Veterans Day 2025 is set to honor past and present military members with a range of exciting freebies and special offers from popular restaurant chains nationwide. This year Veterans Day 2025 Freebies, many well-known eateries are showing their appreciation by offering free meals, drinks, and exclusive discounts to veterans and active service members in recognition of their service.
Some of the biggest names participating in giving back to America’s heroes include Applebee’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Chipotle, Starbucks, Shake Shack, and more. Each restaurant has crafted special deals available exclusively on Veterans Day, November 11, 2025, often requiring valid military identification to redeem.
Applebee’s continues its tradition by offering select entrĂ©es for free from a limited menu to veterans and active duty military members. This marks their 18th consecutive year giving back to service members, with offers available for dine-in guests only.
Buffalo Wild Wings invites military personnel to enjoy 10 free boneless wings paired with regular fries, available for dine-in customers. California Pizza Kitchen extends a generous offer of a complimentary beverage and an entrée from a specially curated menu featuring pizzas, pastas, and salads.
For those who prefer a casual dining experience, Chili’s offers a free meal and non-alcoholic drink to veterans and active-duty military, valid at all participating locations for dine-in only.
Chipotle Mexican Grill honors veterans by offering a buy-one-get-one-free entrée deal from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., encouraging military members to share a meal with loved ones.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store serves up a complimentary Sunrise Pancake Special all day, combining two buttermilk pancakes with eggs or savory breakfast meats as a heartfelt thank you. Similarly, Denny’s offers the Original Grand Slam breakfast for free from 5 a.m. to noon, featuring pancakes, bacon, sausage, and eggs.
Golden Corral’s Military Appreciation Night, now in its 25th year, serves a free buffet dinner from 4 p.m. until closing to veterans, active military, and National Guard members, celebrating millions of meals shared since 2001.
For veterans on the go, Hy-Vee provides a free buffet breakfast from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. with an additional 15% discount on grocery purchases for military members.
IHOP dishes out its popular Red, White and Blueberry Pancake Combo to veterans from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., including pancakes, eggs, hash browns, and a choice of bacon or sausage.
Coffee lovers can take advantage of free small hot or iced coffee and doughnuts at Krispy Kreme, while Starbucks offers a free tall hot or iced coffee to veterans, military members, and their spouses (excludes Cold Brew and Nitro options).
Outback Steakhouse presents an Aussie 3-Course meal, including soup or salad, a select entrée, and New York-style cheesecake for dessert, exclusively for current and former military members.
Shake Shack treats military personnel to a free Big Shack burger made with fresh ingredients, valid at most locations excluding airports and certain entertainment venues.
Red Robin also joins the celebration by giving veterans and active duty service members a complimentary Red’s Big Tavern Burger with bottomless steak fries, available for dine-in only.
Last but not least, Whataburger offers a free Taquito during breakfast hours on Veterans Day and continues to offer free 16-ounce hot or iced coffee year-round to military members and veterans.
These Veterans Day 2025 freebies not only honor the sacrifices and commitment of the nation’s service members but also allow veterans and active military to enjoy some well-deserved recognition and treats. Be sure to check individual restaurant locations for specific details and to confirm participation in these offers.
If you’re a veteran or currently serving, Veterans Day 2025 promises to be filled with gratitude and countless opportunities to enjoy free meals and exclusive deals nationwide. Don’t miss out on these heartfelt thanks from America’s favorite dining spots, celebrating those who have served with delicious freebies and warm appreciation.