Veterans Day 2025 offers a wide array of free meals and discounts across the United States, specifically honoring active-duty military personnel, veterans, reservists, and National Guard members. These promotions are set for Tuesday, November 11, unless otherwise noted, and typically require valid proof of military service. The offers range from full entrees and burgers to breakfast items, snacks, and beverages, with many restaurants providing these gestures as a tradition of appreciation.
Eligibility for these deals generally extends to veterans, active-duty members, and sometimes their spouses and families. Proof of service is almost always required, often in the form of a valid military ID, DD-214, or other documentation such as a Leave and Earnings Statement (LES). While many offers are strictly dine-in to ensure the veteran is present, some allow for carryout or app-based redemption. It is recommended that customers call ahead to confirm participation at specific locations, as availability may vary.
Eligibility and Identification Requirements
Most Veterans Day offers are designed for veterans, active-duty military, and sometimes their families. A valid military ID is the most common requirement, but many establishments accept alternative forms of proof.
- Accepted Forms of ID: A valid military ID, retired ID card, DD-214, current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), veterans organization card (e.g., American Legion, VFW), or a photo in uniform are frequently accepted.
- Spouses and Family: Some brands, such as Starbucks and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, include military spouses in their offers. Others, like Raising Cane’s, extend discounts to families.
- Uniforms: Wearing a uniform is generally not required; a valid ID is sufficient. However, some places, like Native Grill & Wings, accept wearing a military uniform as proof of service.
- Civilians: Some deals allow civilians to participate indirectly. For example, Great Clips allows civilians to get a haircut and gift a free haircut card to a veteran.
Restaurant and Dining Offers
A significant number of restaurants participate in Veterans Day by offering free meals or substantial discounts. The following list details specific offers available on November 11, 2025, unless otherwise specified.
Full Meals and Entrees
- Applebee’s: Offers a free full-size entrée from a specific selection (e.g., bacon cheeseburger, three-cheese chicken penne) for dine-in only. Proof of service is required.
- Chili’s: Provides a free meal, including a burger or chicken tenders, for dine-in only.
- Denny’s: Offers a free original Grand Slam breakfast from open until noon for active and retired military personnel.
- Red Robin: Offers a complimentary Red’s Big Tavern Burger and a bottomless side for dine-in only.
- Outback Steakhouse: Offers a free Bloomin’ Onion and a beverage on Veterans Day for active-duty military and veterans. This is a continuation of their previous year’s offer.
- Golden Corral: Hosting its 25th anniversary of Military Appreciation Night on November 11 from 4 p.m. to close, offering a free “thank you” meal and beverage to active and former military members.
- Hooters: Offers one free meal from a special menu for active and retired military on November 11.
- In-N-Out Burger: Offers a complimentary meal, including any burger, fries, and beverage, to veterans, active-duty military, reserves, and National Guard members.
- Ford’s Garage: Offers a free American Standard Burger or up to $15 off an entrée for dine-in with a valid military ID.
- Friendly’s: From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., offers a free All-American Cheeseburger and drink of choice with an active Military ID.
- Main Event: Offers a free double cheeseburger and fries, plus 30 minutes of game play, with valid military ID.
- la Madeleine: Veterans get a free entrée for dine-in only when showing a military ID.
- Native Grill & Wings: Offers a free entrée (choices include ½-pound combos, chicken sandwich, or burger with fries) with military ID or by wearing a uniform.
- The Restaurant Buffet: Offers a free “thank you” buffet and beverage on Monday, November 11 (note: year not specified in source, but context suggests current promotion).
Pizza and Specific Dishes
- MOD Pizza: Offers 50% off a MOD-size pizza or salad for veterans, active-duty military, and spouses. In-restaurant orders only, one per person.
- Mountain Mike’s Pizza: Offers free Garlic Sticks with a purchase of $25 or more via the Mountain Rewards app or with code VT25, valid November 11 through November 17.
- Dickey’s Barbecue Pit: Offers a free pulled pork sandwich for dine-in or carryout with a valid military ID, limit one per guest.
- Saroki’s Crispy Chicken & Pizza: Offers a free three-piece order of chicken tenders or a slice of pizza.
- Savvy Sliders: Offers one free Original or Fried Chicken Slider with proof of military service, in-store only.
- Shake Shack: (California specific) Offers a free entrée (burger or chicken sandwich) with purchase, for active-duty military, veterans, reservists, and National Guard members.
Breakfast, Snacks, and Beverages
- Einstein Bros. Bagels and Bruegger's Bagels: Offers a free hot or iced coffee of any size to veterans and active-duty service members. Available in-bakery, through the mobile app, or online with the code FREECOFFEE.
- Tim Hortons: Offers a free classic doughnut for dine-in only.
- Qdoba: Offers a free chips and dip for veterans and active military, dine-in only, no purchase necessary.
- BJ’s Restaurants: Offers a free chocolate chunk pizookie for current and former military personnel.
- Starbucks: (Mentioned in FAQ) Includes military spouses in their offers, though specific details for 2025 were not provided in the chunks.
Discount-Based Offers
- Raising Cane’s: Offers a 10% discount to all active and nonactive military, fire, police, EMTs, and their families.
- Firehouse Subs: Offers a free sub of equal or lesser value when purchasing any size sub (buy-one-get-one). In-store only, limit one per customer.
- Houlihan’s: Offers a 50% discount on select entrees for Veterans Day.
Non-Dining Freebies and Services
Beyond food, several businesses offer services or products to honor veterans.
- The Barbershop: Hosting its 4th annual veterans event at the Darboy location, offering free haircuts and services to men and women who served in the armed forces.
- Great Clips: Allows civilians to get a haircut and gift a free haircut card to a veteran. Veterans can also get a free haircut or receive a free haircut card to redeem later.
- Brown County Rifle Range: Offers free admission and free gun and archery sighting for veterans and active-duty military members.
- Lime Fresh Mexican Grill: In addition to a free meal, veterans and active-duty personnel receive a $50 Challenge Coin, which can be used throughout the year for another free meal (excluding alcohol) on the 11th of every month.
Verification and Redemption Process
The process for redeeming Veterans Day offers is straightforward but requires preparation.
- Verification: Customers must present valid proof of service. The most reliable form is a U.S. Uniformed Services ID or Retired ID card. Other acceptable documents include a DD-214, current LES, veterans organization card, or a photo in uniform.
- Dine-In vs. Carryout: Most offers are strictly dine-in to ensure the veteran is present to enjoy the meal. However, a few exceptions exist, such as Dickey’s Barbecue Pit (carryout allowed) and app-based redemptions like Mountain Mike’s Pizza or Einstein Bros. Bagels.
- Timing: Most deals are valid only on November 11, from open until close or during specific hours (e.g., Denny’s until noon, Friendly’s 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Chipotle 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.).
- Limitations: Many offers are limited to one per person and may exclude alcohol, tax, gratuity, or special menu items.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2025 presents a comprehensive schedule of free meals, discounts, and services across the United States. The offers are primarily available on November 11 and require valid military identification. While the majority of promotions are for dine-in service, a few allow for carryout or app-based redemption. Participation is widespread among national restaurant chains and local businesses, covering everything from full meals and burgers to breakfast, snacks, coffee, and personal services like haircuts. Customers are advised to verify participation with their local establishments and prepare appropriate documentation to redeem these offers.