Veterans Day deals 2025 include free meals, discounts at restaurants

Chipotle will give veterans and active-duty military personnel with a valid military ID a second entrée free when they order one from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. local time on Veterans Day.

For Veterans Day at Krispy Kreme on Tuesday, Nov. 11, veterans and active-duty military personnel can get a free small coffee, hot or iced, and free doughnut of choice.

On Veterans Day, all veterans, active-duty military and reserves can get a free Shrimp & Chips entrée at Red Lobster.

On Veterans Day, Starbucks will give veterans, service members, and military spouses a free tall 12-ounce brewed coffee (hot or iced) at participating stores in the U.S.

At Cracker Barrel, veterans and active-duty military dining in on November 11 at any of the nearly 660 Cracker Barrel locations get a free Sunrise Pancake Special

BJ's Restaurants & Brewhouse's Chocolate Chunk Pizookie dessert; veterans and active-duty military who dine in on Veterans Day can get one free.

Chili's is giving all veterans and active military personnel a complimentary entrée when dining in on Veterans Day. November 11.

At Friendly's on Veterans Day, veterans get a free burger and drink when they dine in.

Hard Rock Cafe is giving all active and retired military members a free Classic Smash Burger on Veterans Day (valid ID required).

Lazy Dog Restaurant's free Veterans Day entrées for veterans include the Fried Chicken Dinner with S’more Brownie Sundae for dessert.

Veterans and active-duty military get a free entrée at Native Grill & Wings for Veterans Day. Choices include the My Native Burger with fries.

At Round Table Pizza, veterans and active-duty military get 15% off dine-in, carry-out and delivery orders through Friday, Nov. 14 (use code RTP321).

Veterans and active-duty service members can get $5 Cheese Bread at Via 313 restaurants on Veterans Day.

Veterans graves marked with U.S. flags at Mount Wollaston Cemetery in Quincy, Massachusetts on November 11, 2024

As a tribute to veterans and active-duty military personnel, many restaurants across the U.S. have food specials on Tuesday, Nov. 11 for Veterans Day.

Veterans Day arose out of Armistice Day, a holiday held annually on Nov. 11 to mark the end of World War I. The Allies and Germany signed an armistice agreement on Nov. 11, 1918, with fighting ceasing on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

When Armistice Day became a federal holiday in 1938, many states had already begun observing it. In 1954, Congress, with the support of veterans organizations, changed the name of the holiday to Veterans Day; President Eisenhower signed the legislation on June 1, 1954, according to History.com.

Most Veterans Day deals require a form of veteran, military or military-dependent identification – such as a Veteran ID Card or DD214 card showing your time of service. Many offers are limited to dine-in guests as well. Always check with your closest location to confirm participation.

Veterans Day meal deals

Applebee's

Veterans and active-duty military, including reservists and National Guard members, can get a free full-sized entrée from an exclusive Veterans Day Menu made up of seven of Applebee’s most popular menu items, such as a Classic Bacon Cheeseburger and Double Crunch Shrimp.

Also, at the more than 460 Applebee’s locations owned by the Flynn Group, guests can buy a pre-paid pint of beer for a veteran, served with a message from the purchaser, through Tuesday, Nov. 11 (one free beer per person). Any beers not claimed will have the funds donated to a local veterans’ charity.

At other Applebee's locations not owned by the Flynn Group, veterans will also receive a $5 Bounce Back Card to redeem for their next dine-in, to, or delivery order within a three-week redemption window.

Chipotle

Members of the military community – veterans and active-duty military personnel with a valid military ID – who order any entrée can get a second entrée free from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. local time on Veterans Day.

Guests can also round up their order total to the next highest dollar amount to donate to the United Service Organizations (USO) in its Round Up for Real Change feature on the Chipotle app and Chipotle.com from Tuesday, Nov. 11 through Sunday, Nov. 16.

Krispy Kreme

Veterans and active-duty military personnel can get a free small hot or iced coffee and a free doughnut of their choice on Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11. The deal is good in shops and at the drive-thru, no other purchase necessary (limit one per guest).

Red Lobster

On Veterans Day, all veterans, active-duty military, and reserves can get a free Shrimp & Chips entrée, which comes with Walt’s Favorite Shrimp, fries, and coleslaw. Veterans and military service members just show proof of service to get the deal.

Starbucks

For Veterans Day, Starbucks will give veterans, service members, and military spouses a free tall 12-ounce brewed coffee (hot or iced) at participating stores in the U.S. (Cold Brew is not included. Cafés and drive-thru only.)

Cracker Barrel

Veterans and active-duty military dining in on November 11 at any of the nearly 660 Cracker Barrel locations get a free Sunrise Pancake Special – a pair of buttermilk pancakes, served with fresh eggs or breakfast meat. (Show proof of military service; limit one per order. Excludes premium items, add-ons, and gratuity; offer good while supplies last.)

Also: 25% off Duke Cannon products and military-themed merchandise and apparel, sold in-store and online at CrackerBarrel.com, while supplies last.

More Veterans Day deals for free meals, discounts

Here's a list of numerous other deals and discounts for Veterans Day:

Arby's: On Veterans Day, all veterans and active-duty military service members can get a free Classic Roast Beef Sandwich at the 360-plus Arby’s locations owned by the Flynn Group. Offer good in store, no other purchase necessary; show valid military ID or proof of U.S. military service to get the deal. Limit one sandwich per veteran.
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar: On Veterans Day, all veterans and active-duty service members can get a free BD’s All-American Burger with cheese and a classic side from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. local time. Offer is good for dine-in customers only; show a valid military ID or proof of service to get the deal.
Benihana: Veterans and active-duty military can get a free entrée (value of up to $59; valid military ID required) on Veterans Day. One-time use and valid towards food purchase only, alcohol excluded. No cash value and cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion (including happy hour) and excludes tax and gratuity.
BJ's Restaurants & Brewhouse: On Veterans Day, all active-duty and retired military dining in can get a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie dessert (just show a valid military ID). Also, from Wednesday, Nov. 12, to Dec. 31, guests with a valid military ID who dine in and purchase an entrée will get a free Appetizer Bounce Back deal to use on a future visit.

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s: All veterans and active-duty military can get a free burger and fries on Veterans Day. (Proof of service not required. Not valid with any other offer, discount, promotion, or purchase of gift cards; tax, alcohol, and gratuity not included.)
bellagreen: All active-duty military members and veterans get a 15% Military Discount every day, available for in-store dining and takeout.
Biggby Coffee: Military personnel can receive any 16-ounce beverage for $1.99 on Veterans Day.
Blaze Pizza: On Veterans Day, veterans and active-duty military personnel can get a free one-topping pizza. Blaze Pizza will also donate $1 from every pizza sold that day to Folds of Honor, which provides scholarships to disabled veterans and the spouses and children of fallen veterans.
The Brass Tap: Veterans and active-duty military can get a free burger and fries on Veterans Day. (Proof of service not required; not valid with any other offer, discount, promotion, or purchase of gift cards; tax, alcohol, and gratuity not included.)
Bruegger’s Bagels: All veterans and active-duty service members get a free hot or iced coffee (any size) on Veterans Day, on Tuesday, November 11. Get the offer in stores, through the mobile app, or online using code FREECOFFEE. No purchase is required.
Bubbakoo’s Burritos: Veterans and active-duty military members can get a free Taco Trio on Veterans Day in restaurants with a valid military ID.
Buffalo’s Cafe: Veterans and active-duty military get 25% off of their meal when dining in on Veterans Day. Just present a military ID or wear a military uniform (alcohol not included).
Buffalo Wild Wings: All past and present armed service members can get 10 free Boneless Wings and Fries with a valid ID on Veteran Day. Offer is good for dine-in and walk-in at participating locations.
California Pizza Kitchen: All veterans and active-duty service members get a complimentary entrée and beverage from a special prix fixe menu on Veterans Day when dining in at any participating CPK location. Veterans and active-duty military also get a Buy One Get One bounce back card redeemable for a free pizza, pasta, or salad (of equal or lesser value) from Nov. 12-25.
Casey's: On Veterans Day, veterans and active-duty military service members and first-responders in uniform can get a free coffee or fountain drink at any Casey's location. They can also get a free car wash, where available. Military personnel and on-duty, uniformed first responders, including law enforcement, fire, and EMS, can get free coffee and fountain drinks year-round, too.
Chili's: The restaurant chain is giving all veterans and active military personnel a complimentary entrée when dining at any Chili’s location on Veterans Day. November 11. Entrée choices include an Oldtimer with Cheese and Fries, Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas, and 3-Count Chicken Crispers Soup with Side Salad (beverages and gratuity not included).

City Barbeque: Veterans and active-duty military personnel get a free meal – one sandwich, one side, and one regular drink – on Veterans Day.
Cody's Original Roadhouse: All veterans and active-duty military get a free entrée on Veterans Day – choices include a Half Rack of Ribs or a Grilled BBQ Chicken Breast. Offer is good for dine-in customers only; must show a valid military ID or proof of service to get the deal.
Dave & Buster’s: Veterans and active-duty military can get a free entrée (up to $20) plus a $10 Power Card for gameplay, all day on Veterans Day (show valid military ID to get the deal).
Dog Haus: Veterans who dine in on Tuesday, Nov. 11, get a free Haus Dog (just show proof of service; limit one per person; valid at participating locations).
Eddie Merlot's: On Veterans Day, veterans and active-duty service members can get a free Eddie’s Prime Cheeseburger with Fries (offer good for dine-in customers only; show valid military ID or proof of service to get the deal).
Einstein Bros. Bagels: All veterans and active-duty service members get a free hot or iced coffee (any size) on Veterans Day; offer is good in stores, on the mobile app, or online using code FREECOFFEE. No purchase is required.
Famous Dave’s: Military personnel and veterans can get a free Georgia Chopped Pork Sandwich Lunch with a choice of side on Veterans Day (use code VETERAN25 at checkout).
Farmer Boys: On Veterans Day, veterans and active-duty military personnel get a free $4 Big Cheese burger. Show valid proof of service and have or download the Very Important Farmer App to get the deal.
Fazoli’s: Veterans and active-duty military get free Spaghetti with Marinara or Meat Sauce when dining in with code VET25. Just present a valid Military ID or wear a military uniform.
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill: Veterans and active-duty service members get a complimentary lunch or dinner when dining with a guest on Veterans Day.
Firehouse Subs: On Veterans Day, active-duty military and veterans can buy one sub of any size and get a second one free with a valid military ID. (Offer good for in-store purchases only; one offer per customer.)
Ford’s Garage: All veterans and active-duty military will receive a free American Standard Burger or up to $15 off the entrée of their choice on Veterans Day. Offer is good for dine-in only on Nov. 11 at participating Ford’s Garage locations; show a valid military ID to get the deal.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: Veterans and current military personnel who visit participating locations on Veterans Day can get a free Freddy’s Combo meal card, which can be redeemed through Dec. 31. No purchase is necessary to receive this special offer.
Friendly's: On Veterans Day, veterans get a free burger and drink when they dine in (show military ID or honorable discharge document to receive the deal).

Golden Corral: All veterans, active-duty military personnel, retirees, reservists, and guardsmen get a free buffet meal with beverage on Tuesday, November 11, from 4 p.m. to close. The free meal offer is valid for dine-in only and does not extend to spouses, family members, or friends.
Granite City Food & Brewery: Veterans and military personnel can get a free entrée from the restaurant's Veterans Day lunch menu along with a free non-alcoholic beverage, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. local time. Offer is good for dine-in, to go and online ordering (use code VETERANS25; offer not good for delivery).
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill: Veterans get 25% off all Gyros and Gyro Combo Meals on Veterans Day (offer good for dine-in only).
The Greene Turtle: Veterans can get a free meal, valued at up to $15, on Veterans Day with a valid ID (offer good for dine-in only; available at select locations).
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria: All active, veteran and retired military with ID can get 25% off their order on Monday, Nov. 10, and Tuesday, Nov. 11. Every day of the year, they can get 15% off.
Happy Joe's Pizza & Ice Cream: All retired and active military members can get a certificate for a free meal – either a free smorgasbord buffet or small pizza – anytime through the end of November.
Hard Rock Cafe: All active and retired military members can get a free Classic Smash Burger all day long on Veterans Day (valid ID required). Veterans also regularly get a 15% military discount they can use to help pay for friends and family's meals.

Huddle House: All active and retired military members can have a free MVP Breakfast Platter, available all day for dine-in only at participating locations. Guests must present a valid military ID.
Huey Magoo’s: On Veterans Day, veterans and active-duty military members can get a free 3-Piece Tender Meal with the purchase of a regular beverage. To get the deal, guests must show their active duty Military or Veteran ID, or active duty discharge document.
Hurricane Grill & Wings: Veterans and active-duty military on Veterans Day get a complimentary entrée – choices include 10 Bone-In Wings, Beer-Battered Fish & Chips, Steakburger, Chicken Caesar Salad, Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Sandwich, and Chicken BLT Tacos. (Present a military ID or wear a military uniform to get the deal.)
IHOP: On Veterans Day, veterans and active-duty military personnel can get a free Red, White, and Blueberry Pancake Combo (two buttermilk pancakes topped with strawberries, blueberry topping, and whipped topping, plus two eggs, hash browns, and your choice of 2 strips of bacon or pork sausage links). Offer is good when you dine in; proof of military service required.
Juice It Up!: Veterans and active-duty service members get a free medium classic smoothie (offer is good in-store only and requires proof of service).
Kona Grill: Veterans get a free entrée (max value $75) on Tuesday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day (ID required, dine-in only).
la Madeleine: Veterans get a free entrée on Tuesday, Nov. 11, when they show a military ID (deal good for dine-in only).
Lazy Dog Restaurant: On Veterans Day, veterans can get a free Fireside Favorite entrée – choices include the BBQ Ranch Bacon Burger, Fried Chicken Dinner, and Mediterranean Chicken Bowl – with a personal-sized S’more Brownie Sundae for dessert.

Lime Fresh Mexican Grill: Veterans and active-duty military personnel eat free on Veterans Day (just show valid ID) and also get a $50 Challenge Coin, which can be used throughout the year for another free meal excluding alcohol, on the 11th of every month.
Main Event: On Veterans Day, veterans and active-duty service members are treated to a free double cheeseburger and fries, plus 30 minutes of game play on Veterans Day (show valid military ID to get the deal).
Manhattan Bagel: All veterans and active-duty military get a free hot or iced coffee on Veterans Day.
Maple Street Biscuit Company: Veterans and active-duty military get 10% off on Veterans Day with valid identification.
Margaritas Mexican Restaurant: On Veterans Day, veterans and active-duty military personnel get 50% off their check at all Margaritas locations in the Northeast (excludes locations in Pennsylvania). Beginning Nov. 12, veterans and active military members can always get a 10% discount when they dine in at a Margaritas location in New England. (In New Jersey, an existing offer is valid for a 25% discount; in Pennsylvania, an existing offer is valid for a 10% discount.)
Metro Diner: Veterans and active-duty military can get 50% off their dine-in meal on Veterans Day with a valid military ID. Additionally, veterans can enjoy 10% off their meal year-round.
Mo' Bettahs: Veterans get $5 off their order on Veterans Day; offer good in stores or on the app.
MOD Pizza: On Tuesday, Nov. 11, all veterans, active-duty military members and their spouses will receive 50% off a MOD-size pizza or salad. The offer is good for in-restaurant orders only and limited to one per person; show a valid military ID to get the deal.
Mountain Mike’s Pizza: Veterans Day through Monday, Nov. 17, veterans and active-duty military get free Garlic Sticks with a purchase of $25 or more via the Mountain Rewards app or with code VT25.
Native Grill & Wings: Veterans and active-duty military get a free entrée – a choice from ½-pound Stripper Combo, ½-pound Boneless Combo, Native Chicken Sandwich with fries or My Native Burger with fries – on Veterans Day when they show a military ID or wear a military uniform.

Outback Steakhouse: For the U.S. Marine Corps Birthday on Monday, Nov. 10, and Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11, those with valid veterans and active-duty military IDs can get a free Aussie 3-Course Meal (offer good for select entrées and dine-in only).
Panera Bread: On Veterans Day, all veterans and active-duty military service members can get a free pastry or bakery item and a cup of coffee at the more than 145 Panera Bread locations owned by Flynn Group. To get the deal just show just show valid military I.D. or proof of U.S. military service. This offer excludes loaves of bread and is not valid with any other offer, Rapid Pick-up, Delivery or Online Ordering.
Perry's Steakhouse: Veterans get a free dinner-cut pork chop when accompanied by a guest purchasing one dinner entrée on Veterans Day, from 4 p.m. to closing time. If dining alone or with other veterans, guests get a dinner-cut pork chop for half off original price. (Show military ID or proof of service to get the deal; not available for group dining.)
PJ's Coffee: Veterans and active-duty military get a free 16-ounce Hot or Cold Brew Coffee.
Peter Piper Pizza: Veterans get 10% off their entire purchase year-round with a valid military ID.
Prince Street Pizza: Get a free slice of pizza on Veterans Day with your ID, such as a valid state ID with veteran designator, VA card, DD214, or military CAC card.
RA Sushi: On Veterans Day, all veterans and active-duty military can get a free entrée (value of up to $49; valid military ID required). One-time use and valid towards food purchase only, alcohol excluded; no cash value and cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion (including happy hour) excludes tax and gratuity.
Polly's Pies: All veterans and active-duty military get a free slice of pie on Monday, Nov. 10 and on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, no purchase necessary. Just show military ID in-store.
QDOBA: Veterans and active-duty military get free chips and dip when they come into any restaurant – no purchase required. Guests can claim the offer by presenting their miliary ID at checkout.
Round Table Pizza: This Veterans Day deal lasts through Friday, Nov. 14 – veterans and active-duty military get 15% off dine-in, carry-out and delivery orders (use code RTP321).

Rubio’s Coastal Grill: Veterans can buy one entrée and get one free on Veterans Day, in the restaurant or online with military ID (use code VETS25).
Salad and Go: On Veterans Day, veterans and active-duty military with ID get a free salad or wrap; then on Wednesday, Nov. 12, the drive-thru chain will launch an ongoing 10% discount for veterans and active-duty service members with ID.
Santa Fe Cattle Co.: On Veterans Day, all veterans and active-duty military get a free entrée from the Lunch Express Menu, which includes the Cheesy Cantina Burger or Smothered Chopped Sirloin. Offer good for dine-in only; must show valid military ID or proof of service.
Scooter's Coffee: Show a valid military ID on Veterans Day and get a free medium drink – choices include the chain's limited-time holiday menu drinks. Mobile order ahead is not available for this promotion; limit one redemption per customer only.
Sheetz: All veterans and active-duty military personnel can get a free half turkey sub and a regular size fountain drink on Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11. Veterans and active-duty military can also get a free $9 car wash at Sheetz stores that have a car wash. To get the deals, show military ID or proof of service.
Sizzler: Veterans and active-duty military can get free lunch – choice of Half Dozen Crispy Shrimp, Malibu Chicken or 6-ounce Tri-Tip Steak, plus beverage – on Veterans Day from opening time until 4 p.m. local time. Offer good at all locations, excluding those in Utah, Idaho, and Puerto Rico.
Smokey Bones: All veterans and active-duty military get a free entree - choices include Bacon Cheeseburger, Pulled Pork Sandwich, or Chicken Tender Platter with one regular side - when dining in on Veterans Day. (Show a valid military ID to get the deal; cannot be combined with the military discount.)
Sonic: For Veterans Day, Sonic has a Buy One, Get One Free deal when you buy a Sonic Cheeseburger, SuperSonic Double Cheeseburger or Footlong Quarter Pound Coney; offer good for all Sonic app users.
Sonny's BBQ: Veterans and active-duty military get a free Pork Big Deal, which includes a pulled or sliced pork sandwich on garlic bread or a bun, side dish and drink - with a valid ID.
STK Steakhouse: On Tuesday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day, veterans get a free entrée (max value $75; ID required, dine-in only).
Stonefire Grill: On Veterans Day, all veterans and active-duty military get 50% off a personal meal in-restaurant.
Sullivan's Steakhouse: All veterans and active-duty service members can dine in and get a free Sullivan’s Signature Angus Burger with fries on Tuesday, Nov. 11. Show valid military ID or proof of service to get the deal.
Tender Greens: Veterans and their family members get 50% off any order on Veterans Day. Offer is good on food and non-alcoholic beverages; excludes online or third-party delivery orders. Discount is valid for up to 8 people for dine-in and takeout orders.
Teriyaki Madness: On Veterans Day, all veterans and active-duty military get a free bowl of their choice. Just show valid military ID or proof of service at participating locations.
TGI Fridays: Veterans with a valid military ID can get a free meal when dining in from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time on Veterans Day. Menu choices include Cheeseburger with fries, Chicken Fingers with fries and coleslaw, Chicken Caesar Salad, Half Rack of Ribs with choice of side, or Cajun Shrimp & Chicken Pasta (half portion).
Thompson Restaurants: Veterans get 15% off their meal on Veterans Day and every day with valid military ID at the 60+ locations across Thompson Restaurants’ 14 brands including Matchbox, Milk & Honey, Makers Union and Hen Quarter in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
Tocaya: Veterans and their families get 50% off on Veterans Day. Offer good on food and non-alcoholic beverages only and valid for up to 8 people for dine-in and takeout orders; excludes online or third-party delivery orders.
Torchy’s Tacos: On Tuesday, Nov. 11, veterans and active-duty military members can have a free taco and non-alcoholic beverage (just show a valid military ID or proof of service).
Twin Peaks: All veterans and active-duty service members get a free lunch from a select menu between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. local time at participating locations nationwide. A valid military ID is required.
Via 313: Veterans and active-duty service members can get $5 Cheese Bread on Veterans Day; show valid military ID or proof of service to get the deal. (Available at all locations except San Antonio, where the offer is $10 Detroiter or Cheese pizza.)

Village Inn: Veterans and military personnel can get a free 2-2-2 Breakfast (2 eggs any style, 2 bacon strips or sausage links, 2 pancakes) on Veterans Day. If ordering online, use code VETERANS25 to get the deal.
Wendy's: On Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11, all veterans and active-duty military service members can get a free Breakfast Combo (any breakfast sandwich, seasoned potatoes and a beverage) at the 300-plus Wendy's locations owned by the Flynn Group. Limit one small, medium or large combo meal per veteran during breakfast hours; just show valid military I.D. or proof of U.S. military service. Offer good in stores and drive-thru only (not available through the mobile app, delivery, or restaurant kiosk).
Whataburger: Starting Veterans Day, all veterans and active-duty military can get a free Taquito in-store at any Whataburger restaurant during breakfast hours every Tuesday through Dec. 30. Offer good for in-restaurant orders only, not online or in the app; one order per qualifying guest. Veterans and active-duty military can also get a free 16-ounce hot or iced coffee year-round.
Wings and Rings: On Veterans Day, all veterans and active-duty military can get free lunch all day (offer good for dine in only). Also, veterans and active military get a 10% discount every day.
Yogurtland: Veterans and active-duty military can get 15% off their purchase in-store at participating Yogurtland locations nationwide (to get the deal just show your military ID).

Mike Snider is a national trending news reporter for USA TODAY. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, X and email him at mikegsnider & @mikegsnider.bsky.social & @mikesnider & msnider@usatoday.com

What's everyone talking about? Sign up for our trending newsletter to get the latest news of the day

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Veterans Day deals 2025 include free meals, discounts at restaurants

Reporting by Mike Snider, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect