Restaurant Freebies And Military Discounts For Veterans Day 2025 Complete Guide

Veterans Day 2025, observed on Tuesday, November 11, presents numerous opportunities for active-duty military personnel and veterans to receive complimentary meals, drinks, and other items at restaurants across the United States. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the freebies and discounts available, organized by restaurant chains and categories, to help military members and veterans maximize their benefits on this day of recognition.

Many restaurant chains and local establishments express gratitude for military service by offering free meals, beverages, and other items. Participation typically requires proof of service, such as a military ID or veteran status documentation. It's important to note that participation may vary at franchise locations, so calling ahead to confirm local participation is advisable.

National Restaurant Chains Offering Freebies

Several national restaurant chains have established traditions of honoring military members on Veterans Day with complimentary offerings:

Applebee's Applebee's is offering select entrées for free from a limited menu throughout the day to all veterans or active-duty military members. This represents the 18th consecutive year Applebee's has provided Veterans Day deals according to the company's website. The offer is only available for dine-in customers.

Buffalo Wild Wings Past and present military members can enjoy 10 free boneless wings and an order of regular fries for free at Buffalo Wild Wings. The offer only applies to dine-in customers. When visiting a Buffalo Wild Wings Go location, the offer is valid for walk-in orders.

California Pizza Kitchen All veterans or active-duty military who visit a California Pizza Kitchen will receive a complimentary beverage and one entrée from a limited menu. The drink choices are between Coca-Cola fountain beverages, iced tea or passion fruit mango unsweetened iced tea. Entrée options include four choices of full-size salads (Original BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad, Thai Crunch, Classic Caesar or Italian Chopped), six pizzas (Original BBQ Chicken Pizza, Hawaiian, Mushroom Pepperoni Sausage, Pepperoni, Five Cheese + Fresh Basil), and three pasta dishes.

Einstein Bros. Bagels Einstein Bros. Bagels will honor those who serve with a free hot or iced coffee (any size) for all veterans and active-duty service members on Tuesday, November 11. Guests can enjoy their complimentary coffee in-bakery, through the mobile app, or online using code FREECOFFEE. No purchase is required.

IHOP Veterans can receive a free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo served with eggs, hash browns and a choice of meat at IHOP on Veterans Day.

Krispy Kreme Veterans get a free doughnut and small coffee on November 11 at participating Krispy Kreme locations, in shop only.

Little Caesars On November 11, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., veterans and active military can enjoy a complimentary Lunch Combo at Little Caesars, which includes four slices of Little Caesars signature Detroit-style Deep Dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi beverage.

MOD Pizza On Tuesday, November 11, all veterans, active-duty military members and their spouses will 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 to get the deal.

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

Olive Garden Olive Garden will offer each veteran and current member of the military a free entrée from a special menu on Veterans Day.

Red Robin Veterans and military members get a free Red's Big Tavern Burger (dine-in only) at Red Robin on Veterans Day.

Smoothie King Active-duty military and veterans can claim a free 20-ounce smoothie at participating Smoothie King locations nationwide.

Regional Restaurant Offers

Many regional and local restaurants also participate in Veterans Day celebrations with special offers for military members:

Dickey's Barbecue Pits Veterans and active-duty military personnel get a free pulled pork sandwich (dine-in and carry out, limit one per guest) at Dickey's Barbecue Pits.

Golden Corral From 4 p.m. to close, Golden Corral buffet restaurants will offer active and former military members with a free meal.

Hacienda Mexican Restaurants Veterans get a free large Wet Burrito, either dine-in or carry out at Hacienda Mexican Restaurants.

Hooters Active and retired military can choose one free meal from a special menu at Hooters.

Kings Family Restaurant On November 11, veterans and active-duty military members get a free meal from a special Veterans Day menu at Kings Family Restaurant.

Kona Grill On November 11, veterans and active-duty military will receive a complimentary entrée up to $49 at Kona Grill. Military ID for verification is required.

Lazy Dog Restaurants Active-duty military, discharged, retired or reserve members get a free Fireside Favorite on November 11 at Lazy Dog Restaurants.

Lime Fresh Mexican Grill Veterans and active-duty military personnel eat free on Veterans Day (just show valid ID) at Lime Fresh Mexican Grill and also get a $50 Challenge Coin, which can be used throughout the year for another free meal excluding alcohol, on the 11th of every month.

Logan's Roadhouse Veterans and active-duty military members get a free meal from the Veterans Day menu from 11am - 3pm on November 11 at Logan's Roadhouse.

Main Event On November 11, active-duty military and veterans get a free double cheeseburger with fries and 30 minutes of game play with ID at Main Event locations.

Marzoni's Brick Oven & Brewing Co. Veterans receive a free 12 oz draft beer or soda on November 11 at Marzoni's Brick Oven & Brewing Co. One drink per Veteran. Must be 21 or older to receive the draft beer. Proof of service required.

Max & Erma's Veterans and active-duty military get a free cheeseburger on November 11 at participating Max & Erma's locations.

Ninety Nine Restaurant + Pub Veterans and active-duty military get a free lunch entrée with the purchase of an adult entrée on Veterans Day, available from opening until 4 p.m. at Ninety Nine Restaurant + Pub. They will also receive a $5 reward card for their next visit.

Native Grill & Wings Veterans and active-duty military get a free entrée – a choice from ½-pound Stripper Combo, ½-pound Boneless Combo, Native Chicken Sandwich with fries or My Native Burger with fries – on Veterans Day when they show a military ID or wear a military uniform at Native Grill & Wings.

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse BJ's Restaurant is offering a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie for current and former military members with valid proof of service. Dine-in only. Additionally, a free appetizer coupon will be issued for their next visit.

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

Outback Steakhouse For the U.S. Marine Corps Birthday on Monday, Nov. 10, and Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11, Outback Steakhouse offers special deals for military members.

Time-Restricted Offers

Many Veterans Day offers have specific time restrictions. Here's a breakdown of offers available during particular hours:

Morning Offers: - Einstein Bros. Bagels: Free coffee available all day on November 11 - Little Caesars: Free Lunch Combo available from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. - Logan's Roadhouse: Free meal from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Afternoon/Evening Offers: - Golden Corral: Free meal from 4:00 p.m. to close - Ninety Nine Restaurant + Pub: Free lunch entrée with purchase from opening until 4:00 p.m.

All-Day Offers: - Applebee's: Free entrée from limited menu available all day - Buffalo Wild Wings: 10 free boneless wings and fries available all day - California Pizza Kitchen: Complimentary beverage and entrée available all day - IHOP: Free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo available all day - Olive Garden: Free entrée from special menu available all day - Red Robin: Free Red's Big Tavern Burger available all day - Smoothie King: Free 20-ounce smoothie available all day

Extended Offers: - Whataburger: Free Taquitos every Tuesday through the end of the year (beginning November 11, 2025) - Mountain Mike's Pizza: Free Garlic Sticks with purchase of $25 or more from Veterans Day through Monday, November 17

Special Considerations and Requirements

When planning to take advantage of Veterans Day restaurant offers, military members and veterans should keep several important considerations in mind:

Proof of Service Most restaurants require military identification or proof of veteran status to redeem offers. Acceptable forms of identification typically include: - Military ID card - Veterans ID card - DD-214 discharge papers - VA card - Driver's license with veteran designation

Participation Variations While these offers are generally available nationwide, participation may vary at franchise locations. Many restaurants leave it up to individual franchise owners whether to participate in Veterans Day promotions. It's always advisable to call ahead to confirm that your local restaurant is participating.

Dine-In Requirements Many offers specify that they are only valid for dine-in customers. Some restaurants that offer takeout or delivery service may not include these options in their Veterans Day promotions. When in doubt, call ahead to inquire about service options.

Accommodations for Spouses While most offers are extended only to the military member or veteran, some restaurants include spouses in their promotions. For example, MOD Pizza offers 50% off a pizza or salad to veterans, active-duty military members and their spouses.

Age Restrictions Some offers have age restrictions. For instance, at Marzoni's Brick Oven & Brewing Co., veterans must be 21 or older to receive the complimentary draft beer (though soda is available to all ages).

Purchase Requirements Most offers are completely free, but some require the purchase of another item. For example, Ninety Nine Restaurant + Pub requires the purchase of an adult entrée to receive a free lunch entrée, and Mountain Mike's Pizza requires a $25 purchase to receive free Garlic Sticks.

Planning Your Veterans Day Dining Experience

To maximize the benefits of Veterans Day restaurant offers, consider the following strategies:

1. Research in advance: Check which restaurants are participating in your area and make note of their specific offers and requirements.

2. Call ahead: Confirm participation with your local franchise locations, especially for chain restaurants where participation may vary.

3. Bring proper identification: Ensure you have acceptable proof of military service or veteran status.

4. Consider timing: If you have multiple restaurants you'd like to visit, plan your day around their specific time restrictions.

5. Be flexible: Some restaurants may run out of certain menu items, especially popular ones, so be prepared to choose from available options.

6. Check for extended offers: Some restaurants, like Whataburger and Mountain Mike's Pizza, offer promotions that extend beyond Veterans Day itself.

7. Share with fellow service members: Veterans Day is a great opportunity to gather with friends who also served and enjoy these complimentary meals together.

Conclusion

Veterans Day 2025 presents numerous opportunities for active-duty military personnel and veterans to receive complimentary meals, drinks, and other items at restaurants across the United States. From national chains like Applebee's and Buffalo Wild Wings to regional favorites like Dickey's Barbecue and Hacienda Mexican Restaurants, there are options to suit every taste and preference.

When planning to take advantage of these offers, remember that participation typically requires proof of service, may be limited to dine-in customers, and can vary at individual locations. By researching in advance, calling ahead, and bringing proper identification, military members and veterans can make the most of these expressions of gratitude for their service.

Whether you're enjoying a free coffee at Einstein Bros. Bagels, a complimentary entrée at Olive Garden, or a free taquito at Whataburger, these offers provide a meaningful way for restaurants to honor those who have served. As Veterans Day approaches, consider taking advantage of these opportunities to enjoy a meal on the house while celebrating your service to the country.

Sources

1. El Paso Times - Veterans Day 2025: free meals, coffee and taquitos for military, retired vets
2. Patch - Veterans Day Deals: Military Personnel Eat Free At These Connecticut Restaurants
3. Statesman Journal - Where can you get Veterans Day 2025 free meals and discounts in Oregon?
4. Military.com - Restaurants Offering Free Meals to Veterans and Military on Veterans Day
5. AZCentral - Veterans Day deals 2025: Free meals for veterans, military members
6. Fox News - Restaurants offering free Veterans Day meals to past and current military members