Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, serves as a significant opportunity for businesses across the United States to express gratitude to active-duty military personnel and veterans. In the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metropolitan area, a wide variety of restaurants, entertainment venues, and retail establishments participate in this tradition by offering complimentary meals, discounted goods, and free admission to events. These offers generally require proof of military service, such as a military ID, veteran ID card, or DD 214 form. The following comprehensive guide details the freebies and discounts available to veterans in the DFW area for Veterans Day 2025, based on verified reports and local listings.
Food and Beverage Offers
The majority of Veterans Day promotions are concentrated in the restaurant industry, with national chains and local eateries offering free meals and discounted items to honor service members.
Major Restaurant Chains
Several national burger and fast-food chains are participating in Veterans Day 2025 with free meal offers for dine-in customers.
- In-N-Out Burger: Participating locations in California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Texas, Oregon, Colorado, Idaho, and Washington will offer a complimentary made-to-order meal of choice to veterans and active-duty military on Tuesday, November 11. The offer is valid during regular operating hours, typically from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Customers are asked to present proof of military service. Additionally, recipients will receive a special edition Veterans Day decal.
- Little Caesars: Continuing a longstanding tradition, Little Caesars is offering a free HOT-N-READY® Lunch Combo to veterans and active-duty military members on Tuesday, November 11. The offer is valid from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at participating locations.
- Red Robin Gourmet Burgers: Veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger and bottomless steak fries on Veterans Day.
- IHOP: On November 11, veterans and active-duty military can receive a free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo. The meal includes two buttermilk pancakes topped with glazed strawberries, blueberry topping, and whipped topping, served with two eggs, hash browns, and a choice of two strips of bacon or two pork sausage links.
Casual Dining and Sit-Down Restaurants
Full-service restaurants are also heavily involved, offering everything from free burgers to discounted entrees.
- BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: With 11 locations throughout Dallas-Fort Worth, BJ’s will offer a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie® with any dine-in purchase of $11.95 or more on November 11. Veterans will also receive a bounce-back coupon for a free appetizer, valid from November 12 through December 31, redeemable with a purchase of $14.95 or more for dine-in or take-out.
- Ford’s Garage: This establishment is honoring veterans by offering a free American Standard Burger or up to $15 off an entrée of their choice on November 11. The dine-in offer requires a valid military ID and is available at participating locations.
- Friendly’s: From 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on November 11, Friendly’s is offering veterans a free All-American Cheeseburger and a drink of choice with an active military ID.
- Joe’s Crab Shack: Veterans dining in on November 11, 2025, will receive a 20% discount on their meal.
- Firehouse Subs: Veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a free sub of equal or lesser value when they purchase any size sub and show a valid military ID. This offer is valid in-store only, with a limit of one per customer.
- Shoney’s: Veterans and active-duty military can receive a free All-American Burger or breakfast bar, dine-in only.
- Sheetz: Participating locations in the Eastern U.S. will offer a free sub and drink to veterans and active-duty military, as well as a free car wash.
- Quaker Steak & Lube: Located in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, this chain offers free or discounted meals for veterans, active-duty military, and reservists at participating locations.
- Rock & Brews: Veterans and active-duty military can choose a free pulled pork sandwich or Strawberry Fields salad at participating locations.
- Roy Rogers: Veterans at participating locations can receive 10% off and a free Uncle Ralph’s brownie with a purchase.
- Shane’s Rib Shack: Operating in Southeast states, New York, and Arizona, this restaurant offers a free meal (choose from two entrees) for veterans and active-duty military.
- Shari’s Café & Pies: This Pacific Northwest chain offers a Veterans Day special for veterans and active-duty military.
- Silver Fox Steakhouse: Located in Texas, this steakhouse offers a discount for veterans and active-duty military.
- Smoothie King: Veterans and active-duty military can receive a free 20-ounce red, white, or blue smoothie.
- Cantina Laredo: With locations in Frisco and Addison, this Mexican food chain will offer an entrée of the guest's choice, up to a $30 value, on November 11.
- Primo Hoagies: Located in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, veterans can receive a free 20-ounce beverage and 1-ounce bag of chips with the purchase of a Primo-size hoagie.
Coffee and Bagel Shops
Morning and coffee-based offers are also prevalent on Veterans Day.
- Einstein Bros. Bagels and Bruegger's Bagels: These chains are continuing their annual tradition by offering a free hot or iced coffee of any size to all veterans and active-duty service members on Tuesday, November 11. Guests can claim their complimentary coffee in-bakery, through the mobile app, or online using the code FREECOFFEE, with no purchase necessary.
- Black Sheep Coffee: With three locations in Dallas-Fort Worth, Black Sheep Coffee will offer a free medium filter coffee on November 11.
Local DFW Eateries
In addition to national chains, several local Dallas-Fort Worth establishments are offering specific promotions.
- Blaze Pizza: With eight locations around Dallas-Fort Worth, Blaze Pizza will offer a free one-topping pizza on November 11.
- Bombshells: This military-themed bar and breastuarant, with locations in Dallas and Arlington, is offering a 20% discount on the entire menu.
- Budweiser ("Buy A Hero A Bud" Program): While not a restaurant, this program allows guests to buy Folds of Honor beers for veterans. Veterans can get a free Budweiser, Bud Light, or Budweiser Zero, though the availability depends on the number of beers purchased by guests prior to Veterans Day. Any unclaimed funds are donated to Folds of Honor.
Entertainment and Recreation
Beyond dining, various entertainment venues offer free admission or special events for veterans on November 11.
Museums and Cultural Institutions
Museums and historical sites across the country, including some accessible from the DFW area, offer free entry to veterans.
- Delaware Art Museum: Veterans and active military receive free admission on Veterans Day. They also offer a daily 50% military discount on admission.
- Harley-Davidson Museum (Milwaukee, Wisconsin): Free admission to veterans and active-duty military during Veterans Day weekend.
- Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad: On November 11, veterans, active-duty military, and up to three additional guests receive free admission to a special Veterans Day excursion.
- George Washington’s Mount Vernon: Veterans and active-duty military receive free admission on November 11.
- The Museum Store: Active-duty and retired service members receive a 10% discount.
- Crayola: Offers free downloadable Veterans Day coloring pages.
- Crayola Experience (all locations): Free admission for veterans and active-duty military, with discounts for family members (varies by location).
Zoos and Wildlife Parks
Zoos are a popular destination for families, and many offer free admission to veterans.
- Detroit Zoo: Active-duty military, veterans, and one additional guest receive free admission and parking on November 11.
- Maine Wildlife Park: Located in Gray, Maine, this park offers free admission to veterans, active-duty military, and their families on November 11.
- Fort Worth Botanic Garden: Offers free entry to the gardens on November 11.
- Florida State Parks: Free admission to all Florida State Parks for all visitors on November 11.
- State Parks: Many states offer free or discounted admission for veterans and their families on November 11. Veterans should check with their state park service or the National Association of State Park Directors for specific deals. Many parks also have year-round deals for veterans who are residents, disabled, or former POWs.
- National Parks: All U.S. national parks and historic sites managed by the National Park Service have 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.
Movie Theaters
- Emagine Theatres: Veterans and service members receive a free movie ticket for themselves and one guest on November 11.
Special Events in DFW
The Dallas-Fort Worth area hosts specific events to honor veterans.
- Veterans Day Parade: The annual Veterans Day Parade in Dallas takes place on November 11. It features military vehicles and equipment, veterans organizations, and civic and corporate displays. The event includes a massing of the colors and an 11th-hour ceremony.
- Comedy Show for Veterans: A comedy show performed by veterans will take place on November 9 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Dallas Comedy Club in Deep Ellum. All proceeds will be donated to Folds of Honor.
- Carry The Load: This movement challenges people to run, walk, bike, swim, or row their way to 100,000 meters in honor of veterans. It takes place from November 11 through December 11 at multiple locations.
Retail and General Merchandise
Retail discounts are also available, though specific offers vary by location and product category.
- Cracker Barrel Old Country Store: Through November 11, customers receive a 25% discount online and in-store on Duke Cannon products and military-themed products.
- FiltersFast.com: Offers a 10% Emergency Responder & Military Discount on all products year-round.
- Flagship Carwash: Offers a free car wash on November 11 for veterans and active-duty military.
- Six Flags America: Offers free admission for veterans and active-duty military on Veterans Day and the following day, with discounted admission for family members (up to four).
- Knotts Berry Farm (California): Offers free admission for veterans and active-duty military during select Military Tribute Days in November and December.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2025 in the Dallas-Fort Worth area offers a diverse array of freebies and discounts for active-duty military personnel and veterans. The most prominent offers are concentrated in the restaurant sector, with national chains like In-N-Out Burger, Little Caesars, and IHOP providing free meals. Local DFW establishments such as BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, Blaze Pizza, and Cantina Laredo also contribute to the celebration with specific promotions. Entertainment options, including free admission to the Fort Worth Botanic Garden and special events like the Dallas Veterans Day Parade, provide additional ways for service members to be honored. While retail discounts are less specific to the DFW region in the provided data, national programs like those from Cracker Barrel and FiltersFast.com offer year-round value. Veterans are advised to check with individual locations regarding participation and to present valid proof of military service to redeem these offers.