Veterans Day Restaurant Offers and Free Meal Programs for Military Members

Veterans Day in 2025 falls on Tuesday, November 11, serving as a national observance to honor those who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. military. Across the United States, hundreds of businesses, particularly in the restaurant and food service sector, participate in this tradition by offering free meals, discounts, and other promotional deals to veterans and active-duty military personnel. These offers are designed to show appreciation and provide accessible ways for service members and their families to celebrate. However, participation varies by location, and most establishments require proof of military service to qualify.

Proof of service typically includes a driver’s license with a veteran designation, a military ID, or a U.S. Uniform Services Retired ID Card. Many deals are valid only on Veterans Day, November 11, unless otherwise specified, and are often limited to dine-in service at participating locations. Consumers are advised to contact local branches to confirm availability and terms, as franchise ownership can lead to regional differences in promotion execution. The following sections detail specific offers from various national and regional restaurant chains, based on verified information from reliable sources.

Verified Free Meal Offers for Veterans and Active-Duty Military

Several major restaurant chains have confirmed free meal promotions for Veterans Day 2025. These offers generally require valid military identification and are available for a limited time on November 11. Below is a curated list of verified free meal deals, including details on menu options, timing, and any associated requirements.

Applebee's: Offers a free entree for customers dining in on Veterans Day. This promotion is available at participating locations nationwide.
Another Broken Egg Cafe: Provides veterans, active duty, and retired military personnel with a free Patriot French Toast accompanied by coffee on November 11. A valid military ID is required for dine-in service.
Black Angus Steakhouse: Delivers a free 6-ounce Top Sirloin steak with mashed potatoes and broccoli seasoned with garlic butter. The deal is valid from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Veterans Day.
Bob Evans: Grants a free meal from a special dine-in menu for veterans and active-duty military on November 11.
Buffalo Wild Wings: Offers 10 free boneless wings and fries for dine-in and carry-out customers with a military ID on Veterans Day.
Chili's: Provides a free meal from a select dine-in menu for eligible participants.
Dave & Buster's: Veterans receive a free entree (up to a $20 value) and a free $10 Power Card with a valid veterans ID card on November 11.
Golden Corral: As part of its 25th year of participation, the chain offers a free dinner buffet on Veterans Day. The promotion has served over 6.6 million meals historically.
Hooters: Offers a free menu item on November 11, allowing veterans to choose from 10 Original Wings, a Cheeseburger, a Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, or a Chicken Caesar Salad. The offer requires a drink purchase.
Little Caesars: Provides a free Lunch Combo, including four slices of Detroit-style Deep Dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi beverage, valid from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Veterans Day for veterans and active military.
Logan's Roadhouse: Offers a free lunch for veterans and active-duty military from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Veterans Day.
National Coney Island: Veterans and military members can receive two free coneys at participating locations.
Outback Steakhouse: Provides a free three-course meal for veterans on November 10 and 11, available for dine-in.
Red Robin: Offers a free Red's Big Tavern Burger for veterans and active military on Veterans Day.
Saroki’s Crispy Chicken & Pizza: Active military and veterans can get a free three-piece chicken tenders or a slice of pizza at all 20+ locations in metro Detroit.
Starbucks: Treats veterans, active-duty service members, and spouses to a free tall (12 oz.) hot or iced coffee at participating U.S. stores on November 11. Additionally, Starbucks donates $100,000 each to Team Red, White & Blue and the Travis Manion Foundation to support the military community.
Texas Roadhouse: Distributes meal vouchers from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Veterans Day, redeemable for a dine-in or carry-out meal from a select menu through May 30, 2026.
T.G.I. Friday's: Offers a free lunch for active-duty military and veterans on Veterans Day, valid for dine-in only at participating locations from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tim Hortons: Provides a free Classic Doughnut for those in U.S. military uniform or presenting a valid veteran ID on November 11 at participating locations.

These promotions are subject to change, and consumers should verify details closer to the date, as businesses often finalize announcements in the weeks leading up to Veterans Day.

Discount-Based Offers and Special Promotions

In addition to free meals, some restaurants provide discounts or buy-one-get-one deals that enhance value for veterans and military families. These offers may not require a purchase in all cases but often have specific conditions.

Beef 'O' Brady's: On November 11, veterans dining in can enjoy a free meal up to a $12 value with the purchase of another entree.
Chipotle: Offers a buy-one get-one free deal on dine-in entrees between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Veterans Day.
Dunkin: Provides a free doughnut for in-store customers on Veterans Day.
Harris Teeter: Offers an 11% discount on grocery purchases for veterans and military members.
Krispy Kreme: Gives a free doughnut and small coffee to eligible participants.
Playa Bowls: Provides free bowls for all veterans, active duty, and retired military personnel with valid ID on November 11 at participating locations nationwide.
QDOBA: Veterans and active-duty military receive free chips and dips in-restaurant, with no purchase required.
Texas de Brazil: Offers 25% off for up to 6 veterans or active-duty military per table/reservation. Restrictions apply, and participants should check the website for participating dates and locations.

Some chains, such as Subway, do not have a specific Veterans Day free meal offer in 2025 but provide ongoing promotions like a buy-one get-one free footlong sub with promo code FLBOGO on Subway.com or the app. Similarly, McDonald's is mentioned as a national franchise that may offer discounts at select locations, but specific details require verification with local outlets.

Eligibility, Identification, and Participation Guidelines

To access these offers, veterans and active-duty military personnel must present acceptable proof of service. Acceptable forms include:

A driver’s license with a veteran designation.
A military ID card.
A U.S. Uniform Services Retired ID Card.

Friends and relatives are encouraged to treat veterans to meals, but the primary eligibility rests with the service member. Most deals are limited to the individual veteran and do not extend to accompanying guests unless explicitly stated (e.g., Texas de Brazil allows up to 6 per table). Dine-in service is the standard requirement for free meals, though some offers, like those from Texas Roadhouse and Little Caesars, include carry-out options.

Participation is often limited to specific locations, particularly for franchises. For example, some McDonald's and Subway locations may offer discounts but not universally. Consumers should contact their local restaurant in advance to confirm involvement in Veterans Day promotions. Timing is critical; many free meals are available only during set hours, such as 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. or 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Regional variations exist, with some offers tailored to local markets. In the Baltimore area, for instance, Atlas Restaurant Group provides a 50% discount on checks for parties of eight or fewer, while Autobell Car Wash offers a free Ride-Thru Exterior Wash without requiring ID. In metro Detroit, Saroki’s Crispy Chicken & Pizza highlights location-specific freebies. Nationally, chains like Applebee's and Golden Corral emphasize their long-standing commitment, having served millions of free meals over the years.

Additional Freebies Beyond Restaurants

While the focus is on restaurant meals, some sources mention non-food freebies. Autobell Car Wash, for example, provides a free exterior wash without ID verification. However, the majority of the provided data centers on food and beverage offers. No information was available in the sources regarding free samples in beauty, baby care, pet products, health, or household goods categories related to Veterans Day.

Consumers interested in broader promotional offers should monitor official brand websites and verified sign-up pages for updates, as Veterans Day promotions can evolve. The tradition of these deals dates back to Armistice Day in 1919, marking the end of World War I on November 11, 1918, and has grown into a widespread practice of gratitude.

Conclusion

Veterans Day 2025 offers a variety of free meals and discounts from participating restaurants, honoring military service members with accessible and appreciative gestures. Key takeaways include the requirement for valid military identification, the prevalence of dine-in offers on November 11, and the importance of verifying local participation due to franchise variations. Promotions from chains like Applebee's, Starbucks, and Texas Roadhouse provide tangible benefits, while some businesses extend discounts or additional freebies. For the most accurate details, veterans should consult official restaurant websites or contact local outlets directly. These initiatives underscore the national commitment to recognizing military contributions through practical and enjoyable experiences.