Complete Guide To Veterans Day 2025 Free Meals Discounts And Special Offers

Veterans Day 2025 offers numerous free meals, discounts, and special offers for veterans and active-duty military personnel across the United States. This comprehensive guide details the available freebies and special promotions organized by category, including restaurant offers, retail discounts, and other special deals. All offers are valid on November 11, 2025, unless otherwise specified, and require valid military identification or proof of service.

Restaurant Free Meals and Special Offers

Numerous restaurant chains and local establishments offer free meals or special discounts to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day. Below is a comprehensive list of restaurant offers available across various states.

Chain Restaurant Offers

• Applebees: Free meal to active duty and veteran military service members at participating locations.
• BJ's Restaurants: Free dine-in meal up to $14.95 plus a free Dr Pepper.
• Bubba Gump Shrimp: 20% off the bill for veterans and their families.
• California Pizza Kitchen: Free meal from the Veterans Day menu at participating locations for veterans. Veterans will also receive a card for a BOGO free pizza, pasta, or salad redeemable from November 12 to November 20.
• Carrabba's Italian Grill: Firefighters, police officers, veterans, and active military will receive a free order of calamari with any purchase.
• Dave & Buster's: Veterans get a free entree (up to $20) and a free $10 Power Card with a valid veterans ID card on Nov. 11.
• Hooters: Free menu item on Nov. 11. Veterans can choose from 10 Original Wings, Cheeseburger, Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, or Chicken Caesar Salad, free with drink purchase.
• Little Caesars: Free Lunch Combo, which includes four slices Little Caesars signature Detroit-style Deep Dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi beverage. The offer is valid 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Veterans Day.
• Playa Bowls: Free bowls for all veterans, active duty and retired military personnel with a valid ID on Nov. 11, at participating locations nationwide.
• QDOBA: Veterans and active-duty military get free chips and dips in-restaurant. No purchase required.
• Red Robin Gourmet Burgers: Free Red's Big Tavern Burger and bottomless steak fries, for veterans, active-duty military.
• Rock & Brews: Free pulled pork sandwich or Strawberry Fields salad for veterans, active-duty military.
• Shoney's: Free All-American Burger or breakfast bar, dine-in only, for veterans, active-duty military. Valid Tuesday, Nov. 11 from open until 11 a.m.
• Sonny's BBQ: Free BBQ for the brave. Veterans and active military receive a Pork Big Deal on Nov. 11. Verify your status on website and sign up for rewards by Sun. Nov. 9. Only available for one meal per check, for orders placed Tuesday Nov. 11, 2025.
• Starbucks: Free tall (12 fl.oz) brewed coffee (hot or iced) for veterans, military servicemembers and military spouses. Offer valid at participating U.S. stores. Offer valid 11/11/2025 on café and drive-thru orders only.
• TCBY: Free first 6 ounce froyo for veterans, active-duty military.
• Texas Roadhouse: Free meal from selected menu, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., at participating locations. On Veterans Day, they offer free meals to veterans and active military members across the country. Veterans and military members can also get a free Texas Roadhouse meal voucher on Nov. 11, redeemable dine-in or carry-out through May 30, 2026.
• Tim Hortons: Those in U.S. military uniform or presenting a valid veteran ID get a free Classic Doughnut at participating locations on Nov. 11.
• Uno's Pizzeria & Grill: Free entrée for veterans, active-duty military, dine-in only.
• Village Inn: Free 2-2-2 Breakfast (2 eggs, 2 bacon strips or sausage links, 2 pancakes), all day, for veterans, all military personnel.
• Wendy's: Free small breakfast combo, no purchase necessary, for veterans, active-duty military.
• White Castle: Free breakfast combo or Castle combo for veterans, active-duty military.
• Wienerschnitzel: Free chili dog, small fries, small soda for veterans, active-duty military, bring military ID or dress in uniform.
• Wings and Rings: Free lunch all day for veterans, active-duty military, dine in only.

Regional Restaurant Offers

• Primo Hoagies (New Jersey, Pennsylvania): Free 20-ounce beverage and 1-ounce bag of chips with purchase of Primo-size hoagie for veterans.
• Quaker Steak & Lube (Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia): Free or discounted meals for veterans, active-duty military, reservists, at participating locations.
• Red Lobster: Free designated meal for veterans, dine-in only, participating locations.
• Roy Rogers: 10% off and a free Uncle Ralph's brownie with purchase for veterans at participating locations.
• Shane's Rib Shack (Southeast states, New York, Arizona): Free meal (choose from two entrees), for veterans, active-duty military.
• Shari's Café & Pies (Pacific Northwest): Veterans day special for veterans and active-duty military.
• Sheetz (Eastern U.S.): Free sub and drink for veterans, active-duty military at any location, free car wash.
• Silver Fox Steakhouse (Texas): Discount for veterans, active-duty military.
• Smoothie King: Free 20-ounce red, white or blue smoothie for veterans and active-duty military 12–3 p.m., in-store only.
• Sonny's BBQ (Southeast): Free pork big deal (sandwich, side, drink) for veterans, active-duty military.
• Taco John's (Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin): Veterans Day special using promo code on Taco John's app for veterans, active-duty military, reservists.
• Thirsty Lion (Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, Texas): Veterans, active-duty military eat for free.
• Tuscan Brands restaurants: Veterans eat free, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Viva Chicken: Viva Chicken is proud to serve veterans and active-duty military every day of the year, and this Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11.
• Ziggi's Coffee: Free 16-ounce drink for veterans at all locations.

Community Organizations

American Legion, VFW and other veterans' organizations, as well as churches, Elks lodges, community nonprofits and more, host special breakfasts, lunches and dinners on and around Veterans Day, at which veterans eat for free. Check local news listings to see what's cooking in your area.

Retail Discounts and Deals

Many retailers offer special Veterans Day discounts in addition to their standard year-round military discounts. These offers include:

• B&Bs for Vets: The Association of Lodging Professionals lists B&Bs that offer a free room on Nov. 10 and 11 to veterans and active-duty military, so they can attend Veterans Day observances.
• Target: Has year-round military discounts.
• Home Depot: Has year-round military discounts.
• Lowe's: Has year-round military discounts.
• Veterans Advantage: A free military benefits program that connects veterans and military members with discounts and other deals. If you join, your ID information is part of being a member.

Other Veterans Day Freebies

In addition to restaurant meals and retail discounts, various businesses offer special Veterans Day freebies:

• Smoothie King: Free 20-ounce red, white or blue smoothie for veterans and active-duty military 12–3 p.m., in-store only.
• TCBY: First 6 ounce froyo free for veterans, active-duty military.
• Ziggi's Coffee: Free 16-ounce drink for veterans at all locations.
• Tim Hortons: Those in U.S. military uniform or presenting a valid veteran ID get a free Classic Doughnut at participating locations on Nov. 11.
• Dave & Buster's: Veterans get a free entree (up to $20) and a free $10 Power Card with a valid veterans ID card on Nov. 11.
• QDOBA: Veterans and active-duty military get free chips and dips in-restaurant. No purchase required.

Important Information for Veterans

When planning to take advantage of Veterans Day freebies and discounts, keep the following information in mind:

Eligibility Requirements

Most offers are available to: - Veterans (with valid military ID) - Active-duty military personnel - Reservists and National Guard members (at some establishments) - Military spouses (at some establishments) - Retired military personnel (at some establishments)

Identification Requirements

Most establishments require valid military identification or proof of service. Some may accept: - Military ID card - DD-214 discharge papers - Veterans organization card - Dressing in military uniform

Important Considerations

• Many businesses also offer Veterans Day discounts to members of the reserves, National Guard, ROTC and more, even if they don't specify that in their promotion.
• Before heading out, or clicking on "buy" for online deals, be sure to understand what's required to get your veterans' freebie or discount.
• Discounts and deals may change year to year, so make sure the deal is still in place before heading out.
• Some offers may require advance registration or verification.
• Mobile order ahead may not be available for some promotions.
• Many offers have specific time windows and may not be available all day.
• Some offers are limited to one redemption per customer.
• Some offers require a purchase, while others are completely free.

New Programs

A new initiative for Veterans Day 2025 is the Military Debt Relief Program, which offers debt relief tailored for active-duty and veterans through a trusted nonprofit.

Conclusion

Veterans Day 2025 provides numerous opportunities for veterans and active-duty military personnel to enjoy free meals, discounts, and special offers across the United States. From restaurant chains to local establishments, retailers to service providers, many businesses extend their appreciation through special promotions.

When taking advantage of these offers, remember to bring proper identification, verify participation details with specific locations, and be aware of any time restrictions or limitations. Additionally, many businesses offer year-round military discounts beyond Veterans Day, so veterans and military members may continue to benefit from special pricing throughout the year.

As always, it's recommended to call ahead to confirm deals and availability at specific locations, as participation can vary by location. Checking with local veterans' organizations and community groups may also reveal additional special events and offers in your area.

Sources

1. Damore Injury Law Blog
2. Military Money Discounts
3. App.com Veterans Day Freebies
4. Fox 10 TV Veterans Day Deals