Veterans Day provides an annual opportunity for restaurants and businesses across the United States to honor active-duty military members and veterans with complimentary meals, discounts, and special offers. These promotions typically require valid military identification or proof of service, and many are available for dine-in or takeout on November 11, with some extending to surrounding dates. The following guide details verified offers available through the provided source material, focusing on free meals, discounted services, and eligibility requirements for military personnel.
Verified Restaurant Offers for Veterans and Active-Duty Military
Several major restaurant chains offer free meals or significant discounts to veterans and active-duty service members on Veterans Day. These offers generally require a valid military ID, and availability may vary by location.
Free Meal Offers
- Applebee’s: Veterans and active-duty military can select a free entrée from a limited menu for lunch or dinner on November 11, 2025. This offer is valid for dine-in only at participating locations. The promotion has been running for 18 consecutive years.
- Buca di Beppo: On Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11, veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a free lunch entrée, specifically any pasta from the lunch specials menu, with a valid ID.
- California Pizza Kitchen (CPK): On November 11, 2025, veterans and active military personnel receive a free entrée and a beverage from a special Veterans Day Menu. The menu features pizzas, pastas, and salads. This offer is dine-in only and requires proof of service. Beverage options include Coca-Cola fountain beverages, iced tea, or passion fruit mango unsweetened iced tea. Entrée options include four full-size salads (Original BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad, Thai Crunch, Classic Caesar, Italian Chopped) and six pizzas (Original BBQ Chicken Pizza, Hawaiian, Mushroom Pepperoni Sausage, Pepperoni, Five Cheese + Fresh Basil).
- Red Robin: Veterans and military members receive a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger with fries for dine-in on Veterans Day.
- Texas Roadhouse: Veterans and military members can obtain a free Texas Roadhouse meal voucher on November 11, 2025. This voucher can be redeemed in-restaurant or for carry-out through May 30, 2026.
- Outback Steakhouse: Veterans and active-duty military receive a free Aussie 3-course meal. This is a dine-in only promotion available on November 10 and November 11.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Past and present military members can enjoy 10 free boneless wings and an order of regular fries. The offer applies to dine-in customers at standard locations and is valid for walk-in orders at Buffalo Wild Wings GO locations. The offer is valid in both the U.S. and Canada.
- Sonny’s BBQ: Veterans and active military can get a free Pork Big Deal on November 11. To redeem, individuals must enroll in Sonny’s Rewards by November 9, 2025, and show their Military ID when dining in, picking up, or ordering online.
- Bob Evans: Bob Evans is serving a free farm-fresh meal to all veterans and active-duty military at participating locations.
- Another Broken Egg Cafe: This breakfast and lunch chain will give all veterans and active duty or retired military service members free Patriot French Toast, topped with strawberries, blueberries, and fresh whipped cream, and house blend coffee. This is dine-in only, while supplies last.
- Bakers Square: Veterans and active-duty military get a free 2-2-2 Breakfast with valid ID. This is good for dine-in, to-go, and online ordering.
- Bar Louie: All veterans, active or retired, can get a free burger when they dine in on Sunday and Monday (dates correspond to Veterans Day period). The deal excludes the Big Louie; an upgrade to the Impossible Burger is available for $4.
- Beef 'O' Brady's: Offers a free BYOB (Build Your Own Burger) and Fries for veterans on Monday.
- Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar: Veterans and active-duty military get a free 5-ounce BD’s All American Burger with cheese and a choice of side on Monday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with valid military ID.
- On The Border: Active-duty military and veterans with a military ID or proof of military service who dine in can enjoy a free Choose 2 Combo Meal on November 11. This offer is valid at participating locations.
Discount Offers
- Bombshells Restaurant and Bar: Offers veterans a free meal and active-duty military 20% off on Veterans Day, November 11, for dine-in in Texas and Colorado with valid military ID.
- Rubio’s: Veterans can enjoy a buy-one, get-one-free entrée by using code VETS25 in-store or online with a valid military ID.
- Fogo de Chão: Active-duty military and veterans receive 50% off Full or Indulgent Churrasco meals, plus 10% off for their guests, with valid ID from November 7–11.
- Biggby Coffee: Veterans can get a free 16-ounce beverage of choice on Monday (available at all locations).
- BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: All current and former military personnel with a valid military ID get a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie with no minimum food purchase.
Special Conditions and Notes
- The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: Offers military families a free drink this Veterans Day, plus a $5 coupon when purchasing a $25 gift card.
- Chick-fil-A: Consumers are advised to check local Chick-fil-A locations for special Veterans Day offers, as specific details are not provided in the source material.
- Calhoun’s: Offers a free meal to honor those who served in the Armed Forces. The offer dates and times may vary, so customers should confirm locally.
Eligibility and Verification Requirements
Most offers require proof of military service. The sources specify several forms of acceptable identification, though requirements may vary by establishment.
- Valid Military ID: Many restaurants explicitly require a valid military ID. This typically includes a Uniformed Services ID Card, Military dependent ID, or veteran designation on a state driver’s license.
- Proof of Service: Some locations accept other forms of proof, such as a veteran organization membership card, discharge papers, or wearing a military uniform.
- Participating Locations: Offers are generally valid at participating locations only. Consumers are encouraged to verify with their local restaurant prior to visiting.
- Dine-In vs. Takeout: While many offers are dine-in only, some, such as the Texas Roadhouse voucher and Buffalo Wild Wings GO offer, accommodate takeout or walk-in orders.
Non-Restaurant Veterans Day Freebies
In addition to restaurant meals, the source material identifies free admission offers for veterans and active-duty military at various attractions and parks.
Museums and Theme Parks:
- Crayola Experience (all locations): Free admission for veterans and active-duty military, with discounts for family members varying by location.
- Harley-Davidson Museum (Milwaukee, Wisconsin): Free admission to veterans and active-duty military during Veterans Day weekend.
- Knotts Berry Farm (California): Free admission for veterans and active-duty military during select Military Tribute Days in November and December.
- Six Flags America: Free admission for veterans and active-duty military on Veterans Day and the following day; discounted admission for family members (up to four).
Parks and Wildlife:
- Maine Wildlife Park: Free admission to veterans, active-duty military, and their families on November 11.
- State Parks: Many states offer free or discounted admission for veterans and their families on November 11. Consumers should check with their state park service or the National Association of State Park Directors. Many states also offer year-round deals for residents who are veterans, disabled, or former POWs.
- National Parks: All U.S. national parks and historic sites managed by the National Park Service offer free admission for all visitors on November 11.
- Zoos: Many zoos across the country offer free admission, as well as discounts or free admission to family members.
Retail and Product Offers
- 4Patriots: Consumers can register on the 4Patriots Veterans Day Celebration Event page on November 11 only to receive a free food kit.
Strategic Considerations for Consumers
- Check Local Availability: Because offers vary by location, consumers should contact their local restaurant or attraction to confirm participation and specific offer details.
- Prepare Identification: Ensure you have valid military identification or proof of service ready when visiting participating locations.
- Timing: Some offers are limited to specific hours (e.g., Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.), while others are valid all day. Verify operating hours and offer times.
- Online Ordering: Some offers, such as those from Rubio’s and Sonny’s BBQ, can be redeemed online using specific codes or enrollment steps.
Conclusion
Veterans Day offers a wide range of free meals and discounts for active-duty military members and veterans across the restaurant and entertainment industries. From full-course meals at chains like Applebee’s and Texas Roadhouse to free admission at museums and parks, these promotions serve as a gesture of appreciation for military service. To maximize these offers, consumers should verify participation with local establishments, prepare necessary identification, and be aware of specific terms such as dine-in requirements or enrollment deadlines.