Veterans Day on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, comes with a long list of dining perks as restaurants across the United States thank those who served. From free coffees to full entrées, many chains are offering specials for veterans, active-duty service members, reservists and, at some locations, military family members.
Why Nov. 11?
Veterans Day grew out of Armistice Day, which marked the cease-fire that ended World War I on Nov. 11, 1918—“the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.” Congress made Armistice Day a federal holiday in 1938 and, in 1954, renamed it Veterans Day to honor all U.S. military veterans.
What to bring and how to redeem
Most offers require proof of service. Commonly accepted forms include:
- Veteran ID Card, military CAC, or state ID with veteran designation
- DD214 or other discharge papers
- Wearing a U.S. military uniform (where specified)
Always check your nearest location and read the fine print:
- Dine-in vs. takeout: Many deals are dine-in only.
- Timing: Some are breakfast-only or limited to set hours.
- Exclusions: Alcohol, add-ons, and gratuity are typically excluded.
- Participation: Not all franchise locations are required to participate.
Headline offers at major chains
Applebee’s
Veterans and active-duty military can choose a free full-size entrée from a limited Veterans Day menu (popular picks include burgers and shrimp). Some locations also provide a small “bounce back” reward for a future visit. Participation and any add-ons vary by franchise.
Chipotle
From 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. local time, eligible guests who buy any entrée can get a second entrée free with a valid military ID. In recent years, Chipotle has also highlighted optional round-up donations to veteran support nonprofits through its app and website.
Krispy Kreme
Service members can receive a free coffee (hot or iced) and one free doughnut—no purchase required, one per guest, in shop or drive-thru.
Red Lobster
Veterans and active-duty personnel can claim a free Shrimp & Chips entrée (Walt’s Favorite Shrimp with fries and slaw) with proof of service.
Starbucks
Participating cafés offer one free tall (12-oz) hot or iced brewed coffee to veterans, service members and military spouses. Cold Brew and specialty beverages are generally excluded.
Cracker Barrel
With proof of service, dine-in guests can get a free Sunrise Pancake Special (buttermilk pancakes with eggs or breakfast meat). Retail shelves and the website often feature military-themed merchandise discounts while supplies last.
Chili’s
Veterans and active-duty military can pick one free entrée from a special Veterans Day menu (items vary by location; beverages and gratuity not included).
Golden Corral
The chain hosts an annual free dinner buffet for veterans, retirees, reservists and active-duty personnel—dine-in only, typically from 4 p.m. to close on Nov. 11. Guests cannot transfer the offer to family or friends.
IHOP
Eligible guests can enjoy a free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo (two pancakes topped with strawberries and blueberry compote, plus eggs, hash browns and bacon or sausage) for dine-in with proof of service.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Past and present service members can receive 10 free boneless wings and fries with valid ID. Good for dine-in and walk-in at participating locations.
Dave & Buster’s
With military ID, guests can receive a free entrée (up to a set value) plus a $10 Power Card for gameplay. Offer is typically valid all day on Veterans Day.
Outback Steakhouse
Select locations salute service members with a free Aussie three-course meal from a limited menu for dine-in, with valid military ID. Year-round military discounts may also apply on non-alcoholic items.
TGI Fridays
Veterans dining 11 a.m.–7 p.m. local time can choose a free meal from a curated Veterans Day list (e.g., cheeseburger with fries, chicken fingers, salad options, or a half-rack of ribs—item availability may vary).
More national deals, at a glance
Below are additional offers commonly seen on Nov. 11. Terms vary; bring valid ID and confirm your location’s participation.
Coffee, bagels & treats
- Einstein Bros. Bagels, Bruegger’s Bagels, PJ’s Coffee, Scooter’s Coffee, Biggby Coffee: free or discounted brewed coffee for veterans and active duty (size and redemption method vary).
- Krispy Kreme (above) also includes a free doughnut.
- Yogurtland: percentage off in-store purchases at participating shops.
Pizza & Italian
- California Pizza Kitchen: complimentary entrée and beverage from a prix fixe Veterans Day menu for dine-in; a bounce-back reward for a future visit is often included.
- Blaze Pizza, MOD Pizza, Grimaldi’s: free or 50% off individual pizzas for eligible guests; some brands donate a portion of sales to veteran scholarships or causes.
- Round Table Pizza, Mountain Mike’s, Rubio’s (coastal grill): percentage-off codes or BOGO entrée offers—some valid beyond Nov. 11.
Burgers, BBQ & casual dining
- Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar, Ford’s Garage, Friendly’s, Freddy’s, Smokey Bones, Sonny’s BBQ: free burgers or combo meals for veterans and active duty, usually dine-in only.
- BJ’s Restaurants & Brewhouse: free Pizookie® dessert for eligible guests; appetizer bounce-backs for use on a future visit may apply later in the season.
- Hard Rock Cafe, Eddie Merlot’s, Firebirds, Sullivan’s, STK, Perry’s Steakhouse: complimentary burger or entrée offers (often with a max value, dine-in and ID required).
Wings, tacos & sandwiches
- Buffalo Wild Wings (detailed above); Hurricane Grill & Wings, Native Grill & Wings, Wings and Rings: free entrées or lunch specials with ID.
- Torchy’s Tacos, QDOBA, Teriyaki Madness, Firehouse Subs: free taco/bowl or BOGO sub offers; most are in-restaurant only with proof of service.
Breakfast & comfort fare
- Cracker Barrel, IHOP, Village Inn, Huddle House, Maple Street Biscuit Company: free plated breakfasts or percentage discounts with valid ID.
Entertainment & family
- Dave & Buster’s (above) adds gameplay credit; Main Event locations often pair free burgers or entrées with a block of arcade time for service members showing ID.
Tips before you go
- Check hours: Some breakfast offers end before lunch; others only start after 4 p.m.
- Expect lines: Veterans Day is busy. If allowed, join the waitlist online or arrive early.
- Bring backup ID: If one form isn’t accepted, another might be.
- Tipping matters: Even when your meal is free, tip on the pre-discount total to thank staff.
- Confirm participation: Franchise locations can opt out or run a different promotion.
The bottom line
Restaurants nationwide are again stepping up with meals and discounts to honor service. If you plan ahead—ID in hand, offer details checked, and timing set—you can enjoy a free coffee, a hot breakfast, or even a full dinner on Nov. 11. From quick-serve counters to steakhouses, there’s likely a Veterans Day deal near you.
