Veterans Day in 2025 presents a wide array of complimentary meals, discounts, and special offers from restaurants and retailers across the United States. These promotions are designed to honor active-duty military personnel, veterans, and in some cases, their spouses and families. The availability of these deals typically requires proof of military service, such as a valid military ID, and many are restricted to dine-in orders on November 11. The following guide details verified offers from major chains and regional establishments, based on information from official brand communications and reputable discount aggregators.
Restaurant Chains Offering Free Meals and Entrees
Numerous national restaurant chains have confirmed free meal offers for Veterans Day 2025. These promotions generally require in-person verification of military status and are limited to specific menu items or select menus.
BBQ and Casual Dining
Sonny’s BBQ provides a free pork big deal, which includes a sandwich, side, and drink, for veterans and active-duty military personnel. This offer is available at participating locations.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit offers a free pulled pork sandwich to veterans and active-duty military with a valid military ID at all locations nationwide. The promotion is valid for dine-in or carryout, limited to one sandwich per qualifying guest for the day.
Dog Haus is offering a free Haus Dog at select participating locations to veterans and active military with valid military ID. This is a dine-in-only offer, limited to one free Haus Dog per person.
Twin Peaks extends a free lunch from a select menu to all veterans and active-duty service members between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. local time at participating locations nationwide. A valid military ID is required. The select menu includes options such as Cheeseburger & Fries, Chicken Tenders & Fries, Caesar Salad, or Smoked Chicken Street Tacos.
Whataburger offers a free Taquito in-store at any Whataburger restaurant during breakfast hours every Tuesday through December 30, starting on Veterans Day. This offer is valid for in-restaurant orders only, not applicable to online or app orders, and limited to one order per qualifying guest. Additionally, veterans and active-duty military can get a free 16-ounce hot or iced coffee year-round.
Texas Roadhouse provides a free lunch on Veterans Day from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Veterans can choose from 10 entrees as a thank you for their service.
Red Robin offers a free Red’s Tavern Double Burger with Bottomless Steak Fries on November 11 for veterans and active-duty military.
Outback Steakhouse honors the U.S. Marine Corps Birthday on Monday, November 10, and Veterans Day on Tuesday, November 11, with special offers. Details for 2025 indicate that veterans and active-duty military receive a free Bloomin’ Onion and a beverage, with a valid military ID, for dine-in only.
Breakfast and Bakeries
Denny’s provides active and retired military personnel with a free Original Grand Slam breakfast from 5 a.m. to noon on November 11 at participating locations. This is a dine-in-only offer requiring a valid military ID.
Einstein Bros. Bagels offers veterans and active-duty military a free hot or iced coffee of any size on November 11. The complimentary coffee can be ordered in-bakery, through the mobile app, or online using code FREECOFFEE. No purchase is required.
Perkins offers veterans a free Great American Trio on November 11, requiring a military ID.
Pizza and Mexican Cuisine
Fazoli’s provides a free Spaghetti with Marinara or Meat Sauce for dine-in only with valid military ID on November 11. The code VET25 must be used when ordering.
Mountain Mike’s Pizza offers veterans and active-duty military free Garlic Sticks with a purchase of $25 or more via the Mountain Rewards app or with code VT25, from Veterans Day through Monday, November 17.
MOD Pizza offers 50% off a MOD-size pizza or salad on November 11 for veterans, active-duty military members, and their spouses. The offer is valid for in-restaurant orders only, limited to one per person, and requires a valid military ID.
Lime Fresh Mexican Grill allows veterans and active-duty military personnel to eat free on Veterans Day with a valid ID. They also receive a $50 Challenge Coin, which can be used throughout the year for another free meal excluding alcohol, on the 11th of every month.
Taco John’s provides a free small beef Crispy or Softshell Taco Combo on November 11 by presenting a military ID or proof of service. This is available in-store or at the drive-thru.
Native Grill & Wings offers veterans and active-duty military a free entrée on Veterans Day when they show a military ID or wear a military uniform. The choice includes ½-pound Stripper Combo, ½-pound Boneless Combo, Native Chicken Sandwich with fries, or My Native Burger with fries.
Sammy’s Pizza & Restaurant offers a free lunch buffet for veterans and active-duty service members on November 11 at Elk River and Coon Rapids locations.
Coffee and Beverages
Starbucks provides veterans, service members, and military spouses with a complimentary 12-ounce tall brewed coffee (hot or iced) on Tuesday at participating Starbucks stores in the U.S. Cold Brew is omitted. Cafés and drive-thru only.
Steak and Seafood
Freddy’s Custard & Steakburgers offers veterans and active military personnel a card for a free combo meal on November 11. The cards can be redeemed for any combo meal through December 31. No purchase is necessary.
Eddie Merlot’s serves veterans and active-duty military a free Eddie’s Prime Cheeseburger & Fries on Veterans Day. The offer is available for dine-in only and requires a valid ID.
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill honors active military and veterans with a complimentary lunch or dinner when dining with a guest on November 11. Dine-in only.
Buffet and Casual Restaurants
Golden Corral gives all active-duty military personnel and veterans a free buffet and beverage from 4 p.m. to close on November 11.
Main Event treats veterans and active-duty service members to a free double cheeseburger and fries, plus 30 minutes of game play on Veterans Day. A valid military ID is required to get the deal.
Dave & Buster’s offers a free entrée to veterans and active-duty military with a valid military ID on Veterans Day. Dine-in only. To find locations, visit daveandbusters.com.
Regional and Specialty Offers
In addition to national chains, many regional restaurants and specialty establishments offer unique Veterans Day promotions.
Roaring Fork offers its annual 20% off discount to Veterans on November 11.
Mesquite Fresh Street Mex offers a 10% discount to all ASU students and faculty at the Mill Avenue location.
The Delicatessen, a new concept from The Maggiore Group, will honor first responders with 50% off their entire bill.
Gameday Men's Health North Scottsdale offers a 20% Hero Discount for active military, veterans, and first responders all year long.
Burrito Express locations around the Valley offer military personnel and first responders 15% off their purchases on the second Tuesday of every month.
Tocaya offers 50% off for all veterans and their families on November 11, available for dine-in orders only. The discount is valid for up to 8 people for dine-in and takeout orders.
Crooked Pint (various locations) offers veterans and active-duty military a free meal on November 11. The choices include a Classic Lucy, Cluckin’ Good Platter, Crispy Chicken Salad, or Apple Pecan Chicken Salad. Proof of military ID is required, and the offer is dine-in only.
Trove Brewing (Burnsville) provides a free pint for veterans on Veterans Day.
TCBY offers veterans and active military their first 6 oz free on November 11 with proof of service.
Year-Round and Ongoing Military Discounts
Several establishments extend their appreciation beyond Veterans Day with year-round military discounts.
Whataburger provides a free 16-ounce hot or iced coffee year-round for veterans and active-duty military.
Gameday Men's Health North Scottsdale offers a 20% Hero Discount for active military, veterans, and first responders all year long.
Burrito Express offers military personnel and first responders 15% off their purchases on the second Tuesday of every month.
Mesquite Fresh Street Mex offers a 10% discount to all ASU students and faculty at the Mill Avenue location, which may overlap with military personnel associated with the university.
Eligibility and Redemption Requirements
To redeem these offers, veterans and active-duty military personnel typically need to present a valid military ID. Some locations may accept other forms of proof of service, such as wearing a military uniform. It is important to note that many offers are restricted to dine-in orders and may not be available for online or mobile app orders. Participation may vary by location, so it is advisable to confirm with the specific restaurant before visiting.
For example, Whataburger’s free Taquito offer is valid for in-restaurant orders only and not applicable to online or app orders. Starbucks’ free coffee is available in cafés and drive-thru only, excluding Cold Brew. MOD Pizza’s 50% discount is for in-restaurant orders only. Dave & Buster’s free entrée is dine-in only.
Some offers require specific codes or app usage, such as Fazoli’s VET25 code or Mountain Mike’s VT25 code and Mountain Rewards app.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2025 offers a significant number of free meals and discounts from a variety of restaurants across the United States. These promotions are a way for establishments to honor military service. The offers detailed in this guide are based on verified information from official brand websites and reputable news sources. Veterans and active-duty military personnel should be prepared to show valid military identification and should verify participation and specific terms with their local restaurant before attempting to redeem any offer. Many of these deals are available only on November 11, though some extend through the following week or offer year-round benefits.