Veterans Day Free Meals: Where Veterans and Active Duty Service Members Can Dine for Free in 2025

Written by Rick West Updated on November 10, 2025

Disclaimer: All of these discounts have been verified for Veterans Day this year. Over the past few weeks, our team at AHRN has worked hard to verify the content you see below.

Each year, restaurants across the country show appreciation for those who served by offering free meals and special discounts on Veterans Day. While offers vary by location and verification requirements, the following sit-down restaurants have consistently participated in these programs in the past and are expected to continue doing so in 2025.

10 Places Where Veterans and Service Members Can Dine for Free on Veterans Day 2025

54th Street Bar & Grill

On November 11, 2025, 54th Street Bar and Grill gives Veterans and active-duty military up to $10 off any dine-in entrée, not valid with other discounts or rewards.

54th Street has built a reputation in the Midwest for generous Veterans Day deals. The chain also extends year-round military appreciation discounts at select locations.

Applebee’s

Veterans dining in at Applebee’s receive one free entrée from a special menu (Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, 6 oz. Top Sirloin, Chicken Tenders, Double Crunch Shrimp, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Oriental Chicken Salad, or Three‑Cheese Chicken Penne).

Applebee’s has served millions of free meals to Veterans and active duty military members over the years. It’s one of the longest-running national programs, dating back to 2008.

Bob Evans

Bob Evans often celebrates Veterans Day by offering a selection of homestyle breakfast options free of charge. This year, in honor of those who’ve served, Bob Evans invites Veterans and active-duty troops to enjoy a complimentary meal on November 11, 2025. Their long-standing commitment to the military community also includes year-round discounts and support of Veteran-related charities.

Chili’s Grill & Bar

On Veterans Day 2025, all participating Chili’s Grill & Bar restaurants will serve a complimentary dine-in meal to Veterans and active-duty military from a special Veterans Day menu.

Chili’s is known for its family-friendly dining and Veterans Day menu, which includes classics such as chicken crispers, burgers, and fajitas. Chili’s has a consistent track record of participating nationwide, making it one of the most reliable stops for free meals each year.

Olive Garden

Olive Garden is offering a complimentary entrée to Veterans and active-duty military personnel with a valid Military ID this Veteran’s Day. Many locations also offer a 10% military discount throughout the year, demonstrating their ongoing support beyond Veterans Day.

Red Robin

On Veterans Day, dine-in Veterans and military members get a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger with fries at Red Robin.

Red Robin has also offered free gourmet burgers to Veterans in past years, an especially popular deal that often draws large turnouts. The brand also participates in community initiatives supporting Veterans and first responders.

TGI Friday’s

This Veterans Day, T.G.I. Friday’s is offering a free meal for Veterans from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.  This offer is available for dine-in only, so please check with your local location before visiting. Some locations also offer bonus discounts for families dining together, promoting togetherness on a day of national gratitude.

Texas Roadhouse

On November 11, 2025, Veterans and military personnel can receive a free Texas Roadhouse meal voucher, valid for dine-in or carry-out until May 30, 2026, to help share the love for service members even if they are unavailable for a meal on Veterans Day. Texas Roadhouse frequently honors Veterans by opening many locations early to serve meals, with staff volunteering their time to show appreciation for service members.

Golden Corral (Evening)

On November 11, 2025, from 4 p.m. until close, Golden Corral will host its annual “Military Appreciation Night” in honor of Veterans Day, offering complimentary dinner buffets to Veterans and active-duty military personnel. Since the tradition began in 2001, the chain has served more than six million free meals.

Denny’s (Morning)

Denny’s is giving Veterans and active-duty military a free Original Grand Slam on November 11, 2025, from 5 a.m. to noon at participating locations with a valid military ID or DD 214.

Denny’s has made its “Build Your Own Grand Slam” breakfast free for Veterans for several years, served during morning hours on Veterans Day. It’s one of the most recognized and accessible promotions nationwide.

Why These Discounts Matter to the Military Community

For many service members and their families, Veterans Day isn’t just a chance to grab a free meal; it’s a reminder of the bond that connects those who serve. Dining out at these restaurants often becomes a small but meaningful celebration of shared service and sacrifice.

At AHRN, we see those moments as part of a much bigger story. Whether you’re transitioning to civilian life, preparing for your next PCS move, or exploring the benefits of a VA home loan, these national gestures of gratitude reflect the same spirit of support that drives our mission, helping military families find housing, stability, and connection wherever duty takes them.

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Article written by

Rick West

Rick West is the President of AHRN and a highly respected U.S. Navy Veteran with more than 32 years of distinguished service. As the 12th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON), he served as the senior enlisted advisor to the Chief of Naval Operations and the Chief of Naval Personnel, representing Sailors and their families around the world. Since retiring in 2013, Rick has continued his lifelong commitment to service by leading AHRN in its mission to support military members, Veterans, and their families with trusted housing resources and relocation support.

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