15+ Veterans Day 2025 freebies for veterans and active military
As Veterans Day approaches on November 11, 2025, numerous restaurants across the United States are stepping up to honor those who have served in the military by offering a variety of free meals and special deals. While these gestures cannot truly compare to the sacrifices made by veterans and active duty military personnel, they serve as a heartfelt thank you for their service. Many establishments require proof of military service, such as a military ID, VA benefits photo ID card, or Veterans ID Card, to redeem these offers.
Among the many participating restaurants, Applebee’s invites veterans and active duty military to choose a complimentary entree from their special Veterans Day menu. Similarly, Chili’s and California Pizza Kitchen are also offering free entrees to military personnel who dine in on this day. Chipotle is adding a twist by providing a second entree for free with the purchase of another between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. This year, Dave & Buster’s is particularly generous, offering a free entree (up to $20) and a $10 Power Card for gameplay—perfect for those looking to enjoy some fun after their meal. Other notable mentions include IHOP, which will serve a free Red, White and Blueberry Pancake Combo, and Starbucks, where veterans and military spouses can enjoy a complimentary tall coffee.
In addition to these meals, several chains are providing unique deals. For example, Texas Roadhouse is giving out meal vouchers valid until May 2026, while Red Robin is offering free Red’s Big Tavern Burgers with unlimited sides. Krispy Kreme will sweeten the day with a free donut and small coffee, and Firehouse Subs is running a buy one, get one free offer on subs. These promotions not only highlight the appreciation for military service but also encourage community engagement as veterans and active duty members gather to celebrate their contributions. For a comprehensive list of participating restaurants and offers, military personnel are encouraged to check resources like military.com.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVYcj896ROE
While free food certainly can’t compare to the sacrifices veterans and active duty military members have made for Americans, it’s just a tiny way to say thank you for your service. In honor of Veterans Day 2025 on Tuesday, Nov. 11, many restaurants are offering U.S. vets and military personnel free meals, coffee, and more.
We’ve rounded up a select few deals you can find at chain restaurants near you today, but be sure to
check out military.com
for even more specials. For most deals, you’ll need to show either a military ID, VA benefits photo ID card, Veterans ID Card, or other proof of service.
Veterans Day 2025 freebies
Applebee’s
Veterans and active duty military can enjoy a free entree from the
Applebee’s
Veterans Day menu on Nov. 11.
Arby’s
Show your military ID and get a free Classic Roast Beef Sandwich on Nov. 11.
California Pizza Kitchen
Enjoy a free entree and beverage from a special prix fixe menu by showing your military ID while dining in on Nov. 11 at participating
California Pizza Kitchen
locations.
Veterans and active duty military can also get a buy one, get one bounce back card for a future visit — valid on pizza, pasta, or salad from Nov. 12 through 25.
Chili’s
All veterans and active military personnel can enjoy a free entree from a special menu at
Chili’s
while dining in at any location on Nov. 11.
Chipotle
Got a valid military ID? You can enjoy a second entree free at
Chipotle
with the purchase of another between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. local time on Nov. 11.
Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel
is saluting veterans and active military with free Sunrise Pancake specials when dining in at nearly all locations.
Dave & Buster’s
Get a free entree (up to $20) and a $10 Power Card for gameplay on Nov. 11 by showing a valid military ID at
Dave & Buster’s
.
Fazoli’s
When you present a valid military ID or wear a military uniform when dining in at
Fazoli’s
, you can get a free Spaghetti with Marinara or Meat Sauce with the code VET25.
Firehouse Subs
On Nov. 11,
Firehouse Subs
is running a buy one, get one free offer on subs for military personnel and veterans with a valid ID. The offer is only valid in stores.
IHOP
Show proof of military service when dining in at participating
IHOP
locations on Nov. 11 and enjoy a free Red, White and Blueberry Pancake Combo.
In-N-Out Burger
Craving
In-N-Out
? Veterans, active military, Reserves, and National Guard members can enjoy a free meal with a valid ID on Nov. 11.
Krispy Kreme
Get a free donut and small coffee at
Krispy Kreme
with a valid military ID at Krispy Kreme on Nov. 11. This offer is only valid in stores.
Red Lobster
Dine in at
Red Lobster
on Nov. 11 and show proof of service to get a free Shrimp & Chips entree.
Red Robin
Red Robin
is giving all veterans and active military personnel free Red’s Big Tavern Burgers with a choice of Bottomless sides at participating locations on Nov. 11. Just show a valid military ID to claim yours.
Shake Shack
Active and retired military personnel can enjoy free Big Shacks — the restaurant’s newest menu item — at
Shake Shack
on Nov. 11 with a valid military ID while supplies last.
Sheetz
All veterans and active duty military personnel can enjoy a free half turkey sub and a regular size fountain drink at any
Sheetz
location with proof of service. Sheetz will also provide free car washes to vets and active military on Nov. 11.
Starbucks
Veterans, active military, and military spouses can enjoy free tall coffees at
Starbucks
on Nov. 11.
Texas Roadhouse
Between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. local time,
Texas Roadhouse
is giving veterans and active military members free meal vouchers with military ID of any sort to be redeemed through May 2026.
