Military Id Needed Complete Guide To Veterans Day 2025 Free Meals And Offers

Nov. 30, 2025, 11:44 a.m.

Tags: day need veteran

Veterans Day 2025, observed on Tuesday, November 11, brings numerous special offers and free meals for veterans, active-duty military personnel, and sometimes their families. Businesses across the United States are showing appreciation for service members through a variety of promotions, ranging from complimentary meals to discounts on goods and services. This comprehensive guide details the available offers, eligibility requirements, and redemption processes based on verified information from multiple sources.

Overview of Veterans Day Offers

Veterans Day offers are designed to honor those who have served in the U.S. military, including veterans, active-duty personnel, reservists, and National Guard members. Most offers require proof of military service, typically in the form of a valid military ID, DD-214 form, or other documentation demonstrating service status. While some offers extend to military spouses and family members, many are specifically for service members themselves.

The offers vary in nature, with some businesses providing complimentary meals, others offering discounts, and some giving away free products or services. Most offers are valid only for dine-in or in-store purchases, though a few allow for online or app-based redemption with proper verification.

Free Meal Offers

Numerous restaurants are offering free meals to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day 2025. These offers typically require a valid military ID or proof of service and are generally limited to dine-in service.

Applebee's is continuing its tradition of offering veterans and active-duty military a special Veterans Day meal from a selection of entrees. The deal is valid for dine-in only, with beverages and gratuity not included. Acceptable forms of proof include U.S. Uniformed Services ID, Retired ID card, current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), veterans organization card, DD214, citation or commendation, or wearing a military uniform.

BJ's Restaurants is offering a free chocolate chunk pizookie to current and former military personnel who dine on Veterans Day. Customers must present their military ID or other proof of service to redeem this offer.

Chili's is providing veterans and active military with a free meal, including options like a burger or chicken tenders, at participating locations. The deal is available for dine-in only.

Dickey's Barbecue Pit is inviting all veterans and active-duty military personnel to enjoy a free pulled pork sandwich at all locations nationwide. The offer is available for dine-in or carryout with a valid military ID, with a limit of one per guest for the day.

Firehouse Subs is saluting service members by offering veterans and active-duty military a free sub of equal or lesser value when they purchase any size sub. The offer is valid in-store only, with a limit of one per customer.

Friendly's will be offering veterans a free All-American Cheeseburger and drink of choice with an active Military ID from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on November 11th.

Golden Corral is celebrating its 25th anniversary of Military Appreciation Night on Tuesday, Nov. 11, from 4 p.m. to close. Active members and veterans will receive a free "thank you" meal and beverage.

Hooters is offering all military personnel a free meal from their special menu on Nov. 11, available to both active and retired military members.

In-N-Out Burger will show appreciation for all veterans, active-duty military, reserves, and National Guard by offering a complimentary meal, including any burger, fries, and beverage on their menu. Additionally, all current and former members of the U.S. military will receive a special edition Veterans Day decal.

la Madeleine is providing veterans with a free entrée on Tuesday, Nov. 11, when they show a military ID. The deal is good for dine-in only.

Lime Fresh Mexican Grill is offering veterans and active-duty military personnel free meals on Veterans Day when they show valid ID. Additionally, they will receive a $50 Challenge Coin that can be used throughout the year for another free meal (excluding alcohol) on the 11th of every month.

Main Event is treating veterans and active-duty service members to a free double cheeseburger and fries, plus 30 minutes of game play on Veterans Day. A valid military ID must be presented to receive the deal.

Native Grill & Wings is offering veterans and active-duty military a free entrée on Veterans Day when they show a military ID or wear a military uniform. Options include a ½-pound Stripper Combo, ½-pound Boneless Combo, Native Chicken Sandwich with fries, or My Native Burger with fries.

Outback Steakhouse is offering special deals for both the U.S. Marine Corps Birthday on Monday, Nov. 10, and Veterans Day on Tuesday, Nov. 11 (specific details not provided in the source material).

Red Robin is offering veterans and active-duty military members a complimentary Red's Big Tavern Burger and a bottomless side for dine-in only with valid military ID on Nov. 11.

The restaurant buffet (unspecified name in source material) is hosting its annual Military Appreciation Night on Monday, Nov. 11, from 4 p.m. to close. Active members and veterans will receive a free "thank you" buffet and beverage.

Discount Offers

Several businesses are offering discounts rather than free meals on Veterans Day 2025.

Chipotle is offering a buy-one-get-one-free deal on entrees between 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Veterans Day. Customers who present their valid military ID and have an entree in-restaurant can get a second entrée for free.

Denny's is offering active and retired military personnel a free original Grand Slam at participating locations through noon on Veterans Day. This offer is available at participating locations, so customers are advised to call ahead.

Ford's Garage is honoring Veterans Day by offering U.S. veterans and active-duty military a free American Standard Burger or up to $15 off an entrée of their choice. This dine-in offer is available at participating locations with a valid military ID.

Houlihan's is providing veterans with a 50% discount on select entrees for Veterans Day.

MOD Pizza is offering veterans, active-duty military members, and their spouses 50% off a MOD-size pizza or salad on Tuesday, Nov. 11. The offer is good for in-restaurant orders only and limited to one per person. A valid military ID must be shown to receive the deal.

Mountain Mike's Pizza is offering veterans and active-duty military free Garlic Sticks with a purchase of $25 or more via the Mountain Rewards app or with code VT25. This offer is valid from Veterans Day through Monday, Nov. 17.

Raising Cane's is offering a 10% discount to all active and nonactive military, plus fire, police and EMTs and their families. The chain has locations in Ann Arbor and Canton.

Non-Food Offers

Beyond restaurant meals, several businesses are offering other free items or services to honor veterans and military personnel on Veterans Day 2025.

Brown County Rifle Range is offering free admission for veterans to the Reforestation Camp Rifle Range, which normally costs $7 per gun/bow or shooter. Free gun and archery sighting will also be provided for veterans and active-duty military members from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

The BARBERSHOP is hosting its 4th annual veterans event at the Darboy location, offering free haircuts and services to men and women who served in the armed forces.

Einstein Bros. Bagels and Bruegger's Bagels are continuing their annual Veterans Day tradition by offering a free hot or iced coffee of any size to all veterans and active-duty service members. Guests can claim their complimentary coffee in-bakery, through the mobile app, or online with the code FREECOFFEE, with no purchase necessary.

Qdoba is thanking all veterans and active military with a free chips and dip on Nov. 11. A valid military ID is required, and the offer is for dine-in only with no purchase necessary.

Savvy Sliders is offering veterans and active military one free Original or Fried Chicken Slider with proof of military service on Nov. 11 at participating locations. The offer is in-store only and not valid on drive-thru or online orders.

Saroki's Crispy Chicken & Pizza is providing veterans and active military with a choice of a free three-piece order of chicken tenders or a slice of pizza.

Tim Hortons is offering veterans a free classic doughnut for dine-in only at participating U.S. restaurants on Veterans Day.

Eligibility Requirements

Most Veterans Day offers are specifically for veterans, active-duty military personnel, reservists, and National Guard members. Some businesses extend offers to military spouses and family members, though this varies by establishment.

Acceptable forms of proof of service generally include: - Valid military ID - DD-214 form - Veterans organization card (such as American Legion or VFW) - Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) - Citation or commendation - Wearing a military uniform - Photo of oneself in uniform (less commonly accepted)

Some businesses accept multiple forms of documentation, while others are more specific about what they will accept. It's advisable to bring multiple forms of proof when possible to ensure eligibility.

Redemption Process

The redemption process for Veterans Day offers varies by business, though most follow similar patterns:

Dine-in/In-store Only: The vast majority of offers require customers to visit the physical location and dine in or make a purchase in person. Very few offers are available through drive-thru, delivery, or online ordering without specific mention.
Proof of Service: Customers must present appropriate military identification or documentation to verify their service status before receiving the offer.
Limitations: Many offers are limited to one per person and cannot be combined with other promotions.
Timing: Most offers are specifically for Veterans Day, November 11, 2025, though some businesses extend their offers for multiple days (such as Mountain Mike's Pizza, which runs from Veterans Day through Nov. 17).
Location Variations: Not all locations of a chain may participate in the offers. It's recommended to check with specific locations or the company's website before visiting.

Some businesses offer redemption through their mobile apps or websites with special codes (like Einstein Bros. and Bruegger's Bagels), but these are exceptions rather than the rule.

Regional Considerations

While most major national chains offer consistent promotions across their locations, some regional variations may exist:

Participation: Not every location of a chain may participate in Veterans Day promotions. Local ownership and management decisions can affect availability.
Specific Offers: Some businesses may offer different promotions in different regions based on local preferences or market conditions.
Location-Specific Offers: Some local businesses may offer Veterans Day deals that aren't available at chain establishments. Sources mention specific locations like The BARBERSHOP in Darboy, Brown County Rifle Range in Wisconsin, and Saroki's Crispy Chicken & Pizza which appears to be a regional chain.
State-Specific Promotions: Some sources mention deals specific to certain states or regions, such as Raising Cane's having locations in Ann Arbor and Canton, and various offers available in California.

Customers are advised to check with their local establishments or visit company websites to confirm participation and any regional variations.

Conclusion

Veterans Day 2025 offers numerous opportunities for veterans, active-duty military personnel, and sometimes their families to receive complimentary meals, discounts, and other free items as a token of appreciation for their service. Most offers require valid military identification or proof of service, with the majority limited to dine-in or in-store redemption.

Key points to remember when seeking Veterans Day offers include: - Bring appropriate military documentation (multiple forms if possible) - Verify participation at specific locations before visiting - Note that most offers are for Veterans Day only (November 11, 2025) - Understand that some offers are limited to one per customer - Be aware that many offers cannot be combined with other promotions

These offers represent a small gesture of gratitude from businesses across the country to honor those who have served in the U.S. military. By taking advantage of these promotions, veterans and active-duty personnel can enjoy special recognition while supporting the businesses that choose to participate in this day of appreciation.