Every year on Veterans Day, businesses across the US honour military veterans and active-duty personnel by offering free meals, drinks, and exclusive discounts. It’s their way of saying a heartfelt thank you to the brave men and women who have served or are still serving the nation.
This federal holiday is not only about parades and flags — it’s about real appreciation through tangible gestures like free food and deals.
What’s Open and Closed on Veterans Day 2025
While most businesses will be open as usual this Tuesday, here are a few key exceptions:
- Closed: USPS (United States Postal Service), federal government offices, banks
- Open: Stock markets (NYSE, Nasdaq), most retail stores, restaurants
- Varies: Many schools may be closed depending on the district
Free Meals and Offers on Veterans Day 2025
Veterans and active-duty personnel can enjoy free meals, discounts, and even free haircuts at popular outlets nationwide. Here’s a quick look at some of the best deals, available only on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, unless mentioned otherwise. Valid military ID or proof of service is required for most offers.
Top Restaurants Offering Free Meals or Drinks
- Applebee’s: Free meal from a special menu + $5 Bounce Back Card
- Blaze Pizza: Free one-topping pizza
- Bob Evans: Free meal from a Veterans Day menu
- Buffalo Wild Wings: 10 free boneless wings + fries
- Casey’s: Free coffee/fountain drink and car wash
- Chili’s: Free entrée for dine-in only
- Chipotle: Buy-one-get-one-free entrée from 4–8pm
- Cracker Barrel: Free Sunrise Pancake Special breakfast
- Denny’s: Free Grand Slam (5am–12pm)
- Dunkin’: Free doughnut
- Einstein Bros. & Bruegger’s Bagels: Free hot/iced coffee
- Golden Corral: Free buffet dinner during Military Appreciation Night
- IHOP: Free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo
- Krispy Kreme: Free doughnut and coffee (no ID needed)
- LongHorn Steakhouse: 10% off + free appetizer or dessert
- Olive Garden: Free meal with soup/salad & breadsticks
- Outback Steakhouse: Free 3-Course Aussie Meal (Nov 10–11)
- Playa Bowls: Free bowl
- Pilot Flying J: Free breakfast/lunch combo (through ID.me in the app)
- Red Lobster: Free Shrimp & Chips entrée
- Red Robin: Free Big Tavern Burger + bottomless side
- Shake Shack: Free Big Shack burger
- Sheetz: Free meal + free car wash
- Starbucks: Free tall coffee for veterans and military spouses
- Texas Roadhouse: Free meal voucher (valid until May 2026)
- The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: Free drink for military & spouses
- Wienerschnitzel: Free Original Chili Dog, fries, and soda
- White Castle: Free combo or breakfast meal
Retail & Grooming Deals for Veterans
- Great Clips: Free haircut or haircut card for military personnel; civilians get a “thank a veteran” card to pass along
- Staples: 25% off in-store with military ID
- Target: 10% off two purchases through Circle app (status verification needed)
- Walgreens & Duane Reade: 20% off regularly priced items with military ID and myWalgreens account
You can also check SheerID and ID.me for more verified military discounts, including travel and wireless deals.
A Simple Guide to Veterans Day 2025 Offers
| Brand/Store | Offer Type | Details | ID Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applebee’s | Free Meal + $5 Coupon | Dine-in only, select menu | Yes |
| Starbucks | Free Coffee | Tall hot/iced coffee | No |
| Great Clips | Free Haircut | Free for military, gift cards for others | Yes |
| Target | 10% Discount | Two purchases via Circle program | Yes |
| Texas Roadhouse | Meal Voucher | Redeemable through May 2026 | Yes |
Veterans Day isn’t just a public holiday; it’s a powerful reminder of the selfless service of our armed forces. Whether it’s a free coffee, a hearty meal, or a simple “thank you,” these gestures mean the world to those who’ve served. So if you or someone you know is a veteran or active-duty member, take a moment to enjoy these freebies and discounts — you’ve earned it.
FAQs
Q. Who is eligible for Veterans Day free meals and offers?
A. Most deals are for veterans, active-duty military, and sometimes their families. A valid military ID or proof of service is usually required.
Q. Can military spouses get Veterans Day deals too?
A. Yes, some brands like Starbucks and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf also include military spouses in their offers.
Q. Are these Veterans Day deals available for delivery or only in-store?
A. Most offers are for dine-in or in-store only. A few allow online/app redemptions with military verification.
Q. Do I need to wear my uniform to get the Veterans Day discount?
A. Not necessarily. A valid military ID or other proof like a DD-214 is usually enough.
Q. Can civilians also benefit from any of these deals?
A. Some deals, like Great Clips, allow civilians to get a haircut and gift a free haircut card to a veteran.
