Veterans Day 2025 offers a wide array of complimentary meals, discounts, and special offers for active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families across the United States. Numerous restaurant chains and local establishments have announced promotions to honor military service, with many offers available on November 11, 2025. These promotions typically require valid military identification or proof of service, and terms vary regarding dine-in availability, purchase requirements, and redemption periods. The following guide details the verified offers available to U.S. consumers based on recent announcements.
Major National Restaurant Chains Offering Free Meals
Several large restaurant chains have confirmed free meal offers for Veterans Day 2025. These promotions generally require proof of military service and are available for dine-in customers at participating locations.
Applebee's
Applebee's is offering a complimentary full-size entrée from an exclusive menu to veterans and active-duty military personnel on November 11, 2025. In addition to the free meal, customers will receive a $5 "Bounce Back Card" for a future visit. Valid military ID is required for this dine-in only offer. The available entrée options include: - 6 oz. Top Sirloin - Classic Bacon Cheeseburger - Chicken Tenders Platter - Double Crunch Shrimp - Fiesta Lime Chicken - Oriental Chicken Salad - Three-Cheese Chicken Penne
Chili's
Chili's will provide a complimentary entrée from a select menu to veterans, retirees, and active-duty personnel on November 11, 2025. Proof of service is required.
Cracker Barrel
On November 11, 2025, Cracker Barrel is offering a complimentary Sunrise Pancake Special to all veterans and active-duty military personnel with valid military ID. This is a dine-in only promotion.
Denny's
Denny's will provide active and retired military personnel with a free Original Grand Slam breakfast from 5 a.m. to noon on November 11, 2025, at participating locations. Valid military identification is required.
Golden Corral
Golden Corral's Veterans Day promotion includes a free dinner buffet and beverage for veterans. The offer is valid from 4 p.m. to close on November 11, 2025.
IHOP
IHOP is offering a free Red, White, and Blueberry Pancake Combo to veterans and active-duty military members as part of their "Heroes Eat Free" promotion.
Little Caesars
Little Caesars will provide a complimentary Lunch Combo to all veterans and active military personnel from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on November 11, 2025. The combo includes four slices of pizza and a 20 oz Pepsi product. This offer is available at participating stores with valid military ID.
Olive Garden
Olive Garden is offering one free meal from a special Veterans Day menu to veterans and active-duty military members on November 11, 2025.
Texas Roadhouse
Texas Roadhouse will distribute free meal vouchers from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Veterans Day 2025. These vouchers can be redeemed for a complimentary meal.
Regional and Local Restaurant Offers
In addition to national chains, many regional and local restaurants across the country are offering special Veterans Day promotions.
City Barbeque
City Barbeque is providing a complimentary meal to veterans and active military personnel on November 11, 2025. The meal includes a sandwich, one side, and a drink.
Colton's Steak House & Grill
Colton's Steak House & Grill is offering a free entrée for dine-in only from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on November 11, 2025. Valid proof of military service is required at participating locations.
Great Greek Mediterranean Grill
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill is honoring veterans with a "Gyros for Our Heroes" promotion at their Scottsdale and Gilbert locations. Veterans can receive 25% off all gyros and gyro combo meals on Veterans Day. This offer is valid for dine-in only.
Insomnia Cookies
Insomnia Cookies is offering a free deluxe cookie to veterans and active-duty military members on Veterans Day. A $5 purchase is required, and valid military ID must be shown. The offer is valid in-store only.
Kona Grill
Kona Grill is providing a complimentary entrée, valued up to $49, to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day.
Main Event
Main Event is offering veterans and active-duty service members a free double cheeseburger and fries, plus 30 minutes of game play on Veterans Day.
Offers Requiring Purchase or Available at Specific Times
Some Veterans Day promotions include purchase requirements or are available only during limited hours.
Beef O'Brady's
Beef O'Brady's is providing a free Build-Your-Own-Angus Burger & Fries on November 11, 2025, at participating locations. This offer is available to active military and veterans with a valid military ID.
Chipotle
Chipotle's Veterans Day offer allows veterans, active-duty members, and military spouses to buy one small burrito, bowl, or salad and get one free. This promotion is available from 3 p.m. to close on November 11, 2025.
Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme is offering a free small hot or iced coffee and any donut to veterans on Veterans Day.
Red Robin
Red Robin will provide a free Red’s Big Tavern burger, bottomless steak fries, and lemonade to veterans on Veterans Day.
Starbucks
Starbucks is offering a free tall brewed coffee (iced or hot) to veterans and spouses on Veterans Day.
Special Offers and Vouchers
Some restaurants are providing meal vouchers valid beyond Veterans Day or special combination offers.
Aspen Creek Grill
Aspen Creek Grill will provide free meal vouchers worth $15 each to any current or former military member from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on November 11, 2025. These vouchers can be redeemed for dine-in visits through December 24, 2025. Military members must show proof of service through military ID cards, Veterans Affairs cards, or discharge papers.
Dave & Buster's
Dave & Buster's is offering all veterans and active-duty military a free entrée up to $20 value and a $10 Power Card for gameplay at any location nationwide on Veterans Day. This dine-in only offer requires valid military ID.
Dickey's Barbecue Pit
Dickey's Barbecue Pit is providing a free pulled pork classic sandwich to veterans on Veterans Day.
Bandana's Bar-B-Q
Bandana's Bar-B-Q is offering all active military and veterans with a valid military ID a free Pork Sandwich Meal with a regular side for dine-in only on November 11, 2025.
Non-Restaurant Veterans Day Offers
Several non-restaurant businesses are also offering Veterans Day promotions for military members and their families.
Entertainment and Attractions
- Hogle Zoo: Free admission for active military, veterans, and their families, and families of fallen soldiers from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on November 11, 2025.
- Loveland Living Planet Aquarium: Free admission for active military, veterans, and their immediate families from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on November 11, 2025.
- National Parks: Free entry to all national parks, including Zion, Canyonlands, Arches, and Bryce Canyon, for all visitors on November 11, 2025.
Food and Beverage Retailers
- In-N-Out Burger: Complimentary meal (burger, fries, drink) plus a Veterans Day decal.
Important Considerations for Veterans Day Offers
When seeking Veterans Day freebies and discounts, consumers should be aware of several important factors:
Identification Requirements
Most offers require valid military identification or proof of service. Acceptable forms of ID typically include: - Military ID card - Veterans Affairs card - Discharge papers - Common Access Card
Dine-In vs. Takeout
Many Veterans Day offers are dine-in only. Consumers should verify whether takeout or delivery is available before visiting a restaurant.
Participating Locations
Not all locations of a restaurant chain may participate in Veterans Day promotions. Consumers should contact their local restaurant or visit the brand's website to confirm participation.
Timing Restrictions
Some offers are available only during specific hours, such as Denny's 5 a.m. to noon window or Little Caesars' 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. promotion.
Purchase Requirements
Certain offers require a minimum purchase, such as Insomnia Cookies' $5 purchase requirement for a free cookie.
Family Members
Some offers extend to family members of veterans and active-duty personnel, while others are limited to the service member only.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2025 offers a diverse range of free meals, discounts, and special promotions for U.S. military members, veterans, and their families. From major national chains like Applebee's, Chili's, and Cracker Barrel to regional establishments and non-restaurant businesses, there are numerous opportunities to receive complimentary services and products. Consumers should verify participation at local locations, bring valid military identification, and be aware of any time restrictions or purchase requirements before attempting to redeem these offers. Many promotions are available exclusively on November 11, 2025, making it essential to plan accordingly and confirm details with individual businesses.