Veterans Day offers a wide range of complimentary meals, discounts, and service-based promotions for active duty military personnel and veterans across the United States. The available offers span restaurants, retail stores, car washes, salons, and entertainment venues. Most participating businesses require proof of service, such as a military ID, VA card, or discharge papers, to qualify for these deals. While many promotions are valid only on Veterans Day, November 11, some businesses extend their offers to the surrounding days or throughout the month of November.
Restaurant and Dining Offers
A significant number of national and regional restaurant chains offer free meals or substantial discounts to veterans and active duty military members on Veterans Day. These offers generally apply to dine-in experiences, though some exceptions exist for carry-out or specific location types.
Major National Chains
- Applebee’s: On November 11, 2025, veterans and active duty military can select a free meal from a specific entrée menu. Eligible items include the Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, 6 oz. Top Sirloin, Chicken Tenders Platters, Double Crunch Shrimp, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Oriental Chicken Salad, or Three-Cheese Chicken Penne. In addition to the free meal, participants will receive a $5 Bounce Back Card for a future visit within a three-week redemption window. This offer is valid for dine-in at participating locations only.
- Texas Roadhouse: Participating locations offer 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: Active-duty military and veterans receive a free Aussie 3-course meal. This is a dine-in only promotion available on November 10 and November 11.
- Chili’s: Chili’s offers a Veterans Day meal for veterans and active military members, though specific menu details are not provided in the source data.
- Red Robin: Veterans and military members can dine in on Veterans Day to receive a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger with fries.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: On November 11, past and present armed services members receive a free order of 10 boneless wings and fries. This offer is available for dine-in or walk-in only. At Buffalo Wild Wings GO locations, the deal is restricted to walk-in or orders placed at the counter.
- Carrabba’s Italian Grill: While specific Veterans Day details were not listed, Carrabba’s offers a Heroes Discount of 10% off for all service members, veterans, and first responders year-round.
- Bonefish Grill: Similar to Carrabba’s, Bonefish Grill honors veterans every day with a Heroes Discount of 10% off for service members, veterans, and first responders.
- Chipotle: On November 11, 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. The promotion applies to bowls, burritos, salads, and taco entrees.
Regional and Specialty Dining
- Bubba’s 33: Locations in Sterling Heights and Taylor, Michigan, are offering a free meal from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 11. Veterans can choose from six entrees: a classic Cheeseburger, Bubba’s bacon burger, bacon chicken mac-n-cheese, grilled chicken salad, chicken tender salad, or any 12-inch pizza. The meal includes a choice of Coca-Cola product, sweet tea/ice tea, or coffee. Proof of service includes a military or VA card or discharge papers.
- Saroki’s Crispy Chicken and Pizza: This establishment offers veterans and active military a choice of free three-piece chicken tenders or a slice of pizza. Military ID or proof of service is required.
- The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill: Veterans receive 25 percent off all Gyros and Gyro Combo Meals on November 11.
- Sheetz: Veterans and active duty military receive a free half turkey sub and regular size fountain drink. Sheetz is also offering their $9 car wash option for free at locations with car wash service. Extras and add-ons to the sub are included. Military ID or proof of service is required.
- Sonny’s BBQ: Veterans and active military can get a free Pork Big Deal on November 11. To redeem, they must enroll in Sonny’s Rewards by November 9, 2025, and show their Military ID when dining in, picking up, or ordering online.
- 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.
- PDQ: PDQ Car Wash offers a free Elite exterior car wash on Nov. 11, along with a 50% off coupon for another Elite Wash on the next visit.
- Pizza Ranch: Free buffet for veterans and current military personnel on Veterans Day at participating locations, including Green Bay, Appleton, Appleton West, Ashwaubenon, Beaver Dam, Fond du Lac, Manitowoc, Oostburg, Sheboygan, and Waupun.
- Pearly Gates Bar: Offers free lunch for all veterans and active military on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The menu includes burgers, hot dogs, booyah, tap beer, soda, and more.
- Hy-Vee: Many Hy-Vee stores offer a free breakfast buffet to all veterans and active-duty military members on Veterans Day, often accompanied by planned programs, entertainment, or other activities.
Retail and Shopping Discounts
Retailers also participate in Veterans Day observances by offering percentage-based discounts on various products. These promotions often apply to food, household goods, and general merchandise.
- Target: Target offers 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.
- Pick ‘n Save: Veterans can receive a 10% discount on food and household purchases at all Pick ‘n Save and Metro Market stores. To receive the discount, customers must present their Pick ‘n Save rewards card and military ID or proof of service at checkout. Some exclusions apply.
- HME HOME MEDICAL: Offers 20% off all cash and carry items in the month of November as a thank you to veterans.
- HuHot: All veterans and active-duty military receive 20% off at HuHot locations, including Appleton, Green Bay, Oshkosh, Wausau, and West Allis. Proof of service is required.
- Army & Air Force Exchange Service: Offers various deals, including 10 cents off every gallon of gas at fuel locations in the U.S. and Canada by showing proof of service.
Services and Entertainment
Service-based businesses, including car washes and salons, provide free services or admission to historical sites.
- Grace For Vets: Coordinates a free car wash for veterans and military personnel on Veterans Day through participating car wash locations across the country.
- Great Clips: Every Veterans Day, veterans and active service members can visit any Great Clips salon for a free haircut or a free haircut card for a future visit. Non-military customers receiving a haircut on Veterans Day can also receive a free haircut card to give to an active service member or veteran.
- Newstyle Salons: Green Bay and Appleton salons offer free haircuts to veterans. Walk-ins or calls ahead for booking are accepted, subject to stylist availability. Locations include Appleton, Greenville, Bellevue, De Pere, Green Bay, and Suamico.
- Heritage Hill State Historical Park: Veterans receive free admission all day for the “Second Saturdays” presentation “Celebrating Veterans” on Saturday, Nov. 8, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Activities include learning about soldiers' lives in the 1830s, writing letters to modern-day service members, participating in a march and drill, and touring with a Fort Howard expert.
- Hotel Northland: Located in Green Bay, the hotel offers a free entree at either the Walnut Room for breakfast or Poke the Bear for lunch or dinner. Guests of honor can also enjoy free coffee, hot chocolate, cappuccino, or soda and cookies in the Mayan Restaurant (while supplies last). Veterans also receive 20% off regularly priced items in the gift shop.
Eligibility and Redemption Requirements
To successfully redeem these offers, veterans and active military members must adhere to specific requirements set by each business.
Proof of Service
Most businesses require valid documentation to verify military status. Acceptable forms of proof generally include: * Military ID card * VA card * Discharge papers (DD214)
Enrollment and Timing
Some offers require advance action. * Sonny’s BBQ: Requires enrollment in Sonny’s Rewards by November 9, 2025, to redeem the free Pork Big Deal on November 11. * Chipotle: The free entrée offer is time-specific, valid only between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. local time on November 11.
Dine-In vs. Carry-Out
- Dine-In Only: Applebee’s, Red Robin, Buffalo Wild Wings (standard locations), Outback Steakhouse, and Fogo de Chão generally require dining in at participating locations.
- Carry-Out Allowed: Texas Roadhouse vouchers are redeemable for carry-out. Sonny’s BBQ allows ordering online or for pick-up. Chipotle requires in-restaurant ordering to present the ID, but the second entrée is likely for immediate consumption or take-out.
- Specific Location Types: Buffalo Wild Wings GO locations restrict the free wings offer to walk-in or counter orders only.
Exclusions and Limitations
- Target: The 10% discount is limited to two separate transactions.
- Pick ‘n Save: Some exclusions apply to the 10% discount on food and household purchases.
- Sheetz: The free car wash is only available at Sheetz locations that have car wash service.
Conclusion
Veterans Day provides a broad spectrum of opportunities for active duty military personnel and veterans to receive free meals, retail discounts, and complimentary services. The majority of these offers are concentrated on November 11, though some extend to November 10 or throughout the month of November. Redemption almost universally requires proof of service, such as a military ID or discharge papers. Consumers should verify participation at specific locations, as offers may vary by region and franchise ownership. Advance enrollment in loyalty programs may be necessary for certain deals, such as those offered by Sonny’s BBQ.