Veterans Day lands on November 11 each year, marking the anniversary of the end of World War I and reminding us to honor everyone who has served. It’s a day to slow down, show gratitude, and recognize the sacrifices made by service members and their families. To help celebrate, many restaurants and retailers roll out freebies and deals as their little “thank you.”
Here’s a look at who’s offering what this year.
Veterans Day Free Meals
Applebee’s — Veteran and active-duty military receive a free meal from a select menu on November 11 at participating locations. Dine-in only.
BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse — On November 11, 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.
California Pizza Kitchen – On November 11, 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. 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 between November 12 and November 25.
Chili’s — Veterans and active-duty military members get a free meal on November 11 at all participating restaurants. Available in-restaurant only for select items. Military ID required to redeem offer.
Chipotle — On November 11, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. local time, guests who order an entrée in-restaurant and present a valid military ID will receive a second entrée for free. The promotion applies to Chipotle bowls, burritos, salads and taco entrees.
Circle K — On November 11, veterans get one free medium hot or iced coffee. The one-day-only offer is available at participating U.S. locations, and customers can redeem theirs by showing a valid military ID at purchase.
Cotton Patch Cafe — On November 11, 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 — On November 11, veterans and active-duty service members with valid ID get a free Sunrise Pancake Special.
Dave & Buster’s — Veterans get a free entree (up to $20) and a free $10 Power Card with a valid veterans ID card on November 11.
Denny’s — Veterans and active-duty military personnel receive a free Original Grand Slam on November 11 from 5am to 12pm. Must show valid Military ID or DD214.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit — On November 11, 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) on November 11. Guests can enjoy their complimentary coffee in-bakery, through the mobile app, or online using code FREECOFFEE. No purchase is required.
Firehouse Subs — On November 11, 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 who visit on November 11 will 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.
Golden Corral — Golden Corral is hosting their Military Appreciation Night on November 11 from 4pm to close. This includes a free “thank you” meal when dining in.
Hooters — This Veterans Day, Hooters offers a free menu item on November 11. Veterans can choose from 10 Original Wings, Cheeseburger, Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, or Chicken Caesar Salad, free with drink purchase.
IHOP — Veterans and active-duty military get free Red, White, & Blueberry Pancakes or Pancake Combo on November 11. Dine-in only, at participating restaurants nationwide.
In-N-Out Burger — On November 11, 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.
Little Caesars — On November 11, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., veterans and active military can enjoy a complimentary Lunch Combo, which includes four slices of Little Caesars signature Detroit-style Deep Dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi beverage.
Logan’s Roadhouse — Veterans and active-duty military members get a free meal from the Veterans Day menu from 11am – 3pm on November 11.
O’Charley’s – 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 November 10 and 11. Guests dining in can choose any entrée from the Daily Dinner Deals Menu.
Olive Garden — On November 11, Olive Garden will offer 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).
Pluckers — Pluckers proudly serves veterans and active-duty military a free meal on November 11. Present a valid ID or veteran status. Meal includes an entrée, side, and non alcoholic beverage up to $16 value. Dine-in only. Veteran designation or Military ID required. Not good with other offers.
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 on November 11.
Shake Shack — Active military personnel and veterans get a free Big Shack on November 11, while supplies last. Show a valid military ID at any participating Shack nationwide.
Smoothie King — On November 11, 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 on November 11.
T.G.I. Friday’s – Free entrée from select menu 11 am–5 pm (dine-in only).
TCBY — Veterans and active military personnel get their first 6 oz. of frozen yogurt for free on November 11 at participating locations. Must show a valid ID.
Texas Roadhouse — At participating locations, veterans and military members can get a free Texas Roadhouse meal voucher on November 11, redeemable in-restaurant or for carry-out through May 30, 2026.
Twin Peaks – Free lunch from select menu 11 am–3 pm + discounted drinks for veterans with ID.
Wendy’s — This Veterans Day, Wendy’s salutes those who served or are currently serving in the U.S. military with a free Breakfast Combo, no purchase required, during breakfast hours on November 11. Visit participating Wendy’s locations on November 11 during breakfast hours and receive a free breakfast combo by notifying the crew member at the register or showing their VetRewards Card.
Whataburger – Free Taquito + 16-oz coffee for veterans & active duty when dining in with ID.
Retail Discounts
Target – 10% off purchases for active-duty military, veterans, and their families from Oct 27–Nov 11, 2025.
Walgreens – 20% off eligible in-store purchases for veterans, active-duty, and families, Nov 8–11, 2025.
Home Depot – 10% military discount year-round (via app or in-store verification) – valid in the Austin area
Kohl’s – Nov 10–11, 2025, veterans, active-duty, and retirees receive 30% off in-store purchases at participating locations.
Eyemart Express – All military personnel and family members are welcome to enjoy an exclusive 20% discount.
Lowe’s Home Improvement – 10% discount for verified military members year-round; valid on Veterans Day.
Tractor Supply Co. – 10% off purchases on Veterans Day 2025 at participating Texas stores
Academy Sports + Outdoors – 10% off in-store & online Oct 19–Nov 11 for military & first responders.
Hilton – Active and retired military personnel, veterans, and their families deserve a break. To help you make the most of your time off, we’re offering exclusive savings on stays at participating hotels.
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