Veterans Day Restaurant Freebies and Discounts in Baton Rouge

Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, is a national holiday honoring the service and sacrifice of U.S. military veterans. In the Baton Rouge area of Louisiana, numerous restaurants and businesses participate by offering complimentary meals, discounts, and special promotions to active-duty service members, veterans, reserves, and National Guard members. These offers typically require proof of service, such as a valid military ID, and are often limited to dine-in service on the specified holiday or a limited date range. The following information is compiled from local news reports detailing Veterans Day offerings in the Baton Rouge region for the 2025 holiday period.

Overview of Veterans Day Offers

Veterans Day promotions in Baton Rouge encompass a wide variety of food and beverage establishments, from national chain restaurants to local eateries and service businesses. Offers generally fall into two categories: complimentary meals and discounted purchases. Many deals are valid only on November 11, while some extend to the surrounding days. A common requirement across most offers is the presentation of a valid military ID or other acceptable proof of service. Dine-in service is frequently specified, though some restaurants offer carry-out options or vouchers for future use.

The following sections detail specific offers organized by restaurant or business, based on information from local news sources.

Free Meal and Food Offers

Multiple national chains and local establishments provide free meals to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day. These offers typically include a complimentary entree or a special menu item.

Applebee’s offers all active-duty military, veterans, reserves, and National Guard members a complimentary full-size entree on Veterans Day. This offer is valid for dine-in customers only. Proof of service is required.
Another Broken Egg Cafe provides active-duty military members and veterans with a complimentary Patriot French Toast, topped with strawberries, blueberries, and whipped cream, paired with Barista House Blend Coffee. This offer is for dine-in customers only and requires a valid military ID.
BJ’s Restaurant offers all service members a complimentary entrée up to a value of $14.95, plus a free Dr Pepper, upon presenting a military ID or proof of service on Veterans Day.
Buffalo Wild Wings participating locations offer 10 free boneless wings and fries to past and present service members on Veterans Day. A valid ID is required.
California Pizza Kitchen allows veterans or active-duty military personnel to select a free entrée from a special Veterans Day menu, which includes pizza, salads, and pasta. Customers must present a military ID or other proof of service, or come in uniform.
Chicken Salad Chick provides a free Chick Meal (and a regular drink, per one source) to veterans and active-duty military on Veterans Day. Proof of service is required.
Chili’s offers a complimentary dine-in meal to veterans and active-duty military from a special Veterans Day menu.
Cracker Barrel gives all veterans and active-duty members a free Sunrise Pancake Special for dine-in.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers provides veterans and military personnel with a meal card or a free combo meal with no purchase needed at participating locations. Meal cards are valid through December 31.
Golden Corral offers a free “thank you meal” promotional card to all active and former military members, valid for one free lunch or dinner buffet and beverage throughout November. Additionally, on Veterans Day evening (4 p.m. until close), they offer a complimentary dine-in dinner during Military Appreciation Night.
Huddle House provides active-duty military and veterans with a free breakfast platter for dine-in-only at participating restaurants with valid proof of service.
IHOP invites all active-duty military and veterans to enjoy free red, white, and blue pancakes on Veterans Day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. A valid military ID or proof of service is required when dining in.
Little Caesars Pizza offers veterans and active-duty military a free lunch combo from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Veterans Day with valid proof of service.
Logan’s Roadhouse offers a free meal from the American roadhouse menu to all active-duty and retired U.S. military personnel on Veterans Day. This offer is available from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. (or 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. per another source) with a valid military ID or by wearing a uniform.
Red Lobster provides veterans, active-duty military, and reservists with free printed meal vouchers for Veterans Shrimp & Chips, valid from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. with a valid military ID or proof of service.
Twin Peaks offers a complimentary lunch to veterans on Veterans Day.
Texas Roadhouse offers a free dine-in or carry-out meal voucher to veterans from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. with a valid military ID or proof of service. The voucher is redeemable through May 30, 2026.

Free Non-Meal Items and Discounts

In addition to meals, some businesses offer free non-food items or discounts on purchases for veterans and active-duty military.

Benny’s Car Wash & Oil Change provides all veterans and military personnel with a free fountain drink or cup of coffee, 50 percent off oil changes, and a free $24 best wash on Veterans Day. This offer is available at all nine Benny’s locations.
Insomnia Cookies offers veterans and active military a free six-pack of cookies in-store with any purchase on Veterans Day. A military ID must be shown in-store to redeem.
Sonic Drive-In offers 50% off classic and master shakes and more on Veterans Day.
LongHorn Steakhouse provides a 10% discount off meals for veterans and active-duty military on November 10 and 11 for dine-in and call-in orders.
Outback Steakhouse offers a year-round 10% Heroes Discount for service members, police officers, firefighters, and first responders with appropriate identification. Additionally, they offer a free Aussie 3-course meal for dine-in only on November 10 and 11 for veterans and active service members.
Academy Sports offers active service members, veterans, and first responders a 10% discount off their entire purchase online or in-store on Veterans Day.

Additional Local Events and Context

Beyond restaurant offers, Veterans Day in Baton Rouge is marked by community events. According to local reports, Governor John Bel Edwards honored veterans at 11 a.m. during the dedication of the Never Forget Garden in Louisiana Veterans Memorial Park. Another event, the Southern University Army ROTC program’s fourth annual Veterans Day 5k Fun Run & Bike Ride, took place on the preceding Saturday.

Important Considerations for Participants

When seeking Veterans Day offers, participants should be aware of several common conditions:

Proof of Service: Most free meal offers require a valid military ID, such as a Uniformed Services ID card, VA card, or a state-issued ID with veteran designation. Some restaurants accept other forms of proof, such as wearing a uniform or presenting a membership card from a veterans’ organization.
Dine-In vs. Carry-Out: Many offers are explicitly for dine-in customers only. Some restaurants, like Texas Roadhouse, provide vouchers for carry-out meals.
Participating Locations: Offers are often valid only at participating locations. It is advisable to check with the specific Baton Rouge location before visiting.
Time Restrictions: Many free meal offers are limited to specific hours on Veterans Day, such as 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. or 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Voucher Expiration: Some offers, like the Texas Roadhouse voucher, are valid for future use through a specified date.

Conclusion

Veterans Day in Baton Rouge is supported by a wide array of restaurants and businesses offering complimentary meals, discounts, and special services to honor military veterans and active-duty personnel. These promotions are typically available on November 11, with some extending to adjacent days, and require proof of service. The offers range from full sit-down meals at chain restaurants to discounted car washes and retail purchases. Veterans and active-duty military members interested in these benefits should verify the specific terms, including required identification, participating locations, and time limitations, with the individual establishments before visiting.