Veterans Day 2025, observed on Tuesday, November 11th, presents a significant opportunity for U.S. veterans and active-duty military personnel to access a wide array of free meals, discounts, and special offers from restaurants, retailers, and attractions nationwide. This guide compiles verified information from multiple sources detailing available deals, eligibility requirements, and redemption processes. The offers typically require proof of military service, which can include a military ID, DD214 discharge papers, or wearing a uniform. While many deals are available exclusively on November 11th, some promotions extend throughout November or require specific actions like online code redemption. The following sections outline the major categories of available offers, organized for clarity.
Restaurant and Food Service Offers
Numerous national and regional restaurant chains are offering complimentary meals or significant discounts for veterans and active-duty service members on Veterans Day. Most of these offers are valid for dine-in only and require proof of service. The following list represents a selection of verified offers for 2025.
National Restaurant Chains:
- Applebee’s: Invites veterans to choose from one of eight free meals as a thank you. Offer requires proof of service.
- Arby’s: All veterans and active-duty military can receive a free Classic Roast Beef Sandwich at participating locations owned by the Flynn Group. The offer is available in-store with no purchase necessary, upon presenting valid military ID or proof of U.S. military service. Limit one sandwich per veteran.
- Benihana: Offers a free entrée (up to $59 value) to veterans and active-duty military from Sunday, November 9 through Tuesday, November 11. Valid ID is required.
- Bruegger’s Bagels & Einstein Bros. Bagels: Both brands offer a free hot or iced coffee (any size) to veterans and active-duty service members on Veterans Day. The offer is available in stores, through the mobile app, or online using the code FREECOFFEE. No purchase is required for the coffee offer.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Provides 10 free Boneless Wings and Fries to all past and present armed service members with a valid ID. The offer is valid for dine-in and walk-in at participating locations.
- Chili’s: Offers military veterans and active-duty personnel a choice of one of four meal options from a limited menu. The offer is only available at participating Chili’s locations in the U.S. for dine-in only.
- Circle K: On November 11, veterans can get one free medium hot or iced coffee at participating U.S. locations by showing a valid military ID at purchase. This is a one-day-only offer.
- Cracker Barrel Old Country Store: Offers a complimentary Sunrise Pancake Special to all veterans and active-duty military dining in on November 11th at any of its nearly 660 locations.
- Dave & Buster’s: Veterans and active-duty military can receive a free entrée (up to $20) plus a $10 Power Card for gameplay all day on Veterans Day, upon showing a valid military ID.
- Denny’s: Veterans and military personnel can get a free Build Your Own Grand Slam breakfast on November 11th from 5 a.m. to noon.
- Famous Dave’s: Offers a free Georgia Chopped Pork Sandwich Lunch with a choice of side to military personnel and veterans on Veterans Day. The code VETERAN25 must be used at checkout.
- Golden Corral: Provides a free “thank you” meal to veterans during its military appreciation night, which is scheduled for Tuesday, November 11th, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until close. The offer is valid for dine-in only and does not extend to spouses, family members, or friends.
- Granite City Food & Brewery: Veterans and military personnel can get a free entrée from the restaurant’s Veterans Day lunch menu along with a free non-alcoholic beverage, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. local time. The offer is valid for dine-in, to go, and online ordering using code VETERANS25 but is not valid for delivery.
- Hard Rock Cafe: All active and retired military members can get a free Classic Smash Burger all day long on Veterans Day, requiring a valid ID.
- Hooters: Offers a free menu item on November 11. Veterans can choose from 10 Original Wings, Cheeseburger, Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, or Chicken Caesar Salad, free with a drink purchase.
- IHOP: On Veterans Day, veterans and active-duty military personnel can get a free Red, White, and Blueberry Pancake Combo (two buttermilk pancakes topped with strawberries, blueberry topping, and whipped topping, plus two eggs, hash browns, and your choice of 2 strips of bacon or pork sausage links). The offer is good when dining in and requires proof of military service.
- Kona Grill: Veterans get a free entrée (max value $75) on Tuesday, November 11, Veterans Day. ID is required and the offer is for dine-in only. (A separate source lists the max value as $49).
- Little Caesars: On Tuesday, November 11th, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., veterans and active military can enjoy a complimentary Lunch Combo, which includes four slices of Little Caesars signature Detroit-style Deep Dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi beverage.
- Perkins: Veterans get a Free Great American Trio on November 11th.
Regional and Local Offers (Minnesota-focused):
- Hy-Vee: Offers free breakfast for veterans and active-duty military on Monday, November 11th, from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
- Kwik Trip: Provides a free breakfast combo (breakfast sandwich and 16 fl oz Karuba® Coffee, 16 fl oz Milk, or Orange Juice) for veterans and active-duty military on 11/11/25. Customers must mention they are a veteran at checkout. The offer excludes Karuba Gold® and Nitro.
- Leader (Cambridge): Offers 25% off on Veterans Day in the restaurant when veterans show their military ID.
- Leo’s Grill & Malt Shop (Stillwater): Honors veterans and active military personnel with a free meal. No proof of service is necessary, and veterans may choose from the entire menu.
- Margaritaville (Mall of America): Provides an exclusive 15% discount to all active-duty service members and veterans of the Armed Forces at participating locations. Status must be verified with GOVx.
Retail and Product Discounts
Beyond restaurants, several retailers offer discounts on Veterans Day. These promotions can provide savings on everyday items, which may be of interest to families, pet owners, and consumers seeking household goods.
- Walgreens: From November 8th through 11th, veterans, military, and their families will receive 20% off eligible regular price items in Walgreens stores. This offer is valid in-store only.
- Red Roof Inn: Offers a 15% off the room rate at any Red Roof nationwide for all government, military, vets, and retirees.
- Super 8: Eligible military members can save 15% on their Best Available Rate at participating Super 8 by Wyndham hotels in the U.S. and Canada.
Attractions, Events, and National Offers
Various attractions and events offer free or discounted admission for veterans and, in some cases, their families. These deals often extend beyond the single day of Veterans Day.
- National Parks: On November 11th, everyone receives free admission to any National Park nationwide.
- Emagine Minnesota: Invites all veterans and active military to visit one of their locations to receive free tickets for themselves and one guest on November 11.
- Minnesota Zoo: Offers free admission the entire month of November to veterans and active military personnel. Immediate family members (up to 6 people total) receive 50% off admission. Parking is not included, but free parking is extended on November 11th.
- Museum of Illusions (Mall of America): Offers complimentary admission to U.S. veterans over the Veterans Day holiday week. From November 11 through November 17, both active military and retired U.S. veterans may redeem free admission in person with proof of valid military ID.
- St. Michael Cinema: (Details not fully provided in source data, but listed as a participating attraction).
Online and General Freebies
Some offers are available online and may not require in-person verification, making them accessible to a wider audience.
- Free Book: Operation Money – A Financial Guide for Military Service Members and Families (Kindle Edition with Audio/Video) is available as a free download.
- Free Car Washes: Veterans can receive free car washes on November 11th. (Specific participating chains are not detailed in the provided sources).
- Discounted Admission to Anheiser Busch Parks: Military personnel can receive discounted admission to parks like Sea World and Busch Gardens. The source notes that none are in the Twin Cities area.
Important Considerations for Veterans
When seeking to use these offers, veterans should be aware of several key requirements and best practices.
Proof of Service: Most restaurant and attraction offers require proof of military or veteran status. Acceptable forms of proof typically include: * Military ID (active, retired, or dependent) * DD214 discharge papers * VA card * Being in uniform * For online discounts (e.g., Margaritaville), verification through a third-party service like GOVx may be required.
It is always recommended to check with the specific location before visiting, as participation can vary. The sources note that some deals were announced only to email subscribers but are available to all veterans.
Offer Validity and Scope: * Dining: Most free meal offers are for dine-in only and are available on November 11th. Some, like the offer from Leo’s Grill & Malt Shop, do not require proof of service. * Family Inclusion: Most free meal offers are for the veteran or active-duty member only. However, some discounts, like those at the Minnesota Zoo, extend to immediate family members. * Online Codes: For online orders (e.g., Famous Dave’s, Granite City), specific promo codes must be used at checkout. * Timing: While Veterans Day is November 11th, some offers (like Benihana’s and the Museum of Illusions) span several days. Walgreens’ discount runs from November 8th to 11th.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2025 offers a substantial collection of free meals, discounts, and complimentary admissions as a gesture of thanks to military service members. The verified offers span a wide range of restaurants, from national chains like Applebee’s and Denny’s to regional establishments like Leo’s Grill & Malt Shop. Retail discounts at Walgreens and hotel chains provide additional savings, while free access to national parks and local attractions like the Minnesota Zoo offers family-friendly activities. Success in redeeming these offers hinges on having the appropriate proof of military service and verifying participation with specific locations, as details can vary. Veterans and their families are encouraged to review the terms of each offer, note any required promo codes or verification processes, and confirm dates and times with providers to ensure a smooth experience.