2025 Veterans Day Free Meals And Freebies A Comprehensive Guide For Us Military Veterans And Active-Duty Members
Veterans Day is a time for the nation to honor and thank the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. In 2025, numerous restaurants, retailers, and service providers are offering free meals, discounts, and special promotions to show appreciation. This article compiles verified free meals and offers from multiple reliable sources, providing a detailed, actionable guide for U.S. veterans and active-duty military members seeking to take advantage of these offerings.
Free Meals and Offers for Veterans Day 2025
Numerous restaurants across the United States are offering complimentary meals and discounts to veterans and active-duty personnel. These offers are generally valid for dine-in only, and many require proof of service such as a military ID, DD214, or a VetRewards card.
Restaurant Free Meals and Promotions
Applebee’s
Applebee’s is offering a free entrée from a special menu for veterans and active-duty service members. The menu includes items like the Bacon Cheeseburger and Fiesta Lime Chicken. Since 2008, Applebee’s has served over 12 million free meals on Veterans Day.
IHOP
IHOP will provide a free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo to veterans on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. This combo includes two eggs, hash browns, and a choice of two strips of crispy bacon or two pork sausage links. The offer is valid from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at participating locations.
In-N-Out Burger
In-N-Out Burger will offer a free made-to-order meal to veterans and active-duty military members. The meal includes any burger, fries, and a drink. Proof of service is required.
Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme is giving away a free doughnut and coffee to veterans and active-duty military members. No ID is required for this offer.
LongHorn Steakhouse
LongHorn Steakhouse is providing 10% off on the total bill and a free appetizer or dessert for veterans and active-duty military members.
Olive Garden
Olive Garden is offering a free meal with soup, salad, and breadsticks for veterans and active-duty personnel. A valid military ID is required.
Outback Steakhouse
Outback Steakhouse is offering a free 3-Course Aussie Meal to veterans and active-duty members from November 10 to 11. Proof of service is required.
Red Lobster
Red Lobster is giving veterans and active-duty military members a free Shrimp & Chips entrée. The offer is valid for dine-in only.
Red Robin
Red Robin will offer a free Red's Big Tavern Burger with a bottomless side to veterans and active-duty personnel.
Sonic Drive-In
Sonic Drive-In is offering a free meal to veterans and active-duty members. Proof of service is required.
Wendys
Wendy’s is providing a free Breakfast Combo to active-duty military and veterans on November 11 during breakfast hours. No purchase is required.
BIBIBOP Asian Grill
BIBIBOP Asian Grill is offering a free bowl to veterans and active-duty members with a valid military ID. The offer is valid for dine-in only.
Biggby Coffee
Biggby Coffee is providing a free 16 oz. latte (hot, iced, or frozen) to veterans and active-duty members with a valid military ID.
Bob Evans
Bob Evans is offering a free breakfast entrée to veterans and active-duty members with proof of service. Options include the Country Biscuit Breakfast or hotcakes.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings is giving veterans and active-duty members a free order of 10 boneless wings and French fries with proof of military service for dine-in service.
Bubbakoo’s Burritos
Bubbakoo’s Burritos is offering a free Taco Trio to veterans and active-duty members with a valid military ID.
Little Caesars
Little Caesars is offering a free Hot-n-Ready Lunch Combo to veterans and active-duty members. The combo includes four slices of signature Detroit-style deep dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi beverage.
IKEA
IKEA is inviting all active and veteran service members to enjoy a free entrée at the Swedish restaurant from November 9 to 11.
Mac’s Speed Shop
Mac’s Speed Shop is offering a free half rack of ribs and fries with a beverage purchase for veterans. The offer is valid for dine-in only and is available at locations in the Carolinas, excluding Raleigh.
Stanton Enterprise McDonald’s
Stanton Enterprise McDonald’s locations are offering a free medium breakfast combo to veterans and active-duty military members on November 11.
Sheetz
Sheetz is providing a free meal and free car wash (9 USD option only) to veterans and active-duty members with a valid ID.
Starbucks
Starbucks is offering a free tall coffee to veterans and military spouses.
Texas Roadhouse
Texas Roadhouse is giving veterans a free meal voucher that is valid until May 2026.
Wienerschnitzel
Wienerschnitzel is offering a free Original Chili Dog, fries, and soda to veterans and active-duty members.
White Castle
White Castle is providing a free combo or breakfast meal to veterans and active-duty members.
Playa Bowls
Playa Bowls is offering free bowls to veterans, active-duty, and retired military personnel with a valid ID.
Pilot Flying J
Pilot Flying J is offering a free breakfast or lunch combo to veterans through the ID.me app.
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is offering a free drink to military personnel and their spouses.
Outback Steakhouse (Additional Offer)
Outback Steakhouse is offering a free 3-Course Aussie Meal to veterans with a valid ID during Veterans Day.
Red Robin (Additional Offer)
Red Robin is offering a free Red's Big Tavern Burger with a bottomless side.
Smoothie King
Smoothie King is giving away a free 20 oz. smoothie at participating locations between 12 and 3 p.m.
Logans Roadhouse
Logans Roadhouse is offering a free meal from a select menu between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. for veterans with a valid military ID.
Mission BBQ
Mission BBQ is offering a free sandwich to veterans.
O'Charley's
O'Charley's is providing a free entree from the Daily Dinner Deals menu for veterans with a valid ID.
Panera Bread
Panera Bread is offering a free meal to veterans and active-duty members.
Panera Bread (Additional Offer)
Panera Bread is also offering a free meal to veterans with proof of service.
O’Charley’s (Additional Offer)
O’Charley’s is providing a free entree with a valid ID on November 10-11.
Red Robin (Additional Offer)
Red Robin is offering a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger with a bottomless side.
Ruby Tuesday
Ruby Tuesday is offering a free garden bar entree or garden bar add-on with a valid ID.
Sheetz (Additional Offer)
Sheetz is providing a free half turkey sub and regular-size fountain drink, along with a free car wash.
Smoothie King (Additional Offer)
Smoothie King is offering a free 20 oz. smoothie at participating locations.
Little Caesars (Additional Offer)
Little Caesars is offering a free Hot-n-Ready Lunch Combo to veterans and active-duty military members.
Mac’s Speed Shop (Additional Offer)
Mac’s Speed Shop is offering a free half rack of ribs and fries with a beverage purchase.
Stanton Enterprise McDonald’s (Additional Offer)
Stanton Enterprise McDonald’s locations are offering a free medium breakfast combo to veterans and active-duty military.
54th Street Grill
54th Street Grill is offering a free meal up to $12 to veterans on Monday.
Ahipoki Bowl
Ahipoki Bowl is offering 50% off poke bowls to veterans on Monday.
Andy's Frozen Custard
Andy's Frozen Custard is providing a free regular-size one-topping sundae to veterans on Monday.
Another Broken Egg Cafe
Another Broken Egg Cafe is offering a free patriot French toast combo and coffee to veterans on Monday.
Back Yard Burgers
Back Yard Burgers is providing a free Classic Burger to veterans on Monday.
Bad Daddy's Burger Bar
Bad Daddy's Burger Bar is offering a free Bad Daddy’s All American Burger and side to veterans on Monday.
Bakers Square
Bakers Square is giving a free Rise & Shine meal to veterans on Monday.
Bar Louie
Bar Louie is offering a free burger or flatbread up to $15 to veterans on Monday.
Beef 'O' Brady's
Beef 'O' Brady's is providing a buy-one-get-one free meal up to $10 for veterans on Monday.
BIBIBOP Asian Grill (Additional Offer)
BIBIBOP Asian Grill is offering a free bowl to veterans on Monday.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse is offering a free meal up to $14.95 and a free drink to veterans on Monday.
Bruegger’s Bagels
Bruegger’s Bagels is giving a free hot or iced coffee to veterans.
Carrabba’s
Carrabba’s is offering a free meal to veterans and active-duty members.
Cicis Pizza
Cicis Pizza is offering a free meal to veterans and active-duty members.
Metro Diner
Metro Diner is providing a free meal to veterans and active-duty members.
Old North State Food Hall
Old North State Food Hall is offering a free meal to veterans and active-duty members.
Panera Bread (Additional Offer)
Panera Bread is offering a free meal to veterans with proof of service.
Red Lobster (Additional Offer)
Red Lobster is offering a free Shrimp & Chips entrée to veterans with a valid ID.
Red Robin (Additional Offer)
Red Robin is providing a free Big Tavern Burger with a bottomless side.
Sonic Drive-In (Additional Offer)
Sonic Drive-In is offering a free meal to veterans with proof of service.
Additional Veterans Day Freebies and Discounts
Beyond free meals, a number of retailers and service providers are offering special discounts and free services for veterans and active-duty military members.
Autobell Car Wash
Autobell Car Wash is providing a free Ride-Thru Exterior wash or equivalent credit toward another wash option to veterans and active-duty military members on Tuesday, November 11, at all Autobell locations in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware. No ID is required.
New Hope Valley Railway
New Hope Valley Railway is offering free train rides to military service members on Sunday, November 9, and Thursday, November 13. Guests of the military service member can ride at regular price. A military ID or DD214 is required.
Great Clips
Great Clips is offering a free haircut or haircut card to military personnel. Civilians can also obtain a “thank a veteran” card to pass along.
Staples
Staples is offering 25% off in-store purchases for military personnel with a military ID.
Target
Target is providing 10% off two purchases through the Circle app for veterans and active-duty members with verified status.
Walgreens & Duane Reade
Walgreens and Duane Reade are offering 20% off regularly priced items with a military ID and myWalgreens account.
Sport Clips
Sport Clips is offering free haircuts for veterans and active-duty members and donating $2 per haircut to the VFW’s Help A Hero Scholarship program from October 5 to November 15.
SheerID and ID.me
Veterans can check SheerID and ID.me for more verified military discounts, including travel and wireless deals.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2025 presents numerous opportunities for military veterans and active-duty members to enjoy free meals, discounts, and services from a wide range of restaurants, retailers, and service providers. These offers are typically valid for dine-in only and may require proof of service. It is important to check with individual locations for the most up-to-date information and to confirm the availability of these offers, as some may be subject to change.
By taking advantage of these promotions, veterans and active-duty members can receive a meaningful token of appreciation for their service to the nation.
Sources
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