Veterans Day Free Food Deals At Us Restaurants A Comprehensive Guide To Eligible Offers And Redemption Details

Veterans Day is widely recognized across the United States as a day of appreciation for men and women who have served in the military. In honor of this observance, a substantial number of restaurants, cafés, and food‑service brands extend gratitude through free meals, discounted items, and special promotions. The offers typically require proof of military service, are limited to specific dates, and are often confined to dine‑in customers. This article consolidates the promotions reported by six consumer‑focused news outlets and deal aggregators, organizing them into clear categories and outlining eligibility and redemption requirements. The information is presented exclusively from the source material; no external or speculative details are added.

Overview of Offer Types

The promotions fall into several broad categories:

1. Free meals and entrees – Complimentary main‑course items such as burgers, sandwiches, or full plates.
2. Free desserts or treats – Complimentary sweets such as cookies, frozen yogurt, or pizza desserts.
3. Free or discounted beverages – Complimentary coffee, tea, or other drinks, sometimes offered at a reduced price.
4. Percentage‑based discounts – reductions on the total bill, usually a flat percentage for military personnel.
5. Combo offers – Free side items paired with a free main item, or free drink with a purchase.

Each category is associated with specific eligibility conditions, most commonly the presentation of a valid military identification card or other proof of service.

Detailed Listing of Restaurant Offers

Free Burgers, Sandwiches, and Main Meals

• Bandana’s BBQ – Veterans receive a free Pork Sandwich Meal with a regular side on Tuesday, November 11. The offer is valid for dine‑in customers only. No mention of ID verification. ¹
• Bar Louie – Active and retired military receive a free craft burger on Monday, November 10 and Tuesday, November 11. The offer excludes the “Big Louie” burger and carries a $4 surcharge for upgrades to an Impossible patty. A military ID must be shown. ¹
• Becks Prime – Veterans and active‑duty members receive a free burger on Tuesday, November 11. A valid military ID is required. ¹
• Beef ‘O’ Brady’s – Free Build‑Your‑Own Angus Burger & Fries on Tuesday, November 11. The offer is limited to participating locations. Proof of service is not required. ¹ & ²
• Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar – Free BD’s All‑American Burger with cheese and a classic side from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on November 11. Dine‑in only; a valid military ID must be presented. ² & ⁶
• Max & Erma’s – Free cheeseburger on November 11 at participating locations. Proof of military service is required. ⁴
• Mission BBQ – Free sandwich on November 11. ⁴
• Native Grill & Wings – Free meal from a set menu (½ LB Stripper Combo, ½ LB Boneless Combo, Native Chicken Sandwich with fries, or #MyNative Burger with fries) on November 11. A military ID must be presented, or a military uniform may be worn. ⁴ & ⁵
• Bob Evans – Veterans and active‑duty receive a complimentary farm‑fresh meal from a 10‑item Veterans Day menu served all day on Wednesday, November 11. The offer is dine‑in only, and proof of service is required. Accepted proof includes U.S. Uniformed Services ID, Retiree ID, current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), veterans organization cards (e.g., American Legion, VFW), a uniform photograph, DD‑214, or a citation/commendation. Complimentary entrées include Country Biscuit Breakfast (buttermilk biscuit topped with egg, sausage, gravy, cheese, served with hash browns, home fries, or fruit) and The Classic Breakfast (two eggs with a choice of breakfast meat, served with a selection of breads). ³
• Logan’s Roadhouse – Free meal from the Veterans Day menu from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on November 11. ⁴
• Main Event – Free double cheeseburger with fries plus 30 minutes of gameplay on November 11. A valid military ID is required. ⁴
• Mountain Mike’s Pizza – Free garlic sticks with any purchase of $25 or more via the app or with code “VT25” from November 11 to November 17. ⁵

Free Desserts, Treats, and Specialty Items

• BJ’s Restaurants & Brewhouse – Free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie dessert on November 11 for active‑duty and retired military who dine in and present a valid military ID. Additionally, from November 12 to December 31, diners who show a military ID and purchase an entrée receive a free “Appetizer Bounce Back” to use on a future visit. ² & ⁶
• Menchie’s – First 6 oz of frozen yogurt free with valid ID on November 11. ⁴
• Playa Bowls – Free bowls for veterans, active‑duty, and retired personnel on November 11 at participating locations. Bowls can feature acai, pitaya, coconut, or green bases topped with fruit, granola, and drizzles. ⁵
• Blaze Pizza – Free one‑topping pizza on Veterans Day. ⁶
• Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream – Certificate for a free meal (either a free smorgasbord buffet or small pizza) valid through the end of November for retired and active military. ²
• Panera Bread – Free pastry or bakery item and a cup of coffee on Veterans Day. The offer excludes loaves of bread and cannot be combined with other promotions. ⁵

Free or Discounted Beverages

• Biggby Coffee – Any 16‑ounce beverage for $1.99 on November 11. ² & ³
• PJ’s Coffee – Free 16‑oz hot or cold brew coffee on November 11. ⁵
• Marzoni’s Brick Oven & Brewing Co. – Free 12 oz draft beer or soda on November 11. Guests must be 21 or older to receive the draft beer, and proof of service is required. ⁴

Percentage‑Based Discounts

• bellagreen – 15 % military discount every day for in‑store dining and takeout. ²
• Buffalo’s Cafe – 25 % off the meal (excluding alcohol) on November 11 for veterans and active‑duty who present a military ID or wear a uniform. ⁶
• Round Table Pizza – 15 % off orders with code “RTP321” from November 7 to November 14 at participating locations. The discount applies to dine‑in, carry‑out, and delivery. ⁵

Additional Promotions and Combo Offers

• Newick’s Lobster House (Dover, NH) – Free meals for veterans on November 11, valued up to $25. ⁴
• Ninety Nine Restaurant & Pub – Free lunch entrée from the Veterans Day menu with an adult entrée purchase from opening until 4 p.m. on November 11. Valid ID required. ⁴
• Pizza Inn – Discounted or free buffets for active‑duty and veterans at select locations on November 11. ⁵
• Sizzler – Listed in source material but specific offer details are not provided. ⁵
• BIBIBOP Asian Grill – Listed in source material but specific offer details are not provided. ¹
• California Pizza Kitchen – Listed in source material but specific offer details are not provided. ⁶
• Bubbakoo’s Burritos – Free Taco Trio on November 11 for dine‑in; valid military ID required. ⁶

Eligibility and Documentation Requirements

Most promotions specify that a form of military identification must be presented at the time of redemption. Accepted forms vary by establishment, but common examples include:

• U.S. Uniformed Services ID Card
• Retired ID Card
• Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)
• Veterans organization card (e.g., American Legion, VFW)
• Photograph in uniform
• DD‑214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty)
• Citation/commendation

Some offers explicitly state that proof of service is not required (e.g., Beef ‘O’ Brady’s free burger). Others require the presentation of a uniform in addition to or instead of an ID (e.g., Native Grill & Wings). Age restrictions apply where alcoholic beverages are included, such as the free draft beer at Marzoni’s Brick Oven & Brewing Co., which is limited to guests 21 or older.

Redemption Process

The typical steps to redeem a Veterans Day free‑food offer are:

1. Identify participating locations – Offers are often limited to participating locations; the source material does not provide a comprehensive list of all participating venues. Customers should verify participation in advance by contacting the specific restaurant or checking its official website.
2. Gather required documentation – Prepare a valid military ID or other acceptable proof of service. If the offer specifies that no proof is needed, ensure the location allows redemption without documentation.
3. Visit during the specified window – Many offers are only valid on Tuesday, November 11 (or, for some, also on Monday, November 10). Some are time‑limited within the day (e.g., Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Logan’s Roadhouse from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Ninety Nine until 4 p.m.).
4. Specify the free item – When ordering, clearly indicate the complimentary menu item (e.g., “free burger,” “free dessert”).
5. Present ID if required – Hand the ID to the server or cashier before the order is finalized.
6. Observe any restrictions – Dine‑in only, no stacking with other offers, no cash value, exclusions of certain menu items (e.g., the “Big Louie” burger at Bar Louie, alcohol exclusions at Benihana), and applicable tax/gratuity considerations.

Terms and Restrictions

The source material enumerates several common restrictions across many promotions:

• No cash value – The free item cannot be exchanged for cash.
• Non‑combinable – Offers typically cannot be combined with other discounts, happy‑hour specials, or promotional codes.
• Participating locations only – Free items are limited to locations that have elected to honor the promotion.
• Dine‑in requirement – Many offers specify “dine‑in only,” meaning take‑out or delivery does not qualify.
• Exclusions – Certain menu items (e.g., Big Louie burger at Bar Louie) are excluded. Alcoholic beverages are often excluded, especially when the offer is limited to food items.
• Tax and gratuity – While the item itself may be free, tax and tip may still apply.
• Limited time window – Offers are valid only on the stated date(s); any extended discounts (e.g., BJ’s “Appetizer Bounce Back” through December 31) are clearly marked.

Tips for Maximizing Free Food Opportunities

1. Plan a route – Since many offers are limited to specific dates and hours, customers can maximize value by clustering nearby participating restaurants within a single day.
2. Carry multiple forms of ID – Some locations accept a broader range of documentation (e.g., a veterans organization card or a uniform photograph). Having several options on hand reduces the chance of being turned away.
3. Confirm location participation – Call ahead or check the restaurant’s official website/app for a list of participating outlets, especially for brands that operate franchises (e.g., Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, Mountain Mike’s Pizza).
4. Bring a family member – While the free item is typically for the veteran, many restaurants allow the veteran to bring guests who can order regular-priced items, potentially allowing the veteran to sample multiple free offers while still covering a full meal.
5. Take advantage of extended offers – Some chains extend promotional value beyond the holiday itself (e.g., BJ’s free dessert on November 11 plus a free appetizer bounce‑back through December 31). Planning a return visit can turn a single‑day free meal into a longer‑term savings opportunity.
6. Observe time constraints – For time‑limited offers (e.g., Bad Daddy’s 11 a.m.–3 p.m. window), arriving early ensures availability and helps avoid long lines that may develop later in the day.
7. Check for added conditions – Some offers have additional requirements, such as a minimum purchase (Mountain Mike’s $25 minimum), an app code (Mountain Mike’s “VT25”), or a percentage discount that must be applied at checkout (Round Table Pizza’s 15 % off with code RTP321).

Summary of Key Takeaways

• Diverse range of freebies – The surveyed sources list free main meals, burgers, sandwiches, desserts, beverages, and even percentage discounts for military personnel on Veterans Day.
• Eligibility varies – Most offers require a military ID or other proof of service, while a few (e.g., Beef ‘O’ Brady’s) do not require verification.
• Time constraints – The majority of offers are valid only on November 11, with some extending into the following days or weeks (BJ’s bounce‑back, Mountain Mike’s extended garlic‑sticks promo).
• Dine‑in predominance – A large share of promotions restricts redemption to dine‑in customers, with limited take‑out options.
• Restrictions are common – Offers cannot be stacked, may exclude certain menu items, and often carry no cash value.

Conclusion

Veterans Day continues to serve as a platform for U.S. restaurants to express gratitude to service members through a variety of free or discounted food and beverage options. The offers range from complimentary burgers and meals to free desserts and coffee, each accompanied by its own set of eligibility requirements and redemption steps. By understanding the documentation needed, the time windows in which the offers are valid, and the specific terms attached to each promotion, veterans and active‑duty service members can take full advantage of the wide‑spread generosity. Customers are encouraged to verify participation at their preferred locations, bring the necessary proof of service, and enjoy the special meals that restaurants provide on this day of appreciation.

Sources

1. Veterans Day Free Restaurant Meals and Deals – Restaurant News
2. Veterans Day Deals 2025: Free Meals – USA Today
3. Veterans Day Meal Deals & Freebies – The Freebie Guy
4. Restaurants Veterans Day Military Discounts – Military.com
5. Veterans Day 2025 Best Restaurant Freebies and Discounts – FranchiseWire
6. Veterans Day Food Deals 2025 – Today.com