Veterans Day presents a significant opportunity for U.S. military veterans, active-duty personnel, reservists, and National Guard members to access a wide variety of complimentary offers and discounts. Businesses across the nation use this holiday to express gratitude for service, extending offers that range from free meals and beverages to automotive services, retail discounts, and entertainment. Based on current data for the 2025 Veterans Day observance, the landscape of available freebies is extensive, with many offers confirmed and others subject to verification by corporate partners and franchise locations.
Eligibility for these offers typically requires proof of military service. Common forms of identification include a valid military ID, VA card, DD214 form, or a state-issued veteran designation. While many deals are available exclusively on Veterans Day, November 11, others extend through the surrounding weekend or entire month. It is important for participants to note that offers may vary by location, particularly for franchises, and that many deals are dine-in only or available for a limited time. The following guide details the categories of freebies and discounts available based on verified source material.
Free Meals and Restaurant Offers
A cornerstone of Veterans Day promotions is the offering of complimentary meals and food items at restaurants nationwide. These offers are generally extended to veterans and active-duty military personnel upon presentation of valid identification.
Major Restaurant Chains
Several national chains have confirmed participation in Veterans Day meal offers for 2025: - Applebee’s: On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, Applebee’s will provide a complimentary full-size entrée from an exclusive menu to active-duty military, veterans, reserves, and National Guard members who dine in-restaurant. In addition to the meal, participants will receive a $5 “Bounce Back Card” for a future visit. The entrée options include 6 oz. Top Sirloin, Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, Chicken Tenders Platter, Double Crunch Shrimp, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Oriental Chicken Salad, and Three-Cheese Chicken Penne. - Outback Steakhouse: This restaurant chain will honor veterans and military members on the U.S. Marine Corps Birthday (Monday, November 10) and Veterans Day (Tuesday, November 11). - Texas Roadhouse: Participating locations will offer a free Texas Roadhouse meal voucher on November 11. This voucher is redeemable for dine-in or carry-out orders and remains valid through May 30, 2026. - Buffalo Wild Wings: On November 11, veterans and active-duty service members with valid ID can receive 10 free boneless wings and fries. This offer is available for dine-in or walk-in only. - Chipotle: On Veterans Day, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. local time, guests who order an entrée in-restaurant and present a valid military ID will receive a second entrée for free. This promotion applies to bowls, burritos, salads, and taco entrees.
Casual and Specialty Dining
Numerous other restaurants and cafes offer specific Veterans Day meals: - Another Broken Egg Cafe: This location honors veterans, active-duty, and retired service members with a free Patriot French Toast Combo and Coffee on Veterans Day. - Andy’s: All veterans and active military can enjoy a free, regular size, one-topping sundae on November 11 by showing a military ID. Limit is one sundae per person. - BackPorch DraftHouse: Offering a free O.G. Burger from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for veterans and active military at participating locations. - Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar: Veterans and active-duty service members receive a free BD’s All-American Burger with cheese and a classic side from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. - la Madeleine: Veterans receive a free entrée on Tuesday, Nov. 11, with a military ID. Deal is for dine-in only. - Lime Fresh Mexican Grill: Veterans and active-duty military eat free on Veterans Day with valid ID. They also receive a $50 Challenge Coin, usable for another free meal (excluding alcohol) on the 11th of every month throughout the year. - Main Event: Veterans and active-duty service members receive a free double cheeseburger and fries, plus 30 minutes of game play on Veterans Day with valid military ID. - MOD Pizza: On Tuesday, Nov. 11, veterans, active-duty military members, and their spouses receive 50% off a MOD-size pizza or salad. The offer is valid for in-restaurant orders only, limited to one per person, and requires a valid military ID. - Mountain Mike’s Pizza: Veterans and active-duty military get free Garlic Sticks with a purchase of $25 or more via the Mountain Rewards app or with code VT25. This offer runs from Veterans Day through Monday, Nov. 17. - Native Grill & Wings: Veterans and active-duty military receive a free entrée on Veterans Day with a military ID or by wearing a military uniform. The entrée choice includes ½-pound Stripper Combo, ½-pound Boneless Combo, Native Chicken Sandwich with fries, or My Native Burger with fries.
Free Coffee and Beverage Offers
Beverage retailers, particularly coffee shops, frequently participate in Veterans Day by offering free drinks.
Coffee Chains and Local Shops
- 7-Eleven: Veterans can enjoy free coffee or a Big Gulp when they sign up or register with 7Rewards. Military members also receive discounts on gas through the program year-round.
- 151 Coffee: Located in Texas and Kansas, this shop offers a free coffee or drink for veterans and their families.
- Acola Coffee Company: Located in Columbia, MO, this company usually offers a free house drip coffee to veterans.
- Aroma Joe’s: Operating in New England and Florida, Aroma Joe’s typically offers a free hot or iced 24-ounce drink to veterans.
- Other Coffee Offers: Several other locations offer free medium cups of brewed coffee or free hot brewed coffee. However, it is noted that locations are independently owned and operated, so veterans are advised to call ahead to verify any deals.
Free Services: Haircuts, Car Washes, and Automotive
Service-based businesses also extend complimentary offers to veterans, ranging from grooming to automotive maintenance.
Grooming Services
- Great Clips: Offers a free haircut on Veterans Day. Alternatively, veterans can redeem a haircut card for use at a later date.
- Local Barber Shops & Salons: Many local establishments may offer free or discounted haircuts or other services. It is recommended to check websites, social media pages, or call ahead to confirm participation.
Automotive Services
- Grace for Vets Car Wash Program: Provides free car washes at thousands of locations nationwide. A location finder is available to find participating washes.
- Meineke: Offers free oil changes at select locations.
- Jiffy Lube: Usually offers a 50% discount on oil changes on Veterans Day. A 15% military discount is available year-round (varies by location).
- Valvoline Instant Oil Change: Usually offers a free oil change on Veterans Day. A 15% military discount is available year-round.
Entertainment, Parks, and Zoos
Recreational facilities and attractions often provide free admission or special discounts for veterans and their families.
Zoos and Aquariums
- Cincinnati Zoo (Ohio): Free admission for veterans on the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day. Discounted tickets are available for family members.
- Georgia Aquarium (Atlanta): Free admission for active military and veterans, plus a 30% discount in the gift shop. This offer is valid on Nov. 10-11 and during other “Military Mondays.”
- Colonial Williamsburg (Virginia): Free admission during Veterans Day weekend (Friday, Nov. 7 through Tuesday, Nov. 11) for all active-duty military, reservists, retirees, veterans, National Guardsmen, and their immediate dependents.
Theme Parks and Events
- Knott’s Berry Farm (California): Offers discounted tickets for veterans, military members, and their families during Military Tribute Days. These dates run Monday through Thursday from Nov. 3–20 and Dec. 1–18.
Retail Discounts
While many Veterans Day offers focus on free food and services, retail stores also participate with significant discounts.
Major Retailers
- Target: Target is offering a 10% military discount through November 11 to all active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families. The discount can be used on two separate transactions, in-store or online.
- Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES): AAFES offers various deals, including 10 cents off every gallon of gas at fuel locations.
Important Considerations for Veterans
When seeking Veterans Day freebies and discounts, there are several key factors to keep in mind to ensure a smooth experience.
Identification and Verification
Proof of service is almost universally required. The most reliable forms of identification include: - Valid military ID card - VA card - DD214 form - State-issued veteran designation on a driver’s license - Wearing a military uniform (accepted by some establishments, such as Native Grill & Wings)
Location Variability and Franchise Rules
Many businesses, particularly in the restaurant sector (e.g., Applebee’s, Outback Steakhouse, Texas Roadhouse), operate on a franchise model. While corporate headquarters may announce a nationwide offer, individual franchise owners retain the right to participate or not. Consequently, veterans should always call their local establishment ahead of time to confirm participation and specific offer details (e.g., dine-in only, specific menu items).
Timing and Redemption Windows
While Veterans Day is November 11, many offers extend beyond this single day. Some businesses honor veterans over the preceding or following weekend, and others (like Texas Roadhouse) issue vouchers valid for months afterward. Conversely, time-sensitive offers like Chipotle’s 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. window require precise planning.
Active Updates
The landscape of Veterans Day freebies is dynamic. As noted in the source data, this year’s guide is actively updated, with many deals confirmed and others pending verification. Veterans are encouraged to check back frequently as new confirmations are released leading up to Veterans Day.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2025 offers a robust array of freebies and discounts for U.S. military personnel, both past and present. From full meals at major restaurant chains to free haircuts, car washes, and retail discounts, businesses across the country are prepared to show their appreciation. The key to maximizing these benefits lies in preparation: verifying eligibility, having proper identification ready, and confirming offer details with local locations. By utilizing the information provided in this guide, veterans and their families can effectively plan their Veterans Day to take full advantage of the available tributes and services.