Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, serves as a significant opportunity for businesses across California to express gratitude to active-duty military personnel, veterans, reservists, and National Guard members. In 2025, numerous national restaurant chains and local organizations are participating in this tradition by offering complimentary meals, discounts, and special deals. These offers typically require proof of military service and are generally available for dine-in customers only. The following comprehensive guide details the verified freebies and discounts available to veterans in California for Veterans Day 2025, based on current reports and official announcements.
National Restaurant Chains Offering Free Meals
Many prominent national restaurant chains have confirmed Veterans Day promotions for 2025. These offers are widely available across California locations, though customers are advised to verify participation with their local establishment prior to visiting.
Applebee’s
Applebee’s continues its longstanding tradition of honoring veterans with a complimentary meal. On Veterans Day, active-duty military personnel, veterans, reservists, and National Guard members can enjoy a free full-size entrée from a special menu. Eligible items include popular choices such as the Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, 6-ounce Top Sirloin, Chicken Tenders Platters, Double Crunch Shrimp, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Oriental Chicken Salad, and Three-Cheese Chicken Penne. This offer is strictly for dine-in service and requires valid proof of military service, such as a military ID or DD214. Additionally, diners will receive a $5 Bounce Back Card for use on a future visit within a three-week redemption window. Through the "Buy a Vet a Beer" promotion, customers can also purchase a pre-paid pint of beer for a veteran, with a special message attached; any unclaimed funds are donated to local veterans' charities.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
Participating BJ’s Restaurants will provide current and former military personnel with a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie (a large cookie baked in a cast-iron skillet) on Veterans Day. This offer is available for dine-in customers who present a military ID or other proof of service. Furthermore, military members dining in will receive a coupon for a free appetizer to be used on a subsequent visit between November 12 and December 31, 2024 (or the corresponding dates for 2025, depending on the specific promotion year).
Chili’s
Chili’s Grill & Bar offers a free meal to veterans and active-duty military members at participating locations. The complimentary meal includes options such as a burger or chicken tenders. This deal is available for dine-in only on Veterans Day.
Denny’s
Active and retired military personnel can receive a free original Grand Slam at participating Denny’s locations. This offer is valid from opening until noon on Veterans Day.
Wendy’s
Wendy’s salutes those who served or are currently serving with a free Breakfast Combo. This offer is available during breakfast hours on Veterans Day and does not require a purchase.
Wienerschnitzel
On November 11, Wienerschnitzel invites all veterans and active-duty military personnel to enjoy a free Original Chili Dog, Small Fries, and Small Soda at participating locations nationwide. The offer is available all day with a valid military ID or proof of service.
Golden Corral
Military Appreciation Night at Golden Corral takes place on Veterans Day from 4:00 p.m. until close. All active-duty military, retirees, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans receive a free "thank you" buffet and beverage. Notably, no purchase or military ID is required to receive the free meal.
Red Lobster
To thank veterans, active-duty military, and reservists, Red Lobster is offering free Veteran's Shrimp & Chips on Veterans Day. This meal consists of six Walt’s Favorite Shrimp, served with cocktail sauce and ketchup, French fries, and coleslaw.
Black Angus Steakhouse
Veterans and active-duty military members can receive a free steak entrée on Veterans Day. The entrée includes a 6-ounce top sirloin with home-styled mashed potatoes and broccoli with garlic butter. Black Angus also offers a year-round HERO’s discount, providing 15% off dine-in orders for veterans, active and retired military, first responders, nurses, health care personnel, and teachers with valid ID.
California Pizza Kitchen (CPK)
CPK offers a free entrée and beverage from a special prix fixe menu to veterans and active-duty military members on Veterans Day. Additionally, all veterans and active-duty service members dining at CPK on Veterans Day will receive a buy one, get one free offer to redeem for a pizza, pasta, or salad between November 12 and 25. These dine-in only offers are available at all company-owned CPK restaurants.
Chipotle
Chipotle offers a BOGO (Buy One, Get One) deal on entrées for customers who present a valid military ID and purchase an entrée in-restaurant. This promotion is valid between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Veterans Day.
Rock & Brews
Participating Rock & Brews locations offer a complimentary pulled pork sandwich and a side dish or Strawberry Fields Salad to veterans, Armed Forces members, and first responders. Proof of military service is required, and the offer is dine-in only.
Quaker Steak & Lube
Veterans can enjoy a free entrée (up to a $15 value) and a free non-alcoholic beverage at participating Quaker Steak & Lube locations. Participating locations also offer 25% off on Military Mondays.
Rodizio Grill
Rodizio Grill offers free meals for veterans with the purchase of one Full Rodizio. Proof of service is required. Participation may vary by location; customers are encouraged to call ahead or check the website.
Schlotzsky’s
Schlotzsky’s offers free chips and a small drink to veterans and active-duty service members with the purchase of an entrée.
Local and Regional Offers in California
In addition to national chains, several regional businesses and organizations in California, particularly in the High Desert and Inland Empire areas, are offering specific Veterans Day promotions.
California State Parks
California State Parks invites U.S. service members and their families to enjoy free admission to 142 state parks throughout California on Veterans Day. A full list of participating parks is available at parks.ca.gov/VeteransDay2025.
San Bernardino County Regional Parks
All veterans receive free admission at all San Bernardino County Regional Parks on Veterans Day. More information is available at parks.sbcounty.gov.
Hesperia Lake Park
The Hesperia Recreation and Park District offers a day of free fishing for all veterans and active military personnel from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Veterans Day at Hesperia Lake Park, located at 7500 Arrowhead Lake Road.
General Terms and Conditions for Veterans Day Offers
While specific requirements vary by establishment, most Veterans Day promotions in California adhere to the following general guidelines:
- Proof of Service: A valid military ID, DD214, or other official proof of military service or veteran status is required for most deals.
- Dine-In Only: The majority of free meal offers are restricted to dine-in customers.
- Participating Locations: Offers are typically valid at participating corporate-owned locations; franchise locations may choose to participate or not. It is recommended to call ahead to confirm.
- Timing: Many offers are valid only on November 11, though some may be available for a limited window (e.g., breakfast hours only).
- Exclusions: Offers generally do not include alcohol, cannot be combined with other coupons or discounts, and do not cover gratuity.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2025 offers a wide array of free meals and discounts for veterans and active-duty military personnel throughout California. From national chains like Applebee’s, BJ’s, and Chili’s to regional parks and recreation facilities, businesses are providing various ways to honor military service. Veterans are encouraged to bring valid proof of service and verify participation with local establishments to ensure they receive these benefits.