**Veterans Day**, observed annually on **Tuesday, November 11**, is a federal holiday dedicated to honoring U.S. military veterans and active-duty service members. Originating from Armistice Day—which marked the end of World War I—the holiday became officially known as Veterans Day in 1954.
As a tribute to their service, countless restaurants, coffee shops, and businesses across the country are offering **free meals, deep discounts, and special promotions** to veterans and active military personnel.
🍽️ Top Tier Veterans Day Meal Deals
The following deals represent some of the most popular offers available at major national chains on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. **Always remember to check with your nearest location to confirm participation and bring valid military ID or proof of service (e.g., Veteran ID Card or DD214).** Most offers are **dine-in only**.
| Restaurant | Offer | Service Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Applebee’s | Free full-sized entrée from an exclusive Veterans Day Menu. | Veterans, active-duty, reservists, National Guard. |
| Chipotle | Buy one entrée, get a second entrée free (4 p.m. to 8 p.m.). | Veterans and active-duty military with valid ID. |
| Cracker Barrel | Free Sunrise Pancake Special (dine-in). | Veterans and active-duty military. |
| IHOP | Free Red, White, and Blueberry Pancake Combo (dine-in only). | Veterans and active-duty military. |
| Krispy Kreme | Free small hot or iced coffee and a free doughnut of choice. | Veterans and active-duty military personnel. |
| Red Lobster | Free Shrimp & Chips entrée. | All veterans, active-duty military, and reserves. |
| Starbucks | Free tall 12-ounce brewed coffee. | Veterans, service members, and military spouses. |
| TGI Fridays | Free meal from a select menu (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.). | Veterans with a valid military ID. |
| Wendy’s | Free Breakfast Combo at Flynn Group-owned locations. | Veterans and active-duty military service members. |
🍔 More Free Meals and Discounts
Below is an extensive list of additional deals offered by restaurants and food service providers across the country for Veterans Day 2025:
**Burgers, BBQ & Comfort Food**
- **Arby’s:** Free **Classic Roast Beef Sandwich** at Flynn Group-owned locations.
- **Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar:** Free **BD’s All-American Burger** with cheese and a classic side (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.).
- **Buffalo Wild Wings:** 10 free **Boneless Wings and Fries**.
- **Chili’s:** Complimentary entrée from a special menu.
- **Golden Corral:** Free buffet meal with beverage (4 p.m. to close, dine-in only).
- **Hard Rock Cafe:** Free **Classic Smash Burger** all day long.
- **Lazy Dog Restaurant:** Free **Fireside Favorite entrée** plus a personal-sized S’more Brownie Sundae.
- **Sonny’s BBQ:** Free **Pork Big Deal** (sandwich, side, and drink).
**Italian & Pizza**
- **Benihana:** Free entrée (value up to $59; Japanese/Teppanyaki cuisine).
- **BJ’s Restaurants & Brewhouse:** Free **Chocolate Chunk Pizookie** dessert.
- **Blaze Pizza:** Free **one-topping pizza**.
- **California Pizza Kitchen:** Complimentary entrée and beverage from a special prix fixe menu.
- **MOD Pizza:** **50% off** a MOD-size pizza or salad (in-restaurant only, includes spouses).
**Seafood & Steak**
- **Firebirds Wood Fired Grill:** Complimentary lunch or dinner when dining with a guest.
- **Kona Grill / RA Sushi / STK Steakhouse:** Free entrée (max value $75) on Veterans Day (dine-in only).
- **Outback Steakhouse:** Free **Aussie 3-Course Meal** (Nov. 10 & 11, select entrées).
- **Perry’s Steakhouse:** Free dinner-cut pork chop when accompanied by a guest purchasing one dinner entrée.
*Note: This is a partial list. An extensive list of over 50 additional participating restaurants and food service providers is available via the source link.*
ℹ️ Important Reminders
- **Proof Required:** Always carry **valid military ID, Veteran ID Card, DD214, or other proof of service**.
- **Dine-In:** Many of the best free meal offers are **limited to dine-in customers only**.
- **Check Locally:** Not all franchised locations participate in national promotions. **Call ahead** to your closest location to confirm.
- **Exclusions:** Offers typically **exclude alcohol, tax, and gratuity**.
