Comprehensive Guide To Veterans Day 2025 Free Meals And Discounts At Fast Food Restaurants

Nov. 25, 2025, 10:39 a.m.

Tags: day food fast veteran

Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, is a federal holiday that honors all who have served in the U.S. military. In 2025, numerous restaurants and food establishments are participating in the tradition of offering free meals, discounts, and special deals to veterans and active-duty military personnel as a token of appreciation for their service. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the available offers, including eligibility requirements, redemption details, and participating locations.

Eligibility Requirements for Veterans Day Free Meals

Most Veterans Day meal offers are available to both veterans and active-duty military personnel. Some establishments also extend offers to reservists, National Guard members, and military spouses. Eligibility is typically verified through one of the following methods: - Valid military ID - DD214 discharge papers - Other proof of military service

It's important to note that requirements may vary by establishment, so veterans and military personnel should confirm eligibility details with specific restaurants before visiting.

Restaurant Chain Offers

Full Free Meal Offers

Several national restaurant chains are offering complete free meals to eligible military personnel on Veterans Day 2025.

Applebee's

Veterans and active-duty military personnel can receive a free meal from a select menu at participating Applebee's locations on November 11, 2025. The offer is valid for dine-in only, and proof of military service is required.

Beef 'O' Brady's

Participating Beef 'O' Brady's locations will offer a free Build Your Own Burger (BYOB) and fries to veterans on November 11, 2025. Dine-in service is typically required, and military identification may be necessary to verify eligibility.

California Pizza Kitchen

California Pizza Kitchen is honoring veterans and active-duty military with a free entree and drink from a special menu on November 11, 2025. The offer is valid for dine-in only at participating locations.

Chili's

Chili's is offering a free meal to all veterans and active military members on Veterans Day, November 11, 2025. The offer is available at all participating Chili's Grill & Bar restaurants for dine-in service only, with select items available from the menu.

In-N-Out Burger

In-N-Out Burger will provide veterans, active-duty personnel, reserves, and National Guard members with a free made-to-order meal (any burger, fries, and drink) on November 11, 2025. A special decal is also included with proof of military service.

Logan's Roadhouse

Logan's Roadhouse is honoring veterans and active-duty military with a free lunch on November 11, 2025. The specific hours and menu details may vary by location, so it's recommended to check with your local restaurant.

Red Lobster

Red Lobster is providing all active-duty military, reserves, and veterans with a free Shrimp & Chips entree featuring Walt's Favorite Shrimp, fries, and coleslaw on November 11, 2025. Proof of service is required, and the offer is valid for dine-in only at participating locations.

Red Robin

Red Robin is offering veterans a free Red's Big Tavern Burger and Bottomless Side on November 11, 2025. The offer is valid for veterans and active-duty military personnel at participating locations.

Texas Roadhouse

Texas Roadhouse will offer free meals to veterans and active military members across the country on November 11, 2025. The specific menu items and redemption process may vary by location.

White Castle

White Castle is celebrating Veterans Day by offering a free individual combo meal or a breakfast combo meal to all veterans and active-duty service members who dine at a participating White Castle restaurant on November 11, 2025.

Wings and Rings

Wings and Rings is offering a free dine-in lunch combo available all day on November 11, 2025, as a token of appreciation for military service.

Regional and Local Restaurant Offers

Many regional and local restaurant chains are also participating in Veterans Day 2025 with special offers for military personnel.

Another Broken Egg Cafe

Participating Another Broken Egg Cafe locations will offer veterans and active-duty service members a free Patriot French toast combo and coffee on November 11, 2025.

Bubbakoo's Burritos

Bubbakoo's Burritos is providing veterans and active-duty military with a free Taco Trio on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. A valid military ID is required for in-restaurant dining.

Chicken Salad Chick

All veterans and active military can receive a free meal with one side and drink on November 11, 2025. The offer is valid in restaurant or drive-thru only at ALL Chicken Salad Chick locations. Military ID or DD214 is required to redeem this offer. Online orders and delivery orders are not valid.

Chipotle

The military community can 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, 2025. All guests with a valid military ID are eligible for the promotion at restaurants across the U.S.

Roy Rogers

Roy Rogers is offering 10% off and a free Uncle Ralph's brownie with purchase for veterans at participating locations.

Shane's Rib Shack

Veterans and active-duty military can receive a free meal (choose from two entrees) at participating Shane's Rib Shack locations in Southeast states, New York, and Arizona on November 11, 2025.

Sheetz

Sheetz is offering a free sub and drink for veterans and active-duty military at any Eastern U.S. location, plus a free car wash on November 11, 2025.

Shoney's

Shoney's is offering veterans and active military a free All-American Burger or access to the breakfast fresh food bar on November 11, 2025. The breakfast bar offer is valid from opening until 11 a.m.

Sonny's BBQ

Sonny's BBQ is providing free BBQ for veterans and active military with a free Pork Big Deal on November 11, 2025. Customers need to verify their status on the website and sign up for rewards by Sunday, November 9. Only one meal per check is available for orders placed on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.

Wienerschnitzel

All veterans and active-duty military are invited to enjoy a free original chili dog, small fries, and small soda at participating Wienerschnitzel locations nationwide on November 11, 2025. The offer is available all day with a valid military ID or proof of service.

Viva Chicken

Viva Chicken is offering veterans and active-duty military a free meal with guest purchase at all Viva Chicken restaurants on November 11, 2025.

Specialized Food Service Offers

Starbucks

On Veterans Day, veterans, military servicemembers, and military spouses can enjoy a free tall (12 fl.oz) brewed coffee (hot or iced) at participating U.S. stores. The offer is valid on November 11, 2025, for café and drive-thru orders only.

TCBY

TCBY is offering veterans and active military their first 6 oz. of froyo free on Veterans Day, November 11, 2025. A valid ID is required to redeem this offer.

Buffalo Wild Wings

Buffalo Wild Wings is honoring past and present armed service members by offering 10 FREE Boneless Wings and Fries with valid ID on November 11, 2025. The offer is available dine-in and walk-in at participating locations.

Smoothie King

Smoothie King is offering a free 20-ounce red, white, or blue smoothie for veterans and active-duty military personnel on November 11, 2025.

Rock & Brews

Rock & Brews is providing free pulled pork sandwich or Strawberry Fields salad for veterans and active-duty military at participating locations on November 11, 2025.

Important Considerations for Veterans Day Offers

Dine-in vs. Drive-thru vs. Takeout

While most restaurant offers are valid for dine-in service only, some establishments extend their promotions to drive-thru or takeout options. For example: - Chicken Salad Chick offers both in-restaurant and drive-thru service - Starbucks allows both café and drive-thru orders

Time Restrictions

Many offers are available all day on November 11, 2025, but some have specific time limitations: - Chipotle: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. local time - Shoney's breakfast bar: from opening until 11 a.m. - Wendy's: during breakfast hours only

Purchase Requirements

While most offers are completely free, some require a purchase: - Viva Chicken: Free meal with guest purchase - Roy Rogers: 10% off and free brownie with purchase

Limitations and Restrictions

Most offers are limited to one redemption per customer
Some offers are not valid with mobile order ahead
Online orders and delivery orders are typically not valid for these promotions
Offers may vary by location, and participation is not guaranteed at all franchise locations

How to Prepare for Veterans Day Restaurant Offers

Verify Eligibility: Ensure you have proper military identification or proof of service (DD214, veteran ID card, etc.).
Check Participation: Contact your local restaurant to confirm they are participating in the Veterans Day offer.
Understand the Terms: Review any time restrictions, menu limitations, or other conditions that may apply.
Consider Timing: Be prepared for potential crowds, especially during peak meal times.
Have Backup Options: Have a list of multiple participating restaurants in case your first choice is too busy or not participating.

Conclusion

Veterans Day 2025 offers numerous opportunities for veterans and active-duty military personnel to enjoy free meals and discounts at restaurants across the country. From national chains like Applebee's and Chili's to local favorites like Another Broken Egg Cafe and Shane's Rib Shack, there are plenty of options to choose from. By understanding the eligibility requirements, redemption processes, and any limitations, military personnel can make the most of these appreciative offers on November 11, 2025. As always, it's recommended to confirm participation and specific details with individual restaurants before visiting.