Veterans Day 2025 offers a wide array of complimentary meals, vouchers, and discounts for active-duty military personnel and veterans across the United States. Numerous restaurant chains and retailers have announced specific promotions for November 11, 2025, requiring valid military identification or proof of service. These deals range from immediate dine-in free meals to vouchers redeemable for future use, providing flexibility for service members.
The majority of these offers are strictly limited to Veterans Day, November 11, 2025, unless otherwise specified. Most participating establishments require customers to present a valid military ID, such as a Uniformed Services ID Card, or other proof of service. Additionally, several promotions rely on digital verification platforms like ID.me or specific mobile applications to confirm eligibility.
Texas Roadhouse Voucher Program
Texas Roadhouse is offering a distinct voucher-based deal for veterans and active military members. On November 11, 2025, eligible individuals can visit participating locations between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to pick up a voucher. This voucher provides a free lunch from a special menu that includes options such as a 6-ounce sirloin steak.
A key feature of the Texas Roadhouse promotion is the extended redemption window. Unlike immediate dine-in offers, these vouchers can be redeemed for a meal at a later date through May 31, 2026. The restaurant advises guests to confirm specific details with local locations, particularly those near military installations such as Fort Bliss, Texas; Fort Campbell, Kentucky; and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.
Major Restaurant Chains Offering Free Meals
Several national restaurant chains are providing free meals or entrees on November 11, 2025, for veterans and active-duty military personnel.
- Applebee’s: Offers a free meal from a special menu along with a $5 Bounce Back Card.
- Chili’s: Provides a free entrée for dine-in only, with options including Chicken Crispers, Quesadillas, and the Oldtimer Burger.
- Red Robin: Offers a complimentary Red’s Big Tavern Burger and a bottomless side for dine-in only.
- Olive Garden: Provides a free meal accompanied by soup, salad, and breadsticks.
- Denny’s: Veterans can enjoy a free Grand Slam from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- Cracker Barrel: Offers a free Sunrise Pancake Special for breakfast.
- Outback Steakhouse: The promotion includes a free 3-Course Aussie Meal available on November 10 and 11, 2025.
- Golden Corral: Hosting a Military Appreciation Night featuring a free buffet dinner.
- IHOP: Offers a free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo.
- Bob Evans: Provides a free meal from a Veterans Day menu.
- Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom: Active military and veterans can enjoy a free meal from a Veterans Day menu at participating locations.
- Buca di Beppo: Offers a free lunch entrée (any pasta from the lunch specials menu) for dine-in only.
- City Barbeque: Complimentary meal including a sandwich, one side, and a drink.
- Colton’s Steak House & Grill: Free meal deal available.
- Bubba’s 33: Serves lunch from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For those unable to attend during lunch hours, raincheck vouchers are available for pickup from 9:00 a.m. to noon on November 11. These vouchers are valid through May 31, 2026, for six specific entrees including burgers, salads, and a 12-inch pizza, served with a beverage.
Pizza and Casual Dining Offers
Pizza chains and casual dining spots are also participating with specific offers.
- Cici’s Pizza: Provides a free adult buffet for veterans and active-duty military with ID, dine-in only.
- Casey’s: Offers a complimentary coffee or fountain drink to all military service members. Casey’s notes that coffee and fountain drinks are free year-round to military personnel and on-duty, uniformed first responders (law enforcement, fire, and EMS).
- Bruegger’s Bagels: Veterans and active-duty military can get a free hot or iced coffee (any size) on November 11. This can be ordered in-bakery, through the mobile app, or online using the code FREECOFFEE.
- Blaze Pizza: Offers a free one-topping pizza.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Offers 10 free boneless wings and fries.
- Chipotle: Provides a buy-one-get-one-free entrée offer valid from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Qdoba: Buy-one-get-one-free entrée.
- RA Sushi: Offers a complimentary entrée valued up to $49.
- Ruby Tuesday: Serves a free Garden Bar Entree or a free Garden Bar Add-On.
- Savvy Sliders: One free Original or Fried Chicken Slider with proof of service. This is in-store only and not valid on drive-thru or online orders.
- Shake Shack: Free Big Shack burger.
- White Castle: Free combo or breakfast meal.
- Wienerschnitzel: Free Original Chili Dog, fries, and soda.
- Red Lobster: Free Shrimp & Chips entrée.
Coffee, Breakfast, and Frozen Treats
Morning and frozen dessert promotions are available at various national chains.
- Dunkin’: Free doughnut.
- Krispy Kreme: Free doughnut and coffee; no ID needed for this specific offer.
- Scooter’s Coffee: Free medium drink. Mobile order ahead is not available for the promotion.
- Starbucks: Free tall coffee for veterans and military spouses.
- The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: Free drink for military and spouses.
- Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt: Veterans and active military receive their first 6 ounces of frozen yogurt free with valid military ID.
- Pilot / Flying J: Veterans, military personnel, and their families can get a free breakfast sandwich and coffee or lunch item and fountain drink. Identification must be verified with ID.me in the Pilot app. Pilot is also making a $250,000 donation to the Call of Duty Endowment.
Fuel, Travel, and Retail Discounts
Beyond food, several retailers and travel-related services offer discounts.
- Sheetz: Offers a free meal and a free car wash.
- Target: Offers 10% off two purchases through the Circle app, requiring status verification.
- Great Clips: Free haircut or a haircut card for military personnel. Civilians can receive a “thank a veteran” card to pass along.
- Staples: 25% off in-store with military ID.
- Walgreens & Duane Reade: 20% off regularly priced items with military ID and a myWalgreens account.
- LongHorn Steakhouse: 10% off plus a free appetizer or dessert.
- Playa Bowls: Free bowl.
Digital Verification and General Guidelines
Many offers require verification through third-party platforms. ID.me and SheerID are frequently mentioned as tools used by brands to verify military status digitally. For example, Pilot / Flying J requires ID.me verification via their app. Consumers are encouraged to check these platforms for additional verified military discounts, including travel and wireless deals.
While the listed deals are widely reported, offers may vary by location. It is recommended that consumers contact their local establishments or visit the official brand websites (e.g., texasroadhouse.com, mission-bbq.com, bubbas33.com) to confirm participation and specific terms before visiting.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2025 presents a significant opportunity for veterans and active-duty military members to receive free meals and discounts across a broad spectrum of restaurants and retailers. The availability of vouchers, such as those offered by Texas Roadhouse and Bubba’s 33, extends the value beyond the holiday itself. With offers ranging from full sit-down meals to coffee and frozen yogurt, the participating brands provide diverse options to honor service members. Consumers should ensure they have valid proof of service and verify local participation to take full advantage of these promotions.