Veterans Day offers a significant opportunity for service members and their families to access complimentary meals, retail discounts, and free services. In Portland, Oregon, and the surrounding metropolitan area, numerous businesses participate in these annual observances. The following guide details specific offers available to veterans and active-duty military personnel in the Portland region for Veterans Day 2025, based on current local reporting and national brand announcements.
Portland Area Food Freebies and Deals
A wide variety of restaurants in the Portland area offer complimentary meals or significant discounts to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day. Most of these offers require proof of service, such as a military ID, and are valid for dine-in service only unless otherwise specified.
National Chains and Local Eateries
Applebee’s Participating Applebee’s locations provide veterans and active-duty military members with a free entrée from a special menu on November 11. This offer is valid for dine-in service only. Customers are advised to contact their local restaurant to confirm participation.
Boiled PDXNuts On November 11, Boiled PDXNuts offers a 20% discount on all Etsy orders. To redeem, customers must use the code BPDXVET20 at checkout.
Claim Jumper Claim Jumper offers a free meal to veterans and active-duty military members on November 11. Available menu items include: - BBQ chicken salad - Classic cheeseburger - Black tie chicken pasta - Meatloaf and mashed potatoes - Country fried steak - Southern fried chicken Two locations serve the Portland area: 9085 SE Sunnyside Rd. in Clackamas and 18000 SW Lower Boones Ferry Rd. in Tigard.
Cracker Barrel Veterans can enjoy a free sunrise pancake special on November 11, while supplies last. This offer is for dine-in service only and requires proof of military service.
Denny’s Active and retired military personnel receive a free Original Grand Slam breakfast on November 11, from 5 a.m. to noon. The meal includes two buttermilk pancakes, two bacon strips, two sausage links, and two eggs cooked to order. This is a dine-in only offer at participating locations.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Veterans and active-duty military personnel can enjoy a free pulled pork sandwich on November 11. The offer is available for dine-in or carryout with a valid military ID, limited to one per guest.
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill On November 11, veterans and active-duty service members are invited to enjoy a free meal. This offer is dine-in only with no other stated restrictions.
Golden Corral Military Appreciation Night is scheduled for November 11 from 4 p.m. to close. A free thank-you meal is available to anyone who has served in the U.S. military, including retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard, or Reserves. The offer is valid for dine-in only.
IHOP Participating locations offer veterans free Red, White, and Blueberry Pancakes on November 11 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dine-in service is required.
Little Caesars From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on November 11, veterans and active-duty military members can receive a free HOT-N-READY® Lunch Combo. The combo includes four slices of Detroit-style Deep Dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi beverage.
Logan’s Roadhouse Veterans can eat free on November 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (ID required, dine-in only).
Olive Garden Veterans and active-duty military personnel receive a free entrée from a special menu. Options include never-ending soup, salad and breadsticks, cheese ravioli, spaghetti and meatballs, fettuccini alfredo, and chicken parmigiana.
Outback Steakhouse Active and retired military personnel receive a free Bloomin' Onion and a Coca-Cola product in the restaurant. The offer is valid for dine-in service only and applies to one entrée per service member.
Additional Restaurant Offers
la Madeleine: Veterans receive a free entrée on November 11 with a military ID (dine-in only). Lazy Dog Restaurant: Veterans can get a free Fireside Favorite entrée (BBQ Ranch Bacon Burger, Fried Chicken Dinner, or Mediterranean Chicken Bowl) with a personal-sized S’more Brownie Sundae. Lime Fresh Mexican Grill: Veterans and active-duty military personnel eat free on Veterans Day and receive a $50 Challenge Coin for another free meal on the 11th of every month (excluding alcohol). Manhattan Bagel: Free hot or iced coffee on Veterans Day. Maple Street Biscuit Company: 10% off for veterans and active-duty military with valid identification. Margaritas Mexican Restaurant: 50% off the check on Veterans Day (Northeast locations, excluding PA). A 10% discount is available year-round in New England locations starting Nov. 12. Sizzler: Free lunch (Half Dozen Crispy Shrimp, Malibu Chicken, or 6-ounce Tri-Tip Steak plus beverage) from opening until 4 p.m. local time. Not valid in Utah, Idaho, or Puerto Rico. Smokey Bones: Free entree (Bacon Cheeseburger, Pulled Pork Sandwich, or Chicken Tender Platter) when dining in.
Coffee and Quick Service Offers
Dunkin’ Veterans and active military members receive a free doughnut on Veterans Day. No purchase or proof of ID is required for in-store redemption.
Krispy Kreme A free doughnut and a small hot or iced brewed coffee are offered to veterans and active military. No separate purchase is required; valid in-store only.
Scooter’s Coffee Veterans and active-duty military receive a free medium drink on Veterans Day with a valid military ID. Mobile ordering is not available for this promotion.
Sheetz Veterans and active-duty military can get a free half turkey sub and a regular-size fountain drink on November 11. Additionally, a free $9 car wash is available at Sheetz locations with car wash facilities. Proof of service is required.
Starbucks Starbucks offers a free tall (12-ounce) hot or iced coffee to veterans, military service members, and military spouses. This offer is valid one per customer at participating U.S. stores.
Free Admission and Entertainment
Chelatchie Prairie Railroad On November 8 and 9, veterans receive a complimentary ride with the purchase of another adult ticket. The train departs at noon and 2:30 p.m. both days.
Conestoga Recreation and Aquatic Center The Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District hosts a free breakfast for veterans and their families from 9-11 a.m. on November 11. Free activities are also available during the event at 9985 SW 125th Ave. in Beaverton.
Dave & Buster’s On November 12, veterans and active-duty military receive a free entrée (up to $20) and a free $10 Power Card. The closest location is in Happy Valley.
Forest Service Recreation Area Free entrance to Forest Service recreation areas is available on November 11. This includes sites in Oregon and Washington, such as the Columbia River Gorge, Mt. Hood National Forest, and Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
Lan Su Chinese Garden On November 11 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the garden offers free admission for active-duty military, veterans, and their families. Use code VETSD online or visit the ticket booth at 239 NW Everett St. in Portland.
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.
National Parks Free entrance to U.S. National Parks is available to all visitors on November 11.
Free Services and Retail Discounts
Great Clips Veterans and active military members can get a free haircut on November 11, or pick up a free haircut card to use at a later date.
Mycelium Outlet This Portland shop offers 10% off total purchases in-store and online on November 11. This deal is open to everyone.
Washman Car Wash and Auto Spa Veterans receive a complimentary car wash on November 11. There are 14 locations in and around Portland.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2025 presents numerous opportunities for veterans and active-duty military personnel in the Portland, Oregon, area to receive free meals, beverages, admission to attractions, and retail discounts. Offers are widely available from national restaurant chains including Applebee’s, Denny’s, Olive Garden, and Golden Corral, as well as local establishments like Claim Jumper. Many establishments also provide free services such as haircuts from Great Clips and car washes from Washman. While most offers are valid only on November 11, some extend through the surrounding weekend or provide vouchers for future use. Veterans should always carry valid proof of military service, such as a military ID, and verify participation with their local venue prior to visiting.