Veterans Day 2025 presents a significant opportunity for veterans and active-duty military members to access a wide array of complimentary meals, discounts, and special offers across the United States. Observed annually on November 11, many national restaurant chains and retailers participate in these promotions as a gesture of gratitude for military service. The availability of these deals typically requires specific forms of identification, and participation may vary by location, necessitating advance verification with local establishments. This article compiles information regarding free meals, food deals, and retail discounts available to military personnel on November 11, 2025, based on current promotional data.
Understanding Eligibility and Documentation
Accessing Veterans Day offers generally requires proof of military service. Most participating establishments request a valid military ID, such as a Uniformed Services ID Card, or other documentation like a DD214 form or a state-issued identification indicating veteran status. Some offers extend to active-duty members and veterans, while others may include military spouses or dependents. It is advisable for individuals to carry appropriate documentation to ensure eligibility.
Comprehensive List of Free Meals and Food Deals
Numerous restaurant chains offer free meals or significant discounts on Veterans Day. These offers typically apply to dine-in service, though some locations may offer takeout options or vouchers for future use.
Major National Chains
- Applebee’s: Veterans and active-duty military members dining at locations owned and operated by Flynn Group receive a free meal on Veterans Day. Additionally, Applebee's is running a "Buy a Vet a Beer" promotion, allowing customers to purchase a pre-paid pint of beer for a veteran through November 11. Unclaimed beers result in donations to local veterans' charities.
- BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: Veterans and active-duty members dining in are eligible for a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie.
- Bruegger’s Bagels: Active and retired military personnel can receive a free hot or iced coffee of any size on November 11. This offer is available in-bakery, through the mobile app, or online using code FREECOFFEE. No purchase is required.
- Bubba’s 33: Lunch is served free to veterans and active military from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on November 11. For those unable to dine during these hours, raincheck vouchers are available from 9 a.m. to noon on November 11, valid through May 31, 2026. The offer includes a selection of six entrees served with a beverage.
- Buca di Beppo: Veterans and active military with ID receive a free lunch entrée, valid for any pasta from the lunch specials menu at participating locations. Dine-in only.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: A free 10-piece Boneless Wings and Fries is available to veterans and active military on November 11. Valid military ID is required.
- Chili’s: All veterans and active military members receive a free meal, choosing an entree from select items. The offer is valid in-restaurant only; beverage and gratuity are not included.
- Cracker Barrel: Veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a free Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake or a complimentary Coffee. Valid on November 11.
- Denny’s: Active and retired military personnel can enjoy a free Original Grand Slam from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. on November 11. This includes two buttermilk pancakes, two bacon strips, two sausage links, and two eggs made to order. Dine-in only; a valid military ID or DD214 is required.
- Dunkin’: A free donut is available to all current and former members of the military on November 11. No ID is required. The offer is valid for store visits only and excludes online or mobile app orders.
- Golden Corral: During Military Appreciation Night, veterans and active-duty military receive a free buffet dinner.
- IHOP: A free Red, White, and Blueberry Pancake Combo is available to veterans and active-duty military from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Veterans Day. The combo includes two buttermilk pancakes with strawberry and blueberry toppings, two eggs, hash browns, and a choice of bacon or sausage. Dine-in only.
- Krispy Kreme: Veterans and military members receive a free doughnut and coffee. No ID is required.
- LongHorn Steakhouse: Veterans and active-duty military receive a 10% discount plus a free appetizer or dessert.
- Olive Garden: A free meal is available, including soup or salad and breadsticks.
- Outback Steakhouse: Veterans and active-duty military receive a free 3-Course Aussie Meal, valid November 10–11.
- Pilot Flying J: Veterans can get a free breakfast or lunch combo through the ID.me verification in the Pilot Flying J app.
- Playa Bowls: A free bowl is offered to veterans.
- Red Lobster: A free Shrimp & Chips entrée is available to veterans and active-duty military.
- Red Robin: A free Big Tavern Burger with a bottomless side is available.
- Shake Shack: A free Big Shack burger is offered to veterans and active-duty military.
- Sheetz: Veterans and active-duty military receive a free meal and a free car wash.
- Starbucks: A free tall coffee is available for veterans and military spouses.
- Texas Roadhouse: Veterans and active-duty military receive a free meal voucher, valid until May 2026.
- The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: A free drink is offered to military members and spouses.
- Wienerschnitzel: A free Original Chili Dog, fries, and soda is available.
- White Castle: A free combo or breakfast meal is offered to veterans and active-duty military.
Regional and Specific Location Offers
- Another Broken Egg Cafe: Dine-in customers can receive a Patriot French Toast and coffee.
- Biscuit Belly: Dine-in veterans receive a Bacon Egg & Cheese, Sausage Egg & Cheese, or Chicken Biscuit Sandwich along with a free beverage.
- Cunningham Restaurant Group: Locations including The Bemberg, Bru Burger Bar, and others in Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky will serve a free meal to veterans and active military. Proof of service is required.
- Cousins Subs: Veterans and active-duty personnel receive a free 7 1/2 inch sub at any location on Veterans Day. In-person orders only; proof of service is required.
- Dave & Buster’s: Veterans and active-duty military receive a free entrée up to $20 value and a $10 Power Card for gameplay. Dine-in only.
- Hy-Vee: Many stores offer a free breakfast buffet to veterans and active-duty military, often accompanied by entertainment or activities. Check with local stores for participation.
- Kwik Trip: A free breakfast combo, including a breakfast sandwich and a 16 fl. oz beverage, is available for veterans.
- Walmart: While not explicitly listed in the specific data, general industry knowledge suggests participation, but verification with the provided sources is necessary.
Retail and Service Discounts
Beyond food, several retailers and service providers offer discounts or free services to veterans and active military members.
- Great Clips: Military personnel receive a free haircut or a haircut card to use at a later date. Civilians can obtain a "thank a veteran" card to pass along.
- Jiffy Lube: Active and retired military receive a 50% discount on any oil change at participating locations. No appointment is necessary, valid from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Veterans Day.
- Kohl’s: Veterans and active-duty military receive 30% off in-store purchases on November 10 and 11. Some exclusions apply; proper identification is required.
- Staples: A 25% discount is available in-store with a military ID.
- Target: Veterans and active-duty military receive 10% off two purchases through the Circle app, requiring status verification.
- Walgreens & Duane Reade: 20% off regularly priced items is available with a military ID and a myWalgreens account.
Verification Platforms
For additional verified military discounts, including those for travel and wireless services, consumers are encouraged to check platforms such as SheerID and ID.me.
Important Considerations
While the offers listed above are widely reported, it is crucial for veterans and active-duty military members to call ahead to their local franchises to confirm participation, as offers can vary by location. Additionally, most deals require dine-in service, and specific menu items may be limited. Always carry valid military identification or proof of service to redeem these offers.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2025 offers a substantial selection of free meals and discounts from a variety of national and regional chains. From breakfast items at Denny’s and IHOP to lunch and dinner entrees at Applebee’s and Olive Garden, there are ample opportunities for veterans and active-duty military to be recognized for their service. Retailers like Great Clips and Kohl’s also provide valuable discounts. By verifying participation with local establishments and carrying the necessary identification, eligible individuals can fully take advantage of these patriotic offers.