Veterans Day in 2025 falls on Tuesday, November 11, serving as a national moment to honor those who have served or are currently serving in the United States military. Across the country, hundreds of businesses demonstrate their appreciation through free meals, discounts, and other special offers for veterans and active-duty military personnel. This comprehensive guide details the verified freebies and deals available, focusing on food and beverage establishments, with specific eligibility requirements, participation rules, and redemption processes.
The offers listed below are compiled from verified information provided by Veteran.com, which dedicates resources to finding and verifying each discount. As Veterans Day approaches, businesses frequently announce new deals or update existing ones, so this guide reflects information available as of the current update cycle. All offers require proof of military service, such as a military ID, a driver’s license with a veteran designation, or a DD 214 form. Participation may vary by location, and many offers are dine-in only unless otherwise specified.
Veterans Day Free Meals: The Complete List
Many national and regional restaurant chains offer complimentary meals to veterans and active-duty service members on Veterans Day. These promotions typically require in-person verification of military status. Below is a detailed breakdown of participating brands, offer specifics, and any unique requirements.
Major National Chains Offering Free Meals
Several well-known restaurant groups provide free meals to veterans and active-duty personnel on November 11, 2025. These offers are widely available across the United States.
- Applebee’s: Veterans can select a free lunch or dinner entrée from a special menu on November 11, 2025. Participating locations offer items such as a bacon cheeseburger, top sirloin, shrimp dishes, chicken entrees, pasta, or salad. The promotion is dine-in only at participating locations.
- Chili’s Grill & Bar: Veterans and active military personnel receive a free meal from select menu items on Veterans Day, November 11, 2025. This offer is valid for dine-in only at participating locations.
- Denny’s: Active and retired military members can enjoy a free Original Grand Slam® on November 11, 2025, from 5 a.m. to noon at participating locations. A valid military ID or DD 214 is required for redemption.
- Red Robin: Veterans and military members get a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger with fries for dine-in on Veterans Day.
- Texas Roadhouse: Veterans and military members receive a free Texas Roadhouse meal voucher on November 11, 2025. The voucher can be redeemed in-restaurant or for carry-out and is valid through May 30, 2026.
- Outback Steakhouse: Veterans and active-duty military receive a free Aussie 3-course meal. This dine-in only promotion is available on November 10 and November 11, 2025.
- California Pizza Kitchen: Veterans and active military personnel can enjoy a free entrée and beverage from a special Veterans Day Menu featuring pizzas, pastas, and salads on November 11, 2025. The offer is dine-in only with proof of service.
- Wendy’s: Active-duty military and veterans receive a free Breakfast Combo on Tuesday, November 11, during breakfast hours. No purchase is required.
- IHOP: Veterans can enjoy a free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo on Tuesday, November 11, which includes pancakes, eggs, hash browns, and a choice of bacon or sausage.
- Red Lobster: On November 11, 2025, veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a free Walt’s Favorite Shrimp & Chips meal at participating U.S. and Canada locations by showing proof of service.
Fast Food and Casual Dining Freebies
In addition to sit-down restaurants, numerous fast-casual and quick-service chains offer free meals or significant discounts for veterans.
- In-N-Out Burger: On Veterans Day, In-N-Out Burger provides veterans, active-duty, reserves, and National Guard members with a free made-to-order meal, including any burger, fries, and drink, plus a special decal. Proof of military service is required.
- Bubbakoo’s Burritos: Veterans and active-duty military can get a free Taco Trio at Bubbakoo’s Burritos on Tuesday, November 11, with a valid military ID for in-restaurant dining.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Veterans and active-duty military can partake in 10 free boneless wings and fries. This offer is valid only at Buffalo Wild Wings GO locations and requires a valid ID proving past or present service.
- Sonic Drive-In: Veterans and active-duty military receive a free Super Sonic Double Cheeseburger with a valid military ID. This offer is available on November 11 during regular business hours.
- Firehouse Subs: On November 11, veterans and active-duty military can buy one sub and get one free at Firehouse Subs by showing a valid military ID. The promotion is in-store only.
- Hooters: Veterans can get a free menu item of their choice with a drink purchase on Tuesday, November 11. Eligible items include wings, a cheeseburger, a buffalo chicken sandwich, or a chicken Caesar salad.
- Huey Magoo’s: Veterans and active-duty military can receive a free 3-piece Tender Meal with the purchase of a regular beverage by showing a valid military ID or DD 214 form.
- Rubio’s: Veterans can enjoy a buy-one, get-one-free entrée at Rubio’s by using code VETS25 in-store or online with a valid military ID.
- Sonny’s BBQ: Veterans and active military can get a free Pork Big Deal on November 11 by enrolling in Sonny’s Rewards by November 9, 2025, then showing their Military ID when dining in, picking up, or ordering online to redeem.
- Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: On November 11, veterans and active-duty military can receive a free Freddy’s combo meal card at Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, with no purchase required. The card is valid through December 31, 2025.
Regional and Specialty Restaurant Offers
Several regional chains and specialty restaurants also participate in Veterans Day promotions, though availability may be limited to specific states or locations.
- Bob Evans: Bob Evans is serving a free farm-fresh meal to all veterans and active-duty military at participating locations on Veterans Day.
- Bombshells Restaurant and Bar: Veterans receive a free meal, and active-duty military get 20% off on Veterans Day, November 11, for dine-in in Texas and Colorado with a valid military ID.
- Buca di Beppo: On Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11, veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a free lunch entrée, choosing any pasta from the lunch specials menu with a valid ID.
- Calhoun’s: Calhoun’s offers a free meal to honor those who served in the Armed Forces on Veterans Day. Offer dates and times may vary, so customers should confirm locally.
- Christopher’s: Christopher’s is offering a free meal to veterans on November 11th at participating locations. A valid I.D. is required.
- Jefferson’s Restaurant: On Tuesday, November 11, veterans and active-duty military can visit any Jefferson’s Restaurant nationwide and receive a free entrée of their choice by presenting a valid military ID.
- Kings Family Restaurant: Kings Family Restaurant offers veterans and active-duty military a free meal from its special Veterans Day menu on November 11, dine-in only with proof of service.
- McCormick and Schmick’s: McCormick and Schmick’s offers Veterans, Active Military, and Gold Star families a select half-priced entrée on Sunday, November 9, 2025, in honor of Veterans Day.
- Melting Pot: Melting Pot offers veterans and active military a free 4-course meal with the purchase of a 4-course meal on November 11, dine-in only.
- Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt: Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt offers veterans and active-duty military their first 6 oz free on Veterans Day with uniform or active-duty military ID required.
- Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille: On Veterans Day, November 11, veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a complimentary Perry’s Dinner-Cut Pork Chop at Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille from 4 PM to close when accompanied by a guest who purchases a full-priced entrée.
- Claim Jumper Steakhouse & Bar: Claim Jumper offers veterans and active-duty service members a free meal from its select Veterans Day menu on November 11, dine-in only with proof of service.
- Cotton Patch Cafe: On November 11, 2025, active and retired military can enjoy a free regular Chicken Fried Steak or Chicken Fried Chicken entrée at Cotton Patch Cafe with a valid military ID.
- Fogo de Chão: Fogo de Chão offers active-duty military and veterans 50% off Full or Indulgent Churrasco meals, plus 10% off for their guests, with valid ID from November 7–11.
- Hard Rock Cafe: Hard Rock Cafe offers a free Classic Smash Burger for active and retired military on November 11, and applies a 15% military discount to other menu items.
Coffee and Beverage Freebies
Several coffee shops and beverage chains also offer free drinks to veterans and active-duty military on Veterans Day.
- The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf offers military families a free drink this Veterans Day, plus a $5 coupon when purchasing a $25 gift card.
- 151 Coffee: On November 11, 2025, veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a free drink of any size at 151 Coffee by showing a valid military ID.
Non-Food Veterans Day Freebies and Discounts
While the majority of Veterans Day freebies focus on food, some businesses offer non-food services or discounts. These offers provide additional ways for veterans to save on everyday needs.
- Sport Clips: Sport Clips offers free haircuts for veterans and donates $2 per haircut on November 11, 2025. In-store fundraising for the VFW’s Help A Hero Scholarship program runs from October 5 to November 15. Veterans can receive a free haircut at participating locations with proof of service.
- 151 Coffee: In addition to the free drink, 151 Coffee may offer other promotions; however, the primary verified offer is the free beverage on Veterans Day.
Veterans Day Online Sales and Discounts
Veterans Day is not only about free meals but also about significant savings on retail purchases. Many businesses extend their appreciation through online sales and discounts available to veterans and active-duty military.
- Veterans Day Online Sales: Veteran.com notes that Veterans Day Online Sales are a key category of offers. While specific retailers and discount percentages are not detailed in the provided source material, veterans are encouraged to check major retailers' websites for special promotions running around November 11, 2025.
- General Discounts: Many businesses not offering free meals may provide percentage-based discounts on purchases. For example, some retailers may offer 10% to 20% off for military members with valid ID, both in-store and online.
How to Verify Eligibility and Redeem Offers
Redeeming Veterans Day freebies requires proper documentation and adherence to specific terms and conditions. Understanding these requirements ensures a smooth experience.
Required Documentation
To qualify for Veterans Day offers, veterans and active-duty military must present valid proof of service. Acceptable forms of identification include:
- Military ID: A current or retired military ID card.
- Driver’s License with Veteran Designation: A state-issued driver’s license that includes a veteran designation.
- DD 214 Form: A Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.
- Uniform Services Retired ID Card: For retired service members.
Some promotions may accept additional forms of identification, but the above are the most commonly required. It is advisable to carry at least one form of ID when visiting participating locations.
Redemption Process
Each restaurant or business has its own redemption process, which may include:
- Dine-In Only: Many free meal offers are valid for dine-in only, meaning carry-out or delivery may not be included.
- Proof of Service: Always present your military ID or other valid documentation before ordering or at the time of payment.
- Participating Locations: Not all locations of a chain may participate in Veterans Day promotions. It is recommended to call ahead or check the restaurant’s website for confirmation.
- Purchase Requirements: Some offers require a purchase, such as a beverage at Hooters or Huey Magoo’s, while others are completely free with no purchase necessary.
Special Considerations
- Timing: Many offers are valid only on November 11, 2025, during specific hours (e.g., Denny’s from 5 a.m. to noon). Check individual offer details for exact times.
- Family Members: Some promotions extend to military families, such as The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf offering a free drink to military families.
- Gold Star Families: McCormick and Schmick’s includes Gold Star families in their half-priced entrée offer.
Veterans Day Free Meals FAQ
Veterans and their families often have questions about Veterans Day freebies. Below are answers to frequently asked questions based on the provided source material.
How often are Veterans Day discounts updated?
Veteran.com updates their page multiple times each day leading up to Veterans Day as they find more free meals, deals, and discounts. Businesses frequently announce their offers closer to Veterans Day, so it is important to check back regularly for the most current information.
Are there free meals for veterans at McDonald’s or Subway?
Veteran.com features some national franchises, such as McDonald’s and Subway, but these specials vary by franchise. Not all locations may participate, and the offers are not guaranteed. Veterans should check with their local McDonald’s or Subway for specific Veterans Day promotions.
Can veterans get free haircuts on Veterans Day?
Yes, Sport Clips offers free haircuts for veterans on November 11, 2025, as part of their Veterans Day promotion. Additionally, they donate $2 per haircut to the VFW’s Help A Hero Scholarship program.
Are there free meals available for takeout or carry-out?
Many offers are dine-in only, but some exceptions exist. For example, Texas Roadhouse vouchers can be redeemed for carry-out, and Sonny’s BBQ allows redemption for online orders. Always check the specific terms of each offer.
What if I don’t have a military ID?
A driver’s license with a veteran designation or a DD 214 form is often accepted as an alternative to a military ID. However, it is best to confirm with the specific business beforehand to ensure your documentation is acceptable.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2025 offers a wide array of free meals, discounts, and special promotions to honor the service and sacrifice of U.S. military veterans and active-duty personnel. From national chains like Applebee’s and Chili’s to regional favorites like Bob Evans and Cotton Patch Cafe, there are numerous opportunities for veterans to enjoy complimentary meals on November 11. Non-food offers, such as free haircuts from Sport Clips, add further value. To maximize these benefits, veterans should prepare valid proof of service, verify participation at local establishments, and stay informed about updated offers as Veterans Day approaches. By planning ahead and understanding eligibility requirements, veterans and their families can fully partake in the gratitude and appreciation expressed by businesses nationwide.