Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, is a federal holiday honoring those who have served in the U.S. military. In Jacksonville, Florida, and the surrounding area, numerous restaurants and establishments participate by offering free meals, discounts, and special treats to veterans and active-duty military personnel. These offers are typically available only on the holiday itself, and most require proof of service to redeem. The following guide compiles verified information on participating restaurants and their specific Veterans Day offers for 2025, based on official announcements and confirmed listings. Participation can vary by franchise location, and it is always recommended to confirm with the local restaurant before visiting.
Understanding Veterans Day Dining Offers
Veterans Day dining deals are a common way for businesses to show appreciation for military service. These promotions are generally structured as free meals, discounted items, or special menu combinations available exclusively to veterans and active-duty service members. Key details to note include: * Eligibility: Offers are typically extended to veterans (anyone who has served, including retired) and active-duty military personnel. Some deals may also include first responders or family members, but this varies by establishment. * Proof of Service: To redeem most offers, customers must present a valid military ID, a DD214 discharge document, or another official proof of service. Restaurants will not process offers without this verification. * Availability: Deals are almost always for dine-in service only and are valid only on November 11, 2025, unless specified otherwise. Hours may be limited (e.g., lunch only). * Location Variance: Franchise locations have autonomy in participating. Customers should verify that their local restaurant is honoring the offer before going.
Confirmed Jacksonville-Area Veterans Day Meal Offers
The following restaurants in the Jacksonville area have confirmed Veterans Day offers for 2025. This list is compiled from official restaurant announcements, websites, and verified resources.
Full-Service and Sit-Down Restaurants
Applebee’s * Offer: Veterans and active-duty military receive a free meal from a select menu. * Details: Available on November 11 at participating locations. Proof of service is required.
Texas Roadhouse * Offer: Veterans receive a free meal voucher. * Details: Voucher is available on Veterans Day.
Outback Steakhouse * Offer: Veterans and active-duty military personnel receive a complimentary 3-course meal. * Details: This is a new offer for 2025. A valid military ID is required for dine-in service on November 11.
Olive Garden * Offer: A free meal to all active-duty military personnel and veterans. * Details: The offer includes entrées from a special menu, paired with breadsticks and salad or soup. Guests must show proof of service, such as a military ID.
Chili’s Bar and Grill * Offer: Veterans get a free meal from a special menu. * Details: Available on Veterans Day.
Logan’s Roadhouse * Offer: A free meal (lunch). * Details: This offer is often limited to lunch hours. Plan accordingly.
Duffy’s Sports Grill * Offer: Free meal for veterans and active-duty service members. * Details: Available on Veterans Day.
Sonny’s BBQ * Offer: A free pork big deal when dining in. * Details: Available on Veterans Day.
Hooters * Offer: All retired and active-duty military personnel who present proof of service and order a drink can get a free meal from the Hooters Veterans Day Menu. * Details: Available on November 11.
Lazy Dog Restaurants * Offer: Active-duty military personnel, those discharged, retired, or reserve, receive a free Fireside Favorite. * Details: Available on November 11.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse * Offer: Veterans and active-duty military personnel can enjoy a free entrée up to a $15.95 value, plus a free Dr Pepper beverage. * Details: Available on Veterans Day. Must show valid military ID or proof of service.
Woody’s Bar-B-Q * Offer: Free lunch meal from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., or a choice of one free sandwich meal throughout the day. * Details: Available on Veterans Day.
Twin Peaks * Offer: Free lunch from a select menu from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. * Details: Available on Veterans Day.
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill * Offer: 25% off all Gyros and Gyro Combo meals. * Details: Available on Veterans Day.
Breakfast and Morning Dining
Another Broken Egg Cafe * Offer: Veterans and active-duty service members can enjoy a free Patriot French toast combo and coffee. * Details: Available on November 11 at participating locations.
IHOP * Offer: Veterans can enjoy free Red, White, and Blue pancakes. * Details: Available at participating IHOP locations. A valid military ID or proof of service is required.
Cracker Barrel * Offer: The restaurant is offering a free Sunrise Pancake special. * Details: Available on Veterans Day.
Wendy’s * Offer: Free breakfast combo. * Details: Available on Veterans Day.
Fast Food and Quick Service
Whataburger * Offer: One free Taquito in-store during breakfast hours every Tuesday from November 11 through December 30. * Details: This is a multi-day offer starting on Veterans Day. Additionally, Whataburger has a year-round offer of a free 16-ounce hot or iced coffee for veterans and active-duty military available anytime they visit a Whataburger dining room. The free coffee can be paired with the Taquito offer. Limited to one order per qualifying guest and cannot be redeemed online or through the Whataburger app.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers * Offer: Veterans and active military personnel will receive a free Freddy’s Combo meal card. * Details: No purchase is necessary to receive this special offer on November 11. Cards may be redeemed through December 31, 2025.
Huey Magoo’s Chicken Tenders * Offer: Veterans and active-duty military receive a free 3-Piece Tender Meal with the purchase of a beverage. * Details: Must show Military or Veteran ID or DD214 form to redeem. Available on November 11.
Zaxby’s * Offer: Free sandwich ala carte. * Details: Available on Veterans Day.
McDonald’s * Offer: Varies by location. Some locations offer at least a free coffee, while others may include a full combo meal. * Details: It is recommended to ask at the local location. Deals are not universal across all franchises.
Dairy Queen * Offer: Some Dairy Queen locations offer free ice cream treats. * Details: Participation varies by location.
Little Caesar’s Pizza * Offer: Some locations offer free pizza slices or discounts. * Details: Participation varies by location.
Tijuana Flats * Offer: Historically, they have offered a free entrée with the purchase of a beverage for the military community. * Details: Year-round, they offer 15% off food for military members. Veterans Day offers should be confirmed with the local location.
Coffee and Beverage
Starbucks * Offer: Starbucks offers a free tall brewed coffee for veterans and military spouses. * Details: This is a offer that extends to family members.
Additional Year-Round Military Discounts in Jacksonville
Some Jacksonville restaurants offer discounts to military personnel and first responders throughout the year, not just on Veterans Day.
Vicious Biscuit * Offer: 20% discount for military and first responders year-round.
Whataburger * Offer: A free 16-ounce hot or iced coffee for veterans and active-duty military available anytime they visit a Whataburger dining room (year-round).
Tijuana Flats * Offer: 15% off food for military members year-round.
Important Considerations for Veterans and Their Families
To ensure a smooth experience when redeeming Veterans Day offers, keep the following points in mind:
- Verification is Key: Always bring a valid military ID, DD214, or other official proof of service. Restaurants are strict about this requirement.
- Call Ahead: Due to franchise variability, contact your specific restaurant location to confirm they are participating and understand any specific restrictions (e.g., hours, menu items).
- Dine-In Only: Most offers are for dine-in service only. Take-out or drive-thru is generally not included unless explicitly stated.
- Family Inclusion: Some restaurants may extend offers to spouses or family members, but this is not a standard practice. Verify with the establishment.
- Timing: Many offers are limited to specific hours, such as lunch only. Plan your visit accordingly to avoid missing out.
Conclusion
Jacksonville offers a wide array of Veterans Day dining deals for 2025, ranging from free full-course meals at sit-down restaurants to complimentary breakfast items and fast-food items. The key to accessing these offers is proper verification of military service and confirming participation with the local restaurant. While this guide compiles confirmed offers from reliable sources, the dynamic nature of restaurant promotions means that last-minute changes or location-specific variations can occur. Veterans and active-duty military personnel are encouraged to use this information as a starting point and to call their preferred restaurants directly for the most current details before visiting.