Veterans Day Freebies and Offers 2025

If you’re searching for veterans day free meals and other discounts, this is our freshly verified roundup of restaurants, coffee shops, retailers, and service providers honoring U.S. Veterans and Active-Duty Military. Most offers require proof of service (e.g., military ID, VA card, DD-214, state veterans designation). Hours and participation vary by location, so always call ahead before you go. Check back — we’ll continue to update this list as brands publish official 2025 offers.

Top Veterans Day Free Meals (National Chains)

Below are the national offers our readers look for first. These are the headliners for veterans day free meals—many are dine-in only and limited to items on a special menu. Beverages, tax, and gratuity are typically not included.

• Applebee’s – Complimentary full-size entrée from the Veterans Day menu, dine-in only on 11/11. Participation varies.
• Denny’s – FREE Original Grand Slam from 5 a.m.–noon, dine-in at participating locations.
• Chili’s – Free meal from a select menu on 11/11, dine-in only, select items.
• Red Robin – FREE Red’s Big Tavern Burger with Bottomless Steak Fries for dine-in on Veterans Day.
• Chipotle – BOGO entrée 4–8 p.m. in-restaurant on 11/11 with military ID.
• IHOP – FREE Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo during posted hours, dine-in.
• Bob Evans – Free meal from a special menu (beverage not included), dine-in only.
• Little Caesars – Complimentary Lunch Combo during the usual 11 a.m.–2 p.m. window on 11/11 (confirm locally).
• Buffalo Wild Wings – In prior years: 10 free boneless wings + fries; most locations announce details close to 11/11.
• Red Lobster – Veterans Day free entrée varies by location; check your local store page.

Coffee, Donuts & Sweets

Not every freebie is a full entrée—many brands say “thank you” with coffee, donuts, froyo, or smoothies. If you’re mapping out veterans day free meals for an early start, these are great first stops:

• Starbucks – FREE tall brewed coffee (hot or iced) for veterans, servicemembers, and spouses on 11/11.
• Krispy Kreme – Historically: free doughnut + small coffee (confirm with your shop for 2025 specifics).
• Dunkin’ – Free donut at participating locations while supplies last.
• TCBY – First 6 oz FREE for veterans and active military on 11/11.
• Smoothie King – FREE 20-oz smoothie from 12–3 p.m. on 11/11 at participating locations.

Retail & Services (Haircuts, Pharmacy, Big Box)

Beyond free meals, many retailers and service brands offer meaningful perks to veterans — free haircuts, storewide percentage-off deals, or limited-time promo windows.

• Great Clips – FREE haircut or a free haircut card for veterans & active duty on 11/11 (U.S.). Cards can be redeemed later; see details.
• Sport Clips – Many locations offer free or discounted haircuts on Veterans Day; call ahead to verify participation.
• Walgreens – 20% off eligible regular-price items Nov 8–11 (myWalgreens + military ID; exclusions apply).
• Target – 10% off two storewide purchases with Target Circle military verification through Nov 11.
• Sheetz – FREE half turkey sub + drink and a FREE car wash for veterans and active duty at participating locations on 11/11.
• Hy-Vee – FREE breakfast 6–10 a.m. for veterans & active duty on 11/11 + 15% off grocery purchases that day.
• Wendy’s – FREE breakfast combo during breakfast hours on 11/11 at participating locations.
• White Castle – FREE combo or breakfast combo meal for veterans and active duty on 11/11 (participating locations).

Parks & Experiences

One of the best year-round benefits—separate from veterans day free meals—is free access to America’s incredible public lands.

• Veterans, Current Military & Gold Star Families can receive a FREE lifetime pass to U.S. National Parks covering entrance fees at national parks and other federal recreation lands. Review eligibility on the official NPS page and bring qualifying ID.

How to Redeem Free Veterans Day Offers: Tips & Fine Print

Every brand structures its Veterans Day offer a little differently. Use these pointers to make the most of veterans day free meals and other perks:

• Bring the right ID: Most brands ask for a military ID, VA card, DD-214, or a state ID with a veterans designation. A uniform or a photo may not be sufficient—check the brand’s page.
• Call ahead: Locations can opt in/out or change hours, menus, and terms at the last minute.
• Dine-in vs. takeout: Restaurant offers are often dine-in only. Beverages, tax, and gratuity are usually not included.
• Meal vouchers: Some chains hand out vouchers during a specific window on 11/11; vouchers are redeemed after the holiday—read the fine print for dates.
• Family eligibility: Select offers extend to spouses or families; others are for veterans and active duty only.
• One per guest: Most offers are one free item per eligible guest; upgrades and add-ons cost extra.

FAQ: Veterans Day Free Meals

Which restaurants always offer veterans free meals?

It changes year to year. Historically reliable brands include Applebee’s, Denny’s, Chili’s, Golden Corral, Little Caesars, and IHOP—plus coffee shops like Starbucks or Krispy Kreme. Final 2025 details are posted by each brand as the holiday nears.

Do I need to wear a uniform to get Veterans Day free meals?

No—most places require proof of service such as a military ID, VA card, DD-214, or a state ID with a veterans designation. Uniform is not required unless the brand specifically says so.

Can I stack a coupon with Veterans Day free meals?

Usually no. Veterans Day meals are treated as special promotions; additional coupons, loyalty rewards, or discounts typically don’t stack. Always check the store’s policy.

We love our community—if you see a confirmed 2025 offer we missed, drop it in the comments so we can keep this guide current and helpful for every veteran looking for veterans day free meals.

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