Veterans can get a number of free meals, deals, and other discounts on Veterans Day 2025. From a free tall brewed coffee at Starbucks to a free meal at Olive Garden and free pancakes at IHOP, there are many deals for veterans.
When is Veterans Day this year? It's on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. Veterans Day falls on that date because of a key moment in World War I.
"Fighting ceased...when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, 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. "For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of 'the war to end all wars.' Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls."
But where can veterans find roundups of discounts and deals that honor their service?
The American Legion has compiled an extensive roundup of discounts at restaurants and retail outlets. Free meals are included on the list. For example, Applebee's and Bob Evans restaurants offer veterans a free entree.
Other restaurants that give veterans a free meal on Veterans Day include Buca di Beppo, Buffalo Wild Wings, California Pizza Kitchen, Chili's, Cracker Barrel, Denny's, Golden Corral, Hooters, Hacienda Mexican Restaurants, IN-N-Out Burger, IHOP, Little Caesars, Mission BBQ, Olive Garden, Outback Steakhouse, Red Lobster, Red Robin, Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery, Starbucks, Shoney's, Texas Roadhouse, White Castle, and more.
See the full list with details here.
The American Legion also lists a number of retail discounts for veterans. They include free admission to a number of zoos and museums throughout the United States.
What is the purpose of Veterans' Day? "A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good," according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
