What is Veteran’s Day? Here’s a quick explainer
A brief summary on Veteran’s Day, including the history and the reason behind the federal holiday’s observance.
Veterans Day 2025 is observed Nov. 11 to celebrate and honor those who served or continue to serve our country, with restaurants offering free meals, deals, discounts, and freebies to veterans and active military members.
Free food, coffee, donuts, sandwiches, meals and deals on Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, will be available at multiple restaurants including Chipotle, Panera Bread, Applebee’s, IHOP, McDonald’s, Starbucks, Dunkin’, Chick-fil-A, Outback Steakhouse, Chili’s, and Friendly’s.
Veterans Day, a federal holiday, has been celebrated since 1918 when an armistice between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Curious if any restaurants near you are offering up something free and delicious? Get your military ID, or DD214 to show proof of service and check out the list below:
What holiday is today? When is Veterans Day 2025?
Today, Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, is a holiday: It is the 250th birthday of the U.S. Marines. Fittingly, tomorrow, Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, is Veterans Day to honor and celebrate the veterans and active military members who have or are serving our country.
McDonald’s Veterans Day 2025
On Veterans Day, some McDonald’s restaurants are offering free breakfast meals to veterans and active-duty military on Nov. 11. Veterans with valid military ID can receive a free Egg McMuffin meal at participating locations. Since restaurants are individually owned and operated by franchise owners, the choice to provide a discount is up to each owners’ discretion. Check your local restaurant to see if they are participating.
Is there a McDonald’s near me? Visit McDonalds.com.
Starbucks Veterans Day 2025
Starbucks is honoring those who served on Veterans Day with a free tall (12-ounce) coffee. Veterans, military members and military spouses can head to participating U.S. stores on Nov. 11 for their hot or cold coffee.
Is there a Starbucks near me? Visit Starbucks.com.
Dunkin’ Veterans Day 2025
On Veterans Day, Dunkin’ is offering a free doughnut for veterans and active-duty military members on Nov. 11.
Is there a Dunkin’ near me? Visit dunkin.com.
Wendy’s Veterans Day 2025
This Veterans Day, Wendy’s is offering a free Breakfast Combo, no purchase required, for those who served or are currently serving in the U.S. military. The deal, on Nov. 11, is available during breakfast hours. Be sure to bring your military ID or VetRewards Card.
Is there a Wendy’s near me? Visit Wendys.com.
Chipotle Veterans Day 2025
On Veterans Day from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. local time, Chipotle guests who order an entree in-restaurant, either veterans or active military members, will receive a second entree free. The Nov. 11 promotion applies to Chipotle bowls, burritos, salads and taco entrees.
Is there a Chipotle near me? Visit locations.chipotle.com/nj.
Applebee’s Veterans Day free meal on Veterans Day 2025
Applebee’s is offering veterans and active-duty military members a free meal from an exclusive menu and a $5 “Bounce Back Card” for a future visit with proof of military ID. Dine-in only.
Is there an Applebee’s near me? Visit applebees.com.
Panera Bread Veterans Day 2025
On Veterans Day, all veterans and active-duty military service members can get a free pastry or bakery item and cup of coffee at more than 145 participating Panera Bread locations owned by Flynn Group.
Is there a Panera Bread near me? See if a Flynn Group location, or any other location, is near you at PaneraBread.com.
Chick-fil-A free meal on Veterans Day 2025
On Veterans Day, some Chick-fil-A restaurants are offering active-duty military personnel and veterans a free Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich or Chicken Biscuit by showing their military ID. Since restaurants are individually owned and operated by franchise owners, the choice to provide a discount is up to each owners’ discretion. Check your local restaurant to see if they are participating.
Is there a Chick-fil-A near me? Visit Chick-fil-A.com.
IHOP Veterans Day free meal on Veterans Day 2025
IHOP is offering active military and veterans a free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo with valid military ID on Nov. 11, 2025. Dine-in only.
Is there an IHOP near me? Visit ihop.com.
Burger King Veterans Day 2025
While Burger King does not list Veterans Day 2025 deals or freebies, the fast food chain provides a 10% discount for those enrolled in the WeSalute program at some participating locations. Few locations advertise this offer, so check your nearest location when ordering, and bring your military ID.
Is there a Burger King near me? Visit BK.com.
Smashburger Veterans Day 2025
Smashburger is likely offering veterans and active-duty military members a freebie, deal or perhaps a free All-American Smash (as they did in 2024) on Veterans Day 2025. Smashburger has a list of “participating locations” for Veterans Day, but it’s unclear if these are from 2024 or 2025.
Keep track on Smashburger’s social media pages, on their website or find a Smashburger near you by visiting Smashburger.com.
White Castle Veterans Day 2025
On Nov. 11, White Castle is offering veterans and active-duty military a free individual combo meal or a breakfast combo meal when dining at a participating restaurants.
Is there a White Castle near me? Visit WhiteCastle.com/Locations.
Krispy Kreme free donut, coffee on Veterans Day 2025
Krispy Kreme is offering a free doughnut and coffee for veterans and active-duty military on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2025.
Is there a Krispy Kreme near me? Visit KrispyKreme.com
Friendly’s Veterans Day 2025
On Nov. 11, Friendly’s is providing veterans and active military members a free burger and drink. In-restaurant only and must provide military ID or honorable discharge document to receive the offer.
Is there a Friendly’s near me? Visit Locations.FriendlysRestaurants.com.
Smoothie King Veterans Day 2025
On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, active-duty military and veterans can enjoy a free 20-ounce smoothie at participating Smoothie King locations nationwide. No purchase necessary. The offer is available from noon to 3 p.m. local time.
Is there a Smoothie King near me? Visit Locations.SmoothieKing.com.
Bubbakoo’s Veterans Day 2025
Bubbakoo’s Burritos is offering a free Taco Trio to veterans and active-duty military members on Nov. 11. Make sure to bring your valid military ID.
Is there a Bubbakoo’s near me? Visit Locations.Bubbakoos.com.
Shake Shack Veterans Day 2025
On Veterans Day, Shake Shack is giving veterans and active military personnel a free Big Shack on Nov. 11 at participating locations.
Is there a Shake Shack near me? Visit shakeshack.com/locations.
TGI Fridays
On Nov. 11 at TGI Fridays, veterans and active military will get a free meal from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Valid military ID is required. Dine-in only.
Choose a free entree from a special menu that includes a Cheeseburger with Fries, Chicken Fingers with Fries and coleslaw, Chicken Caesar Salad, a Half Rack of Ribs with choice of side, or a half portion of the Cajun Shrimp & Chicken Pasta.
Is there a TGI Fridays near me? Visit Locations.TGIFridays.com/nj.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings is thanking veterans and active military with a free 10-piece Boneless Wings and Fries on Nov. 11. Valid military ID required. Dine-in and walk-in only at participating locations.
Is there a Buffalo Wild Wings near me? Visit BuffaloWildWings.com/locations.
Chili’s Veterans Day 2025
On Veterans Day, Chili’s is offering veterans and active-duty military members a free meal on Nov. 11 at all participating restaurants. Available in-restaurant only for select items. Military ID required to redeem offer.
Is there a Chili’s near me? Visit Chilis.com/Locations.
Subway Veterans Day 2025
On Veterans Day, some Subway locations will offer up to 50% off menu items for service members. Since they are individually owned and operated, be sure to check your local sandwich shop to see if they have any Veterans Day deals. Some Subways offer a 10% military discount.
Is there a Subway near me?
Olive Garden Veterans Day 2025
On Nov. 11, Olive Garden is offering each veteran and current military member a free entree from a special menu. Dine-in only and must provide proof of military service.
Is there an Olive Garden near me? Visit OliveGarden.com/Locations.
Outback Steakhouse Veterans Day 2025
Today, Nov. 10 and Veterans Day, Nov. 11, Outback Steakhouse is offering a free Aussie 3-Course Meal with valid military ID when dining in.
Is there an Outback Steakhouse near me? Visit Locations.outback.com.
Red Robin Veterans Day 2025
Red Robin is offering veterans and active-duty military guests a complimentary Red’s Big Tavern Burger and Bottomless Side when dining in at participating restaurants on Nov. 11.
Is there a Red Robin near me? Visit RedRobin.com/Location.
Ruby Tuesday Veterans Day 2025
Ruby Tuesday is offering guests a free Garden Bar Entrée or Free Garden Bar Add-On on Nov. 11. Must be a veteran or active-duty military and provide valid ID.
Is there a Ruby Tuesday near me? Visit RubyTuesday.com
Other Veterans Days 2025 freebies, free meals, deals, discounts
Free meals and other yummy stuff will be offered for military members and veterans at restaurants, fast food dining places and more near you. Here’s a rundown of more being offered, most with locations in New Jersey. Click on each restaurant to find one near you.
- BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse: Free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie on Nov. 11. From Nov. 12 to Dec. 31, guests with military ID get a free Appetizer Bounce Back for a future purchase. Must purchase an entree and dine-in.
- Margaritas Mexican Restaurant: On Veterans Day, military personnel or veterans get 50% off their check at locations in the Northeast (not Pennsylvania). New Jersey already has an existing 25% discount for members; in Pennsylvania, an existing offer is 10%.
- California Pizza Kitchen: Complimentary entree and drink from a special menu, plus BOGO bounce back card. Dine-in only.
- Circle K: Free medium hot or iced coffee
- Cracker Barrel: On Nov. 11, military members and veterans with ID get a free Sunrise Pancake Special.
- Denny’s: Veterans and active-duty military receive a free Original Grand Slam on Nov. 11, from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. Must show valid ID or DD214.
- Einstein Bros. Bagels: Veterans and active-duty military get a free hot coffee or ice coffee, any size, on Nov. 11. You can head in-store or use the mobile app using online code: FREECOFFEE. No purchase necessary.
- Dave & Buster’s: Veterans get a free entree (up to $20) and a free $10 Power Card with a valid veterans ID card on Nov. 11.
- QDOBA: Veterans and active-duty military get free chips and dips in-restaurant. No purchase required.
- Tim Hortons: Those in U.S. military uniform or presenting a valid veteran ID get a free Classic Doughnut at participating locations on Nov. 11
- Playa Bowls: Free bowls for all veterans, active duty and retired military personnel with a valid ID on Nov. 11, at participating locations nationwide.
- Texas Roadhouse: Veterans and military members can get a free Texas Roadhouse meal voucher on Nov. 11, redeemable dine-in or carry-out through May 30, 2026.
- Hooters: This Veterans Day, Hooters will offer a free menu item on Nov. 11. Veterans can choose from 10 Original Wings, Cheeseburger, Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, or Chicken Caesar Salad, free with drink purchase.
- Little Caesars: On Nov. 11, veterans and active military can enjoy a free Lunch Combo, which includes four slices Little Caesars signature Detroit-style Deep Dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi beverage. The offer is valid 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Veterans Day.
Lori Comstock is a New Jersey-based journalist with the Mid-Atlantic Connect Team.
