Veterans Day 2025, observed on Tuesday, November 11, presents a significant opportunity for U.S. veterans and active-duty military personnel in San Antonio to access a wide array of free meals, discounted services, and special offers from local and national businesses. This comprehensive guide aggregates verified deals across dining, retail, entertainment, and travel categories. The information is sourced from publicly available promotional details and should be confirmed with individual locations prior to use, as participation and terms can vary.
Dining and Restaurant Freebies
A substantial number of national restaurant chains and local eateries in the San Antonio area offer complimentary meals to veterans and active-duty service members on Veterans Day. These offers typically require proof of service, such as a valid military ID, and are often dine-in only.
- Applebee’s: Provides a free full-size entrée from a special Veterans Day menu on November 11, 2025. This offer is valid for dine-in only and requires a military ID.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Offers a free order of 10 boneless wings with fries for veterans and active-duty military with valid identification.
- California Pizza Kitchen: Complimentary entrée and drink from a special Veterans Day menu is available on November 11, 2025, at participating locations for dine-in only.
- Chili’s Grill & Bar: Veterans and active-duty personnel can receive a free entrée from a select menu on November 11, 2025. Dine-in service is required, and identification is needed.
- Cracker Barrel: Offers a free Sunrise Pancake Special for veterans and active-duty military on November 11, 2025, for dine-in only.
- Denny’s: Provides a free Original Grand Slam® on November 11, 2025, during morning hours for veterans and active-duty military. Identification is required.
- Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers: Veterans and active military receive a free Freddy’s Combo Meal Card on November 11, 2025.
- Hooters: Veterans and active-duty military can receive a free dinner entrée from the Veterans menu on November 11, 2025. This is a dine-in offer, and a drink purchase may be required.
- IHOP: Offers a free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on November 11, 2025. Dine-in only; identification is required.
- Little Caesars: Provides a free lunch combo (Deep Dish pizza and a 20-oz Pepsi) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on November 11, 2025.
- Outback Steakhouse: Veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a free Aussie 3-Course Meal when dining in on November 10–11, 2025. An ongoing 10% “Heroes Discount” also applies at participating Austin/San Antonio/Houston area locations on Veterans Day.
- Pluckers Wing Bar: Veterans and active-duty military receive a free entire meal (entrée, side, and non-alcoholic drink) when dining in on Veterans Day.
- Red Robin: Offers a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger with a bottomless side for veterans and active-duty personnel on November 11, 2025.
- Starbucks: Provides a free tall brewed coffee (hot or iced) on November 11, 2025, for veterans, service members, and spouses. Identification is required.
- Texas Roadhouse: Distributes free meal vouchers from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on November 11, 2025. These vouchers are redeemable for select entrées at a later date.
- Whataburger: Offers a free Taquito for veterans and active-duty military on November 11, 2025, in Texas, including San Antonio. An ongoing offer for a free 16-oz hot or iced coffee in-restaurant is also available.
- White Castle: Provides a free individual combo meal for veterans and active-duty personnel on November 11, 2025, at participating locations.
- Wings & Rings: Offers a free lunch for veterans and active military on November 11, 2025, at participating locations.
Other dining establishments like 54th Street Grill & Bar, Bombshells Restaurant & Bar, Chicken Salad Chick, and Denny’s also have specific offers, though some details in the source material are repeated or require direct confirmation.
Retail and Shopping Discounts
Beyond food, several major retailers offer percentage-based discounts to military personnel and their families around Veterans Day.
- ASICS: Provides 25% off qualifying full-priced footwear and 30% off qualifying full-priced clothing and accessories for verified military, veterans, and dependents, available both online and in-store.
- Home Depot: Offers a 10% military discount for active-duty and veteran military personnel via the app or in-store around Veterans Day.
- Kohl’s: On November 10–11, 2025, veterans, active-duty military, retirees, and their immediate family can receive 30% off in-store purchases at participating locations.
- Lowe’s Home Improvement: Offers a 10% discount to verified active-duty and veteran military service members via app or in-store verification around Veterans Day 2025.
- Rack Room Shoes: Veterans and active-duty military receive 20% off their entire in-store purchase at participating locations on Veterans Day 2025.
- Target: Provides a 10% off discount for active-duty military, veterans, and their families from October 27 to November 11, 2025. Upon verification of eligibility, a single-use discount code for 30% off will be provided.
- Tractor Supply Co. Offers a 10% off purchase discount to veterans and active-duty personnel at participating stores on Veterans Day 2025.
Entertainment and Leisure Offers
Various attractions and entertainment venues in and around San Antonio provide discounted or free admission for military personnel.
- The DoSeum: Located in Downtown San Antonio, this museum offers $4 off admission for active and retired military and their families. It is advisable to verify Veterans Day participation in-store or via the app.
- McNay Art Museum: Provides free admission for veterans and active military on November 11, 2025. It is recommended to call ahead to confirm.
- San Antonio Botanical Garden: Military personnel with valid IDs receive discounted admission rates of $16 from Monday to Thursday and $20 from Friday to Sunday.
- San Antonio Zoo: Honors all active duty, retired, and veteran members of the military, National Guard, and reserves with free admission. Up to four immediate family members can receive 50% off Any Day Tickets on the date of visit.
- SeaWorld San Antonio: Through the Waves of Honor program, SeaWorld offers free admission to honorably discharged U.S. military veterans and up to three guests on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
- Six Flags Fiesta Texas: Extends an admission discount to active and retired military and first responders on or around Veterans Day 2025. It is recommended to check the app for specific hours and locations.
Travel and Transportation Discounts
Several travel-related companies offer discounts to military personnel, which can be used for planning trips around Veterans Day or throughout the year.
- Amtrak: Provides a 10% off discount on the lowest available rail fare on most routes for veterans, active-duty personnel, dependents, and spouses.
- Greyhound: Offers 10% off select fares for active, retired military, and veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces.
- Sandals Resorts: To honor veterans, a 15% discount is offered on Caribbean getaways from November 1st to 16th, 2025.
- Walt Disney World: U.S. military personnel can enjoy discounted theme park tickets for 2024. (Note: The source specifies 2024 tickets; details for 2025 should be verified directly with Disney).
Additional Services and Product Discounts
Beyond the major categories, other businesses provide specialized discounts and free products.
- Circle K: Veterans receive a free medium coffee (hot or iced) at participating locations on Veterans Day.
- GlassesUSA: Offers a $20 super coupon valid on site promotions for veterans, military members, first responders, medical providers, and educators. This is an online offer.
- Thule: Invites qualified industry/outdoor professionals, college students, and military/first responders to apply for the opportunity to purchase products at a discounted price.
- Veterans Canteen Service (VCS): Veterans enrolled in the VA, including their families, can access discounts of up to 55% on products costing more than $20 through ShopVCS.com.
Important Considerations and Verification
While the deals listed are based on available promotional information for Veterans Day 2025, it is critical for consumers to take the following steps:
- Confirm Participation: Always contact your nearest local location before visiting to ensure they are participating in the advertised offer. Participation can vary by franchise or location.
- Required Documentation: Be prepared to present valid proof of service. This typically includes a military ID, VA card, or other official documentation. Some businesses may accept a veteran organization membership card or a photo of a DD-214 form, but policies vary.
- Dining-In vs. Carry-Out: Many restaurant offers are valid for dine-in only. Check the specific terms of each promotion.
- Expiration Dates: Offers are valid only on the specified date(s), typically November 11, 2025, unless otherwise noted (e.g., Target’s offer window or Sandals’ travel window).
- Source Reliability: The information compiled here is from publicly available promotional articles. The most reliable source for any offer is the official brand website or a direct call to a local establishment.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2025 in San Antonio offers a diverse range of complimentary meals, retail discounts, and entertainment opportunities for those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. From free breakfasts at Denny's and IHOP to discounted theme park tickets and retail savings, the city’s businesses collectively express their gratitude. To maximize these benefits, veterans and active-duty personnel should verify details with individual businesses, carry appropriate identification, and confirm the validity of each offer at their preferred location. This annual tradition of appreciation provides tangible value and recognition for military service.