U.S. government bond markets observe the federal holiday.

Military City USA Shopping Tips

Planning to head out across San Antonio on Veterans Day? Keep these helpful local tips in mind:

  • Carry Official Proof of Service: Whether visiting restaurants, theme parks, or retail stores, have your military ID, CAC, VA healthcare card, state driver’s license with veteran designation, or DD-214 ready to claim holiday perks and year-round discounts.
  • Expect Peak Restaurant Lines: Sit-down spots offering free meal promotions (such as Texas Roadhouse, Chili’s, Applebee’s, and Pluckers) regularly see heavy lunch and dinner rushes. Plan to arrive slightly before standard meal rushes or take advantage of afternoon windows.
  • Tip on the Full Amount: If you are enjoying a complimentary meal or steep discount, please remember to calculate your server’s tip based on the original pre-discount total of your check.
  • Check Major Shopping Centers: The Shops at La Cantera, Alamo Quarry Market, and The Rim operate regular retail hours, though individual boutique or salon schedules may vary.

Common Questions about Veterans Day Stores in San Antonio

Is H-E-B closed on Veterans Day in San Antonio?

No. H-E-B grocery stores, curbside pickup services, and in-store pharmacies operate standard business hours on Veterans Day throughout San Antonio.

Are Target and Walmart open on Veterans Day?

Yes. Both Walmart Supercenters and Target stores across San Antonio remain open for standard operating hours.

Are banks and post offices open on Veterans Day?

No. As a recognized federal and state holiday, USPS branches and financial institution lobbies are closed on November 11.

Looking for more fun in the city? See the upcoming Weekend Events in San Antonio.

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