Here are solid ways veterans can eat free or for discounted today, November 11, 2025, based on widely shared Veterans Day deals. Availability can vary by location and may require a valid military ID or proof of service, and some offers are dine-in only. Quick hits
- Major chains offering free meals today (with proof or with a guest): many locations of Applebee’s, Red Lobster, Chipotle, Chili’s, and several burger or casual dining spots. Always bring military ID or proof of service.
- Restaurants with special Veterans Day menus or vouchers: Granite City Food & Brewery, Texas Roadhouse, Cracker Barrel, and similar concepts frequently run Veterans Day programs that provide a free entrée or complimentary item, sometimes with a purchase or with a voucher.
- Quick-service and coffee: Scooter’s Coffee and similar cafes often provide a free drink or small item for veterans with ID.
How to verify and maximize
- Call ahead or check the restaurant’s local website or app for your area. Many national deals require participating locations and may have time windows (for example, around lunch or dinner hours).
- Bring: military ID, veteran ID, or proof of service. Some offers require you to dine with a guest; others are single-guest freebies.
- Listen for limitations: some deals are limited to dine-in, some allow carryout, and some may exclude delivery. Some offers are time-bound (11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., for instance) or while supplies last.
- Use official sources: check individual restaurant pages or reputable roundups for today’s specific deals in your city.
If you’d like, share your city or ZIP code and I can look up the exact free meals and hours for your area today.
