Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, serves as a significant date for honoring military veterans across the United States. For many service members and their families, the day is also associated with a wide range of complimentary offers from national restaurant chains and local businesses. Based on the provided documentation regarding Veterans Day 2025, numerous establishments have confirmed plans to provide free meals, beverages, and discounts to active-duty personnel, veterans, reserves, and National Guard members. These offers typically require proof of service, such as a military ID or a driver’s license with a veteran designation, and are often valid for dine-in or carry-out orders at participating locations.
The scope of available freebies in 2025 spans breakfast combinations, lunch and dinner entrees, and specific menu items like burgers and desserts. Chains such as Applebee’s, Starbucks, Texas Roadhouse, and Wendy’s are among the major brands highlighted in the documentation, each offering distinct terms for redemption. While many offers are available exclusively on November 11, some businesses extend their recognition through vouchers or daily discounts. The following guide details the specific freebies and deals confirmed for Veterans Day 2025, outlining the eligibility requirements and restrictions associated with each offer.
Major Coffee and Breakfast Chains
Several prominent coffee and breakfast chains participate in Veterans Day celebrations, offering complimentary beverages and morning meals to military members.
Starbucks Starbucks confirms a Veterans Day offer for 2025, providing a free tall (12 fl. oz) brewed coffee, available hot or iced. This offer is extended to military service members and military spouses. The documentation indicates that the coffee is available at participating locations. No purchase is mentioned as a requirement for this specific offer, distinguishing it from some other chain promotions that require an accompanying purchase.
Wendy’s Wendy’s offers a free breakfast combo meal to veterans and active-duty military personnel. The offer is valid during specific morning hours, typically from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., though hours may vary by location. To redeem this offer, a valid military ID or a Veterans Advantage card is required.
McDonald’s McDonald’s provides veterans with a free breakfast combo meal that includes hash browns and any size soft drink, tea, or coffee. This offer is valid at participating locations only. The documentation notes that this specific offer was available in 2018, and while it is listed among general Veterans Day options, the specific terms for 2025 should be verified with local franchises.
Dunkin’ While the documentation mentions Dunkin’ as one of the major coffee chains offering special deals for veterans, the specific details of the 2025 offer—such as the item provided or any purchase requirements—are not explicitly detailed in the provided text. However, it is listed alongside Starbucks as a participating brand for the holiday.
Lunch and Dinner Restaurant Offers
A wide variety of sit-down restaurants and fast-casual dining establishments offer free entrees or full meals to veterans on November 11.
Applebee’s Applebee’s is offering a complimentary full-size entrée from an exclusive Veterans Day menu. The menu includes seven options: 6 oz. Top Sirloin, Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, Chicken Tenders Platter, Double Crunch Shrimp, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Oriental Chicken Salad, and Three-Cheese Chicken Penne. In addition to the free meal, active-duty military, veterans, reserves, and National Guard members who dine in-restaurant will receive a $5 “Bounce Back Card” for a future visit. This offer is valid on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
Texas Roadhouse Texas Roadhouse is offering a free dine-in or carry-out meal voucher to veterans. The vouchers are redeemable during lunch hours, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and can be used through May 30, 2026. A valid Military ID or proof of service is required to obtain the voucher.
Red Robin Red Robin offers a free Tavern Double Burger with Bottomless Steak Fries. This offer is available for dine-in only, implying that takeout orders are not eligible for the free burger.
Outback Steakhouse Outback Steakhouse provides military veterans and active personnel with a free Bloomin’ Onion and Coca-Cola product. This offer is valid with the purchase of an adult entrée. Additionally, Outback offers a “daily heroes discount” of 10% off entire checks for servicemen and -women, police officers, firefighters, and first responders with a valid state or federal service ID.
Buffalo Wild Wings Buffalo Wild Wings offers 10 free boneless wings and fries. This offer is available for dine-in or for walk-in counter orders at Buffalo Wild Wings GO locations only.
Black Angus Steakhouse Black Angus Steakhouse provides a free 6 oz. Top Sirloin steak served with mashed potatoes and broccoli seasoned with garlic butter. The deal is valid from 11 a.m., though specific closing times are not detailed in the provided text.
Another Broken Egg Cafe This establishment is honoring veterans, active duty, and retired military personnel with a free Patriot French Toast Combo and Coffee on Veterans Day, November 11. This offer requires a valid Military ID for dine-in.
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar offers a free BD’s All-American Burger with cheese and a classic side to all veterans and active-duty service members. The offer is valid from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Veterans Day.
BackPorch DraftHouse BackPorch DraftHouse offers a free O.G. Burger from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for veterans and active military. This offer is valid at participating locations only.
Shoney’s Participating Shoney’s restaurants offer a free morning meal to veterans and active military until 11 a.m. Proof of service is required for this dine-in offer.
Huddle House Huddle House offers a free breakfast platter to active-duty military and veterans on November 11. This is a dine-in-only offer requiring valid proof of service, such as a military ID.
Fogo de Chão Fogo de Chão offers 50% off meals for veterans and active-duty personnel from Friday through Sunday surrounding Veterans Day. Up to three guests also receive a 10% off discount at all U.S. locations.
Andy’s Andy’s invites veterans and active military to enjoy a free, regular size, one-topping sundae. A military ID is required to take advantage of this offer, which is limited to one sundae per person.
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s On November 11, veterans dining in can enjoy a free meal, up to a $12 value, with the purchase of another entrée.
Proof of Service and Eligibility Requirements
The documentation consistently emphasizes the requirement for valid proof of service to redeem Veterans Day offers. Acceptable forms of identification generally include:
- A valid Military ID.
- A driver’s license with a Veteran designation.
- A U.S. Uniform Services Retired ID Card.
- A Veterans Advantage card (specifically noted for Wendy’s).
It is noted that discounts and freebies generally apply to both active-duty military personnel and veterans. However, the documentation advises consumers to verify participation with specific locations before visiting, as some franchises may choose not to participate in national promotions.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2025 offers a substantial array of free meals and beverages for military members across the United States. From breakfast staples at Wendy’s and McDonald’s to full entrées at Applebee’s and Texas Roadhouse, the options are diverse. While many offers are confirmed for November 11, consumers should be aware that specific terms—such as required purchases for items like the Outback Bloomin’ Onion—or location participation can vary. Carrying appropriate proof of service remains a universal requirement for accessing these complimentary offers.