Veterans Day 2025 offers a wide range of complimentary benefits for active-duty military personnel, veterans, and in some cases, their families. Numerous national restaurant chains and local government entities have announced free meals, beverages, and recreational access to honor the service of military members. These offers generally require valid proof of military service, such as a military ID, and are often valid only on November 11, though some promotions extend to adjacent dates or provide vouchers for future use.
The following guide details the specific freebies and discounts available across various restaurant brands and recreational facilities based on current announcements for the upcoming Veterans Day. Eligibility requirements, redemption methods, and participating locations vary by provider.
National Restaurant Chains Offering Free Meals
Many national restaurant chains participate in Veterans Day promotions, offering free entrees, breakfast combos, or full course meals to veterans and active-duty personnel.
Breakfast and Casual Dining Options
Denny’s is offering a free Original Grand Slam breakfast to active and retired military personnel. This meal includes two pancakes, two bacon strips, two sausage links, and two eggs. The offer is valid from 5 a.m. to noon at participating locations on Veterans Day.
IHOP is providing a free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo to veterans. This meal features buttermilk pancakes topped with glazed strawberries, blueberry topping, and whipped topping, served with two eggs, hash browns, and a choice of two strips of crispy hickory-smoked bacon or two pork sausage links. This offer is dine-in only.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is offering a complimentary Sunrise Pancake Special to all veterans and active-duty military personnel dining on Veterans Day. The special consists of two scratch-made buttermilk pancakes topped with creamy whipped butter and pure natural syrup, served with a choice of fresh eggs or savory breakfast meat.
Red Robin will offer veterans and active-duty military members a complimentary Red’s Big Tavern Burger and a bottomless side when they dine in on Veterans Day.
Texas Roadhouse will provide veterans and military members with a free meal voucher at participating locations. These cards can be redeemed for a complimentary meal at any time through the end of the year on December 31.
Outback Steakhouse is offering a free Aussie 3-Course Meal with valid military ID when dining in on November 10 and 11. The meal includes a choice of entrée such as the 6-ounce Top Sirloin, Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, Chicken Tenders Platter, Double Crunch Shrimp, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Oriental Chicken Salad, or Three-Cheese Chicken Penne. Additionally, Outback offers a "daily heroes discount" of 10% off entire checks to all servicemen and -women, police officers, firefighters, and first responders with a valid state or federal service ID.
Chili’s Grill & Bar honors all veterans and active military members with a free Veterans Day meal at participating locations. The complimentary meal is available for dine-in only from a limited menu, which includes options like Chicken Crispers, Quesadillas, and the Oldtimer Burger.
Olive Garden will offer each veteran and current member of the military who dines in a free entrée from a special menu on November 11. Proof of military service is required.
Golden Corral is celebrating its 25th anniversary of Military Appreciation Night by offering a complimentary buffet meal to all active-duty military personnel, retirees, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans from 4 p.m. to close on Veterans Day. The offer is valid for dine-in only and does not extend to spouses, family members, or friends.
BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse will provide active-duty and retired military personnel with a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie on November 11 with a valid military ID. From November 12 through December 31, guests with a valid military ID who dine in and purchase an entrée will receive a free Appetizer Bounce Back for a future visit.
Quick Service and Snack Offers
Wendy’s is saluting those who served or are currently serving in the U.S. military with a free Breakfast Combo during breakfast hours on Veterans Day. No purchase is required.
Little Caesars is offering a free Lunch Combo on November 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The combo includes four slices of Little Caesars signature Detroit-style Deep Dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi beverage.
In-N-Out Burger will show its appreciation to veterans, active duty military, reserves, and National Guard by offering a complimentary meal, including any burger, fries, and beverage on its menu on Veterans Day. All current and former members of the U.S. military will receive a special edition Veterans Day decal.
Wienerschnitzel is inviting all veterans and active-duty military personnel to enjoy a free Original Chili Dog, Small Fries, and Small Soda at participating locations nationwide on November 11. The offer is available all day with a valid military ID or proof of service.
Buffalo Wild Wings is offering 10 free boneless wings and fries. This offer is available for dine-in or for walk-in counter orders at Buffalo Wild Wings GO locations only.
Huddle House is providing a free breakfast platter to active-duty military and veterans on November 11. This dine-in-only offer is available with valid proof of service, like a military ID.
Coffee and Dessert Offers
Starbucks is offering a free tall brewed coffee—hot or iced—to active-duty service members, veterans, and military spouses at participating stores on Veterans Day. Starbucks is also donating $200,000, split between the USO and the Wounded Warrior Project, to support veteran health and well-being programs.
Circle K is offering veterans one free medium hot or iced coffee on November 11. This one-day-only offer is available at participating U.S. locations, and customers can redeem it by showing a valid military ID at purchase.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers will give all veterans and active military personnel a free Freddy’s Combo meal card on Veterans Day as a token of appreciation, with no purchase necessary. These cards can be redeemed for a complimentary meal at any time through the end of the year on December 31.
Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt is offering the first 6 ounces of frozen yogurt for free to all veterans and active military personnel on Veterans Day. To receive the offer, guests need to wear their uniform or present their active-duty military ID.
Nékter Juice Bar is providing a free 16-ounce smoothie all day on Veterans Day to anyone who shows a military ID at participating locations.
Regional and Specific Location Freebies
Certain offers are specific to particular regions or individual locations, requiring consumers to verify availability with local providers.
Chick-fil-A notes that because each restaurant is owned and operated by local franchise owners, any available discounts are at the discretion of the Owner-Operator and vary by location. Customers are advised to contact their local Chick-fil-A restaurant for more information.
California State Parks
California State Parks is inviting U.S. service members and their families to enjoy free admission to 142 state parks throughout California on Veterans Day. A full list of participating parks is available at parks.ca.gov/VeteransDay2025.
San Bernardino County Regional Parks will provide free admission to all veterans on Veterans Day. Locations and more information can be found at parks.sbcounty.gov.
Hesperia Recreation and Park District invites all veterans and active military personnel to a day of free fishing from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Veterans Day at Hesperia Lake Park, located at 7500 Arrowhead Lake Road.
General Terms and Conditions
While specific requirements vary by brand, most Veterans Day freebies adhere to standard eligibility and redemption protocols:
- Proof of Service: The vast majority of offers require valid military identification or proof of service. This typically includes a Uniformed Services ID Card, a Veterans Health Identification Card (VHIC), a military driver’s license, or in some cases, a veteran organization membership card or discharge papers.
- Dining Restrictions: Many offers are designated as "dine-in only," meaning they are not available for carry-out, delivery, or drive-thru orders unless explicitly stated (e.g., Buffalo Wild Wings GO locations).
- Participating Locations: Not all locations of a national chain may participate in Veterans Day promotions. It is recommended that customers call their local restaurant or check the brand’s official website or social media channels prior to visiting.
- Eligibility Scope: Most offers are strictly for veterans and active-duty military personnel. Some, such as the Golden Corral offer, explicitly state that the free meal is for the service member only and does not extend to family or friends, though family members are welcome to dine at full price.
- Vouchers and Future Use: Some restaurants, such as Texas Roadhouse and Freddy’s, issue vouchers or meal cards on Veterans Day that can be redeemed for a free meal at a later date, providing flexibility for those unable to dine on the holiday itself.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2025 presents a significant opportunity for U.S. veterans and active-duty military members to receive complimentary meals and recreational access as a gesture of gratitude from various businesses and government agencies. The offers range from full breakfasts and buffet meals to specific entrees, snacks, and beverages. Because participation varies by location and specific terms apply to each promotion, utilizing official brand resources or contacting local establishments is essential for confirming details and ensuring a smooth redemption process.