If you’re looking for free Veterans Day meals in 2025, then you’re in luck! We’ve found a round-up of restaurants and companies that are offering great deals for veterans on November 11 this year!
How to Get Free Veterans Day Meals
Please keep in mind:
- Participation may vary: While most locations of national chains typically honor these promotions, some individual franchise owners may choose not to.
- Always call ahead: To avoid any surprises, we strongly recommend calling your local restaurant ahead of time to confirm their participation and any specific requirements.
- Bring your proof of service: Don’t forget to bring valid proof of military service, such as a Military ID card, DD214, or VA card, as most restaurants will require it.
- Offers are subject to change: While we strive for accuracy, restaurants may occasionally modify their offers. Checking their website or social media for the latest information is always a good idea.
Our goal is to provide you with the most accurate information possible, but ultimately, confirming with your chosen restaurant is the best way to ensure a smooth and enjoyable Veterans Day experience.
CONFIRMED Free Veteran’s Day Meals in 2025
We’ve carefully confirmed the offers in this “Confirmed Free Meals” section using official sources like press releases and direct communication with companies to make sure every restaurant in this section really is offering a free Veteran’s Day meal in 2025. This is important because most of the other 2025 lists we’ve seen online are just reposts of prior years without any additional confirmation, and many of the usual offers have changed drastically this year.
Applebee’s
Applebees is offering a free full-size meal from an exclusive menu. This offer is available to active duty military, veterans, reserves and National Guard members who dine in. In 2025, the Veteran’s Day menu includes the following offers:
- 6 oz. Top Sirloin
- Classic Bacon Cheeseburger
- Chicken Tenders Platter
- Double Crunch Shrimp
- Fiesta Lime Chicken
- Oriental Chicken Salad
- Three-Cheese Chicken Penne
Please note that the Applebee’s offer does not include a beverage or a tip. However, you may also receive a $5 Bouce Back Card that can be used on a future dine-in, To Go or delivery order in the next three weeks.
Bob Evans
Bob Evans was a veteran himself, so it’s only fitting that Bob Evans Restaurants offer delicious free Veterans Day meals. Visiting vets can choose from one of seven farm-fresh breakfast items that will be available all day.
According to their recent press release, the menu for 2025 includes:
- Country Biscuit Breakfast
- The Classic Breakfast
- Banana Berry Oatmeal
- Bowl of Rolled Oatmeal
- Brioche Rench Toast
- Buttermilk Hotcakes
- Cup of Sausage Gravy & Biscuits
- Down Home Country-Fried Steak
- Sunrise
- Mini-Sampler
This offer is only valid for dine-in and does not include a beverage.
Bombshells Restaurant and Bar
Bombshells salutes our heroes! Veterans eat free and active-duty service members receive 20% off this Veterans Day, November 11, 2025. Offer valid for dine-in only at participating locations in Texas and Colorado.
To redeem, guests must present one valid form of military identification such as a U.S. Uniformed Services or Retired ID Card, a current Leave and Earnings Statement, a veterans organization card (like the American Legion or VFW), or a military discharge form (DD214).
Please note that this offer is valid for dine-in only and does not apply to take-out orders. See details on Bombshells’ official site.
California Pizza Kitchen
California Pizza Kitchen is offering a free entree and drink from a limited menu. You can choose from their selections of salads, pizzas or pastas. This offer is not valid at locations in Guam, stadiums, universities, airports or international locations.
Carolina Ale House
Carolina Ale House is offering veterans a free Half Rack Rib Platter on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, in honor of Veterans Day. The offer is valid for dine-in only at participating locations in North Carolina, Florida, and Tennessee.
Proof of military service is required. The promotion cannot be combined with other offers and is available only on November 11, 2025, at participating restaurants. See details on Carolina Ale House’s official site.
Cattlemens Steakhouse
Cattleman’s Steakhouse offers a free complimentary sirloin steak dinner for veterans. You can either show up on November 11, or register on their website before November 11 to receive a Veterans Day Certificate by email on November 12th. If you choose the Certificate, you will need to use it between November 12th and 18th during regular dine-in hours.
Chicken Salad Chick
Chicken Salad Chick is celebrating Veterans Day by offering all veterans and active-duty military a free meal that includes a scoop or sandwich, one side, and a regular drink on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
The offer is valid for in-restaurant and drive-thru orders only and is not available for online or delivery. Proof of service (uniform, military ID, or DD214) is required to redeem. See details on Chicken Salad Chick’s official Facebook post.
Chili’s
Chilis is offering free Veterans Day meals for dine-in only. Veterans can choose from a limited menu that includes:
- Chicken Crispers
- Soup & Salad
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas
- Just Bacon Burger
There may be other items on the menu depending on your location.
Claim Jumper Steakhouse & Bar
Claim Jumper Steakhouse & Bar is offering a free meal to all veterans and active-duty military members on Monday, November 11, 2025, in honor of Veterans Day.
The offer is valid for dine-in only at participating locations, and guests must present proof of military service to redeem. See details on Claim Jumper’s official site.
Country Kitchen
Country Kitchen is offering a free Country Scramble to all active and retired military on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, in celebration of Veterans Day.
This offer is available at the Moreno Valley, California location. It is valid only on November 11, cannot be combined with any other offer or discount, and is for dine-in only. See details on Country Kitchen’s official Instagram post.
Cracker Barrell
Cracker Barrel is offering a complimentary Sunrise Pancake Special to all veterans and active-duty military dining in on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at any of its nearly 660 locations nationwide.
This offer reflects Cracker Barrel’s longstanding tradition of hospitality and its commitment to honoring those who have served. The promotion is valid for dine-in only on November 11, 2025. See details on Cracker Barrel’s official site.
Denny’s
Denny’s is offering a complimentary Original Grand Slam to veterans at nationwide locations. This meal includes two buttermilk pancakes, two crispy strips of bacon, two pork sausage links, and two eggs cooked to order. The free meal is only available for dine-in between 5am and noon on Veteran’s Day.
Freddy’s
Freddy’s is offering a FREE Freddy’s Combo meal card for veterans. You don’t need to make a purchase to get it. Just stop by and pick it up on Veteran’s Day, and you can use it any time before the end of the year.
Golden Corral
Golden Corral will continue its annual tradition of honoring service members with a free meal during its Military Appreciation Night. In 2025, participating locations will offer the complimentary meal to veterans and active-duty military on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
This long-running program reflects over two decades of appreciation for those who have served. Offer valid for dine-in only at participating locations. See details on Golden Corral’s official site.
Green Mill Restaurant & Bar
Green Mill Restaurant & Bar is honoring veterans and active-duty service members with a free select menu item on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, in celebration of Veterans Day. Guests can choose from a Cobb Salad with Chicken, 2-Topping Personal Pizza, Western Mill Burger, or Rigatoni Bolognese.
This offer is available for dine-in only at participating locations. Proof of service is required to redeem. See details on Green Mill’s official Facebook post.
Hard Rock Cafe
Hard Rock Cafe is offering free Classic Smash Burgers to all veterans and active-duty military members on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, in celebration of Veterans Day.
This offer is available only at the Orlando location and valid for dine-in guests who present proof of military service. See details on Hard Rock Cafe Orlando’s official event page.
Hooters
Hooters is also offering free Veterans Day meals on November 11. All veterans who provide proof of service can receive a free entrée from a limited menu when they purchase a beverage.
The limited menu includes:
- 10-Piece Boneless Wings
- Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
- Cheeseburger
- Chicken Caesar Salad
Please note that a beverage purchase is required in order to get the meal.
IHOP
IHOP will offer a free stack of Red White and Blue pancakes to veterans on Veterans Day between 7am and 7pm at participating locations. The dish includes two buttermilk pancakes topped with glazed strawberries, blueberry topping and whipped topping. It’s served with two eggs, hash browns and your choice of either bacon or pork sausage.
In-N-Out Burger
Fox LA is reporting that In-N-Out burger will provide a free burger, fries and a drink for veterans on Veterans Day. This offer is supposed to be valid at all locations.
Jeremiah’s Italian Ice
Jeremiah’s Italian Ice is celebrating Veterans Day by offering all former and active military personnel one free small menu item on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
A valid military ID is required to redeem the offer. Available at participating locations for one day only. See details on Jeremiah’s official Facebook post.
Little Caesars
Little Caesars is offering a free HOT-N-READY Lunch Combo to all veterans and active-duty military members on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, in celebration of Veterans Day.
The combo includes four slices of Detroit-style deep-dish pizza and a 20-oz Pepsi product, available in-store only from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at participating locations. Proof of military service is required to redeem. Participation may vary, so it’s best to check with your local Little Caesars for availability.
Logan’s Roadhouse
Logan’s Roadhouse is also offering free Veterans Day meals in 2025! Their limited menu is available between 11am and 3pm on Tuesday, November 11.
The limited menu may vary by location. Each veteran is limited to one free meal. You do not need a coupon. However, you cannot combine your free meal with your usual 10% military discount so you’ll have to choose one or the other.
Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ
Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ is honoring veterans and active-duty service members with a choice of a free Lucille’s Original Pulled Pork Sandwich with one side or a personal size Lucille’s Southern Fried Chicken with two sides on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
The offer is valid for dine-in only at participating locations. Guests must present a military ID card or proof of service to their server to redeem. See details on Lucille’s official site.
McDonald’s
Many McDonald’s locations are honoring veterans and active-duty military members with a free breakfast or free combo meal on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, in celebration of Veterans Day.
Participation and offers vary by location. Guests are encouraged to check with their local McDonald’s for specific details and availability. Proof of military service is typically required to redeem.
Mission BBQ
Mission BBQ is honoring all veterans and active-duty service members with a free sandwich on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, in celebration of Veterans Day.
The offer is valid for dine-in only at participating locations. Proof of military service is required to redeem. See details on Mission BBQ’s official site.
O’Charleys
O’Charley’s will offer a free entrée to all veterans and active-duty military with valid ID from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both Monday, November 10, and Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
Guests dining in can choose any entrée from the Daily Dinner Deals Menu at participating locations. This offer is valid for dine-in only. See details on O’Charley’s official press release.
Pilot Travel Centers
Pilot Travel Centers is offering veterans, military personnel, and their families a choice of a free breakfast sandwich and coffee or a lunch item and fountain drink in honor of Veterans Day.
The offer can be redeemed through the Pilot app by verifying military status with ID.me and is valid at participating Pilot locations for a limited time around Veterans Day, November 11, 2025. See details on Pilot’s official newsroom announcement.
Red Robin
Veterans and military members can enjoy a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger on Veteran’s Day. The fine print makes it clear that this does not cover modifications or any other style of Tavern Burger. It’s also only available at participating locations, and it can’t be combined with other offers (including Red Robin Royalty discounts).
Seven Doors Kitchen
Seven Doors Kitchen & Cocktails is honoring veterans and active-duty service members with a free meal on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, in recognition of their service.
The offer is valid for dine-in only at participating locations. Proof of military service may be required. See details on Seven Doors Kitchen’s official Facebook post.
Sheetz
Many sources are reporting that Sheetz will provide veterans and military members with a half turkey sub and regular size fountain drink at all of their locations. Eligible veterans and active-duty military personnel can also get a free $9 car wash at locations that have a car wash. You’ll need to provide military ID or proof of service.
Smokey Bones
Smokey Bones is honoring veterans and active-duty military members with a free entrée on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, in celebration of Veterans Day.
Participants can choose from a Bacon Cheeseburger, Pulled Pork Sandwich, or Chicken Tender Platter. Each meal includes a side. The offer is valid for dine-in only at participating locations, and a valid military ID is required to redeem. See details on Smokey Bones’ official Facebook post.
Starbucks
Starbucks offers free tall (12-ounce) brewed coffee or iced coffee to active military servicemembers, veterans and military spouses on Veterans Day. You can choose whether it’s hot or iced.
Texas Roadhouse
Texas Roadhouse is honoring veterans and active-duty military members with free meal vouchers on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, in celebration of Veterans Day.
Vouchers will be distributed at participating locations, typically between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., and can be redeemed for a free entrée, two sides, and a non-alcoholic drink on a future visit. Hours and participation may vary by location, so guests are encouraged to check with their local Texas Roadhouse for details. See details on Texas Roadhouse’s official site.
Torchy’s Tacos
Torchy’s Tacos is honoring veterans and active U.S. military members with a complimentary taco and fountain drink on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, in celebration of Veterans Day.
The offer is valid in-store only and requires proof of military service to redeem. See details on Torchy’s Tacos’ official Facebook post.
Tuscan Brands
Tuscan Brands is continuing its long-standing tradition of honoring our nation’s heroes with a complimentary meal for all veterans on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at all Tuscan Brands locations.
This annual gesture reflects more than 15 years of gratitude and hospitality toward those who have served. The offer is available for dine-in only. See details on Tuscan Brands’ official site.
Wendy’s
Wendy’s has partnered with WeSalute to provide veteran and military discounts throughout the year. You will need to sign up for WeSalute in order to redeem the options, though.
SUSPECTED Free Veterans Day Meals
Many restaurants have a tradition of offering free Veterans Day meals but often don’t advertise those offerings until closer to the actual holiday, so it is difficult to confirm until closer to the actual date. The restaurants in this list have provided free Veteran’s Day offers in past years but have not updated their websites, social medias or issued press releases advertising their 2025 offers as of the date we updated this article in early November. It may still be worth checking with them to see if they are offering anything, though.
You may be able to receive a free Veterans Day meals at the following restaurants.
- Aroma Joe’s (usually offers a free 24 ounce beverage)
- Buffalo Wild Wings
- Caribou Coffee
- Charley’s Philly Cheesesteaks
- Chevy’s
- CiCi’s Pizza usually offers a free adult buffet.
- Cotton Patch Cafe
- Einstein Bros
- Huddle House usually offers a free MVP Platter.
- Kolache Factory usually offers a free breakfast that includes any kind of kolache and a freshly brewed Katz coffee. You usually need to redeem it between 6am and 2pm at your local Kolache Factory store.
- Lion’s Choice
- Olive Garden
- Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
- Piada Italian Street Food
- White Castle usually offers a free Combo meal.
Discontinued Veterans Day Deals
BJ’s Restaurants has offered full free Veterans Day meals in the past but last year they stepped it back to a Pizookie and a free Appetizer coupon for future use. As of November 4, 2025, the Veteran’s Day page on their website is showing a 404 error so I do not believe this offer is valid this year despite it being advertised on other lists.
Red Lobster usually emails us early in the season to tell us about their free Veterans Day meals but we haven’t received anything yet, so I do not think that they are offering that promotion this year.
Other Free Veterans Day Perks in 2025
Of course, there are other freebies and deals for veterans on November 11. This section is reserved for offerings that aren’t free meals and sometimes aren’t food at all.
Black Angus Steakhouse
It is unclear if Black Angus Steakhouse is offering a free Veteran’s Day meal in 2025. However, they do offer a 15% discount every day for veterans, active and retired military, first responders, nurses and other healthcare personnel and teachers. You just need to show a valid ID and ask for the Heroes discount!
Free Car Wash at Sheetz
According to Reader’s Digest, Sheetz is offering a free 6-inch turkey sub, fountain drink and $9 car wash to guests who provide proof of service on Veteran’s Day.
Free Haircuts at Sport Clips
Many Sport Clips locations offer free hair cuts to veterans and active-duty servicemembers on Veteran’s Day. They are also participating in a fundraiser for a scholarship program for veterans as well.
FAQs about Free Veterans Day Meals
Got questions about these free Veterans Day meals and offers? You’re not alone! We’ve received tons of questions about these programs, so here are some of the most frequently asked questions and answers.
How do I get a free Veterans Day meal?
In order to get a free Veterans Day meal, you’ll need to visit a participating location with proof of your identity and military service. Typically, this can include a military ID, veterans ID, DD214, veteran-stamped state ID, VSO membership card, or photograph of yourself in uniform. Specific locations may have more specific requirements, so it’s always a good idea to call ahead just in case.
When is Veterans Day?
Veterans Day is always on November 11 every year. That’s the anniversary of the date that the Allied and German forces observed a ceasefire to end the first World War in 1918.
When can I get a free Veterans Day meal?
Always pay close attention to the dates listed in the free Veterans Day meals and other offers. Sometimes, restaurants and other vendors will choose to offer their discounts on different days or only during specific times to ensure that they don’t exceed capacity during peak mealtimes. Always pay attention to the details!
Can my family eat for free, too?
The free Veterans Day meals are typically limited to the veteran only. Any guests, such as a spouse or children, will have to pay for their own meals. This is usually true even if your spouse and children have their own military IDs connected to your military service.
Do I still have to pay taxes and tips?
YES! Free Veterans Day meals typically do not include taxes or tips. Often, they don’t include drinks either. You’ll still need to pay for anything extra you order, the taxes on your bill, and the gratuity for your server.
Can I get my free Veterans Day meals to go?
Typically, the free Veterans Day meals are limited to dine-in only although some restaurants, like Red Lobster, will also provide the free meal if you place your to-go order inside the restaurant. You cannot get your free meal through a service like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or another delivery service. You usually can’t get it by placing a car-side to go order either.
How can I ensure my meal goes smoothly?
It’s always wise to call the exact location that you plan on visiting before you head to the restaurant. Sometimes, veterans drive long distances only to find that their local business isn’t participating in a nationwide promotion or that the offer has been modified. Calling ahead is an easy way to make sure that all the details are right. Also, don’t forget that you need to bring proof of service!
Kevin,I agree.
It would be helpfull if they were listed by state, or zip codes.