Veterans Day Free Meals And Discounts A Comprehensive Guide To Restaurant Offers For Us Military Personnel

The provided source material outlines a variety of Veterans Day offers available to U.S. military personnel, specifically focusing on free meals and discounts provided by restaurant chains and regional eateries. These promotions are typically available on or around November 11th and require proof of military service for redemption. The data highlights specific menu items, eligibility requirements, and participating brands, offering a snapshot of the hospitality industry's efforts to honor veterans and active-duty service members.

Restaurant Chains Offering Veterans Day Freebies

Several national and regional restaurant chains offer specific free menu items to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day. These offers generally apply to dine-in orders, though some may extend to take-out or drive-thru services. The following section details the specific offers and requirements found in the source data.

Major National and Regional Chains

• Bob Evans: Bob Evans Farmhouse Kitchen offers a free, farm-fresh meal to all veterans and active-duty military personnel on Tuesday, November 11. The 2025 Veterans Day menu features 10 hearty favorites served all day long. This offer is available for dine-in only.
• Mission BBQ: Mission BBQ provides a free sandwich on Veterans Day for American heroes, specifically veterans. The brand encourages customers to join them at noon for the live National Anthem.
• Ninety Nine Restaurant + Pub: This chain offers veterans and active-duty military a free lunch entrée with the purchase of an adult entrée on November 11. Eligible entrée options include chopped sirloin, roasted turkey dinner, and the All-American cheeseburger. This promotion is available from opening until 4 p.m. Additionally, veterans and active-duty military receive a $5 reward card for their next visit.
• O’Charley’s: O’Charley’s provides veterans and active-duty military with a free entrée from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both November 10 and November 11.
• McCormick & Schmick’s: On Sunday, November 9, 2025, McCormick & Schmick’s invites veterans of the U.S. military, National Guard, Gold Star parents, Gold Star spouses, and active military to enjoy a select half-priced entrée.
• Metro Diner: Veterans receive 50% off their meals on November 11.
• The Cheesecake Factory: While primarily known for its general dining discounts, The Cheesecake Factory offers a 10% discount to all active and retired military personnel, including veterans, on Veterans Day (November 11) and every day of the year. This discount is available for dine-in and take-out orders and applies to the entire menu, including drinks and desserts. To receive this discount, customers must present a valid military ID or proof of service, such as a military ID card, discharge papers, a VA card, or a military ID with a veteran designation.

Specialty and Casual Dining Establishments

• Bill Gray’s: Veterans enjoy a free World’s Greatest Cheeseburger, regular fries, and regular soda on Tuesday, November 11. Proof of military service is required.
• BigBoy: BigBoy honors active-duty service members and veterans on November 11 only. Participants can choose between $5 of eggs and meat, hotcakes and meat, or French toast and meat. All options include coffee.
• Bombshells Restaurant & Bar: Bombshells offers free entrees on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, to military veterans at all locations in Texas and Colorado. Active-duty military personnel receive a 20% discount on all menu items.
• Main Event Entertainment: Main Event offers a hero's welcome, including a free double cheeseburger with fries and 30 minutes of game play, in honor of service on Veterans Day.
• Granite City Food & Brewery: This Midwest chain usually offers a free lunch from a special menu for veterans.
• Green Mill: Located in Minnesota and Wisconsin, Green Mill offers a free item from a select menu.
• The Greene Turtle: This New England establishment offers a free meal (up to $15 value) to active and retired military personnel for dine-in only. A 15% year-round military discount is also offered.
• Grillsmith: Located in Florida, Grillsmith usually offers a free entrée for veterans and military personnel for dine-in only. They also offer a 15% to 25% discount on or near Veterans Day.
• Hacienda Mexican Restaurants: Located in Indiana, Hacienda offers a free Large Wet Burrito for dine-in or carryout for veterans and military personnel. A 10% year-round military discount is also available.
• Hickory Tavern: Located in the Carolinas, Hickory Tavern offers a free meal (equal or lesser value) for veterans and active military with the purchase of another meal.
• Hof’s Hut: Located in California, Hof’s Hut usually offers a free Hofburger or Buttermilk Pancake combo for veterans and active military.

Coffee and Breakfast Offers

In addition to full meal deals, several coffee shops and breakfast establishments offer complimentary beverages and food items to veterans.

• Peet’s Coffee: Peet’s usually offers a free drip coffee or tea of any size for veterans and active military.
• Tim Hortons: Some locations may offer a free coffee and/or donut for veterans and active military, as they have in the past. However, each location is independently owned and operated, so customers are advised to call their local Tim Hortons before visiting on Veterans Day.
• Upshot Coffee: Located in Missouri, Upshot Coffee offers veterans a free batch brew with any purchase.
• Weigel’s: Located in Tennessee, Weigel’s usually offers veterans a free coffee or cappuccino, with no purchase necessary.
• Rummies & Yummies Bakery and Coffee Bar: Located in Orange Park, Florida, this establishment offers a free small coffee and slice of vanilla pound cake for veterans and active military.

General Eligibility and Redemption Requirements

The source material indicates that proof of military service is a standard requirement for redeeming Veterans Day offers. Acceptable forms of identification generally include:

• Military ID card
• Discharge papers
• VA card
• Military ID with a veteran designation

Most offers are valid for dine-in service on November 11, 2025, or on the dates specified for each restaurant. Some establishments, such as The Cheesecake Factory, extend their military discounts to daily availability throughout the year.

Conclusion

The provided source material documents a wide array of Veterans Day offers from the restaurant industry, ranging from free entrees and sandwiches to discounted meals and complimentary beverages. Participating brands include national chains like Bob Evans, Mission BBQ, and The Cheesecake Factory, as well as regional favorites such as Hacienda Mexican Restaurants and Hof's Hut. While the specific dates and menu items vary by establishment, the common thread across these offers is the requirement for valid military identification and the intent to honor veterans and active-duty service members. Consumers are advised to verify specific details, such as dine-in versus take-out availability and exact operating hours, directly with their local restaurant prior to visiting.

Sources

1. Civil War
2. Legion
3. VA Claims Insider