While free food certainly can’t compare to the sacrifices veterans and active duty military members have made for Americans, it’s just a tiny way to say thank you for your service. In honor of Veterans Day 2025 on Tuesday, Nov. 11, many restaurants are offering U.S. vets and military personnel free meals, coffee, and more.
We’ve rounded up a select few deals you can find at chain restaurants near you today, but be sure to check out military.com for even more specials. For most deals, you’ll need to show either a military ID, VA benefits photo ID card, Veterans ID Card, or other proof of service.
Veterans Day 2025 freebies
Applebee’s
Veterans and active duty military can enjoy a free entree from the Applebee’s Veterans Day menu on Nov. 11.
Arby’s
Show your military ID and get a free Classic Roast Beef Sandwich on Nov. 11.
California Pizza Kitchen
Enjoy a free entree and beverage from a special prix fixe menu by showing your military ID while dining in on Nov. 11 at participating California Pizza Kitchen locations.
Veterans and active duty military can also get a buy one, get one bounce back card for a future visit — valid on pizza, pasta, or salad from Nov. 12 through 25.
Chili’s
All veterans and active military personnel can enjoy a free entree from a special menu at Chili’s while dining in at any location on Nov. 11.
Chipotle
Got a valid military ID? You can enjoy a second entree free at Chipotle with the purchase of another between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. local time on Nov. 11.
Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel is saluting veterans and active military with free Sunrise Pancake specials when dining in at nearly all locations.
Dave & Buster’s
Get a free entree (up to $20) and a $10 Power Card for gameplay on Nov. 11 by showing a valid military ID at Dave & Buster’s.
Fazoli’s
When you present a valid military ID or wear a military uniform when dining in at Fazoli’s, you can get a free Spaghetti with Marinara or Meat Sauce with the code VET25.
Firehouse Subs
On Nov. 11, Firehouse Subs is running a buy one, get one free offer on subs for military personnel and veterans with a valid ID. The offer is only valid in stores.
IHOP
Show proof of military service when dining in at participating IHOP locations on Nov. 11 and enjoy a free Red, White and Blueberry Pancake Combo.
In-N-Out Burger
Craving In-N-Out? Veterans, active military, Reserves, and National Guard members can enjoy a free meal with a valid ID on Nov. 11.
Krispy Kreme
Get a free donut and small coffee at Krispy Kreme with a valid military ID at Krispy Kreme on Nov. 11. This offer is only valid in stores.
Red Lobster
Dine in at Red Lobster on Nov. 11 and show proof of service to get a free Shrimp & Chips entree.
Red Robin
Red Robin is giving all veterans and active military personnel free Red’s Big Tavern Burgers with a choice of Bottomless sides at participating locations on Nov. 11. Just show a valid military ID to claim yours.
Shake Shack
Active and retired military personnel can enjoy free Big Shacks — the restaurant’s newest menu item — at Shake Shack on Nov. 11 with a valid military ID while supplies last.
Sheetz
All veterans and active duty military personnel can enjoy a free half turkey sub and a regular size fountain drink at any Sheetz location with proof of service. Sheetz will also provide free car washes to vets and active military on Nov. 11.
Starbucks
Veterans, active military, and military spouses can enjoy free tall coffees at Starbucks on Nov. 11.
Texas Roadhouse
Between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. local time, Texas Roadhouse is giving veterans and active military members free meal vouchers with military ID of any sort to be redeemed through May 2026.