Look, I get it – you're not here for a history lesson. You want to know where veterans and active military can eat free and save money on November 11, 2025. After tracking these deals for years, I've learned that preparation is everything. Some places need reservations, others run out of free meals by noon, and many require specific forms of ID.
This year, we're seeing the most generous Veterans Day offers ever. Over 100 restaurants are serving free meals, major retailers are offering discounts up to 50% off, and online deals include some exclusive military-only sales. The catch? You need to know the rules for each offer.
Here's what makes this guide different: every deal is verified with proof requirements clearly stated, updated daily from November 1-12, and organized so you can quickly find what you need. Whether you're a veteran planning your November 11 route or a military spouse looking for family-friendly deals, this guide has you covered.
Photo by Miguel Á. Padriñán on Pexels
Quick Deal Finder:
Best Veterans Day Free Meals 2025
Over 100 restaurants nationwide offer free meals to veterans and active-duty military on Veterans Day. Most require valid military ID, though some accept DD-214 papers, VA cards, or veteran designation on driver's licenses. Family members typically aren't included unless specified.
2025 Update: Many restaurants now require ID.me verification for online orders. Set up your account before November 11 to avoid delays. Also, call ahead – some locations opt out of national promotions.
National Chain Restaurants (Dine-In)
| Restaurant | Offer | Time | Proof Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applebee's | Free meal from limited menu | All day | Military ID or proof | Dine-in only, varies by location |
| Buffalo Wild Wings | 10 free boneless wings + fries | All day | Military ID | Dine-in only |
| Chili's | Free meal from select menu | 11am-close | Military ID or DD-214 | Includes non-alcoholic beverage |
| Cracker Barrel | Free slice Double Chocolate Fudge Cake | All day | Military ID | In-store only |
| Denny's | Free Build Your Own Grand Slam | 5am-noon | Military ID | Dine-in only |
| Golden Corral | Free buffet dinner | 5pm-close | Military ID | Night before also at some locations |
| IHOP | Free Red, White & Blue pancakes | 7am-7pm | Military ID | Dine-in only |
| Olive Garden | Free entrée from limited menu | All day | Military ID or proof | Includes breadsticks & salad |
| Outback Steakhouse | Free Bloomin' Onion & drink | All day | Military ID | Additional 20% off entire check |
| Red Lobster | Free appetizer or dessert | All day | Military ID | From special menu |
| Red Robin | Free Red's Big Tavern Burger | All day | Military ID | Dine-in only, includes fries |
| Texas Roadhouse | Free lunch meal | 11am-2pm | Military ID | From special menu, very popular |
| TGI Friday's | Free meal from select menu | 11am-2pm | Military ID | Varies by location |
Fast Food & Quick Service
Fast food chains increasingly participate in Veterans Day, though offers vary more by franchise. Here's what we've confirmed for 2025:
Pro Tip: Download chain apps before November 11. Many require app-exclusive redemption, and you can often place orders ahead to skip lines. Some apps also stack Veterans Day deals with regular rewards.
Regional Restaurant Chains
Don't overlook regional favorites – they often have the best deals with shorter lines:
East Coast: Friendly's (free meal), Glory Days Grill (free meal), Mission BBQ (free sandwich)
West Coast: BJ's Restaurant (free meal), Black Bear Diner (free meal), Rubio's (free entrée)
Midwest: Cotton Patch Cafe (free meal), Freddy's (free combo meal), Slim Chickens (free meal)
South: Chicken Salad Chick (free meal), Fogo de Chão (50% off), Tijuana Flats (free entrée)
Track All Your Veterans Day Savings
Our Veterans Day Deals Tracker spreadsheet helps you plan your route, track savings, and never miss a deal. Includes 100+ verified offers, map planning tool, and automatic updates. Compatible with Google Sheets and Excel.
Get the Deals Tracker ($9.99)Top Retail Discounts for Veterans Day
Retail discounts often extend beyond November 11, with some lasting the entire month. Smart shoppers combine these with existing sales for maximum savings. Remember, most require online verification through ID.me or similar services.
Home Improvement Stores
| Store | Discount | Dates | Verification | Exclusions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lowe's | 10% off | Year-round | MyLowes + ID.me | Sales items, some brands |
| Home Depot | 10% off | Year-round | Online verification | Sales, gift cards |
| Ace Hardware | 10% off | November 11 | In-store with ID | Varies by location |
| Menards | 15% off | Nov 8-11 | In-store with ID | Gift cards, some items |
Department Stores & Clothing
Fashion retailers are increasingly generous with military discounts, especially around Veterans Day:
Stacking Strategy: Many stores allow combining military discounts with sale prices but not other coupons. Always ask – policies vary by location and cashier knowledge.
Kohl's
15% off Mondays
30% off Nov 11
In-store with ID
15% off Mondays
30% off Nov 11
In-store with ID
Target
10% off (registry)
Nov 1-11
Circle verification
10% off (registry)
Nov 1-11
Circle verification
Old Navy
30% off
Nov 11 only
In-store with ID
30% off
Nov 11 only
In-store with ID
Under Armour
20% off
Year-round online
ID.me required
20% off
Year-round online
ID.me required
Nike
10% off
Year-round
Online verification
10% off
Year-round
Online verification
Columbia
10% off
Year-round
ID.me required
10% off
Year-round
ID.me required
Sporting Goods & Outdoors
Electronics & Tech
Tech deals are trickier – many brands offer military discounts through specific portals rather than in-store:
| Brand | Discount | How to Access | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple | 10% off | Veterans Store online | MacBooks, iPads |
| Dell | 10% off | Military portal | Laptops, monitors |
| HP | Up to 40% off | Military store | Printers, PCs |
| Lenovo | 7% off | ID.me portal | ThinkPads |
| Microsoft | 10% off | Military store | Surface, Xbox |
| Samsung | 15% off | Military offers page | TVs, phones |
Online & E-commerce Veterans Day Deals
Online shopping has revolutionized Veterans Day deals. No lines, verified discounts, and often better selection than in-store. The key? Setting up verification before November 11.
Major E-commerce Platforms
Amazon: Doesn't offer blanket military discounts but watch for Lightning Deals tagged "military." Prime membership discount available through ID.me ($6.99/month vs $14.99).
Walmart.com: No specific Veterans Day discount online, but in-store varies by location. Walmart+ membership offers no military pricing currently.
Mattress & Furniture Sales
Veterans Day rivals Memorial Day for mattress deals. Here's what to expect in 2025:
Purple: Up to $800 off + free gifts
Tempur-Pedic: $500 off adjustable sets
Casper: 30% off everything
Nectar: 33% off + free accessories
Tempur-Pedic: $500 off adjustable sets
Casper: 30% off everything
Nectar: 33% off + free accessories
Saatva: $400 off $1,000+
Helix: 25% off + free pillows
Amerisleep: 30% off any mattress
Tuft & Needle: 20% off sitewide
Helix: 25% off + free pillows
Amerisleep: 30% off any mattress
Tuft & Needle: 20% off sitewide
Subscription Services
Many subscription services offer ongoing military discounts that stack with Veterans Day promotions:
Travel & Entertainment Offers
Travel companies increasingly court military families with Veterans Day specials extending through the holiday season:
Theme Parks & Attractions
| Park/Attraction | Veterans Day Offer | Year-Round Military |
|---|---|---|
| Walt Disney World | Special ticket pricing | Salute to Military tickets |
| Universal Orlando | Free admission Nov 11 | Military Freedom Pass |
| SeaWorld Parks | Free admission | Waves of Honor program |
| Six Flags | Free admission | Discounted season passes |
| Busch Gardens | Free admission | Year-round discounts |
| National Parks | Free entry | Lifetime pass available |
Hotels & Lodging
Most major chains offer military rates year-round, but Veterans Day brings extra perks:
Marriott
Gov't rate + upgrades
Flexible cancellation
Gov't rate + upgrades
Flexible cancellation
Hilton
Up to 35% off
Free breakfast often
Up to 35% off
Free breakfast often
IHG
Gov't rate available
Points bonus
Gov't rate available
Points bonus
Choice Hotels
15% off + perks
Pet fees waived
15% off + perks
Pet fees waived
Wyndham
15% off minimum
Late checkout
15% off minimum
Late checkout
Great Wolf Lodge
30% off stays
Heroes discount
30% off stays
Heroes discount
Never Miss Another Military Discount
Get our comprehensive Military Discount Database with 500+ year-round savings opportunities. Includes quick-reference cards for your wallet, family member guide, and monthly deal alerts calendar. Updated quarterly with new partnerships.
Get Lifetime Access ($19.99)ID & Proof Requirements Guide
Here's what trips people up every year: showing up without proper ID. Different businesses accept different forms of military verification, and being prepared saves embarrassment and time.
Accepted Forms of Military ID
Critical: Never post photos of military IDs on social media, even partially covered. This includes "thankful for deals" posts. Security features make them targets for identity theft.
Always Accepted:
Sometimes Accepted:
Digital Verification Services
Online verification has streamlined military discounts but requires setup time. Don't wait until November 11 to create accounts:
ID.me: The gold standard for online military verification. Used by 400+ brands. Create account with .mil email or upload DD-214. Verification takes 5-10 minutes typically, but can take days during peak times.
SheerID: Popular with clothing brands and tech companies. Similar process to ID.me but separate account needed. Some brands use both, some use one exclusively.
GovX: Marketplace exclusively for military with built-in verification. Better for ongoing shopping than one-day deals. Membership required but free.
Family Member Guidelines
Military spouse and dependent deals vary significantly:
| Situation | What You Need | Typical Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Active Duty Spouse | Dependent ID card | Most year-round discounts |
| Veteran Spouse | Varies widely | Limited Veterans Day only |
| Gold Star Family | Gold Star ID/paperwork | Usually same as veteran |
| Adult Children | Own service usually | Rarely included |
Year-Round Military Discounts
While Veterans Day brings special attention, smart military families leverage discounts year-round. These "everyday" savings often exceed Veterans Day specials:
Retail & Services (Always Available)
Cell Phone Carriers:
• AT&T: 25% off unlimited
• Verizon: 30% off certain plans
• T-Mobile: 50% off Magenta Max family lines
• Google Fi: 50% off first 3 months
• AT&T: 25% off unlimited
• Verizon: 30% off certain plans
• T-Mobile: 50% off Magenta Max family lines
• Google Fi: 50% off first 3 months
Auto Services:
• Jiffy Lube: 25% off
• Meineke: 10% off
• Firestone: 10% off
• Valvoline: 25% off instant oil change
• Jiffy Lube: 25% off
• Meineke: 10% off
• Firestone: 10% off
• Valvoline: 25% off instant oil change
Insurance:
• GEICO: Up to 15% off
• Farmers: Varies by state
• Liberty Mutual: Up to 12% off
• Armed Forces Insurance: Specialized coverage
• GEICO: Up to 15% off
• Farmers: Varies by state
• Liberty Mutual: Up to 12% off
• Armed Forces Insurance: Specialized coverage
Fitness:
• 24 Hour Fitness: $0 initiation
• Anytime Fitness: Varies
• Orange Theory: 10% off
• Planet Fitness: Waived fees often
• 24 Hour Fitness: $0 initiation
• Anytime Fitness: Varies
• Orange Theory: 10% off
• Planet Fitness: Waived fees often
Professional Services
Often overlooked but valuable year-round savings:
Insider Tips for Maximum Veterans Day Savings
After tracking these deals for years, here are strategies that separate casual savers from deal-maximizing pros:
Timing Strategy
Early Bird Approach: Hit breakfast spots first (7-10 AM). Denny's, IHOP, and local diners have shortest waits early. Grab coffee at Starbucks on the way.
Lunch Rush Reality: Avoid 11 AM-2 PM for sit-down restaurants. This is peak chaos at popular spots like Texas Roadhouse and Olive Garden. Either go very early (11 AM sharp) or wait until 2:30 PM.
Dinner Strategy: Golden Corral starts at 5 PM and gets slammed immediately. Arrive at 4:45 PM and wait, or go after 7 PM when crowds thin.
Power Move: Some restaurants offer Veterans Day meals on November 10 or 12 to reduce crowds. Call ahead and ask – you might get the same deal without the wait.
Maximizing Restaurant Visits
Order water to save money and stomach space if restaurant hopping. Many places include non-alcoholic beverages in free meals, but ordering just water keeps you from filling up on soda.
Create a route based on geography, not desire. Map your stops to minimize driving. Gas and time are costs too. Use Google Maps to create a custom route with all stops.
Bring cash for tips. Free meal doesn't mean free service. Tip on what the meal would have cost. Servers are working extra hard on Veterans Day.
Retail Shopping Strategy
Stack strategically: Start with stores offering biggest percentage off. Kohl's 30% off on Veterans Day is better than their usual 15% Military Monday.
Price match plus: Some stores price match AND give military discount. Best Buy and Target sometimes allow this – always ask.
Return policy awareness: Military discount purchases sometimes have different return policies. Ask before buying, especially on electronics.
Family Coordination
If both spouses are veterans, you can both get free meals at most places. Some restaurants even allow takeout for second veteran in family.
Split up to conquer different deals. One person hits restaurants while other shops retail. Meet for dinner at a quieter spot.
Bring copies of DD-214 if going to multiple places. Some restaurants keep them on file for next year, making future visits faster.
Veterans Day Deals: Frequently Asked Questions
Does Amazon offer Veterans Day discounts?
Amazon doesn't offer a blanket Veterans Day discount, but they provide a discounted Prime membership for veterans ($6.99/month through ID.me verification instead of $14.99). Watch for Lightning Deals marked for military, and check the "Military Discount" section of Amazon Business for year-round savings on specific items.
What proof of military service is required for Veterans Day deals?
Most businesses accept current military ID, retired military ID, VA health card, or DD-214 discharge papers. Many states now offer veteran designation on driver's licenses, which is increasingly accepted. For online deals, you'll typically need to verify through ID.me or SheerID. Some local businesses may accept veterans organization cards or even photos in uniform.
Can military spouses and dependents get Veterans Day discounts?
It varies by business. Active duty spouses with dependent ID cards can often get year-round military discounts but may not qualify for Veterans Day-specific free meals. Some restaurants like Mission BBQ include family members. Always call ahead to confirm family inclusion – policies differ even within the same chain.
Which restaurants have free meals for veterans on Veterans Day?
Over 100 restaurants offer free meals including Applebee's, Buffalo Wild Wings, Chili's, Cracker Barrel, Denny's, Golden Corral, IHOP, Olive Garden, Outback Steakhouse, Red Robin, and Texas Roadhouse. Most require military ID and are dine-in only. Times vary – some all day, others have specific windows like lunch only.
Do Veterans Day restaurant deals include breakfast?
Yes, several chains offer free breakfast including Denny's (Build Your Own Grand Slam until noon), IHOP (Red, White & Blue pancakes 7am-7pm), Wendy's (free breakfast combo until 10:30am), and White Castle (free breakfast combo). Dunkin' and Krispy Kreme offer free donuts and coffee all day.
Are Veterans Day discounts only on November 11?
While most restaurant free meals are November 11 only, many retail discounts extend longer. Target runs military appreciation November 1-11, Bass Pro and Cabela's typically offer discounts November 7-11, and many online retailers extend deals through the weekend. Some businesses offer rain checks if they run out of promotional items.
Can I use Veterans Day discounts for online shopping?
Many retailers offer online military discounts through verification services like ID.me, SheerID, or GovX. Major brands like Nike, Under Armour, Apple, and Dell have dedicated military stores online. However, restaurant deals are typically dine-in only. Set up verification accounts before November 11 to avoid delays.
Making the Most of Veterans Day 2025
Veterans Day deals represent more than just savings – they're businesses' way of saying thank you for military service. Whether you're planning to hit every free meal or just grab a coffee and donut, preparation makes the difference.
Remember, while deals are great, not every veteran is comfortable accepting them. Some prefer to pay it forward, buying meals for younger veterans or donating what they would have spent to veteran charities. There's no right or wrong way to observe the day.
For military families on tight budgets, these deals provide real relief. A day of free meals can free up money for necessities. Strategic shopping during Veterans Day sales can stretch holiday budgets significantly. Don't feel guilty about taking advantage of every offer – these businesses want to honor your service.
Final Strategy: Make a plan but stay flexible. Have backup options if your first choice is too crowded. Keep snacks and water in the car. Bring phone chargers – you'll be checking apps and maps all day. Most importantly, enjoy the recognition you've earned through service.
Plan Your Perfect Veterans Day 2025
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