Veterans Day 2025 offers a wide range of free meals, beverages, and retail discounts for active-duty military personnel, veterans, and in some cases, their families. These offers are typically available on November 11, 2025, though some brands extend the promotion over several days. To redeem these offers, military members generally need to present valid military identification or utilize third-party verification services such as ID.me or SheerID. The following guide details verified freebies and discounts available across the food, beverage, and retail sectors based on current promotional data.
Food and Beverage Freebies
Many restaurant chains offer complimentary meals on Veterans Day. These offers are generally designated for dine-in service, although some brands provide carry-out options or vouchers valid for future use.
Seafood and Casual Dining
Red Lobster Red Lobster is offering a free Veterans Shrimp & Chips entrée on November 11, 2025. This offer is available to veterans, active-duty military, and reservists who present proof of service. The meal consists of Walt’s Favorite Shrimp, Chesapeake fries, and coleslaw. This offer is for dine-in only and does not include taxes or gratuity.
Outback Steakhouse Outback Steakhouse provides a free Bloomin' Onion and Coca-Cola beverage on Veterans Day. Additionally, the brand offers a 10% discount to service members, nurses, doctors, medical staff, police officers, and firefighters with valid identification. Some sources indicate Outback offers a free 3-Course Aussie Meal on November 10–11.
Applebee’s Applebee’s offers a free meal from a select menu to veterans and active-duty personnel. The menu includes options such as 6 oz. top sirloin, double crunch shrimp, fiesta lime chicken, chicken tenders platter, classic bacon cheeseburger, oriental chicken salad, and three-cheese chicken penne.
Texas Roadhouse Texas Roadhouse offers a free meal voucher to retired and active-duty service members between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on November 11. These vouchers are redeemable for dine-in or carry-out and are valid through May 30, 2026 (or May 2026 according to other reports).
Red Robin Red Robin offers a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger to veterans and military members for dine-in. Some sources note this offer is valid from November 1 through November 14 and includes bottomless steak fries. Registration for Red Robin’s Royalty Program may be required to receive this offer.
BJ’s BJ’s offers a free meal from a select menu and a free Dr. Pepper beverage to current and former military personnel at all locations.
Hooters Hooters offers a free select menu item on November 11 when dining in and purchasing a drink.
Breakfast and Quick Service
IHOP IHOP is offering free red, white, and blue pancakes (three buttermilk pancakes topped with glazed strawberries, blueberry compote, and whipped topping) from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for dine-in only. Other reports indicate a free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo served with eggs, hash browns, and bacon or sausage.
Denny's Denny's offers a complimentary Grand Slam (two buttermilk pancakes, bacon, sausage, and eggs) to all active, non-active, and retired military personnel from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. for dine-in only.
Little Caesars Little Caesars offers a free Hot-N-Ready lunch combo for retired and active duty from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on November 11.
McDonald's McDonald's offers a free breakfast combo including a hash brown and choice of any size soft drink, coffee, or tea during breakfast hours for veterans, active military personnel, and military families.
Starbucks Starbucks offers a free tall (12-ounce) hot or iced brewed coffee to veterans, military service members, and military spouses in-store and at the drive-thru.
Scooter’s Coffee Scooter’s Coffee offers a free medium drink to veterans and active-duty military members with a valid military ID on November 11, 2025.
Krispy Kreme Krispy Kreme offers a free doughnut and coffee. Some sources indicate no ID is needed for this offer.
White Castle White Castle offers a free combo or breakfast meal.
Wienerschnitzel Wienerschnitzel offers a free Original Chili Dog, fries, and soda.
Bruegger’s Bagels Bruegger’s Bagels offers free hot or iced coffee.
Pizza and Other Options
Buffalo Wild Wings Buffalo Wild Wings offers 10 free boneless wings and fries to veterans and active-duty service members with valid ID for dine-in only.
Playa Bowls Playa Bowls offers a free bowl to veterans, active duty, and retired military personnel with a valid ID.
Pilot Flying J Pilot Flying J offers a free breakfast/lunch combo. This offer is typically redeemed through the Pilot app using ID.me verification.
Retail and Service Discounts
In addition to food, various retail and service providers offer discounts on Veterans Day.
Target Target offers a 10% discount on two storewide purchases for retired and active-duty service members and their families. This offer is available in-store and online through November 11 and requires verification through the Target Circle app.
Walgreens Walgreens offers a 20% discount on eligible regular-priced items to retired and active-duty service members from November 8–11. A myWalgreens account and military ID are required.
Great Clips Great Clips offers a free haircut or a haircut card to military personnel. Civilians can receive a "thank a veteran" card to pass along.
Staples Staples offers a 25% discount on in-store purchases with a military ID.
Academy Sports Academy Sports offers a 10% discount online or in-store for retired and active-duty service members and first responders through November 11.
Tractor Supply Tractor Supply offers a 10% discount on November 11.
LongHorn Steakhouse LongHorn Steakhouse offers a 10% discount plus a free appetizer or dessert.
Olive Garden Olive Garden offers a free meal with soup or salad and breadsticks.
Sheetz Sheetz offers a free meal and a free car wash.
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf offers a free drink for military members and spouses.
Shake Shack Shake Shack offers a free Big Shack burger.
Golden Corral Golden Corral offers a free buffet dinner during Military Appreciation Night.
Randolph USA Randolph USA offers 20% off any order, with special edition military frames at 25% off through November 11.
Ray-Ban Ray-Ban offers 20% off for U.S. military personnel through Veterans Day.
Spoonflower Spoonflower offers a 15% discount on all orders with verification through ID.me.
Verification and Eligibility
Most offers require proof of military service. This typically includes: * Valid Military ID * Veterans Service Organization (VSO) card * Verification through third-party services like ID.me or SheerID (often required for online discounts or app-based redemption).
Some offers, such as those at Krispy Kreme or specific "no purchase necessary" dine-in offers, may not require ID, though carrying identification is recommended. Offers are generally available at participating locations, and availability may vary by region. Consumers are advised to confirm participation with their local establishment before visiting.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2025 provides significant opportunities for military members and veterans to receive free meals and retail discounts. The offers span a variety of dining preferences, from seafood and steak to breakfast and quick-service options. Retail discounts cover essentials such as haircuts, pharmacy items, and home goods. To ensure successful redemption, participants should prepare valid military identification and verify offer terms with specific brands, as participation and hours may vary by location.