Veterans Day 2025 offers a variety of complimentary meals and deals for active-duty military members and veterans across the United States. Numerous restaurant chains and retailers participate in these annual promotions, providing free food, beverages, and other benefits in recognition of military service. These offers typically require valid military identification or proof of service and are available for dine-in only at participating locations unless otherwise specified.
Several major restaurant chains have announced specific deals for Veterans Day 2025. Applebee’s is offering a complimentary full-size entrée from an exclusive menu and a $5 “Bounce Back Card” for a future visit with proof of military ID for dine-in only. Options include a 6 oz. Top Sirloin, Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, Chicken Tenders Platter, Double Crunch Shrimp, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Oriental Chicken Salad, and Three-Cheese Chicken Penne. Another Broken Egg is providing a free Patriot French Toast Combo and coffee at participating locations with a valid military ID for dine-in only. 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. These vouchers can be redeemed for dine-in visits through December 24. Military members must show proof of service through military ID cards, Veterans Affairs cards, or discharge papers.
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. The complimentary entrée is valued up to $59. Bruegger’s Bagels is providing veterans and active-duty military with a free hot or iced coffee (any size) on November 11. Guests can order the complimentary coffee in-bakery, through the mobile app, or online using code FREECOFFEE. No purchase is required. Bubba’s 33 locations will serve veterans and active military lunch on November 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Those unable to dine at that time can pick up raincheck vouchers from 9 a.m. to noon on November 11. The vouchers are good through May 31, 2026. The offer applies to six entrees, including a Classic Cheeseburger, Bubba’s Bacon Burger, Bacon Chicken Mac-n-Cheese, Grilled Chicken Salad, Chicken Tender Salad, and a 12-inch pizza; each served with a choice of a Coca-Cola product, ice tea, or coffee. Buca di Beppo is offering veterans and active military with military ID a free lunch entrée on November 11 at participating locations for dine-in only. Guests can choose any pasta from the lunch specials menu.
Buffalo Wild Wings is thanking all veterans and active military with a free 10-piece Boneless Wings and Fries on November 11. Valid military ID is required. Qdoba is thanking all veterans and active military with a free chips and dip on November 11. Valid military ID is required. Dine-in only. No purchase is necessary. Red Robin is offering veterans and active-duty military members a complimentary Red’s Big Tavern Burger and a bottomless side for dine-in only with valid military ID on November 11. Savvy Sliders Veterans Day offers one free Original or Fried Chicken Slider with proof of military service on November 11 at participating locations. No purchase necessary. In-store only. Not valid on drive-thru or online orders. Raising Cane’s is offering a 10% discount to all active and nonactive military, plus fire, police, and EMTs and their families. Saroki’s Crispy Chicken & Pizza offers veterans and active military a choice of a free three-piece order of chicken tenders or a slice of pizza. Tim Hortons offers veterans a free classic doughnut for dine-in only at participating U.S. restaurants.
Smaller chains and regional restaurants also participate. Bar Louie offers a free meal for veterans and active military with valid ID on November 11. Sheetz offers a free car wash at Sheetz locations, an offer that only applies to the $9 wash option. Military ID or proof of service must be presented to qualify. Smokey Bones offers all veterans and active-duty military a free Bacon Cheeseburger, Pulled Pork Sandwich, or Chicken Tender Platter with one regular side when dining in with a valid military ID. Smoothie King is honoring those who serve with a free 20-oz. smoothie at participating locations nationwide. No purchase is necessary. The offer is available from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and includes three patriotic options: Strawberry X-Treme (red), Slim-N-Trim Vanilla (white), and Blueberry Heaven (blue). Taco John’s offers veterans and active-duty military members a free Small Beef Crispy Taco Combo or Small Beef Softshell Taco Combo by presenting a military ID or proof of service at participating restaurants, available in-store or through the drive-thru. TGI Fridays offers a free meal for veterans and active military presenting a valid military ID to receive a free meal when dining in from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at participating locations.
In addition to restaurant offers, some retailers and service providers offer Veterans Day deals. Sheetz, for example, offers a free car wash for military members. Customers are also encouraged to donate loyalty points to the USO via the Sheetz app. One hundred loyalty points equals a $1 donation.
It is important for consumers to note that most Veterans Day offers are valid only on November 11, 2025, and require valid military identification or proof of service. Offers are for dine-in only unless explicitly stated otherwise, such as drive-thru availability at Taco John’s. Participation varies by location, and consumers are advised to contact their local restaurant or visit the official brand website to confirm availability and specific terms.
While the provided sources focus heavily on Veterans Day restaurant deals, other types of freebies and promotional offers exist in the marketplace, though not detailed in this specific data set. For instance, some brands offer free samples of products such as beauty items, baby care products, pet food, health supplements, and household goods. These are often available through brand websites, social media promotions, or third-party sample aggregation sites. However, the sources provided do not contain specific information about these categories, so no factual claims can be made about them here.
The sources also include information about political freebies in Uttar Pradesh, India, but this is unrelated to the U.S. consumer website focus and the topic of free samples and promotional offers for American consumers. Therefore, that information is not included in this article.
In summary, Veterans Day 2025 presents an opportunity for U.S. veterans and active-duty military members to enjoy complimentary meals and deals from a wide range of restaurants. From sit-down meals at chains like Applebee’s and Buca di Beppo to quick-service options like Taco John’s and Raising Cane’s, there are numerous ways to save. It is essential to check with individual locations for participation and to have valid military identification ready. For those interested in other types of freebies, such as product samples, it is recommended to visit official brand websites and sign up for their newsletters or rewards programs to stay informed about current promotions.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2025 features a diverse array of free meals and discounts from participating restaurants nationwide. These offers are primarily available to veterans and active-duty military personnel with valid identification on November 11, 2025. Consumers should verify offer details, including participating locations and required identification, directly with the specific restaurant or retailer. While many national chains participate, availability may vary by region and individual franchise. For non-Veterans Day related freebies, such as product samples, consumers should consult official brand resources.