Veterans Day 2025 offers a variety of complimentary meals and discounts from numerous restaurants and businesses across the United States. These offers are designed to honor veterans, active-duty military members, and in some cases, their spouses and families. The availability of these deals typically requires proof of military service, such as a valid military ID, DD214, or wearing a uniform. While many offers are available nationwide, specific participating locations and terms can vary. It is always recommended to contact the local establishment to confirm participation before visiting.
Nationwide Restaurant Offers
Many national restaurant chains have announced plans to provide free meals or significant discounts to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day, November 11, 2025. These offers generally apply to dine-in customers, although some may offer carry-out options or extended redemption periods.
Major Dining Chains
- Applebee’s: Veterans and active-duty military members can enjoy one free entrée from a special Veterans Day menu when dining in at participating locations.
- Chili’s: All veterans and active military members are eligible for a free meal from a select menu on Veterans Day. The offer is valid in-restaurant only.
- Denny’s: Veterans and active-duty military can receive a free Original Grand Slam on Veterans Day from 5 a.m. until noon. A valid military ID or DD214 is required for redemption.
- Golden Corral: This chain offers a free buffet meal and beverage to veterans during specific hours on Veterans Day. In one report, the hours were noted as 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., though dates may vary by location.
- IHOP: Veterans and active-duty military can receive a free Red, White & Blue Pancake Combo, which includes pancakes, eggs, hash browns, and bacon or sausage.
- Olive Garden: Veterans and active-duty service members can get a free entrée from a special menu when dining in with a valid military ID.
- Red Lobster: Veterans, active-duty military, and reservists can receive a free Veterans Shrimp & Chips entrée (featuring Walt’s Favorite Shrimp, Chesapeake fries, and coleslaw) on Veterans Day. This offer is for dine-in only from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., and proof of service is required.
- Red Robin: Veterans and military members can get a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger exclusively on Veterans Day for dine-in. Earlier reports mentioned a free Red’s Tavern Double Burger with Bottomless Steak Fries.
- Texas Roadhouse: This restaurant is offering a free dine-in or carry-out meal voucher to veterans from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. with a valid military ID or proof of service. The voucher is redeemable through May 30, 2026.
- Logan's Roadhouse: Veterans and active-duty members can receive a free meal from a special menu from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. with a valid military ID or by wearing a uniform.
- Bob Evans: Complimentary meals are available for veterans and active-duty military members.
- California Pizza Kitchen: Veterans and active-duty members receive a free meal from a special Veterans Day menu, valid for dine-in only on November 11, 2025.
- Chicken Salad Chick: Veterans and active military receive a free meal with one side and a drink. This offer is valid in-restaurant or at the drive-thru only and requires a military ID or DD214. It is not valid on online or delivery orders.
- Another Broken Egg: Veterans and active-duty military can get a free patriot French toast and barista house blend coffee for dine-in with a valid Military ID.
- Famous Dave’s: In Meridian, Idaho, Famous Dave’s offers a free two-meat combo to former and current military personnel on Veterans Day.
- Angells: One veteran will have their dinner purchased by the restaurant at your table. A reservation is required.
Fast Food and Quick Service Restaurants
- Krispy Kreme: Veterans and active military members can receive a free doughnut and a small coffee.
- Dunkin’ Donuts: A free donut is available for all active and retired military members.
- Chipotle: The military community can enjoy a buy-one-get-one-free deal on entrées from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. local time on Veterans Day. All guests with a valid military ID are eligible. One report noted an offer from 3 p.m. until close.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Past and present armed service members with a valid ID can get 10 free boneless wings and fries. This offer is for dine-in or walk-in counter orders at participating Buffalo Wild Wings GO locations.
- Popeyes: Veterans can spend $20 or more and get a chicken sandwich for free.
- Sonic Drive-In: Offering 50% off classic and master shakes and more.
- Zaxby’s: Free sandwich for all current and former military members at participating locations.
- Scooter’s Coffee: Veterans and active-duty military members can receive a free medium drink with a valid military ID.
- Insomnia Cookies: Veterans and active-duty military can get a free cookie on Veterans Day.
Specialty and Casual Dining
- Outback Steakhouse: Veterans receive a free Bloomin' Onion and a beverage. Additionally, Outback offers active and former service members 15% off their meals and their families' meals from November 12 through December 31.
- LongHorn Steakhouse: Veterans can get a free appetizer or dessert with meals on November 10 and 11 for dine-in and call-in orders. They also receive 10% off meals for veterans and active-duty military on those dates.
- Smoothie King: Offering a free 20oz Red, White or Blue Smoothie in-store to all veterans and active-duty military with a military ID.
- Playa Bowls: Veterans, active duty, and retired military personnel can receive a free bowl with a valid ID at participating locations.
- Firehouse Subs: Offering veterans and active-duty military a free combo.
- Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: Veterans and active-duty military will be offered a free combo meal coupon, which can be redeemed through November 30, 2016 (Note: The year appears outdated in the source material; verify current year's terms with the brand).
- Sizzler: Free lunch for veterans.
Other Business Offers
Beyond restaurants, other businesses may offer discounts or free items. For example, Starbucks offers a free tall (12 oz) hot or iced coffee to veterans, active-duty members, and their spouses.
Important Considerations for Veterans
When seeking Veterans Day freebies, it is important to keep several factors in mind to ensure a smooth experience.
Proof of Service
Most participating businesses require proof of military service to redeem offers. Acceptable forms of identification typically include: * Valid military ID card * DD214 form * Wearing a military uniform * In some cases, a veteran organization membership card
It is advisable to carry one of these forms of identification when visiting participating locations.
Participation and Availability
While national chains often promote these offers, individual franchise locations have the discretion to participate. It is highly recommended to call ahead to the specific restaurant to confirm they are honoring the Veterans Day promotion before making a trip.
Timing and Restrictions
Many offers are valid only on Veterans Day, November 11, 2025. Some restaurants may have specific time windows for the free meals, such as lunch hours (e.g., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. or 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Dine-in is the most common requirement, though some offers may extend to carry-out or have specific conditions like a minimum purchase.
Family and Spouses
Some offers extend to military spouses and families, while others are strictly for the veteran or active-duty member only. For example, Starbucks includes spouses, while Chipotle's BOGO offer is for the military member with a valid ID. Checking the specific terms of each offer is recommended.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2025 presents a wide array of opportunities for veterans and active-duty military members to receive complimentary meals and discounts from a diverse group of restaurants and businesses. From national chains like Applebee's, Chili's, and Olive Garden to specialty dining like Red Lobster and Outback Steakhouse, there are options to suit various tastes. The key to accessing these offers is presenting valid proof of military service and confirming participation with the local establishment. By planning ahead and verifying details, veterans can properly honor their service with a well-deserved meal.