Veterans Day 2025, observed on Tuesday, November 11, will see Houston-area restaurants and businesses offering a wide array of complimentary meals, discounts, and special promotions to honor veterans and active-duty military personnel. These offers are typically available to U.S. veterans, active-duty service members, and sometimes reserves, with valid military identification or proof of service required. Participation and specific details can vary by location, so confirming with the local establishment is always recommended. The following guide compiles verified offers from multiple sources, focusing on free meals, discounted dining, and other Veterans Day freebies available in the Houston metropolitan area.
Free Meal Offers
A significant number of national and local restaurant chains offer complimentary meals to veterans and active-duty military on Veterans Day. These meals are often available during specific hours and may require dine-in service.
Texas Roadhouse provides a free meal voucher on Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at all locations. Proof of service is required. The vouchers are valid through May 31, 2026, and can be redeemed for one of ten entrées, including a 6-ounce sirloin with two sides and a drink. Offers may vary by location.
Golden Corral will host its 25th annual Military Appreciation Night on Veterans Day, offering a free dinner buffet and beverage to veterans and active-duty military from 4 p.m. to close at all locations nationwide.
Lazy Dog Restaurant extends a free Fireside Favorite entrée to all veterans—whether active duty, discharged, retired, or reserve—on Veterans Day. The meal includes a signature S’mores Brownie Sundae, with entrée options such as BBQ Ranch Bacon Burger, Fried Chicken Dinner, Grilled Shrimp Tacos, Mediterranean Chicken Bowl, Fettuccine Alfredo, or Loco Moco Fried Rice.
Twin Peaks offers a free lunch on Veterans Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at any Greater Houston location. The lunch includes a choice of cheeseburger and fries, smoked chicken street tacos, chicken tenders and fries, or chicken or shrimp Caesar salad. Dine-in only, and military ID is required.
Logan’s Roadhouse provides a free lunch on Veterans Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with no purchase necessary. Logan’s also supports veterans year-round through the Chase Rice Meal, with proceeds benefiting K9s For Warriors.
McDonald’s offers a free meal at participating locations on Veterans Day. Guests can choose a free breakfast combo (such as an Egg McMuffin with hash browns and a small coffee, available until 10:30 a.m.) or a lunch option featuring McCrispy strips with medium fries and a drink. Proof of service, such as a military ID or other documentation, is required. Participation may vary by location.
Applebee’s Grill + Bar provides veterans and active-duty service members with a free full entrée from a select Veterans Day menu, plus a $5 “Bounce Back” card for a future visit.
Another Broken Egg Café offers a free Patriot French Toast with strawberries, blueberries, whipped cream, and a Barista House Blend coffee on Veterans Day, dine-in only, with ID required.
California Pizza Kitchen gives a free entrée and drink from its Veterans Day menu, dine-in only.
Chili’s Grill & Bar offers a free dine-in entrée from its Veterans Day menu to all veterans and active-duty personnel.
Cracker Barrel provides a free Sunrise Pancake Special for veterans and active duty, dine-in.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit extends Veterans Day specials, though specific details are not fully provided in the source material.
Bubba’s 33 offers a free meal on Veterans Day, with a choice of six entrees. Proof of service is required. Locations are in Pasadena and Katy.
The Savoy provides a free entrée from a special Veterans Day menu on November 11, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The menu includes BLT, shrimp basket, Savoy burger, chicken or beef quesadillas, and vegan fried rice. Entrées come with fries or a house salad, and dine-in is only.
Mo’ Brunch + Brews offers a free short stack of pancakes and a small coffee all day on Veterans Day with valid military ID.
Willie’s Grill & Icehouse provides a free Bacon Willie burger with a regular side on Veterans Day with military ID at all locations.
Comfort Foodies offers a free Beef, Chicken, Shrimp, or Spinach Empanada on Veterans Day from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 8128 North Sam Houston Pkwy W, Ste B, Houston. Military ID required.
Pizza Inn invites veterans and active-duty military members to enjoy a discounted or free buffet on Veterans Day as a thank-you for their service.
Torchy’s Tacos gives veterans and active-duty military a free taco and drink on November 11 with military ID at all locations.
Fielding’s Wood Grill provides a free dessert on Veterans Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for retired and active military personnel. Dessert options include Pumpkin Cheesecake, Amaretto Tres Leches, or White Chocolate Bread Pudding. Location: 1699 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands (Shenandoah). Military ID required.
McDonald’s (noted again) offers a free meal at participating locations on Veterans Day, with options for breakfast or lunch combos, requiring proof of service.
Discount Offers
Many establishments provide percentage-based discounts on meals or total bills for veterans and active-duty military personnel.
The Original Ninfa’s (Uptown and Navigation) offers veterans 50% off their bill on Veterans Day and every day with ID.
Pizaro’s Pizza provides veterans with 10% off their bill on Veterans Day and year-round at locations in Memorial and Montrose with military ID.
Bread Zeppelin gives veterans and active-duty military 50% off any Zeppelin or Bowl on Veterans Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at locations: 3235 Southwest Freeway (Summit Square) and 9753 Katy Freeway (Memorial City). Military ID required.
7 Brew Coffee offers 50% off all drinks on Veterans Day at all Houston-area locations.
Axelrad Beer Garden provides 20% off the total bill for all veterans and military personnel on Veterans Day and every day with ID.
Azumi in the River Oaks District offers 50% off for all active military and veterans with a valid ID on Veterans Day. The restaurant is open from 11:30 AM to 10 PM; reservations are recommended.
Kazzan Ramen & Bar provides 50% off any entrée for veterans and active military with military ID on Veterans Day. The restaurant is open from 11 AM to 11 PM.
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria offers veterans and active-duty military 25% off on November 10-11 with ID.
Brick House Tavern + Tap gives 20% off the meal when veterans dine in on Veterans Day.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill provides service members and first responders with 10% off with any visit.
Axelrad Beer Garden also offers 20% off the total bill on Veterans Day.
Sweet Thangs provides veterans and active-duty service members with a free small snoball (one flavor) with any purchase on Veterans Day.
Good God, Nadine’s offers veterans and active military a complimentary Skillet Cornbread on November 11. The cornbread is available in OG flavor with cultured butter and pickled turnip or Jalapeno Cheddar with salted lime honey and house-pickled jalapenos. One per table with military ID; walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are encouraged.
Bruegger’s Bagels gives veterans and active-duty military a free hot or iced coffee (any size) on Veterans Day.
Other Veterans Day Freebies and Specials
Beyond meals and discounts, some businesses offer other free items or special promotions.
Willie’s Grill & Icehouse provides a free Bacon Willie burger with a regular side on Veterans Day with military ID.
Comfort Foodies offers a free empanada on Veterans Day.
Torchy’s Tacos gives a free taco and drink.
Fielding’s Wood Grill provides a free dessert.
Good God, Nadine’s offers complimentary Skillet Cornbread.
Sweet Thangs provides a free small snoball with any purchase.
McDonald’s offers a free meal, which can be considered a freebie.
Texas Roadhouse provides a free meal voucher, which is redeemable for an entrée.
Lazy Dog Restaurant provides a free entrée and dessert.
Twin Peaks provides a free lunch.
Logan’s Roadhouse provides a free lunch.
Applebee’s provides a free entrée and a $5 bounce-back card.
Another Broken Egg Café provides free French toast and coffee.
California Pizza Kitchen provides a free entrée and drink.
Chili’s provides a free entrée.
Cracker Barrel provides free pancakes.
Bubba’s 33 provides a free meal.
The Savoy provides a free entrée.
Mo’ Brunch + Brews provides free pancakes and coffee.
Pizza Inn provides a discounted or free buffet.
Important Considerations for Veterans
When seeking Veterans Day freebies in Houston, veterans and active-duty military personnel should keep several key points in mind to ensure a smooth experience.
Proof of Service: Nearly all offers require valid military identification or other proof of service. This may include a military ID, VA card, veteran organization membership card, or other official documentation. It is advisable to carry a form of ID to present when redeeming offers.
Location Variability: Participation may vary by location, especially for national chains. While many offers are listed as available at all locations, some may have specific restrictions. Calling the local establishment ahead of time is strongly recommended to confirm participation, hours, and any specific requirements.
Dine-In vs. Takeout: Many free meal offers are for dine-in service only. For example, Twin Peaks, Applebee’s, California Pizza Kitchen, and The Savoy specify dine-in only. Takeout or delivery may not be available for free meal promotions.
Hours of Operation: Offers are often limited to specific hours on Veterans Day, such as breakfast hours at McDonald’s, lunch hours at Texas Roadhouse and Logan’s Roadhouse, or dinner hours at Golden Corral. Checking the hours for the specific location is essential.
Year-Round Benefits: Some businesses extend their appreciation beyond Veterans Day. For example, Whataburger offers a free Taquito in-store during breakfast hours every Tuesday from November 11 through December 30, and a free 16-ounce hot or iced coffee year-round for military personnel. Axelrad offers 20% off every day for veterans and military.
Additional Events: Beyond restaurant offers, Houston hosts Veterans Day parades, tributes, and ceremonies. Checking local event listings can provide opportunities for community recognition and celebration.
Subject to Change: All information regarding Veterans Day offers is subject to change. The sources provided note that details may vary, and it is always best to confirm with the specific business before making plans.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2025 in Houston presents a variety of opportunities for veterans and active-duty military personnel to receive free meals, discounts, and special offers from a wide range of restaurants and businesses. From national chains like Texas Roadhouse, Golden Corral, and McDonald’s to local favorites like The Original Ninfa’s and Kazzan Ramen & Bar, the city’s establishments show appreciation through complimentary food, percentage discounts, and other freebies. To maximize these offers, veterans should prepare valid military identification, confirm details with local locations, and be mindful of specific hours and dine-in requirements. While the list provided is extensive based on the available sources, it is not exhaustive, and additional offers may be announced as Veterans Day approaches. Verifying information directly with businesses ensures the most accurate and up-to-date details.