Veterans, you’ll be feeling the love on November 11 thanks to special food freebies and deals! Many popular chain restaurants are offering discounts to show gratitude for your service. Enjoy complimentary burgers, coffee, pancakes and more as a special thank you on the holiday. It’s also the perfect chance to treat a vet in your life without breaking the bank. Keep reading to find out the best Veterans Day deals for 2025 that you won’t want to miss. (Unless otherwise noted, deals are only offered on the holiday and apply to active-duty service members, as well, and you’ll want to have an ID proving your veteran (or active-duty) status for most of these deals).
Delicious free meals to fuel your day
Applebee’s
You’ll be “Eatin’ Good in the Neighborhood” with a special deal. On the holiday, the chain is offering its exclusive Veterans Day menu once again, which allows vets to enjoy a hearty entree for free when dining in-restaurant. Choose from the following delicious options:
- Classic Bacon Cheeseburger
- Chicken Tenders Platter
- Double Crunch Shrimp
- Fiesta Lime Chicken
- Oriental Chicken Salad
- Three-Cheese Chicken Penne
- 6 oz. Top Sirloin
Bob Evans
Head to your local Bob Evans for a comforting meal—on the house! When you dine in, you’ll be able to select from a special Veterans Day menu, which includes mainly popular breakfast items. This year, you can choose from these options:
- Country Biscuit Breakfast
- The Classic Breakfast
- Cup of Sausage Gravy & Biscuits
- Buttermilk Hotcakes
- Bowl of Rolled-Oat Oatmeal
- Banana Berry Oatmeal
- Sunrise
- The Mini Sampler
- Brioche French Toast
- Down-Home Country-Fried Steak
Bubba Gump
Craving seafood? Bubba Gump is the perfect spot to enjoy your lunch or dinner—and save on your bill. The restaurant is giving all veterans 20 percent off when they dine in on November 11.
Buffalo Wild Wings
If you’re wild about wings, this is a deal you won’t want to miss. Both veterans and active duty military members can snag 10 free boneless wings and a side of fries—all you need is a valid ID. This is available for both dine-in and take-out at participating Buffalo Wild Wings locations.
California Pizza Kitchen
Savor a free entree at one of the chain’s many locations as a thank you for your service! The dine-in-only deal includes an entree and drink ordered from a special Veterans Day menu. You can choose a salad, pasta entree (like Garlic Cream Fettuccine with Chicken) or one of six pizzas. Yum!
Chipotle
When you grab dinner at Chipotle on Veterans Day, you can get a second entrée for free! Just present a valid ID when you order an entree and receive your second (bowl, burrito, salad or taco) at no cost. This offer is valid from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on November 11.
Cracker Barrel
Start your morning off with a smile at Cracker Barrel—the restaurant is giving veterans a complimentary sunrise pancake. The special freebie is available while supplies last, and you must dine in to enjoy!
Farmer Boys
When you head to any of these fast-casual restaurants on November 11, you will receive a Big Cheeseburger for just $4. This popular menu item features a quarter-pound fresh beef patty, melted American cheese, crisp lettuce, tomato, pickles, diced onions and thousand island dressing on a brioche bun. You can redeem via the Very Important Farmer App or by providing valid ID.
Golden Corral
Dive into your favorite dishes on the 25th anniversary of Military Appreciation night at the all-you-can-eat buffet! Vets will get a free “thank you meal” during the event, which will be held from 4 p.m. to close.
Huey Magoo’s
As a thank you, both veterans and active military members who visit Huey Magoo’s can snag a free 3-Piece Tender Meal with the purchase of a regular beverage. All you need to do is show proof of ID, and the tasty deal is all yours!
IHOP
Treat yourself to a patriotic breakfast when you dine-in at IHOP. Participating restaurants nationwide are giving vets a free Red, White and Blueberry Pancake Combo, which includes two buttermilk pancakes topped with glazed strawberries, blueberry topping and whipped topping, plus a side of two eggs, hash browns and your choice of hickory-smoked bacon or pork sausage links. It’s a festive way to say “thank you”!
Olive Garden
You’ll feel like family when you dine in on the holiday! Show proof of military service, then you’ll be able to select a free entrée from the special menu. Choose from:
- Cheese ravioli
- Spaghetti and meatballs
- Fettuccine Alfredo
- Chicken Parmigiana
Plus, all come with freshly baked garlic breadsticks and your choice of homemade soup or our famous house salad.
Outback Steakhouse
Military members will appreciate this special deal: a free Aussie 3-course meal when dining in restaurant on November 10 and 11. Enjoy a starter, select entree and a dessert on the house.
Red Lobster
Attention seafood lovers: Dine in at Red Lobster on Veterans Day to receive a free Shrimp & Chips entrée. The special includes Walt’s Favorite Shrimp, Chesapeake fries and coleslaw for a satisfying meal.
Red Robin
Enjoy a “thank you” in the form of a complimentary meal! At participating locations, you can receive a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger, which features a burger patty topped with American cheese, Red’s Secret Tavern Sauce, shredded lettuce and tomatoes on a toasted brioche bun. You’ll also get your choice of a bottomless side to go along with it!
If you or a loved one wants to spread a little kindness, Red Robin is also offering a Buy a Veteran a Gift Card program. You can choose to purchase a gift card, which will be donated to a local veteran organization and help provide meals to communities.
Shack Shack
Grab a complimentary burger from this popular spot on November 11. All active and retired military members can snag a free Big Shack, while supplies last. This new menu item includes two quarter pound Angus beef patties, secret sauce, green leaf lettuce, American cheese, pickles, onions and Roma tomatoes—all on three buttered and toasted potato buns.
Sheetz
On Veterans Day, the Mid-Atlantic restaurant and convenience chain is honoring veterans and active duty service members with a free half turkey sub (including extras and add-ons) and a regular size fountain drink.
An added bonus: You can also get a free car wash (the option that usually costs $9) when you visit a location with a car wash. Just provide proof of service to qualify!
Whataburger
When you stop by a Whataburger on Tuesday, you can snag one free taquito during breakfast hours. Even better news? This deal kicks off November 11, but will be available every Tuesday through December 30. Whataburger also offers a free 16-oz hot or iced coffee for veterans any time they dine in, perfect for pairing with your breakfast taquito.
Drinks on the house
Biggby Coffee
Get a java jolt for less thanks to Biggby! The chain is honoring veterans with a special deal: any 16-ounce beverage for just $1.99.
Scooter’s
You don’t have to be a coffee fan to enjoy the deal here. All veterans with a valid ID can get a free medium drink–no purchase necessary. (Note: It’s not valid for mobile order ahead!)
Starbucks
If Starbucks is your go-to coffee spot, make sure you stop by on November 11. All veterans, military service members and even military spouses can snag a free tall (12-oz.) brewed coffee–iced or hot. It’s the perfect pick-me-up!
Sweet treats to top it all off
Lamar’s Donuts and Coffee
Satisfy your sweet tooth at Lamar’s this Veterans Day! They’re offering both a free donut and coffee to both veterans and active military.
Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt
For a chilly treat, stop by this chain on November 11. The frozen yogurt spot, which charges by weight, is offering a deal so you can get all of your favorite toppings without having to splurge. All veterans get their first 6 ounces of frozen yogurt free on the holiday!
With so many restaurants eager to honor your dedication and sacrifice, November 11 is your day to be celebrated—and to enjoy some seriously delicious food while you’re at it!
