Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, is a federal holiday dedicated to honoring American military veterans. Across the United States, numerous businesses and restaurants participate in this observance by offering complimentary meals, beverages, and other freebies to active-duty service members and veterans. These offers typically require proof of military service, such as a military ID or veteran designation on a driver’s license, and are generally available for dine-in service on the holiday.
The following comprehensive guide details the free meals, discounts, and promotional offers available to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day 2025, based on information derived from news reports and official announcements.
Major Restaurant Chains Offering Free Meals
Many national restaurant chains offer complimentary entrees or full meals to veterans and active-duty military members on November 11. Participation may vary by franchise location, and most deals require in-person dining.
Applebee’s
Applebee’s has a long-standing tradition of honoring veterans. For the 18th consecutive year, the chain is offering veterans and active-duty military a complimentary meal on Tuesday, November 11. This offer is available at participating locations for dine-in only. Beverages and gratuity are not included in the free meal, and the offer cannot be combined with other coupons or discounts.
Chili’s
Chili’s offers a free meal to all veterans and active-duty service members on November 11. The offer is valid at participating restaurants for dine-in only and requires a valid military ID. Beverages and gratuity are not included.
Golden Corral
Golden Corral hosts a Military Appreciation Night on November 11. From 4:00 PM to close, active-duty military, retirees, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans will receive a free "thank you" meal and drink. This is a dine-in only event.
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers
On November 11, veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a complimentary Big Tavern Burger when dining in at participating Red Robin locations. This offer is not valid for online or to-go orders.
Bob Evans
Bob Evans is offering veterans and active-duty military members a free entrée from a list of ten options on November 11.
California Pizza Kitchen
California Pizza Kitchen thanks veterans and active military for their service on November 11 by providing complimentary meals. Proof of service is required.
Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel offers a free Sunrise Pancake Special to veterans and active-duty military on Veterans Day.
Denny’s
Denny’s provides veterans and active-duty military with a free Original Grand Slam on November 11. The offer is valid from 5:00 AM, though specific end times may vary by location.
54th Street Restaurant & Grill
54th Street Restaurant offers veterans and active military the opportunity to eat free up to $10 on November 11 at participating locations. This offer is dine-in only.
Another Broken Egg Cafe
Another Broken Egg Cafe offers a free Patriot French Toast Combo and coffee to veterans and active-duty military at participating locations. A valid military ID is required, and the offer is dine-in only.
Applebee’s "Buy a Vet a Beer" Promotion
In addition to free meals, Applebee’s is running a "Buy a Vet a Beer" promotion. Customers can purchase a pre-paid pint of beer for a veteran, accompanied by a special message, through November 11. Any unclaimed beers will result in a donation to a local veterans' charity.
Fast Food and Quick Service Offers
Several fast-food and quick-service restaurants offer specific items, such as sandwiches or breakfast combos, to veterans on November 11.
Whataburger
Whataburger is honoring the military with a promotion that extends beyond the holiday. Beginning on Veterans Day, active-duty military and veterans can pick up one free Taquito in-store at any Whataburger restaurant during breakfast hours every Tuesday through December 30. This includes November 11, 18, and 25, and December 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30.
Arby’s
Arby’s offers a free Classic Roast Beef Sandwich to veterans and active-duty military on Veterans Day.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings provides 10 free Boneless Wings and Fries to veterans and active-duty military on November 11.
Chipotle
Chipotle offers a "buy one, get one free" deal for veterans with a valid military ID on Veterans Day. If a veteran orders an entrée, they can get a second entrée free. This offer is valid from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Little Caesars
Little Caesars offers a complimentary Lunch Combo to veterans and active-duty military on November 11. The combo consists of four slices of Little Caesars signature Detroit-style Deep Dish pizza and a 20-ounce beverage. This offer is available from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM and requires proof of service.
McDonald’s
McDonald’s offers a free meal to current and former military members with a valid military ID all day on November 11. The offer includes a free Egg McMuffin meal, which includes a hash brown and any size soft drink, tea, or coffee. The offer is available for dine-in and drive-thru only and is not valid through the McDonald’s app.
MOD Pizza
MOD Pizza offers 50% off a MOD-size pizza or salad for veterans, active-duty military, or spouses on November 11.
Olive Garden
Olive Garden gives a free entrée from a special menu to veterans and active-duty military on November 11. This offer is dine-in only.
Coffee, Dessert, and Snack Freebies
Various coffee shops, bakeries, and dessert spots offer complimentary beverages and treats to honor veterans.
Einstein Bros. Bagels
Einstein Bros. Bagels honors veterans and active-duty service members with a free hot or iced coffee (any size) on Tuesday, November 11. The coffee can be enjoyed in-bakery, through the mobile app, or online using the code FREECOFFEE. No purchase is required.
Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme offers veterans and active military a free small coffee (hot or iced) and a free donut of choice on November 11.
Insomnia Cookies
Insomnia Cookies is offering a free deluxe cookie with a $5 purchase through November 11. A valid military ID is required, and the offer is available in-store only.
Starbucks
Starbucks offers a free 12 oz hot or iced brewed coffee to veterans, military service members, and their spouses on November 11. Additionally, Starbucks is donating $200,000, shared evenly, to the USO and Wounded Warrior Project to support veteran and military communities.
Circle K
Circle K offers a free medium hot or iced coffee to veterans and active-duty military on Veterans Day.
Retail and Service Freebies
Beyond food and beverage, some businesses offer services or goods to veterans for free on November 11.
Car Washes
While specific car wash chains were not detailed in the source data, general reports indicate that various car wash businesses often offer free services to veterans on Veterans Day. Veterans should bring a military ID to participating locations to inquire about these freebies.
Movies
Similarly, movie theater chains frequently offer free or discounted tickets to veterans on Veterans Day. Specific offers for 2025 were not detailed in the provided source data, but veterans are encouraged to check local listings and theater websites for potential deals.
Retail Discounts
Retailers often provide discounts on Veterans Day. While specific retail deals were not detailed in the source data provided, general news reports suggest that various stores offer percentage-off discounts or free items to military personnel.
Activities and Events
Some venues offer free admission or activities for veterans on Veterans Day.
National Parks
National Park Service sites that normally charge admission will be free to enter on Veterans Day, November 11. However, some sites may be closed due to government shutdowns.
Museums and Cultural Sites
Glenstone museum in Potomac, Maryland, offers free walk-up entry to active military members and veterans through Sunday, November 9, to view nightly projections on its stone walls by artist Jenny Holzer.
Ice Skating
In Maryland, military personnel can skate for free on Sunday, November 9. Free skating is available from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Cabin John Ice Rink and from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Wheaton Ice Arena.
Mount Vernon
Military members can visit Mount Vernon for free on Veterans Day. Tickets must be picked up in person.
Public Transit
In Maryland, all military members and members of the National Guard receive free transit rides on buses and trains on November 11 by presenting a military ID or driver’s license with a veteran designation.
Eligibility and Redemption Rules
To redeem Veterans Day offers, military personnel and veterans typically need to provide proof of service. Acceptable forms of identification generally include:
- Military ID: This includes active-duty, retired, or reserve military ID cards.
- Driver’s License: A driver’s license with a veteran designation is often accepted.
- Veteran Organization Membership Cards: Some locations may accept cards from organizations like the American Legion or VFW.
- Uniform: Wearing a military uniform is sometimes sufficient proof, though an ID is generally preferred.
Most restaurant offers are strictly for dine-in service on November 11. Online ordering, to-go orders, and delivery are usually excluded from these free meal promotions. It is always recommended to call ahead to a specific location to confirm participation in the promotions, as franchise ownership can influence whether an offer is honored.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2025 offers a wide array of free meals, beverages, and activities for military veterans and active-duty service members. From full entrées at sit-down restaurants like Applebee’s and Chili’s to quick-service options like Arby’s and Little Caesars, there are numerous opportunities for veterans to enjoy a complimentary meal. Additionally, businesses such as Einstein Bros. Bagels, Krispy Kreme, and Starbucks provide free coffee and treats. Beyond food, free admission to national parks and cultural institutions, along with free public transit in certain areas, further underscore the community's appreciation for military service. Veterans are advised to carry valid proof of service and verify offer details with local establishments to ensure a smooth experience.