Veterans Day 2025 Complete Guide To Free Meals And Restaurant Deals For Military Personnel

Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, honors all who have served in the U.S. military. The holiday originated from Armistice Day, which commemorated the end of World War I when the Allies and Germany signed an armistice agreement on November 11, 1918. In 1954, Congress renamed the holiday to Veterans Day, and President Eisenhower signed the legislation on June 1, 1954.

As a tribute to military service, numerous restaurant and food chains across the United States offer free meals, discounts, and special deals to veterans, active-duty military personnel, reservists, and National Guard members on Veterans Day 2025. This comprehensive guide details the available offers, eligibility requirements, and important considerations for those wishing to participate.

Restaurant Chains Offering Free Meals and Special Deals

National Restaurant Chains with Widespread Offers

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 that Applebee's has provided Veterans Day deals, according to the company's website. The offer is only available for dine-in customers, and proof of military service is required. Eligible individuals include active-duty military personnel, veterans, reservists, and National Guard members.

BJ's Restaurants Current and former military personnel who dine at BJ's on Veterans Day can receive a free chocolate chunk pizookie. Participants must present their military ID or other proof of service to redeem the offer. The deal is available for dine-in only only. Additionally, BJ's Restaurant is issuing a free appetizer coupon for veterans' next visit.

Chili's Veterans and active military can get a free meal, including a burger or chicken tenders, at participating Chili's locations on Veterans Day. The deal is available for dine-in only only, and customers must verify their military status.

Chipotle Customers who present their valid military ID and have an entree in-restaurant can get a second entrée for free between 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Veterans Day. This buy-one-get-one-free offer requires proof of service and is limited to the specified time frame.

Denny's Active and retired military personnel can receive a free original Grand Slam at participating locations through noon on Veterans Day. Proof of military service is required, and availability may vary by location.

Regional and Specialized Offers

Another Broken Egg Cafe Veterans and active-duty service members can enjoy a free Patriot French toast combo and coffee on November 11 at participating Another Broken Egg Cafe locations. Participation is limited to specific locations, so verification with local establishments is recommended.

Beef 'O' Brady's The restaurant is offering free BYOB (Build Your Own Burger) and fries for veterans on Veterans Day at participating locations. Eligibility is limited to veterans, and proof of service may be required.

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 locations. The offer only applies to dine-in customers. When visiting a Buffalo Wild Wings Go location, the offer is valid for walk-in orders. Additionally, the store offers a daily 15% discount for veterans on all dine-in and call-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 include Coca-Cola fountain beverages, iced tea, or passion fruit mango unsweetened iced tea. Entrée options include four choices of full-size salads and six pizzas. Proof of military service is required.

Circle K The convenience store chain is offering a free hot or iced medium coffee on Veterans Day to military personnel. This offer may be available at participating locations without requiring proof of service.

Einstein Bros Bagel Veterans and active-duty military can receive a free any sized hot or iced coffee on Veterans Day. The offer is available in-store or online using promo code FREECOFFEE. Proof of service may be required.

Firehouse Subs The restaurant is offering a buy any size sub and receive a second sub free on Veterans Day. This deal is available to military personnel, though specific requirements regarding proof of service may vary by location.

IHOP IHOP is offering active military and veterans a free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo with valid military ID on November 11, 2025. The offer is dine-in only only and available at participating locations.

In-N-Out Burger In-N-Out Burger is offering veterans, active-duty military, reserves and National Guard members a complimentary meal including any burger, fries and beverage on the menu on Veterans Day. Proof of military service is required.

Fast Food and Limited-Time Offers

Burger King While Burger King does not list specific Veterans Day 2025 deals or freebies, the fast food chain provides a 10% discount for those enrolled in the WeSalute program at some participating locations. Few locations advertise this offer, so customers should check their nearest location when ordering and bring their military ID.

Smashburger Smashburger is likely offering veterans and active-duty military members a freebie, deal or perhaps a free All-American Smash (as they did in 2024) on Veterans Day 2025. The restaurant has a list of "participating locations" for Veterans Day, but it's unclear if these are from 2024 or 2025. Customers should check Smashburger's social media pages, website, or visit a location for current information.

Texas Roadhouse The restaurant is offering veterans and active-duty military members a free meal voucher. The vouchers will be offered between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Veterans Day. Proof of military service is required, and availability may vary by location.

White Castle While the source information is incomplete, White Castle appears to be offering some form of Veterans Day deal on November 11. Specific details about the offer are not provided in the source material.

Important Considerations for Veterans Day Offers

Proof of Military Service

Most Veterans Day deals require a form of veteran, military or military-dependent identification. Acceptable forms may include: - Veteran ID Card - DD214 card showing time of service - Military ID card - Other proof of service documentation

Customers should bring appropriate identification to verify their military status when redeeming offers.

Dine-In Requirements

Many offers are limited to dine-in guests only. Some chains like Buffalo Wild Wings also extend offers to walk-in counter orders at their Buffalo Wild Wings GO locations. Before visiting, customers should confirm whether an offer is available for takeout, delivery, or dine-in service only.

Location Participation Variations

Since many restaurants are individually owned and operated by franchise owners, the choice to provide a discount is up to each owner's discretion. Participation may vary by location even within the same chain. Customers should check with their local restaurant to confirm participation before visiting.

Time Restrictions

Some offers have specific time restrictions: - Chipotle: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. - Denny's: Through noon - Texas Roadhouse: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Customers should plan their visits accordingly to ensure they can redeem offers during the specified time frames.

Online and Mobile Offers

Some establishments like Einstein Bros Bagel offer online redemption options with promo codes. Customers should check if their preferred restaurant offers online ordering with Veterans Day promotions.

How to Find Participating Locations

For chains with multiple locations across the country, customers can find participating restaurants through several methods:

1. Visit the official restaurant chain's website and use their location finder
2. Call the restaurant directly to inquire about Veterans Day offers
3. Check the restaurant's social media pages for updated information
4. Visit the restaurant in person and ask staff about current promotions

Most restaurant chains provide a "find a location" tool on their websites. For example: - Applebee's customers can visit Applebee's website to locate participating restaurants - IHOP customers can visit ihop.com - Burger King customers can visit BK.com - Smashburger customers can visit Smashburger.com

Conclusion

Veterans Day 2025 offers numerous opportunities for military personnel to enjoy complimentary meals and special deals at restaurants across the United States. From free full-size entrées at Applebee's to complimentary coffee at Circle K, these offers demonstrate appreciation for military service.

When planning to take advantage of these deals, military personnel should remember to: - Bring appropriate proof of military service - Verify participation at specific locations - Note any time restrictions that may apply - Confirm whether offers are dine-in only or available through other service methods

While this guide provides comprehensive information about known Veterans Day offers, customers should always verify current promotions with individual restaurants before their visit, as offers and participation details may change.

Sources

1. Shake Shack, Dunkin' and more Veterans Day freebies in California
2. Veterans Day deals 2025 include free meals, discounts at restaurants
3. Veterans Day food freebies, deals today in Florida
4. Several major restaurant and café chains offering free meals
5. Get Veterans Day food freebies, deals today in Florida
6. Where to find free meals and discounts in Oregon on Veterans Day 2025