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

Veterans Day, observed on November 11, 2025, provides an opportunity for businesses across the United States to express gratitude to military veterans and active-duty service members through special offers, complimentary meals, and discounts. This guide presents a comprehensive overview of the freebies and special offers available to honor those who have served in the armed forces.

Restaurant Free Meals

Numerous restaurant chains are offering free meals to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day 2025. These offers typically require proof of military service and may have specific restrictions regarding location, time, or menu options.

Applebee's is offering a free full-sized entrée from an exclusive Veterans Day menu. This marks the 18th consecutive year Applebee's has provided this special offer. Dine-in service is required, and beverages and gratuity are not included. Valid proof of military service must be shown, which can include a U.S. Uniformed Services ID, Retired ID card, current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), veterans organization card (such as American Legion or VFW), DD214, citation or commendation, or by wearing a uniform or showing a photo in uniform.

Arby's is providing a free Classic Roast Beef Sandwich at its 360-plus locations owned by the Flynn Group. The offer is valid in-store with no other purchase necessary. Patrons must show a valid military ID or proof of U.S. military service, with a limit of one sandwich per veteran.

Bad Daddy's Burger Bar is offering a free BD's All-American Burger with cheese and a classic side from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. local time on Veterans Day. The offer is available for dine-in customers only, with valid military ID or proof of service required.

Benihana is providing a free entrée valued up to $59 for veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day. Valid military ID is required, and the offer is for one-time use toward food purchases only, excluding alcohol.

Blaze Pizza is offering veterans and active-duty military personnel a free 11-inch, one-topping pizza on Veterans Day.

Bob Evans is allowing veterans and active-duty military members to choose a free entrée from a list of 10 options on Veterans Day.

Buffalo Wild Wings is providing 10 free Boneless Wings and Fries to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day.

California Pizza Kitchen is thanking veterans and active military for their service on Veterans Day, though specific details of their offer are not included in the source material.

Chili's is offering a complimentary entrée to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day.

Chipotle is providing a "buy one, get one free" entrée deal for veterans with a valid military ID from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Veterans Day.

Circle K is offering one free medium hot or iced coffee to veterans and active-duty military personnel.

Cracker Barrel is providing a free Sunrise Pancake Special to veterans and active-duty military personnel. Additionally, the company is offering 25% off Duke Cannon products and military-themed merchandise and apparel, both in-store and online at CrackerBarrel.com, while supplies last.

Denny's is offering a free Original Grand Slam from 5 a.m. on Veterans Day.

Einstein Bros. Bagels is honoring veterans and active-duty service members with a free hot or iced coffee of any size on Tuesday, November 11. The complimentary coffee can be enjoyed in-bakery, through the mobile app, or online using code FREECOFFEE, with no purchase required.

Lazy Dog Restaurant is offering veterans a free Fireside Favorite entrée with choices including the BBQ Ranch Bacon Burger, Fried Chicken Dinner, and Mediterranean Chicken Bowl, along with a personal-sized S'more Brownie Sundae for dessert on Veterans Day.

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

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

Manhattan Bagel is offering all veterans and active-duty military personnel a free hot or iced coffee on Veterans Day.

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. Valid military ID must be shown to receive the deal.

Margaritas Mexican Restaurant is offering 50% off the check for veterans and active-duty military personnel at all Margaritas locations in the Northeast (excluding Pennsylvania locations) on Veterans Day. Beginning November 12, veterans and active military members can receive a 10% discount when dining in at Margaritas locations in New England.

Maple Street Biscuit Company is providing veterans and active-duty military personnel with 10% off on Veterans Day with valid identification.

Whataburger is honoring the military with free Taquitos every Tuesday through the end of the year, beginning Tuesday, November 11. Active-duty military and veterans can pick up one free Taquito in-store at any Whataburger restaurant during breakfast hours each Tuesday through December 30.

Food and Beverage Discounts

In addition to full free meals, many establishments are offering specific food and beverage items at no cost to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day.

Another Broken Egg Cafe is offering a complimentary Patriot French Toast topped with strawberries, blueberries, and whipped cream, paired with Barista House Blend Coffee to veterans and active-duty military personnel.

Several establishments are providing complimentary coffee to veterans and active-duty military personnel. Circle K is offering one free medium hot or iced coffee, while Einstein Bros. Bagels is providing a free hot or iced coffee of any size. Manhattan Bagel is also offering a free hot or iced coffee to veterans and active-duty military personnel.

Retail Discounts

While the majority of offers are for free meals and beverages, some retail establishments are providing discounts on merchandise and products.

Cracker Barrel is offering 25% off Duke Cannon products and military-themed merchandise and apparel, both in-store and online at CrackerBarrel.com, while supplies last.

Margaritas Mexican Restaurant is providing an ongoing discount for veterans and active-duty military personnel, with 50% off their check at all Margaritas locations in the Northeast (excluding Pennsylvania) on Veterans Day, and a 10% discount when dining in at Margaritas locations in New England beginning November 12.

Maple Street Biscuit Company is offering 10% off to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day with valid identification.

Activities and Entertainment

Several attractions and entertainment venues are offering free admission or special activities for veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day.

Mount Vernon is offering free admission to all military members on Veterans Day, with tickets picked up in person.

The Glenstone museum in Potomac, Maryland, is providing free walk-up entry to active military members and veterans through Sunday for nightly projections on its stone walls by artist Jenny Holzer.

Cabin John Ice Rink in Maryland is offering free skating from 12-2 p.m. on Sunday, November 9, for military personnel.

Wheaton Ice Arena in Maryland is providing free skating from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, November 9, for military personnel.

Brown County Rifle Range is offering free admission for veterans to the Reforestation Camp Rifle Range on Veterans Day. The range is normally $7 per gun/bow or shooter. Additionally, free gun and archery sighting is available for veterans and active-duty military members from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., with 10 shooting lanes, archery and crossbow lanes provided. Targets and hearing protection are also provided.

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

Transportation

Maryland's public transit system is providing free rides on buses and trains for all military members and members of the National Guard on Veterans Day, November 11. Free transit is available by presenting a military ID or driver's license with the veteran designation.

Important Considerations

When taking advantage of Veterans Day freebies and special offers, there are several important considerations to keep in mind:

1. Required Identification: Most offers require proof of military service. Acceptable forms of identification typically include:

   • U.S. Uniformed Services ID card
   • Retired ID card
   • Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)
   • Veterans organization card (such as American Legion or VFW)
   • DD214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty)
   • Citation or commendation
   • Wearing a uniform
   • Photo of oneself in uniform

2. Participation Variations: Many offers are provided by franchise locations, and participation may vary. It's advisable to check with individual locations before visiting to confirm they are participating in the Veterans Day offers.

3. Exclusions and Limitations: Some offers have specific restrictions, such as:

   • Dine-in only requirements
   • Time limitations
   • Menu restrictions
   • Exclusions for premium items, add-ons, and gratuity
   • "While supplies last" limitations

4. Geographic Restrictions: Some offers are specific to certain regions or states. For example, Margaritas Mexican Restaurant's 50% discount applies only to locations in the Northeast, excluding Pennsylvania.

5. Date Specificity: Most offers are specifically for Veterans Day, November 11, 2025, though some extend beyond that date, such as Whataburger's free Taquitos offer which is valid every Tuesday through December 30.

6. Additional Purchases: While many offers require no additional purchase, some may have minimum purchase requirements or restrictions.

Conclusion

Veterans Day 2025 offers numerous opportunities for veterans and active-duty military personnel to receive complimentary meals, discounts, and special recognition from businesses across the United States. From free restaurant meals and coffee to discounts on retail products and free access to attractions and transportation, there are many ways for businesses to show appreciation for military service.

When planning to take advantage of these offers, it's important to bring appropriate identification, verify participation at specific locations, and be aware of any restrictions or limitations. These offers represent a small token of appreciation for the significant sacrifices made by those who have served in the armed forces.

Sources

1. Veterans Day Freebies in the Chattahoochee Valley
2. Veterans Day 2025 Free Activities and Freebies for Veterans in the D.C. Area
3. Veterans Day Freebies, Discounts and Donations in Green Bay
4. Veterans Day 2025: Free Meals, Coffee and Taquitos
5. Veterans Day Restaurant Deals List
6. Veterans Day Deals 2025: Free Meals