Veterans Day provides an opportunity for businesses across the United States to express gratitude to military service members through complimentary meals and exclusive discounts. For veterans, active-duty personnel, reservists, and National Guard members, this annual observance often includes access to no-cost dining experiences at a wide variety of restaurant chains. Understanding the scope of these offers, the specific requirements for redemption, and the participating locations is essential for maximizing these benefits. This guide details the free meal programs and related freebies available for Veterans Day 2025, based on current promotional data and historical patterns.
Understanding Veterans Day Dining Offers
The availability of free meals on Veterans Day is a widespread tradition among American restaurants. These offers are generally structured as a token of appreciation for military service. Most participating establishments require proof of service to redeem the complimentary meal. Acceptable forms of verification typically include a military ID, a VA card, a driver’s license with veteran designation, or a copy of discharge papers such as a DD214. It is important to note that these offers are almost exclusively for dine-in service at participating locations, and they usually do not include beverages or gratuity unless specifically stated.
Eligibility and Verification
Eligibility for Veterans Day freebies generally extends to: * Veterans * Active-duty military personnel * Reservists * National Guard members
Some businesses extend these offers to military spouses and dependents, though this is less common and usually requires the presence of the service member. Verification is a critical step in the process. While some locations may rely on visual confirmation of a uniform or ID card, others utilize digital verification services such as SheerID or ID.me to confirm status through online portals or mobile apps.
Comprehensive List of Veterans Day Free Meals 2025
Based on the provided data, the following restaurants have confirmed or historically offered free meals and significant discounts for Veterans Day 2025. Note that specific menu items and hours of operation vary by location.
Major Restaurant Chains Offering Free Meals
Applebee’s Applebee’s has a long-standing commitment to Veterans Day, having served over 12.3 million free meals since 2008. For 2025, veterans and active-duty service members can receive a free dine-in entrée from a special menu. This menu typically includes popular items such as the Bacon Cheeseburger and Fiesta Lime Chicken. The offer is valid for dine-in only on November 11, 2025.
IHOP On November 11, 2025, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., IHOP offers veterans a free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo. This meal includes the pancake stack served with two eggs, hash browns, and a choice of two strips of crispy bacon or two pork sausage links. This offer is valid at participating restaurants.
Outback Steakhouse Outback Steakhouse provides a complimentary 3-Course Aussie Meal to veterans and active-duty military with a valid ID for dine-in service. This offer is typically valid on November 10 and 11, allowing a two-day window for redemption.
Red Lobster Red Lobster offers a free Shrimp & Chips entrée to veterans and active-duty military on Veterans Day. This offer requires a valid military ID and is for dine-in only. Taxes and gratuity are not included in the complimentary offer.
Red Robin Veterans can enjoy a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger and a Bottomless Side at Red Robin on Veterans Day. The offer is valid for dine-in service and requires proof of military service.
Olive Garden Olive Garden offers a free entrée from a special menu for any veteran or active-duty military member with a valid ID. The offer includes the classic Never Ending Soup, Salad, and Breadsticks.
Wendy’s Wendy’s offers a free Breakfast Combo to active-duty military and veterans on November 11, during breakfast hours. No purchase is required to redeem this offer.
Little Caesars Little Caesars is offering a free Hot-n-Ready Lunch Combo to veterans and active-duty military members on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This includes four slices of Little Caesars signature Detroit-style Deep Dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi beverage.
Golden Corral Golden Corral hosts a Military Appreciation Night, offering a free buffet dinner to veterans and active-duty military personnel.
Texas Roadhouse Texas Roadhouse offers a free meal voucher to veterans and active-duty military on Veterans Day. This voucher is valid for use at a later date, specifically until May 2026, providing flexibility for the recipient.
IKEA From November 9 to 11, 2025, all active and veteran service members are invited to enjoy a free entrée at the IKEA Swedish restaurant.
In-N-Out Burger On Veterans Day, In-N-Out Burger will give veterans, active-duty, reserves, and National Guard a free made-to-order meal—including any burger, fries, and drink—plus a special decal with proof of military service.
Buffalo Wild Wings Veterans and active duty can receive a free order of 10 boneless wings and French fries with proof of military service for dine-in service.
Bob Evans With proof of service, veterans and active duty can receive a free dine-in breakfast entrée, including the Country Biscuit Breakfast or a stack of hotcakes.
BIBIBOP Asian Grill All BIBIBOP Asian Grill outlets will give veterans and active military a free bowl with an ID. The offer is good for dine-in only.
Sheetz Sheetz offers a free half turkey sub and regular-size fountain drink to veterans. Additionally, they offer a free car wash ($9 option only) with ID.
O’Charley’s O’Charley’s offers a free entrée from the Daily Dinner Deals menu from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a valid ID on November 10-11.
Playa Bowls Playa Bowls offers free bowls for all veterans, active duty, and retired military personnel with a valid ID.
Logan’s Roadhouse Logan's Roadhouse offers a free meal from a select menu from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Veterans Day.
Ruby Tuesday Ruby Tuesday offers a free garden bar entree or garden bar add-on with a valid ID.
Smoothie King Smoothie King offers a free 20 oz. smoothie at participating locations from 12 - 3 p.m. on Veterans Day.
Biggby Coffee Biggby Coffee offers veterans and active duty with a military ID a free 16 oz. latte (hot, iced, or frozen) on Veterans Day.
Krispy Kreme Krispy Kreme offers a free doughnut and coffee (no ID needed).
Starbucks Starbucks offers a free tall coffee for veterans and military spouses.
White Castle White Castle offers a free combo or breakfast meal.
Wienerschnitzel Wienerschnitzel offers a free Original Chili Dog, fries, and soda.
Shake Shack Shake Shack offers a free Big Shack burger.
Pilot Flying J Pilot Flying J offers a free breakfast/lunch combo through ID.me in the app.
LongHorn Steakhouse LongHorn Steakhouse offers 10% off plus a free appetizer or dessert.
Cicis Pizza Cicis Pizza has historically offered Veterans Day deals.
Metro Diner Metro Diner has historically offered Veterans Day deals.
Panera Bread Panera Bread has historically offered Veterans Day deals.
Red Lobster Red Lobster has historically offered Veterans Day deals.
Sonic Drive-In Sonic Drive-In has historically offered Veterans Day deals.
BJ’s Restaurant Brewhouse BJ’s Restaurant Brewhouse offers a free meal up to $14.95 and free Dr Pepper.
Bruegger’s Bagels Bruegger’s Bagels offers free hot/iced coffee.
Carrabba’s Carrabba’s has historically offered Veterans Day deals.
Another Broken Egg Cafe Another Broken Egg Cafe offers a free patriot French toast combo and coffee.
Back Yard Burgers Back Yard Burgers offers a free Classic Burger.
Bad Daddy's Burger Bar Bad Daddy's Burger Bar offers a free Bad Daddy’s All American Burger and side.
Bakers Square Bakers Square offers a free Rise & Shine meal.
Bar Louie Bar Louie offers a free burger or flatbread up to $15.
Bartaco Bartaco offers 20% off food for veterans.
Beef 'O' Brady's Beef 'O' Brady's offers a buy-one-get-one free meal for veterans up to $10.
54th Street Grill 54th Street Grill offers a free meal up to $12.
Ahipoki Bowl Ahipoki Bowl offers 50% off poke bowls.
Andy's Frozen Custard Andy's Frozen Custard offers a free regular-size one-topping sundae.
Mac’s Speed Shop Mac’s Speed Shop offers a free half rack of rib and fries, when a beverage is purchased. Valid in Charlotte area and Carolinas locations (except Raleigh).
Stanton Enterprise McDonald’s Stanton Enterprise McDonald’s locations are offering all veterans and active duty military a free medium breakfast combo on November 11, 2025.
Mission BBQ Mission BBQ offers veterans a free sandwich.
Mi Patrón Mi Patrón offers veterans 40% off meals.
Little Caesars Little Caesars offers a complimentary lunch combo including four slices of signature Detroit-style deep dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi beverage from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
7-Eleven 7-Eleven offers veterans with a Veterans Advantage account a free cup of coffee for Veterans Day when their account is linked to the 7Rewards loyalty program.
Non-Food Freebies and Discounts
In addition to restaurant meals, various other businesses offer free services or discounts to honor veterans on Veterans Day.
New Hope Valley Railway The Triangle’s Train at New Hope Valley Railway in New Hill, North Carolina, offers free train rides to military service members on November 9 and November 13, 2025. Guests ride at regular price. A military ID or copy of DD214 is required.
Autobell Car Wash Autobell Car Wash offers a free Ride-Thru Exterior wash, or an equivalent credit toward another wash option, on November 11, 2025, at all locations in NC, SC, VA, MD, and DE. No coupon, barcode, or ID is required.
Sport Clips Sport Clips offers free haircuts for veterans on November 11, 2025. They also donate $2 per haircut to the VFW’s Help A Hero Scholarship program.
Great Clips Great Clips offers a free haircut or a haircut card for military personnel. Civilians can purchase a "thank a veteran" card to pass along.
Staples Staples offers 25% off in-store purchases with a military ID.
Target Target offers 10% off two purchases through the Circle app, requiring status verification.
Walgreens & Duane Reade Walgreens and Duane Reade offer 20% off regularly priced items with a military ID and a myWalgreens account.
How to Redeem Veterans Day Offers
Redeeming these offers generally follows a standard procedure, though specific requirements can vary by establishment.
- Verify Eligibility: Ensure you meet the criteria, which typically includes being a veteran, active-duty member, reservist, or National Guard member.
- Prepare Identification: Have a valid military ID, VA card, or other acceptable proof of service ready. For digital verification, ensure you have accounts set up with services like ID.me or SheerID if required by the specific restaurant.
- Check Participating Locations: Not all locations of a chain may participate in the promotion. It is advisable to call ahead or check the restaurant's official website or social media for confirmation.
- Dine-In: Most free meal offers are valid for dine-in service only. Drive-thru or takeout is rarely included unless explicitly stated.
- Time Constraints: Be aware of specific time windows, such as breakfast hours or limited lunch periods (e.g., Little Caesars 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.).
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2025 offers a significant array of complimentary meals and discounts from restaurants and businesses nationwide. From major chains like Applebee's and IHOP to local establishments and service providers like Autobell Car Wash, the options are diverse. The key to successfully accessing these offers lies in preparation: having valid military identification, verifying participation at specific locations, and understanding the specific terms and conditions, such as dine-in requirements and time limitations. By utilizing this guide, veterans and active-duty military personnel can effectively navigate the available offers and enjoy a well-deserved day of appreciation.