Veterans Day 2025 Restaurant Freebies and Deals

Every year there are special Veterans Day discounts freebies and deals for active duty current and retired military at national restaurant and fast food chains.

Most businesses require proof of military service. There are several types of identification you can use to prove you are a veteran. Click here for the most popular options.

In alphabetical order, since that’s the only fair way.

Unless otherwise specified, the restaurant chain freebies and deals are available only on Tuuesday, November 11, 2025. Some discounts also apply to family members.

Thanks to Military.com and to the trade publication Restaurant.com for much of this research, and also to the public relations and marketing folks for major chains which contacted ecoXplorer directly.

More Restaurant & Fast Food Deals and New Menu Items

In alphabetical order, since that’s the only fair way. Free meals first, then discount deals.

Veterans Day 2025 Free Meals

Another Broken Egg Cafe — Veterans, active duty, and retired military personnel get a complimentary Patriot French Toast topped with strawberries, blueberries, and whipped cream — paired with Barista House Blend Coffee. For dine-in guests presenting a valid Military ID.

Applebee’s — Veteran and active-duty military receive a free meal from a select menu at participating locations. Dine-in only.

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s — At participating locations, veterans and active-duty military can receive a free burger and fries. Not valid with any other offer, discount, promotion or purchase of gift cards. Tax, alcohol and gratuity not included.

Biscuit Belly — Veterans eat free with choice of Bacon Egg & Cheese, Sausage Egg & Cheese, or Chicken Biscuit Sandwich and a hot drip coffee or fountain drink. All locations are participating, dine in only.

BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse — Active-duty and retired military dining in at BJ’s with a valid military ID will receive a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie.

And from November 12 through December 31, guests with a valid military ID who dine in and purchase an entrée will receive a free Appetizer Bounce Back to enjoy on a future visit.

Bob Evans — Veterans and active-duty military get a free meal from a select menu. Dine-in only.

Bombshells Restaurant and Bar — Free entrees to military veterans at all locations in Texas and Colorado. Active-duty military will receive a 20% discount on all menu items. Alcoholic beverages are excluded from all discount programs.

Brass Tap — At participating locations, veterans and active military can receive a free burger and fries. Not valid with any other offer, discount, promotion or purchase of gift cards. Tax, alcohol and gratuity not included.

Bruegger’s Bagels — Veterans and active-duty military get a free hot or iced coffee (any size). Guests can enjoy their complimentary coffee in-bakery, through the mobile app, or online using code FREECOFFEE. No purchase is required.

California Pizza Kitchen – Veterans and active-duty service members are invited to enjoy a complimentary entrée and beverage from a special prix fixe menu when dining in at any participating CPK location.

From November 12 to 25, as an extra thank-you, all veterans and active-duty service members who dine with CPK on Veterans Day will receive a Buy One Get One bounce back card redeemable for a Pizza, Pasta, or Salad (of equal or lesser value) on a future visit with the purchase of any Pizza, Pasta or Salad.

Carolina Ale House — Veterans and military members get a free half rack rib platter. Only valid at NC, FL, and TN locations. In-store only.

Chili’s — Veterans and active-duty military members get a free meal at all participating restaurants. Available in-restaurant only for select items. Military ID required to redeem offer.

Circle K — Veterans get one free medium hot or iced coffee at participating U.S. locations, and customers can redeem theirs by showing a valid military ID at purchase.

Cotton Patch Cafe — Active and retired military members are invited to enjoy a free regular Chicken Fried Steak or Chicken Fried Chicken entrée when dining in at any Cotton Patch Cafe location.

Cracker Barrel — Veterans and active-duty service members with valid ID get a free Sunrise Pancake Special.

Denny’s — Veterans and active-duty military personnel receive a free Original Grand Slam from 5am to 12pm. Must show valid Military ID or DD214.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit — Veterans and active-duty military personnel are invited to enjoy a free Pulled Pork Sandwich at all Dickey’s Barbecue Pit locations nationwide. The offer is available for dine-in or carryout with a valid military ID, limit one per guest for the day.

Einstein Bros. Bagels — Veterans and active-duty military get a free hot or iced coffee (any size). Guests can enjoy their complimentary coffee in-bakery, through the mobile app, or online using code FREECOFFEE. No purchase is required.

Famous Dave’s — Veterans get a free Georgia Chopped Pork Sandwich Georgia Chopped Pork Sandwich Lunch with choice of side.

If ordering online, guests can use code VETERAN25 at checkout.

Fazoli’s — Get a free Spaghetti with Marinara or Meat Sauce when dining in, with code VET25. Must present a valid Military ID or wear a military uniform.

Firehouse Subs — Active-duty military personnel and veterans can enjoy any size sub and receive a second sub for free with valid military ID.

Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers — Veterans and active military personnel receive a free Freddy’s Combo meal card. No purchase is necessary to receive this special offer.

Cards may be redeemed through December 31, 2025.

Gold Star Chili — Veterans and active-duty military get a complimentary meal of their choice (up to $12 off their order with proof of service). For dine-in, carry out or drive-thru.

Golden Corral — Golden Corral is hosting their Military Appreciation Night from 4pm to close. This includes a free “thank you” meal when dining in.

Granite City Food & Brewery — Military personnel can enjoy a free entrée from the specialty Veterans Day lunch menu from 11am to 4pm. Includes choice of N/A beverage. Available for Dine-In, To Go and Online Ordering. Not valid for delivery.

If ordering online, use code VETERANS25 to redeem this offer.

Hacienda Mexican Restaurant — Veterans get a free Large Wet Burrito for Dine-in or carryout. Proof required.

Hof’s Hut — Active-duty military personnel and veterans are invited to enjoy a complimentary meal and receive a $10 “Thank You” Bonus Card.

Hooters — Veterans get one free menu item. Choose from 10 Original Wings, Cheeseburger, Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, or Chicken Caesar Salad, free with drink purchase.

Hoss’s Steak and Sea House — Veterans receive a free Soup, Salad, Bread, Nacho & Dessert Bar and an Iced Tea. Dine-in only.

After dining, veterans will receive a $10 off $40 voucher to be used on their next visit. Available while supplies last. Voucher expires 11/30/25.

Huey Magoo’s — Veterans and active-duty military receive a free 3-Piece Tender Meal with the purchase of a beverage. Must show Military or Veteran ID or 00-214 form to redeem.

IHOP – Veterans and active-duty military get a free Red, White, and Blueberry Pancake Combo including 2 buttermilk pancakes topped with glazed strawberries, blueberry topping, and whipped topping and 2 eggs, hash browns, and your choice of 2 strips of crispy hickory-smoked bacon or 2 pork sausage links. Proof of military service required.

In-N-Out Burger — Veterans, active-duty military, reserves and National Guard receive a complimentary meal, including any burger, fries, and beverage on In-N-Out Burger’s menu. Present proof of military service.

Kona Grill — On November 11, veterans and active duty military will receive a complimentary entrée up to $49. Military ID for verification is required.

Lazy Dog Restaurants — Active-duty military, discharged, retired or reserve get a free Fireside Favorite.

Mission BBQ — Veterans get a free sandwich.

O’Charley’s – Veterans and active-duty military with valid ID get a free entree from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both November 10 and 11. Guests dining in can choose any entrée from the Daily Dinner Deals Menu.

Olive Garden — Each veteran and current member of the military who dines in a free entrée from a special menu. Simply show proof of military service.

Outback Steakhouse — Outback is offering a free Aussie 3-Course Meal with valid military ID when dining in on November 10 and 11 (select entrées only).

Marzoni’s Brick Oven & Brewing Co. — Veterans receive a free 12 oz draft beer or soda. One drink per Veteran. Must be 21 or older to receive the draft beer. Proof of service required.

Ninety Nine Restaurant and Pub — From opening until 4 p.m., veterans and active-duty military members who present a valid military ID will receive a free lunch entrée from the Veterans Day Menu with adult entrée purchase.

Piada Italian Street Food — Active-duty service members and veterans are invited to enjoy a free entrée. Guests can receive any regular-sized chef menu entrée with protein by presenting a valid military ID and mentioning the offer at checkout.

Playa Bowls — Free bowls for all veterans, active duty, and retired military personnel with a valid ID, at participating locations nationwide.

Polly’s Pies — Veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a free slice of pie — no purchase required.

Red Robin – Veterans and active-duty military guests can enjoy a complimentary Red’s Big Tavern Burger and Bottomless Side when dining in at participating restaurants.

Rubio’s — On November 10 and 11, buy one entrée, get one free for veterans using code VETS25. Valid in-store or online with military ID.

Ruby Tuesday — Free Garden Bar Entrée or Free Garden Bar Add-On to veterans (retired and active-duty military with valid ID).

Sheetz — Veterans and active duty military personnel get to enjoy a free half turkey sub and a regular size fountain drink at any of Sheetz’s 800+ store locations. The offer includes extras & add-ons to the sub. Sheetz will also provide a free car wash to veterans and active duty military. This offer only applies to the $9 car wash option and is only available at Sheetz stores that have a car wash. Military ID or proof of service must be presented to qualify.

Shoney’s — Veterans and active-duty military can enjoy The Best Breakfast in Town via its freshly prepared Legendary Breakfast Bar for free at participating restaurants. Proof of U.S. military service is required. Dine-in only.

Sizzler — Participating Sizzler locations are offering a free lunch to any active-duty military or veteran until 4:00pm. Choose between a free Half Dozen Crispy Shrimp, Malibu Chicken, or 6oz Tri-Tip Steak entree–with a free beverage included. All Sizzler locations–excluding those in Utah, Idaho, and Puerto Rico–will be participating in this promotion.

Smokey Bones — Free entree to all veterans and active-duty military: Bacon Cheeseburger, Pulled Pork Sandwich, or Chicken Tender Platter with one regular side when dining in with a valid military ID. It cannot be combined with the military discount.

Smoothie King — Active-duty military and veterans can enjoy a free 20oz smoothie at participating locations nationwide — no purchase necessary. The offer is available from 12–3pm and includes three patriotic picks: Strawberry X-Treme (red), Slim-N-Trim Vanilla (white), and Blueberry Heaven (blue).

Starbucks — Starbucks is honoring those who have served with a free tall (12-ounce) brewed coffee (hot or iced) for veterans, military service members and military spouses at participating U.S. stores and licensed locations.

STK Steakhouse — Veterans and active-duty military personnel receive a complimentary entrée up to up to $69. Show your military ID or proof of service to your server.

Village Inn — Military personnel can enjoy a free 2-2-2 Breakfast (2 eggs any style, 2 bacon strips or sausage links, 2 pancakes) at participating locations.

If ordering online, use code VETERANS25 to redeem this offer.

White Castle — Veterans and active-duty military get a free individual combo meal or a breakfast combo meal when dining at a participating restaurant.

Wings and Rings — Veterans and active military can receive a free lunch. Dine-in only.

WOB Bar & Kitchen — Veterans and active-duty service members are invited to enjoy a complimentary order of 2-piece Smash Burger Sliders at participating locations nationwide.

Servicemen in unform marching in NYC Veterans Day Parade_nyctravelguru — Photo courtesy NYC Parade Life

Veterans Day Restaurant Deals

Biggby Coffee — Veterans get any 16 ounce beverage for just $1.99.

Casa do Brasil — Active-duty military members and veterans are invited to enjoy 50% off. Valid at all locations: Austin, College Station, Houston, and Waco, Texas.

Connors Steak & Seafood — Connors Steak & Seafood is offering all military veterans 50% off a lunch or dinner entrée at all locations nationwide.

Eat’n Park — All former and current military personnel receive 10% off for themselves and their entire party each time they dine in November 1 through 30. Veterans who visit on November 11 will also receive a free Smiley Cookie. Proof of service is required.

Farmer Boys — Veterans and active-duty military personnel get a $4 Big Cheese Burger, available all day at participating locations.

To redeem, guests need to show valid proof of service and have or download the Very Important Farmer (VIF) App.

Margaritas Mexican Restaurant — Veterans get 50% off your entree on at participating locations.

McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants — Active-duty military, veterans, National Guard, Gold Star Parents, and Gold Star Spouses can enjoy a select half-priced entrée on November 9. Dine-in only. Must show valid ID. Reservations are strongly recommended.

Taffer’s Tavern — Veterans and active-duty service members receive 50% off one plate, handheld, or salad with valid ID November 10–16.

ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter is an award-winning journalist with 25+ years of experience as a newspaper and magazine writer, radio & TV news producer & reporter, and author of guidebooks and smartphone apps – all focusing on travel, automotive, the environment and your rights as a consumer.