Applebees 2025 Veterans Day Free Entrée Menu Eligibility And How To Redeem Plus Other Restaurant Offers

Introduction

Every Veterans Day, multiple restaurant chains and local businesses across the United States deploy special offers to honor veterans and active-duty military. The 2025 iteration on Tuesday, November 11, continues that tradition, with Applebee’s again anchoring the list through a well-established free-meal program and additional value extras. Across the provided sources, Applebee’s is presented as offering a free full-size entrée from a dedicated Veterans Day menu, available for dine-in customers at participating locations. A $5 Bounce Back Card for a future visit is also noted as an extra, though availability may vary by restaurant. A full listing of eligible entrees, eligibility rules, proof-of-service requirements, and an overview of other restaurant offers are detailed below, based strictly on the source material.

Applebee’s 2025 Veterans Day Offer at a Glance

Applebee’s continues its annual program for the 18th consecutive year, providing one free meal to veterans and active-duty service members on Veterans Day. The 2025 offer is scheduled for Tuesday, November 11, and is limited to dine-in customers at participating restaurants. Some locations may provide extra value through a $5 Bounce Back Card usable on a future visit, though the sources emphasize that such extras are not guaranteed and can vary by location. The free meal must be selected from a special Veterans Day menu rather than the regular menu, and no purchase is required to redeem the free entrée. Offer details are summarized below to provide consumers with a clear view of the essentials.

The specific entrees included on the 2025 special menu are detailed in the following section.

Complete 2025 Veterans Day Free Entrée Menu

According to the sources, Applebee’s Veterans Day 2025 menu features seven core entrees. The table below presents each item, its meal type, and the approximate value listed for 2025. Values may vary by market, and availability of specific items may differ by location.

These seven items represent the principal free-meal options for Veterans Day 2025. Some sources also note that bonus deals such as limited-time desserts or seasonal specials may appear at certain locations, but such items are not guaranteed and should be confirmed with the local restaurant.

Who Is Eligible and How to Verify Service

Eligibility is extended to U.S. veterans and active-duty military members. Several sources also explicitly include reserves and the National Guard as eligible groups. The program requires proof of service, and multiple forms of documentation are accepted across the sources. Acceptable proof includes:

• U.S. Uniformed Services ID Card
• U.S. Uniformed Services Retired ID Card
• Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)
• Veterans organization card (e.g., American Legion, VFW)
• Photograph of yourself in uniform, wearing uniform
• DD214 and citation or commendation

A valid military ID or proof of service must be presented at the time of dining to receive the free entrée. Some sources note that guests may also use a VA card. To avoid surprises, it is prudent to bring at least one of the forms listed above. A single meal is permitted per eligible service member.

How to Redeem the Free Meal: Step-by-Step

The redemption process is straightforward, but it is important to follow the dine-in rule and bring the proper documentation. The sequence below consolidates the guidance found across the sources.

1. Choose a participating Applebee’s location and confirm the restaurant is open on November 11. While most locations are expected to participate, the sources highlight that availability can vary.
2. Arrive during normal operating hours. Limited-time windows apply to some other offers listed by other brands, but Applebee’s does not specify a restricted redemption window in the sources. Nonetheless, arrival earlier in the day can help avoid peak crowds.
3. Inform the host or server that you are redeeming the Veterans Day free meal. The offer is dine-in only, so requests for takeout or delivery will not be honored under this program.
4. Present proof of service using one of the accepted forms of verification. Staff will guide you to select a single entrée from the Veterans Day menu.
5. Enjoy your meal. If available at that location, a $5 Bounce Back Card may be provided for a future visit; however, the sources emphasize that this extra is location-dependent and not guaranteed.
6. Remember the limitation: one free meal per eligible customer. The offer cannot be combined with other coupons or discounts at some locations, per the terms noted by multiple sources.

Additional Applebee’s Extras and Considerations

Several sources indicate that Applebee’s may supplement the free entrée with additional offers at some locations. These may include a $5 Bounce Back Card usable on a subsequent visit, discounts on select appetizers or drinks, limited-time desserts, and seasonal specials. Because these extras are not uniform, consumers should verify any location-specific bonuses with the restaurant before arriving. The core program, however, remains consistent: a free entrée from the special Veterans Day menu for eligible diners, dine-in only, with proof of service.

Historical Context and Program Significance

The sources note that Applebee’s has maintained the free-meal program for veterans and active-duty military since 2008, marking 2025 as the 18th consecutive year. Over that period, Applebee’s is reported to have served over 11 million free meals to veterans, underscoring the scale and consistency of the program. The company’s annual recognition is positioned as part of a wider commitment to the military community. For many families, the free entrée functions as a gathering point, and the sources encourage groups to take advantage of the “warm, patriotic atmosphere” that Applebee’s cultivates on Veterans Day.

Frequently Asked Questions

The following Q&A consolidates common questions for 2025 based on the source material:

Is the free meal available all day? Availability is during normal operating hours, but some sources note that hours and participation can vary by location.

Can I choose any entrée from the regular menu? No. The free meal must be selected from the dedicated Veterans Day menu, which includes the seven items listed above.

Is a purchase required? The sources state that no purchase is required for the free entrée. The $5 Bounce Back Card, when available, is provided as a bonus for a future visit.

Do I need to bring an ID? Yes. Proof of service is required, and multiple forms are accepted, including a Uniformed Services ID card, Uniformed Services Retired ID card, current LES, veterans organization cards, uniform photographs, and DD214 documentation with citation or commendation.

Is takeout or delivery included? No. The offer is dine-in only according to all sources.

Can I use other coupons or discounts with this offer? The sources indicate that the free meal is not valid with other coupons or discounts at participating locations.

Do family members qualify? The offer is for eligible service members. Some other brands do extend discounts to family members, but the Applebee’s program focuses on the service member’s free meal; any family-related benefits at Applebee’s are not specified in the sources.

Other Restaurant Freebies and Deals on Veterans Day 2025

Applebee’s is not the only restaurant offering value on Veterans Day. The sources compile a broader list of deals across brands and regions. The following table summarizes the major offers, including eligibility, dining type, redemption window when specified, and notes from the sources. Availability and participation can vary by location, and consumers should verify details with their local restaurants.

This list illustrates that the market offers a mix of free meals, fixed-value vouchers, and heavily discounted items. Where time windows are specified (e.g., 11am–3pm for Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar), they should be treated as strict redemption periods. For offers without stated windows, consumers should assume normal operating hours apply, but should confirm locally.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Redemption

Veterans Day is a high-traffic day at many participating restaurants. Based on the source material, several practical considerations can help ensure a successful visit:

• Verify participation in advance. While Applebee’s has a national footprint and multi-year history, the sources explicitly note that some offers are location-dependent. A quick call or in-person check before the day can prevent disappointment.
• Bring multiple forms of proof. The sources provide an extensive list of acceptable documentation. Carrying at least two forms—such as an ID card and a DD214—can ease verification and accommodate staff preferences.
• Arrive earlier in the day. The sources do not impose a hard time limit for Applebee’s redemption, but other brands do, and long lines are common. An early arrival reduces wait times and ensures you can be served before peak dinner crowds.
• Confirm extras locally. If a $5 Bounce Back Card or additional discounts matter to your plans, ask the restaurant ahead of time whether those bonuses are available at that location.
• Remember the dine-in requirement. Multiple sources reiterate dine-in only. Plan accordingly if you prefer to eat at home or need takeout for family members; the Applebee’s offer does not support takeout or delivery under the Veterans Day program.
• Use the veterans’ menu only. The free entrée must be selected from the dedicated Veterans Day menu. Pointing to items outside that menu will not qualify for the free offer.

Limitations and Restrictions to Know

The sources consistently emphasize the following constraints:

• Dine-in only for Applebee’s free entrée. Takeout and delivery do not qualify.
• Not valid with other coupons or discounts at participating locations per the sources.
• One free meal per eligible service member. The program is intended to honor individuals rather than groups through multiple redemptions.
• Location-dependent availability for the $5 Bounce Back Card and any additional appetizer, drink, or dessert specials.
• Variations in operating hours and participation across locations; confirm details with the specific restaurant.

How the Program Compares Across Brands

The Applebee’s program is among the most comprehensive and nationally consistent, offering a free entrée from a dedicated menu and a long track record. Aspen Creek Grill provides a $15 meal voucher with a defined time window, which may suit guests looking for flexible choices within a value cap. Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar and BackPorch DraftHouse deploy free burgers within a limited window (11am–3pm), emphasizing speed and simplicity. Bandana’s BBQ offers a free pork sandwich meal for dine-in customers. Bob Evans presents a choice among seven farm-fresh dishes and requires proof of service, mirroring Applebee’s documentation norms. Bombshells offers a free entrée for veterans and extends a 20% discount to family members in the group, a notable family-oriented exception among the list. BIGGBY Coffee’s $1.99 beverage is a heavily discounted, rather than free, option for military members. Another Broken Egg Cafe advertises a free combo plus coffee, but participation may be localized, and the dining type is not specified in the source.

While Applebee’s stands out for menu breadth and repeatability, other brands can fill geographic gaps or provide options aligned to specific meal preferences, schedules, or family compositions. Because the sources identify a number of location-dependent elements, consumers should consider alternative offers if their nearest Applebee’s is not participating, or if they need a deal that fits a particular time window or dining style.

What to Bring: A Quick Checklist

Preparing in advance reduces friction at the restaurant. The checklist below consolidates the accepted forms of proof across the sources:

• U.S. Uniformed Services ID Card
• U.S. Uniformed Services Retired ID Card
• Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)
• Veterans organization card (e.g., American Legion, VFW)
• Photograph of yourself in uniform, wearing uniform
• DD214 and citation or commendation
• VA card (noted by some sources as acceptable in addition to the above)

Having at least one of these documents ensures smooth verification. If traveling to a new city, confirm that the specific restaurant you plan to visit participates and that the hours will accommodate your schedule.

Eligibility Summary by Brand

To help readers quickly assess which offers apply to their status, the table below summarizes eligibility by brand based solely on the source text. The notes column highlights any specifics.

This summary reflects the explicit statements in the source material. Where a category is marked “not specified,” the sources do not provide a clear position.

Redemption Windows by Brand

Time windows can influence your plans, especially if you intend to visit multiple restaurants or need a mid-day meal. The table below consolidates known windows.

If a time window is not specified for your chosen brand, plan to arrive during normal business hours and confirm with the restaurant if any unusual holiday hours apply.

Summary and Key Takeaways

Applebee’s remains the flagship national offer for Veterans Day 2025, delivering a free entrée from a dedicated menu and a multi-year track record of service. The program is dine-in only, requires proof of service, and may be supplemented by a $5 Bounce Back Card at participating locations. The seven-item special menu for 2025 spans burgers, chicken, salads, steak, shrimp, and pasta, with approximate values listed by item. A wide variety of other brands—ranging from Aspen Creek Grill’s $15 voucher to Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar’s free burger—provide additional opportunities for savings, though time windows and participation levels can vary. The most reliable way to redeem an offer is to verify participation, bring accepted forms of documentation, and plan your visit during normal operating hours or within specified windows when provided.

Conclusion

Veterans Day 2025 will be marked by a robust set of restaurant offers that collectively honor service members and their families. Applebee’s free-meal program is a centerpiece, supported by an extensive and well-documented menu and clear eligibility rules. The presence of $5 Bounce Back Cards and other extras at some locations, combined with a diverse landscape of other brands’ deals, means consumers have multiple avenues to celebrate with savings. As always, local verification and proper documentation are the keys to a smooth redemption. Whether you choose Applebee’s, a local steakhouse, or a casual burger joint, the underlying spirit—recognition and appreciation—drives the value of these programs and makes the day meaningful for the military community.

Sources

1. 2025 Veterans Day Free Meals and Deals
2. Applebee’s 2025 Veterans Day Offers: Full Menu Inside
3. Applebee’s Military Discount
4. 2025 Veterans Day Deals, Discounts, and Freebies
5. Applebee’s Military Discount
6. Veterans Day Free Restaurant Meals and Deals