By Harshit, WASHINGTON, Nov. 11, 2025 — 8:00 a.m. ET
Across the United States, hundreds of restaurants and national chains are honoring Veterans Day 2025 with free meals, discounts, and exclusive offers for veterans, active-duty service members, and their families.
Observed annually on November 11, Veterans Day originated as Armistice Day, commemorating the end of World War I when hostilities ceased at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. It became a federal holiday in 1938 and was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to honor all U.S. military veterans.
While parades and memorial ceremonies mark the day across the nation, many businesses extend their gratitude through tangible gestures — free meals, coffee, desserts, and discounts available exclusively to those who have served.
How to Qualify
Most Veterans Day offers require proof of military service, such as a Veteran ID Card, DD214 form, or other official military identification. Some promotions are valid for dine-in only, while others apply to takeout or mobile app orders. Veterans are encouraged to confirm participation with their local branches before visiting.
🍔 Top Veterans Day 2025 Food Freebies and Meal Deals
Applebee’s
Veterans and active-duty military, including reservists and National Guard members, can enjoy a free full-sized entrée from a special Veterans Day menu featuring seven classic dishes, including the Classic Bacon Cheeseburger and Double Crunch Shrimp.
At Flynn Group-owned locations, guests can prepay for a beer for a veteran, with unclaimed beers’ proceeds donated to local veteran charities. Other Applebee’s locations will offer a $5 Bounce Back Card for veterans to use within three weeks.
Chipotle
Between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., military personnel can buy one entrée and get one free. In addition, Chipotle’s “Round Up for Real Change” initiative allows customers to round up their purchase total to donate to the USO (United Service Organizations) from Nov. 11–16.
Krispy Kreme
All veterans and active-duty military can receive a free doughnut of choice and a free small hot or iced coffee — no purchase necessary. Offer valid in-store or drive-thru.
Red Lobster
A Veterans Day favorite, Red Lobster is offering free Shrimp & Chips entrées to all veterans, active-duty, and reserve service members. The plate includes Walt’s Favorite Shrimp, fries, and coleslaw.
Starbucks
Veterans, military members, and spouses receive a free tall brewed coffee (hot or iced) at participating locations. Cold brew and specialty drinks are excluded. Starbucks has made this offer a Veterans Day tradition since 2015.
Cracker Barrel
Dine-in guests who show proof of service get a free Sunrise Pancake Special, including pancakes, eggs, or breakfast meat. In addition, Cracker Barrel is offering 25% off Duke Cannon grooming products and military-themed apparel in-store and online.
🍟 More Veterans Day 2025 Deals and Discounts Nationwide
Arby’s
Veterans and active-duty military receive a free Classic Roast Beef Sandwich at over 360 participating Flynn Group-owned locations. No purchase necessary.
Benihana
All active-duty military and veterans can enjoy a free entrée (value up to $59). Valid military ID required; alcohol, tax, and gratuity excluded.
BJ’s Restaurants & Brewhouse
Service members dining in can enjoy a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie dessert. Through Dec. 31, military guests who dine in and purchase an entrée receive a free appetizer on their next visit.
Blaze Pizza
Get a free one-topping pizza, and Blaze will donate $1 for every pizza sold to Folds of Honor, which provides scholarships to veterans’ families.
Buffalo Wild Wings
All past and present service members receive 10 free Boneless Wings and Fries for dine-in and walk-in orders.
California Pizza Kitchen
Veterans and active-duty members can select a complimentary entrée and beverage from a special menu. They also receive a BOGO card for a free pizza, pasta, or salad redeemable Nov. 12–25.
Chili’s
Veterans can choose a free entrée from a special menu, including favorites like the Oldtimer with Cheese, Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas, or 3-Count Chicken Crispers.
City Barbeque
A free sandwich, side, and drink are available to veterans and active-duty military for dine-in or takeout.
Dave & Buster’s
Service members receive a free entrée (up to $20) and a $10 Power Card for gameplay.
Firehouse Subs
Buy one sub and get one free for veterans and military personnel who show ID.
Golden Corral
All veterans, retirees, and active-duty personnel get a free buffet meal with beverage from 4 p.m. to close.
IHOP
Veterans can enjoy a free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo — two pancakes topped with strawberries and blueberry sauce, plus eggs, hash browns, and bacon or sausage.
Hard Rock Café
Veterans and active-duty personnel receive a free Classic Smash Burger.
Lazy Dog Restaurant
Veterans receive a free Fireside Favorite entrée, such as the BBQ Ranch Bacon Burger or Fried Chicken Dinner, plus a personal-sized S’more Brownie Sundae.
MOD Pizza
Veterans, active-duty members, and spouses get 50% off a MOD-size pizza or salad for dine-in.
Outback Steakhouse
For both Veterans Day (Nov. 11) and the U.S. Marine Corps Birthday (Nov. 10), veterans get a free Aussie 3-Course Meal.
Panera Bread
Veterans can claim a free pastry or bakery item and coffee at 145 Panera locations owned by Flynn Group.
Perry’s Steakhouse
Veterans dining with a guest can receive a free dinner-cut pork chop (guests must purchase an entrée). Solo veterans get 50% off the same dish.
QDOBA
Veterans and service members can get free chips and dip, no purchase required.
Round Table Pizza
Veterans and military members receive 15% off dine-in, carry-out, and delivery orders through Nov. 14 (use code RTP321).
☕ Coffee Shops and Breakfast Spots Honoring Veterans
Einstein Bros. Bagels
Free any-size hot or iced coffee for all active and retired military members (use code FREECOFFEE online or in-store).
Biggby Coffee
Military members get any 16-ounce beverage for $1.99.
Bruegger’s Bagels
Veterans receive free hot or iced coffee (any size) in-store or through the app.
PJ’s Coffee
Offers a free 16-ounce Hot or Cold Brew Coffee to veterans and active-duty military.
Cracker Barrel & IHOP
Both continue their long-standing breakfast giveaways with pancakes, eggs, and classic comfort foods served free to those who’ve served.
🍕 Pizza, Burgers, and Casual Dining Specials
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Veterans visiting any location on Nov. 11 can get a free combo meal card, redeemable through Dec. 31.
Granite City Food & Brewery
Enjoy a free entrée and drink from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (use code VETERANS25).
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria
All military personnel receive 25% off on Nov. 10–11 and 15% off year-round.
Native Grill & Wings
Veterans can enjoy a free entrée, choosing from popular items like Boneless Combos, Chicken Sandwiches, or Burgers.
Main Event
Veterans get a free double cheeseburger and fries, plus 30 minutes of free gameplay.
Mountain Mike’s Pizza
Get free Garlic Sticks with a purchase of $25 or more via the rewards app (code VT25).
🥗 Fine Dining and International Cuisine Deals
Benihana
Free entrée (up to $59 value) for veterans and active-duty service members — dine-in only.
RA Sushi
Veterans receive a free entrée (value up to $49), excluding alcohol and taxes.
Eddie Merlot’s
Free Eddie’s Prime Cheeseburger with Fries, valid for dine-in.
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill
Veterans get 25% off all Gyros and Combo Meals.
🇺🇸 Honoring Service Beyond a Meal
Many of these businesses have committed to supporting veterans year-round. Chains like Casey’s, Margaritas Mexican Restaurant, and Metro Diner have extended discounts beyond Veterans Day — offering ongoing deals or monthly “thank you” specials.
Organizations such as Folds of Honor, the USO, and Disabled American Veterans (DAV) continue to receive corporate donations tied to Veterans Day promotions, ensuring that gratitude extends beyond a single day of celebration.
A Nation Remembers
From small-town diners to national restaurant chains, the country is united today in honoring the courage, sacrifice, and service of those who have defended freedom across generations.
As Americans gather for meals and moments of reflection, Veterans Day 2025 serves not only as a reminder of past battles won but also of the enduring respect the nation holds for its defenders.
“Every meal served today is more than a discount,” said one veteran dining at a California Applebee’s. “It’s a thank-you — one bite at a time.”