Complete Guide To Veterans Day 2025 Free Meals And Military Discounts

Veterans Day 2025 will see numerous restaurants and businesses offering complimentary meals and special promotions to honor veterans and active-duty military personnel. These offers provide an opportunity for service members to enjoy free food and beverages as a token of appreciation for their service. This comprehensive guide outlines the various free meals and discounts available on November 11, 2025, as well as some ongoing military benefits that extend beyond the holiday.

Restaurant Free Meals on Veterans Day

Fast Food & Casual Dining

Many fast-food and casual dining establishments participate in Veterans Day celebrations by offering complimentary meals to military personnel:

• Twin Peaks: All veterans and active-duty service members can enjoy a free lunch from a select menu between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. local time at participating locations nationwide. A valid military ID is required. The complimentary meal options include Cheeseburger & Fries, Chicken Tenders & Fries, Caesar Salad, or Smoked Chicken Street Tacos.

• Whataburger: Starting Veterans Day, all veterans and active-duty military personnel can receive a free Taquito in-store at any Whataburger restaurant during breakfast hours every Tuesday through December 30. The offer is valid for in-restaurant orders only and is not applicable to online or app orders, with one order per qualifying guest.

• Taco John's: Military personnel can get a free small beef Crispy or Softshell Taco Combo on November 11th by presenting a military ID or proof of service. The offer is available in-store or at the drive-thru.

• Dickey's Barbecue Pit: Veterans and active-duty military can receive a free Pulled Pork Sandwich with a valid military ID at all locations nationwide. This offer is available for dine-in or carryout and is limited to one sandwich per qualifying guest for the day.

• Dog Haus: Veterans and active military with valid military ID can receive a free Haus Dog at select participating locations. This offer is dine-in only and limited to one free Haus Dog per person.

• Fazoli's: Veterans and active-duty military can get a free Spaghetti with Marinara or Meat Sauce for dine-in only with valid military ID on November 11th. Use code VET25 when ordering.

• Freddy's Custard & Steakburgers: On November 11th, veterans and active military personnel can get a card for a free combo meal. The cards can be redeemed for any combo meal through December 31. No purchase is necessary to receive this special offer.

Sit-down Restaurants

Several full-service restaurants are also offering complimentary meals to honor military personnel on Veterans Day:

• Denny's: Active and retired military personnel can receive a free Original Grand Slam breakfast from 5 a.m. to noon on November 11 at participating locations. This offer is dine-in only.

• Eddie Merlot's: Veterans and active-duty military can receive a free Eddie's Prime Cheeseburger & Fries. The offer is available for dine-in only and requires a valid ID.

• Firebirds Wood Fired Grill: This restaurant is honoring active military and veterans with a complimentary lunch or dinner when dining with a guest on November 11. Dine-in only.

• Golden Corral: All active-duty military personnel and veterans can receive a free buffet and beverage from 4 p.m. to close on November 11.

• Texas Roadhouse: Veterans can enjoy a free lunch on Veterans Day from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with a choice from 10 entrees as a thank you for their service.

• Native Grill & Wings: Veterans and active-duty military can get 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.

• Perkins: Veterans can receive a Free Great American Trio on November 11th by showing a military ID.

• Red Robin: Veterans can get a free Red's Tavern Double Burger with Bottomless Steak Fries on November 11.

• Sammy's Pizza & Restaurant: Veterans and active-duty service members can enjoy a free lunch buffet on November 11 at the Elk River and Coon Rapids locations.

• la Madeleine: Veterans can get a free entrée on Tuesday, November 11, when they show a military ID (deal good for dine-in only).

• Lime Fresh Mexican Grill: Veterans and active-duty military personnel eat free on Veterans Day by showing valid ID and also receive a $50 Challenge Coin, which can be used throughout the year for another free meal excluding alcohol on the 11th of every month.

• Main Event: On Veterans Day, veterans and active-duty service members receive a free double cheeseburger and fries, plus 30 minutes of game play when they show a valid military ID.

• Outback Steakhouse: Offering special deals for both the U.S. Marine Corps Birthday on Monday, November 10, and Veterans Day on Tuesday, November 11.

Coffee Shops and Quick Bites

Several coffee shops and quick-service restaurants are also participating in Veterans Day appreciation:

• Starbucks: Veterans, service members, and military spouses receive a complimentary 12-ounce tall brewed coffee (hot or iced) on November 11 at participating Starbucks stores in the U.S. Cold Brew is not included, and the offer is valid for cafés and drive-thru only. Mobile order-ahead is not available for this promotion, with a limit of one redemption per customer.

• Einstein Bros. Bagels: Veterans and active-duty military can get 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.

• TCBY: Veterans and active military receive their first 6 oz free on November 11th with proof of service.

Breweries and Special Establishments

Several breweries and special establishments are also offering Veterans Day promotions:

• Crooked Pint (various locations): On November 11, veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a free meal, choosing from a Classic Lucy, Cluckin' Good Platter, Crispy Chicken Salad, or Apple Pecan Chicken Salad. Simply showing proof of military ID is required to redeem. Restrictions apply, and this offer is dine-in only.

• Trove Brewing (Burnsville): Veterans can receive a free pint on Veterans Day.

Ongoing Military Discounts Beyond Veterans Day

Some restaurants and businesses offer military discounts that extend beyond Veterans Day:

• Whataburger: Veterans and active-duty military can get a free 16-ounce hot or iced coffee year-round.

• Lime Fresh Mexican Grill: In addition to the free meal on Veterans Day, military personnel receive a $50 Challenge Coin that can be used for another free meal (excluding alcohol) on the 11th of every month.

• Gameday Men's Health North Scottsdale: Offers a 20% Hero Discount for active military, veterans, and first responders all year long.

• Burrito Express locations: Provide military personnel and first responders 15% off their purchases on the second Tuesday of every month.

• Roaring Fork: Offers its annual 20% off discount to Veterans on November 11.

• The Delicatessen: Honors first responders with 50% off their entire bill.

• Mountain Mike's Pizza: Veterans and active-duty military get free Garlic Sticks with a purchase of $25 or more via the Mountain Rewards app or with code VT25 from Veterans Day through Monday, November 17.

• MOD Pizza: All veterans, active-duty military members, and their spouses receive 50% off a MOD-size pizza or salad. The offer is good for in-restaurant orders only and limited to one per person; showing a valid military ID is required.

• Tocaya: Offers 50% off for all veterans and their families for dine-in orders only on November 11. The discount is valid for up to 8 people for dine-in and takeout orders.

• Mesquite Fresh Street Mex: Provides a 10% discount to all ASU students and faculty at the Mill Avenue location.

How to Access These Offers

To take advantage of these Veterans Day free meals and discounts:

1. Bring Valid Military ID: Most offers require veterans and active-duty personnel to present a valid military identification card. This includes DD214 discharge papers, VA cards, or other official documentation proving service status.

2. Visit Participating Locations: Not all locations within a restaurant chain may participate, so it's advisable to check with specific restaurants beforehand or visit their websites to confirm participation.

3. Understand the Terms: Some offers have specific timeframes, menu restrictions, or requirements (such as dine-in only). Review the terms carefully to ensure eligibility.

4. Check for Online Ordering Options: While most offers require in-person redemption, some establishments like Einstein Bros. Bagels allow ordering through their mobile app or online using specific promo codes.

5. Consider Bringing Family Members: Some restaurants allow family members to dine with the service member or offer discounts for accompanying parties.

Tips for Maximizing Veterans Day Deals

To make the most of Veterans Day promotions:

1. Plan Ahead: Research which restaurants are participating and create a schedule if planning to visit multiple locations throughout the day.

2. Arrive Early: Popular restaurants may experience longer wait times due to increased demand on Veterans Day.

3. Check for Additional Offers: Some establishments may have special menu items or additional promotions beyond the standard free meals.

4. Verify Participation: Call ahead or check restaurant websites to confirm participation, as offers can vary by location.

5. Respect the Spirit of the Day: Remember that these offers are tokens of appreciation for service. Be respectful to restaurant staff and other patrons.

Conclusion

Veterans Day 2025 presents numerous opportunities for military personnel to enjoy complimentary meals and discounts across a wide range of restaurants and establishments. From fast food chains to fine dining establishments, businesses nationwide are showing their appreciation for the service and sacrifice of veterans and active-duty military personnel. By understanding the available offers, bringing proper identification, and planning ahead, service members can maximize these benefits while enjoying a day of recognition and appreciation.

When participating in these offers, it's important to remember the significance of Veterans Day—a day to honor all who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, regardless of whether they saw combat. The most appropriate thing to say to a veteran is "Thank you for your service," and to listen respectfully if they choose to share their experiences.

Sources

1. Herald Tribune - Veterans Day Deals 2025 Free Meals Florida Food
2. ABC15 - November Discounts Fall Deals and Freebies Around the Valley
3. Courier Journal - When Veterans Day Holiday Free Meals 2025 Near Me
4. AZ Central - Veterans Day Deals 2025
5. Military.com - Twin Peaks Veterans Day Military Discount
6. Twin Cities Frugal Mom - Veterans Day Freebies Deals 2025