Free Veterans Day meals 2025: National chains offering complimentary food, coffee, and more on Tuesday, Nov. 11

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free veterans day meals 2025

Veterans Day 2025 brings a wave of appreciation across the country, with dozens of restaurants and retailers offering free meals, drinks, and services on Tuesday, Nov. 11. Most promotions require proof of service (uniformed services ID, VA card, driver’s license with veteran designation, discharge papers, or current orders). Availability can vary by location; dine-in restrictions and time windows are common.

Free meals and entrées (dine-in where noted)

Applebee’s — Free entrée from a select Veterans Day menu; many locations also hand out a small bounce-back card for a future visit.
Chili’s — Free meal from a dedicated Veterans Day menu, dine-in only.
Olive Garden — Free entrée from a special menu, typically served with soup or salad and breadsticks.
Red Lobster — Free Shrimp & Chips entrée, dine-in only at participating locations.
Red Robin — Free Big Tavern Burger with a bottomless side.
Outback Steakhouse — Complimentary multi-course meal window tied to Nov. 10–11; valid military ID required (dine-in).
Texas Roadhouse — Free meal vouchers distributed on Nov. 11, redeemable for select entrées with sides and a non-alcoholic drink on a later date.
Bob Evans — Free meal selections for veterans and active-duty guests during operating hours.

Wings, pizza, and burgers

Buffalo Wild Wings — 10 free boneless wings and fries for qualifying guests (dine-in).
Little Caesars — Free Lunch Combo (four slices of Detroit-style Deep Dish + 20-oz drink) 11 a.m.–2 p.m. local time.
Blaze Pizza — Free one-topping pizza for military personnel (check local participation).
Shake Shack — Free ShackBurger (or comparable) with valid military ID.
White Castle — Free combo meal or breakfast combo for veterans and active-duty guests.
Cicis — Free adult buffet for veterans and active duty (dine-in).

Coffee, donuts, and snacks

Starbucks — Free tall (12 oz) hot or iced brewed coffee for veterans, service members, and spouses at participating U.S. stores.
Krispy Kreme — Free brewed coffee (hot or iced) and one doughnut for veterans and active military on Nov. 11.
Smoothie King — Free 20-oz smoothies noon–3 p.m. at participating shops.
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf — Free regular-size drink for service members and spouses.

Buy-one-get-one and timed deals

Chipotle — BOGO entrees 4–8 p.m. for active-duty military, veterans, and spouses.
Firehouse Subs — BOGO sub offer with military ID.
Taco John’s — Free small taco combo for qualifying guests.

Convenience stores, travel centers, and regional favorites

Pilot Flying J / One9 — Free breakfast sandwich and coffee or free lunch item with fountain drink (verification via the app’s ID process; participating locations).
Sheetz — Free meal plus a free car wash at participating stores on Nov. 11.
Rutter’s, 7-Eleven, Sheetz (drinks) — Many locations offer free coffee or fountain beverages to veterans and active-duty guests.
Whataburger — Free taquito for military members and veterans on Tuesdays starting Nov. 11 and continuing weekly through year-end (in-person with ID); select locations also honor a free coffee tradition for service members.

Haircuts, groceries, and retail discounts

Great Clips — Free haircut for veterans and active-duty on Nov. 11, or pick up a “thank-a-veteran” card to gift a free cut.
Sport Clips — Participating shops provide free haircuts on Nov. 11 for veterans and service members.
Target — 10% military discount (two transactions) through Nov. 11 for eligible guests and their families.
Publix — 10% off groceries on Nov. 11 for veterans and active military (exclusions apply).
Rack Room Shoes — 20% off on Veterans Day for military personnel (in-store; ID required).
Select auto, apparel, and travel brands — Ongoing military discounts or special one-day boosts; many verify via common ID platforms.

Quick planning guide for Veterans Day 2025

When: Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025 (times vary; common windows include breakfast, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., and 4–8 p.m.).
Bring: Government-issued military/veteran ID, VA card, or other accepted proof; some app-based offers require verification.
Ask ahead: Participation, dine-in vs. takeout, alcohol exclusions, gratuity not included, and limits (one item per qualifying guest).
Who qualifies: Veterans, active-duty, National Guard, reservists; select offers extend to spouses/families.

Pro tips to maximize your Veterans Day offers

Check local participation early in the day; high-traffic times can mean long waits or item sellouts.
Verify time windows—midday lunch combos and evening BOGO slots are common.
Carry proof of service even if you’ve verified in an app; policies can differ by manager or franchise.
Tip your server—the meal may be free, but service isn’t.

Many promotions are one day only and subject to change at the store level. If you’re planning a group outing, calling ahead can save time and confirm details. Most importantly, thank you for your service.