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

Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, honors military veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. In 2025, the holiday falls on a Tuesday, and many businesses across the country will express their appreciation by offering free meals, discounts, and special deals to veterans and active-duty military personnel. These offers typically require proof of military service, such as a military ID, DD214 form, or other documentation of veteran status. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the free meals and discounts available on Veterans Day 2025, organized by category for easy reference.

Restaurant Free Meals

Numerous restaurant chains will offer complimentary meals to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day 2025. Participation may vary by location, so it is recommended to call ahead and confirm with individual franchises.

Breakfast Options

Several establishments will provide free breakfast meals: - Denny's will offer active and retired military personnel a free Original Grand Slam breakfast from 5 a.m. to noon on November 11. The Original Grand Slam includes two buttermilk pancakes, two bacon strips, two sausage links, and two eggs made to order. This offer is dine-in only and requires a valid military ID or DD214. - IHOP will serve a Red, White and Blueberry Pancake Combo to veterans and active-duty military. The combo includes two buttermilk pancakes topped with glazed strawberries, blueberry topping, and whipped topping; two eggs; hash browns; and a choice of two strips of bacon or pork sausage links. This offer is dine-in only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. and requires military ID or proof of service. - Biscuit Belly will provide veterans with a Bacon Egg & Cheese, Sausage Egg & Cheese, or Chicken Biscuit Sandwich along with a free beverage. - Another Broken Egg Cafe will offer a Patriot French Toast and coffee for dine-in customers.

Lunch and Dinner Options

For lunch and dinner, veterans and active-duty military can take advantage of these complimentary meals: - Applebee's (locations owned and operated by Flynn Group) will provide a free meal to veterans and active-duty military members who dine in. Additionally, through the "Buy a Vet a Beer" promotion, customers can purchase a pre-paid pint of beer for a veteran, accompanied by a special message, through November 11. Any unclaimed beers will have the funds donated to a local veterans' charity. - BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse will offer veterans and active-duty military members a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie. - Bubba's 33 will serve lunch to veterans and active military from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on November 11. Those unable to dine during this time can pick up raincheck vouchers from 9 a.m. to noon on November 11. The vouchers remain valid through May 31, 2026. The offer applies to six entrees, including a Classic Cheeseburger, Bubba's Bacon Burger, Bacon Chicken Mac-n-Cheese, Grilled Chicken Salad, Chicken Tender Salad, and a 12-inch pizza; each served with a choice of beverage. - Buca di Beppo will provide veterans and active military with a free lunch entrée at participating locations. This dine-in-only offer allows selection of any pasta from the lunch specials menu with a valid military ID. - Buffalo Wild Wings will offer a free 10-piece Boneless Wings and Fries to all veterans and active military with a valid military ID. - Chili's will provide all veterans and active military members with a free meal. A military ID is required, and participants can choose an entrée from select items. This offer is in-restaurant only, with no substitutions. Beverages and gratuity are not included. - Cousins Subs will honor veterans and active-duty personnel with a free 7 ½ inch sub at any location. In-person orders only, and proof of service is required, such as a photograph in uniform, U.S. Uniform Services ID, DD214 form, or other documentation. - Dave & Buster's will give all veterans and active-duty military a free entrée (up to $20 value) and a $10 Power Card for gameplay at any location nationwide. This offer is dine-in only with a valid military ID. - Golden Corral will offer a free buffet dinner during Military Appreciation Night. - Olive Garden will provide a free meal with soup/salad and breadsticks. - Outback Steakhouse will offer a free 3-Course Aussie Meal on November 10-11. - Red Robin will serve a free Big Tavern Burger with bottomless sides. - Shake Shack will provide a free Big Shack burger. - Texas Roadhouse will offer free meal vouchers valid until May 2026. - White Castle will provide a free combo or breakfast meal. - Wienerschnitzel will offer a free Original Chili Dog, fries, and soda.

Food and Beverage Discounts

In addition to complimentary meals, many establishments will offer free food and beverage items:

• Bruegger's Bagels will provide veterans and active-duty military with a free hot or iced coffee (any size) on November 11. Guests can order the complimentary coffee in-bakery, through the mobile app, or online using code FREECOFFEE. No purchase is required.
• Dunkin' will offer a free donut to all current and former members of the military. No ID is required for this offer, which is good for store visits only and not available for online orders or mobile app orders.
• Krispy Kreme will provide a free doughnut and coffee, with no ID required.
• Starbucks will offer a free tall coffee for veterans and military spouses.
• The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf will provide a free drink for military personnel and spouses.
• Pilot Flying J will offer a free breakfast or lunch combo through ID.me in the app.
• Sheetz will provide a free meal plus a free car wash.
• Hy-Vee stores will offer a free breakfast buffet to all veterans and active-duty military members. Many stores will also provide planned programs, entertainment, or other activities to complement the breakfast event.

Retail Discounts

Several retail establishments will offer special discounts for veterans and active-duty military personnel:

• Kohl's will provide veterans and active-duty military with 30% off their in-store purchase on November 10 and 11. Some exclusions apply. Proper identification such as military ID, state-issued ID indicating veteran status, or Form DD214 is required.
• Target will offer 10% off two purchases through the Circle app with status verification.
• Walgreens & Duane Reade will provide 20% off regularly priced items with military ID and a myWalgreens account.
• Staples will offer 25% off in-store purchases with military ID.
• Jiffy Lube will provide a 50% discount for active and retired military on any oil change. No appointment is necessary, and the offer is valid from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Veterans Day.

Entertainment and Activity Deals

Several entertainment venues and activity centers will offer special deals for veterans:

• Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center will provide free entry for veterans on Thursday, November 11.
• A venue will offer free gun and archery sighting for veterans and active-duty military members from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. The event includes 10 shooting lanes, archery and crossbow lanes, with targets and hearing protection provided. The venue is ADA accessible with a shooting stand.

Regional Restaurant Groups

Several regional restaurant groups will participate in Veterans Day 2025:

• Cunningham Restaurant Group will serve a free meal to veteran and active military personnel at each of its locations. Proof of service is required. The group includes numerous establishments across Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky, such as The Bemberg, Boulder Creek Dining Company, Bru Burger Bar, Café 251, and others.

Tips for Maximizing Veterans Day Freebies

To make the most of Veterans Day offers:

1. Call ahead: Participation may vary by location, so it's advisable to confirm with individual franchises before visiting.
2. Bring proper identification: Most offers require military ID, DD214, or other proof of service. Some establishments accept alternative forms of documentation.
3. Plan your route efficiently: Map out locations to minimize travel time between offers.
4. Be aware of timing requirements: Some offers are only available during specific hours, while others may require dine-in service.
5. Consider raincheck options: Some establishments, like Bubba's 33, offer raincheck vouchers if you cannot visit during the specified time.
6. Check for spouse benefits: Some offers extend to military spouses, such as Starbucks and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.

Conclusion

Veterans Day 2025 presents numerous opportunities for veterans and active-duty military personnel to receive complimentary meals and discounts as a token of appreciation for their service. From breakfast options at Denny's and IHOP to lunch and dinner deals at Applebee's, Outback Steakhouse, and many others, service members can enjoy a variety of free dining options. Additionally, retail discounts, entertainment deals, and regional restaurant group offers provide further opportunities to celebrate the occasion. When planning to take advantage of these offers, remember to bring proper identification, confirm participation with individual locations, and be mindful of specific timing and requirements. These gestures of gratitude, though small, serve as meaningful acknowledgments of the sacrifices made by those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Sources

1. Veterans Day 2025: Where To Get Free Meals, Discounts And Deals In CA
2. How to Maximize Your Free Veterans Day Food
3. Veterans Day meals 2025: Today near me, happy Veterans Day free meals, deals, freebies, food discounts
4. Veterans Day freebies, discounts and donations
5. Veterans Day 2025 free meals offers