Veterans Day is set for November 11, 2025, and numerous restaurants and retailers are preparing to express their gratitude towards veterans and active-duty service members by offering complimentary meals and discounts. Most of these promotions necessitate a valid military ID and are typically available for dine-in customers at participating locations; the hours and eligible menu items may vary.
This year, notable offers include a free entrée from Applebee’s, a complimentary tall coffee from Starbucks, and a 10% discount at Target, among others.
Veterans Day serves as a tribute to all U.S. military veterans, both living and deceased, who have served in the Armed Forces. Originally known as Armistice Day, the holiday marks the end of World War I on November 11, 1918. In 1954, following World War II and the Korean War, Congress officially renamed it Veterans Day to acknowledge all veterans, not just those who served in World War I.
Across the nation, the day is observed with various parades, ceremonies, and community events. Below is a list of restaurants and retailers that will be offering special deals or free meals to veterans and active duty service members as a gesture of appreciation.
Tips for Maximizing Veterans Day Offers
To take full advantage of these offers, veterans and active-duty military personnel should keep in mind the following:
- Proof of Service: Most offers require proof of service, so it is essential to bring a military ID, VA card, or other relevant documentation.
- Check Participation: Some deals are only available at specific locations, so it’s wise to call ahead or check online to confirm that your local restaurant is participating.
- Verify Offer Times: Most promotions are valid on November 11, but the hours may differ, and some establishments may have specific times for their offers.
Free Meals for Veterans Day 2025
Applebee’s: On Veterans Day, Applebee’s will continue its tradition of honoring those who have served by offering a complimentary full-size entrée from a special Veterans Day menu for all active duty, reserves, national guard, and veterans who dine in. This marks the 18th consecutive year of this initiative, during which Applebee’s has served over 12.3 million free meals to veterans.
Applebee’s 2025 Veterans Day Menu offers a choice of seven popular entrées, including:
- 6 oz. Top Sirloin
- Classic Bacon Cheeseburger
- Chicken Tenders Platter
- Double Crunch Shrimp
- Fiesta Lime Chicken®
- Oriental Chicken Salad
- Three-Cheese Chicken Penne
Another Broken Egg Cafe: This establishment invites all veterans, active-duty, and retired military personnel to enjoy complimentary Patriot French Toast topped with strawberries, blueberries, and whipped cream, along with Barista House Blend Coffee for dine-in guests presenting a valid military ID.
AutoNation: AutoNation will honor veterans with a 20% discount on all services, available in-store at AutoNation locations nationwide and through AutoNation Mobile Service from November 10 to 15.
Benihana: Veterans and active military can receive a complimentary entrée valued up to $59, valid for food purchases only, with proper identification required.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: On November 11, all active-duty and retired military members dining in with a valid military ID will receive a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie®, along with an additional offer of a free appetizer on future visits from November 12 through December 31 with the purchase of an entrée.
Bombshells Restaurant & Bar: This venue will provide free entrees to military veterans at all Texas and Colorado locations on November 11, while active-duty military personnel will receive a 20% discount on all menu items.
Bonefish Grill: Veterans can enjoy a complimentary Bang Bang Shrimp and a non-alcoholic beverage on November 11 with proper identification.
Buca di Beppo: On Veterans Day, veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a free lunch entrée from the lunch specials menu.
Buffalo’s Cafe: Veterans and active-duty military will receive a 25% discount on their meal when dining in (alcohol not included), requiring a military ID or uniform for verification.
Buffalo Wild Wings: Veterans can receive 10 free boneless wings and fries with valid identification on Veterans Day.
California Pizza Kitchen: On November 11, veterans and active-duty service members can enjoy a complimentary entrée and beverage from a special prix fixe menu, along with a future discount card for a buy-one-get-one offer on select items.
Cicis Pizza: Veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a free adult buffet when dining in on November 11.
Chipotle: From 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on November 11, veterans and active-duty service members can get a buy-one-get-one-free deal on any entrée.
Cracker Barrel: Veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a free Sunrise Pancake Breakfast on November 11 with proper ID.
Denny’s: On Veterans Day, Denny’s invites active and retired military personnel to enjoy a free Original Grand Slam from 5 a.m. to noon at participating locations nationwide with valid identification.
Einstein Bros. Bagels: On November 11, veterans and active-duty service members can enjoy a free hot or iced coffee of any size.
Fazoli’s: Veterans and active duty military can enjoy a free Spaghetti with Marinara or Meat Sauce when dining in with proper ID.
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill: Veterans and active-duty service members will receive a complimentary lunch or dinner when dining with a guest on November 11.
Ford’s Garage: Veterans and active military can enjoy a free American Standard Burger or receive up to $15 off an entrée on November 11.
Golden Corral: This restaurant will host its annual Military Appreciation Night on November 11, providing active members and veterans a free buffet and beverage from 4 p.m. until closing.
Hard Rock Cafe: Veterans can enjoy a complimentary Classic Smash Burger all day long, with the option to combine this offer with a 15% military discount.
Honey Dew Donuts: On November 11, veterans can enjoy a free coffee with no purchase necessary.
Hooters: On Veterans Day, veterans who present military identification and purchase a beverage can receive a free entrée from a special menu.
IHOP: Veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a free Red, White, & Blueberry Pancake Combo on November 11 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
In-N-Out Burger: Veterans and active military will receive a complimentary meal, including any burger, fries, and beverage, along with a special edition Veterans Day decal on November 11.
Insomnia Cookies: From November 8 to November 11, veterans can receive a free deluxe cookie with a $5 purchase in-store only.
Kona Grill: Veterans and active military will receive a complimentary entrée valued up to $49 with valid ID.
Little Caesars Pizza: On November 11, veterans can receive a free lunch combo featuring pizza and a drink at participating locations.
Logan’s Roadhouse: Veterans can enjoy a free meal from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on November 11, choosing from various popular entrées.
LongHorn Steakhouse: Veterans and active-duty military will receive a 10% discount and a complimentary appetizer or dessert on November 11.
Maple Street Biscuit Company: Veterans will receive a 10% discount on their meal on November 11 with valid ID.
Native Grill & Wings: Veterans and active-duty military can choose from a variety of complimentary entrees on Veterans Day.
Ojos Locos Sports Cantina: Veterans and active-duty military will receive 20% off all food items.
Olive Garden: Veterans dining in on November 11 will receive a complimentary entrée from a special menu, which includes unlimited breadsticks and soup or salad.
Outback Steakhouse: To honor Military Mates, Outback is offering a free Aussie 3-course meal on November 10
