Comprehensive Guide To 2025 Veterans Day Free Meals And Discounts For Military Members

Veterans Day 2025, observed on Tuesday, November 11, will see numerous restaurants and brands offering complimentary meals, discounts, and special promotions to honor active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families. This guide details the available freebies and discounts across various establishments, with most offers requiring proof of military service through valid identification.

Restaurant Free Meals on Veterans Day

Breakfast Options

Several restaurants are offering complimentary breakfast meals to military members on Veterans Day:

• Huddle House: Free MVP Breakfast Platter all day for dine-in only at participating locations. Guests must present a valid military ID.
• IHOP: Free Red, White, and Blueberry Pancake Combo (two buttermilk pancakes topped with strawberries, blueberry topping, and whipped topping, plus two eggs, hash browns, and either two hickory-smoked bacon strips or two pork sausage links) from 7AM to 7PM for veterans and active-duty military personnel with proof of service who dine in.
• Perkins: Free Magnificent Seven Breakfast.
• Shoney's: Free all-you-care-to-eat breakfast until 11 a.m.

Lunch and Dinner Options

Numerous restaurants are providing free lunch and dinner options:

• Applebee's: Free full-sized entree from an exclusive Veterans Day Menu. The menu includes seven popular entrees: 6-oz. Top Sirloin, Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, Chicken Tenders Platter, Double Crunch Shrimp, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Oriental Chicken Salad, and Three-Cheese Chicken Penne. Additionally, participants receive a $5 Bounce Back Card to redeem within a three-week window.
• Benihana: Free entree (up to $59) for veterans and active-duty military personnel with proof of service when dining in at participating locations through November 11.
• BJ's Restaurants & Brewhouse: Free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie for active-duty military and veterans dining in with a valid military ID.
• Blaze Pizza: Free 11" 1-topping pizza for veterans and active-duty military personnel with proof of service at participating locations.
• Logan's Roadhouse: Free lunch from a special Veterans Day menu from 11AM to 3PM at participating locations with a valid military ID or proof of service. Entree options include: All American Cheeseburger (with a side), Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders (with two sides), Chopped Steak (with two sides), BBQ Grilled Pork Chop (with two sides), and Steak Tips (with two sides).
• Main Event: Free double cheeseburger and fries, plus 30 minutes of game play for veterans and active-duty service members with a valid military ID.
• O'Charley's: Free meal ($10 value) from Veterans Thank-You Menu at participating locations.
• Olive Garden: Free entrée from special menu with soup/salad + breadsticks.
• On the Border: Free pick-two combo.
• Outback Steakhouse: Free Outback Special meal with a valid military ID on November 10 and 11. Each meal includes a Coca-Cola beverage and a steakhouse side. Entree options include: 6-oz Center-Cut Sirloin, Bloomin' Burger, 6 Gold Coast Coconut Shrimp, 6 Grilled Shrimp on the Barbie, or an 8-oz. Grilled Chicken on the Barbie. Additionally, they offer a free Bloomin' Onion and Coca-Cola.
• Pie Five Pizza: Free personal pizza for dine-in at participating locations.
• RA Sushi: Free shareable for dine-in.
• Red Lobster: Free appetizer or dessert.
• TGI Fridays: Free meal from Veterans Day menu when dining in from 11AM to 7PM with a valid military ID. Options include: Cheeseburger with fries, Chicken Fingers with fries and coleslaw, Chicken Caesar Salad, Half Rack of Ribs with choice of side, and a half-portion of Cajun Shrimp & Chicken Pasta.
• Macaroni Grill: Free Mom's Ricotta Meatballs & Spaghetti.
• Margarita's Mexican Restaurant: 50% off entrée (dine-in only).
• Mission BBQ: Free sandwich on Veterans Day; live National Anthem at noon.

Quick Service and Casual Dining

Several quick-service and casual dining establishments are offering free items:

• Little Caesars: Free Hot-N-Ready Lunch Combo (four slices of Detroit-Style Deep Dish pepperoni pizza and a 20-oz Pepsi product) from 11AM to 2PM (local time) at participating locations nationwide.
• In-N-Out: Free meal (any burger, fries, and a drink) for veterans, active duty military, reserves, and National Guard members on November 11, 2025. Participants also receive a special edition Veterans Day decal. Proof of military service is required.
• Whataburger: Beginning November 11, active-duty military and veterans can pick up one free Taquito in-store at any Whataburger restaurant during breakfast hours every Tuesday through December 30, 2025. The chain also offers a free 16-ounce hot or iced coffee for veterans and active-duty military available anytime they visit a Whataburger dining room.
• Stonefire Grill: 50% off a personal meal in-restaurant for all veterans and active-duty military.
• Metro Diner: 50% off any meal.

Pizza Chains

Several pizza chains are offering free items:

• Blaze Pizza: Free 11" 1-topping pizza for veterans and active-duty military personnel with proof of service at participating locations.
• Pie Five Pizza: Free personal pizza for dine-in at participating locations.
• Little Caesars: Free Hot-N-Ready Lunch Combo (11 a.m.–2 p.m.; participating locations).

Coffee and Drink Freebies

Numerous coffee shops and beverage establishments are offering free drinks:

• Starbucks: Free tall (12-oz) brewed coffee (hot or iced) for veterans, military service members, and military spouses at participating locations nationwide.
• Aroma Joe's: Free drink (any size up to 24 oz) for all veterans on November 11.
• Bruegger's Bagels: Free hot or iced coffee (any size) for veterans and active-duty military at participating locations with proof of military service.
• The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: Free regular-sized drink for veterans, active-duty military members, and their spouses with military ID at participating locations.
• Wawa: Free hot coffee of any size for veterans, active military, and their families.
• Peet's Coffee: Free drip coffee or tea.
• Smoothie King: Free 20-oz smoothie from 12–3 p.m.
• Juice It Up!: Free Medium Classic Smoothie for veterans and active service members with proof of service.
• Nékter Juice Bar: Free 16-oz fresh juice or superfood smoothie.
• Krispy Kreme: Free small coffee (hot or iced) and a donut of their choice (no purchase necessary) for veterans and active military personnel.

Frozen Treats and Desserts

Several establishments are offering free or discounted frozen treats and desserts:

• Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt: 50% off a cup for veterans/active duty.
• Benihana: Free entree (up to $59) which may include dessert options.
• TGI Fridays: Free meal options that may include desserts.
• Red Lobster: Free appetizer or dessert.

Regional Louisiana Specific Offers

In Louisiana, several additional offers are available:

• Golden Corral: Free dinner buffet from 4 p.m. until close at all Louisiana locations.
• PJ's Coffee: Free drinks for military members (specific details not provided in source).
• Several other Louisiana locations offer the same deals as available nationwide.

Non-Food Veterans Day Offers

Beyond food, several businesses are offering discounts and special promotions:

Retail Discounts

• J.Crew: 15% off with verification via SheerID or by showing valid ID.
• Levi's: 10%-25% off with verification via SheerID.
• Nike: 10% off with military verification.
• PUMA: 20% off with verification.
• Reebok: 30% off for veterans and families.
• L.L.Bean: Year-round 10% becomes 15% November 1-11.

Automotive and Transportation

• Harley-Davidson: Up to $1,500 cash on select new models or $250 credit (through Nov. 30).
• Jeep: $500 bonus cash for 100% disabled vets and honorably discharged within 1 year.
• Mazda: $500 bonus for those within 2 years of separation on purchase/lease.
• Nissan: $500 cash back within 24 months of separation (may combine with incentives).
• Russell Speeder's Car Wash: Free car wash for all veterans and active-duty service members from November 9-11.

Technology and Other Services

• Microsoft: Up to 10% off select products.
• Sport Clips: Free haircuts for veterans & active duty at some locations.

Grocery and Household

• Price Chopper: 11% off one shopping trip on Veterans Day.
• Publix: 10% off groceries for all veterans and active military personnel. This offer excludes prescriptions, alcohol, tobacco, gift cards, lottery tickets, postage stamps, and money services. Valid for in-store purchases only. Customer is responsible for all applicable taxes.

General Eligibility Requirements

Most Veterans Day offers have the following general requirements: - Proof of military service through valid identification (military ID, DD214, or other official documentation) - Dine-in requirement for most restaurant offers (not valid for takeout or delivery in most cases) - Some offers are valid for veterans, active-duty military, reserves, and National Guard members - Some offers extend to military spouses and families - Participation may be limited to specific locations; checking with local establishments is recommended

Conclusion

Veterans Day 2025 offers numerous opportunities for military members and their families to receive complimentary meals, drinks, and discounts as a token of appreciation for their service. From full restaurant meals to coffee and retail discounts, these promotions span across various industries and price points. While most offers require proof of military service and are dine-in only, they provide substantial value to those who have served. It's recommended that military personnel verify specific offer details with local establishments, as participation may vary by location.

Sources

1. Brand Eating Veterans Day Deals
2. Mission RollCall Veterans Day Discounts
3. KPEL Louisiana Veterans Day Free Meals