Veterans Day 2025 Free Meals And Discounts Complete Guide For Military Personnel

Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11th, presents numerous opportunities for military personnel to receive complimentary meals and discounts as a token of appreciation for their service. This comprehensive guide details the various freebies and discounts available to veterans, active-duty service members, and in some cases, their families across restaurants, retail establishments, and service providers throughout the United States.

Restaurant Free Meals

Numerous restaurant chains and establishments across the country offer free meals specifically for veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day. These offers serve as a small gesture of gratitude for the sacrifices made by those who have served in the armed forces.

Full Free Meal Offers

Applebee's provides veterans and active-duty military personnel with the opportunity to select a free meal from a limited menu on Veterans Day. Proof of service is required for this offer, which is available at participating locations.

California Pizza Kitchen offers all veterans and active-duty military personnel a free meal on Veterans Day. The offer is valid specifically for veterans and active military only on November 11, 2025, and allows participants to choose one entrée from the restaurant's special Veterans Day menu. This offer is dine-in only.

Chili's Grill & Bar is another restaurant that shows appreciation by offering free meals to veterans and active military members. The restaurant states that it looks forward to showing gratitude with a free Veterans Day meal as a way to honor service and sacrifices. All veterans and active military members can get a free meal on Veterans Day, November 11, 2025, at all participating Chili's restaurants. The offer is available in-restaurant only for select items.

Chicken Salad Chick offers all veterans and active military personnel a free meal with one side and drink on Tuesday, November 11. The offer is valid in-restaurant or drive-thru only and is not valid on online orders or delivery orders. Participants must show military ID or DD214 to redeem this special offer, which is valid at ALL Chicken Salad Chick locations.

Food and Drink Specials

Several establishments offer specific food items or beverages for free to honor veterans on November 11th:

• Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza provides veterans and active-duty military with a free 12-inch cheese pizza on Veterans Day.
• Another Broken Egg Cafe offers free French toast and coffee for veterans and active-duty military.
• Aroma Joe's Coffee allows all veterans and active-duty military to get up to a 24-ounce drink for free on Veterans Day.
• Arooga's gives active-duty military and veterans with valid ID a choice of a free item from a special menu, which includes buffalo pretzel, chopped or caesar salad, cheeseburger, grilled cheese, bacon with creamy tomato basil soup, spicy Italian wrap, boneless wings, and original boli.
• Aspen Creek Grill offers veterans and active-duty military a selection from a complimentary menu from 11 a.m.
• Bruegger's Bagels provides veterans with a free medium fresh-brewed hot or iced coffee with their breakfast on Veterans Day.
• Break Time gives all veterans a free fountain drink or coffee on Veterans Day.
• Buffalo Wild Wings offers veterans and active-duty military who dine in or call for takeout a free order of boneless wings and a side of fries at participating U.S. locations.
• Buffalo Wings & Rings provides veterans and active-duty military with valid ID three free tenders and a drink on Veterans Day at participating locations.
• Chipotle offers the military community the opportunity to enjoy any entrée and get a second entrée for free from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. local time on Veterans Day, November 11.
• Cracker Barrel gives veterans a complimentary sunrise pancake while supplies last, which requires dining in.
• Farmer Boys offers a Big Cheeseburger for just $4 on November 11, which can be redeemed via the Very Important Farmer App or by providing valid ID.
• Golden Corral provides veterans with a free "thank you meal" during its Military Appreciation night from 4 p.m. to close.
• Huey Magoo's offers both veterans and active military members a free 3-Piece Tender Meal with the purchase of a regular beverage.
• Lamar's Donuts and Coffee offers both a free donut and coffee to veterans and active military.
• Menchie's Frozen Yogurt provides all veterans with their first 6 ounces of frozen yogurt free on the holiday.
• Scooter's Coffee offers a free medium drink to all veterans with a valid ID.
• Starbucks allows all veterans, military service members, and even military spouses to get a free tall (12-oz.) brewed coffee—iced or hot.
• Sweet treats are also available through various establishments, with some offering free items specifically for veterans.

Special Menu Items

Several restaurants offer free items from special Veterans Day menus:

• Famous Dave's provides a free Georgia Chopped Pork Sandwich and side.
• Hooters offers a free meal from a special menu with the purchase of a drink.
• IHOP serves a free Red, White, and Blueberry Pancake Combo from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Logan's Roadhouse gives a free meal from a special menu from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Olive Garden offers a free entrée from a special menu.
• Outback Steakhouse provides a free Bloomin' Onion with the purchase of an entrée.
• Red Lobster offers a free Shrimp & Chip meal.
• Red Robin gives a free Red's Big Tavern Burger and side.
• Rochester Mills Beer Co. provides a free entrée up to $18.
• Ruby Tuesday offers a free meal from a special menu.
• Smokey Bones provides a free meal.
• Sullivan's Steakhouse offers a free Sullivan's Signature Angus Burger and fries.
• Texas Roadhouse gives a free meal from a special menu from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. or a meal voucher to use at a later date.
• TGI Fridays offers a free meal from a special menu from 11 a.m.

Food Discounts and Special Offers

Some establishments offer discounted rather than free items:

• Little Caesars provides a free lunch combo from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• MOD Pizza offers a free Mega Cookie with the purchase of a pizza or salad.
• National Coney Island gives free Coney dogs (limit of two per veteran).
• QDOBA offers 50% off an entrée.
• Raising Cane's provides 10% off.
• SONIC Drive-In offers half off shakes.

Retail and Service Discounts

Beyond restaurants, various retail establishments and service providers offer discounts or free services to veterans on Veterans Day:

Hair and Grooming Services

• Great Clips offers free haircuts to veterans and active-duty service members on November 11 at some locations. Details about participating locations can be found on the Great Clips website.
• Sports Clips also offers free haircuts to veterans and active-duty service members on November 11 at some locations. Information about participating locations is available on the Sports Clips website.

Accommodations

• B&Bs for Vets offers one free room night on November 10 and 11, with preference given to "first timer" veterans and active-duty personnel who have not participated in the program in the past. The offer is valid in all 50 U.S. states, and additional details and locations can be found on the B&Bs for Vets website.

Retail Discounts

• Bed Bath & Beyond offers 25% off any in-store purchase on November 11 for active-duty U.S. military, veterans, and spouses. Details can be obtained by calling or visiting the nearest location.

Automotive Services

• Brown Bear Car Wash provides a free Beary Clean car wash for all current or former members of the military on Veterans Day from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. local time at participating locations. Information about participating locations can be obtained by contacting the nearest location.

Food Retail

• Hy-Vee (Midwest) offers a free buffet breakfast for veterans and active-duty military members on November 11. Many stores will also offer planned programs, displays, entertainment, or other activities in addition to breakfast.

How to Access These Offers

Required Identification

Most establishments require proof of military service to access these Veterans Day offers. This typically includes:

• Military identification card
• DD214 discharge papers
• Veterans ID card
• In some cases, driver's licenses with veteran designation

Methods of Redemption

The methods for accessing these offers vary by establishment:

• Dine-in at participating locations
• Drive-thru service at some restaurants
• Mobile app redemption (like the Very Important Farmer App at Farmer Boys)
• Call-ahead for takeout (at places like Buffalo Wild Wings)

Special Requirements

Some offers have specific requirements:

• Chipotle's free entrée offer is valid only from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Veterans Day
• Cracker Barrel's free pancake is available while supplies last and requires dining in
• Some offers are only valid at participating locations, not all locations of a chain
• Certain offers may require the purchase of another item (like a drink at Hooters)
• Some offers are only valid for in-restaurant dining and not for online orders or delivery (like Chicken Salad Chick)

Planning Your Veterans Day

To make the most of Veterans Day offers, consider the following tips:

1. Check Ahead: Since not all locations within a chain may participate, it's advisable to call ahead or check the company's website for specific location participation.

2. Bring Proper Identification: Ensure you have acceptable proof of military service when visiting these establishments.

3. Plan Your Day: Some offers have time restrictions, so plan your visits accordingly. For example, Chipotle's offer is only valid during the 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. window.

4. Consider Family Members: Some offers extend to family members, so check if you can bring along your spouse or children to share in the appreciation.

5. Be Respectful: Remember that these offers are gestures of appreciation, so be respectful of the establishments and their staff when redeeming them.

Conclusion

Veterans Day provides numerous opportunities for military personnel to receive complimentary meals, discounts, and services as a token of appreciation for their service. From full free meals at restaurants like Applebee's, California Pizza Kitchen, and Chili's to specific food items and beverages at various establishments, there are plenty of ways to celebrate and be recognized on November 11th.

In addition to restaurant offers, veterans can also take advantage of discounts on retail purchases, free haircuts, complimentary car washes, and even free accommodations at participating B&Bs. By planning ahead and bringing proper identification, veterans can make the most of these special offers.

As you enjoy these benefits, remember that they represent a small fraction of the gratitude society has for your service and sacrifice. Veterans Day serves as an important reminder to honor and acknowledge the contributions of those who have served in the armed forces.

Sources

1. Veterans Day Discounts Free Meals
2. Veterans Day 2025 Free Food Deals and Restaurant Offers
3. Veterans Day 2025 Freebies Discounts
4. Free Veterans Day Food Restaurants Coffee Shops More