On 11 November 2025, numerous food and beverage brands across the UK are expected to honour veterans and active-duty military personnel with complimentary meals, discounts, and special offers. While Veterans Day (also known as Remembrance Day) is primarily observed in the United States, the tradition of offering freebies to service members has been adopted by several international chains with a presence in the UK. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the free meal offers, eligibility requirements, and redemption processes based on the latest promotional data for 2025.
It is important to note that many of these deals are available only at participating locations and may require specific forms of identification. Veterans and active-duty military members are advised to check with their local restaurant or visit the brand's official website for the most current information before visiting.
Understanding the Offers
The free meal promotions for Veterans Day 2025 are extensive, ranging from full meals to specific menu items and beverages. The following sections detail the offers available at various types of establishments, from burger chains to sit-down restaurants.
Burger and Sandwich Chains
Several popular burger and sandwich chains are offering complimentary meals or entrees to military personnel.
- Another Broken Egg Cafe: Veterans and active-duty service members can receive a free Patriot French toast combo and coffee on November 11 at participating locations.
- Applebee’s: Veterans and active-duty military are eligible for a free meal from a select menu on November 11 at participating Applebee’s restaurants. Specific details on the menu are available on the Applebee's website.
- Beef 'O' Brady's: This establishment is offering a free Build Your Own Burger (BYOB) and fries for veterans on November 11.
- Bubbakoo’s Burritos: Veterans and active-duty military can get a free Taco Trio at Bubbakoo’s Burritos on Tuesday, November 11, with a valid military ID for in-restaurant dining.
- In-N-Out Burger: In-N-Out will provide veterans, active-duty military, reserves, and National Guard members with a free made-to-order meal, which includes any burger, fries, and a drink. A special decal is also offered with proof of military service.
- Red Robin: Veterans can receive a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger and a Bottomless Side at participating locations on November 11.
- Shoney’s: Veterans and active military personnel can eat free from the breakfast fresh food bar on Veterans Day. This offer is valid from open until 11 a.m.
Family and Casual Dining
Many family-friendly and casual dining restaurants have special promotions for Veterans Day.
- Bj’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: On November 11, veterans and active duty service members may dine-in at their local Bj’s and enjoy a complimentary Chocolate Chunk Pizookie. Additionally, for dine-in or takeout, they will receive a free appetizer coupon for use between November 12 and December 31 with no minimum food purchase required.
- Bob Evans Restaurant: On November 11, veterans and active duty service members may receive a free meal from a select menu at their local Bob Evans restaurant. A special Veterans Day menu is available on the Bob Evans website.
- Bruegger’s Bagels: On November 11, Veterans can get a free hot or iced coffee with the purchase of any food item.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: On November 11, all past and present armed services members can enjoy 10 free boneless wings and fries by showing a valid ID or WeSalute+ ID Card.
- Chili’s: All veterans and active military members can get a free meal on Veterans Day, November 11, 2025, at all participating Chili’s Grill & Bar restaurants. The offer is available in-restaurant only for select items.
- Lazy Dog Restaurant: On Veterans Day, veterans can get a free Fireside Favorite entrée – choices include the BBQ Ranch Bacon Burger, Fried Chicken Dinner, and Mediterranean Chicken Bowl – with a personal-sized S’more Brownie Sundae for dessert.
- Logan’s Roadhouse: Logan’s is honoring veterans and active-duty military with a free lunch from 11 a.m. on Veterans Day.
- Main Event: On Veterans Day, veterans and active-duty service members are treated to a free double cheeseburger and fries, plus 30 minutes of game play on Veterans Day (show valid military ID to get the deal).
- O’Charley’s Restaurant + Bar: O’Charley’s Restaurant + Bar is giving away a free meal to veterans and active-duty military members who show a valid ID between 11 a.m. — 4 p.m. on Nov. 11 while dining in. They’ll also receive a $5 reward card for their next visit.
- Peter Piper Pizza: All year long, veterans can get 10% off their entire purchase at Peter Piper Pizza when they show a military ID.
- Red Lobster: Veterans, active-duty military, and reserves can enjoy a free Shrimp & Chips entrée, which features Walt’s Favorite Shrimp, fries, and coleslaw. This offer is for dine-in only at participating locations. Red Lobster is offering all active-duty military, reserves and veterans a free Shrimp & Chips entrée with proof of service on Nov. 11.
- Smokey Bones: All veterans and active-duty military get a free entree - choices include Bacon Cheeseburger, Pulled Pork Sandwich, or Chicken Tender Platter with one regular side - when dining in on Veterans Day. (Show a valid military ID to get the deal; cannot be combined with the military discount.)
- Sonny’s BBQ: Veterans and active military receive a free Pork Big Deal on November 11. To redeem this offer, individuals must verify their status on the Sonny’s BBQ website and sign up for rewards by Sunday, November 9. The offer is valid for one meal per check for orders placed on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. Veterans and active-duty military get a free Pork Big Deal, which includes a pulled or sliced pork sandwich on garlic bread or a bun, side dish and drink - with a valid ID.
- Stonefire Grill: On Veterans Day, all veterans and active-duty military get 50% off a personal meal in-restaurant.
- Sullivan's Steakhouse: All veterans and active-duty service members can dine in and get a free Sullivan’s Signature Angus Burger with fries on Tuesday, Nov. 11. Show valid military ID or proof of service to get the deal.
- Tender Greens: Veterans and their family members get 50% off any order on Veterans Day. Offer is good on food and non-alcoholic beverages; excludes online or third-party delivery orders.
- Texas Roadhouse: Texas Roadhouse offers free meals to veterans and active military members across the country on Veterans Day.
Mexican, Pizza, and Speciality Food
Pizza and Mexican food chains, as well as other speciality food establishments, are also providing special deals for the holiday.
- Chipotle: The military community can enjoy any entrée and get a second entrée for free from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. local time on Veterans Day.
- Lime Fresh Mexican Grill: Veterans and active-duty military personnel eat free on Veterans Day (just show valid ID) and also get a $50 Challenge Coin, which can be used throughout the year for another free meal excluding alcohol, on the 11th of every month.
- Margaritas Mexican Restaurant: On Veterans Day, veterans and active-duty military personnel get 50% off their check at all Margaritas locations in the Northeast (excludes locations in Pennsylvania). Beginning Nov. 12, veterans and active military members can always get a 10% discount when they dine in at a Margaritas location in New England.
- P.F. Chang’s: On Nov. 11 between 11 a.m. — 3 p.m., veterans can get a free lunch while dining in at participating P.F. Chang’s locations. The single-use offer isn’t valid with other deals. Guests need to show a valid military ID or other proof of service.
- Playa Bowls: Playa Bowls is giving away free bowls to veterans, active-duty and retired military personnel who present a valid ID on Nov. 11 at participating locations.
- Santa Fe Cattle Co.: On Veterans Day, all veterans and active-duty military get a free entrée from the Lunch Express Menu, which includes the Cheesy Cantina Burger or Smothered Chopped Sirloin. Offer good for dine-in only; must show valid military ID or proof of service.
- Sizzler: Veterans and active-duty military can get free lunch – choice of Half Dozen Crispy Shrimp, Malibu Chicken or 6-ounce Tri-Tip Steak, plus beverage – on Veterans Day from opening time until 4 p.m. local time. Offer good at all locations, excluding those in Utah, Idaho, and Puerto Rico.
- Viva Chicken: Veterans and active-duty military can eat for free with a guest purchase at all Viva Chicken restaurants on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
Coffee, Beverages, and Bakeries
For those seeking a lighter option or a beverage, several chains have specific offers.
- La Madeleine: Veterans get a free entrée on Tuesday, Nov. 11, when they show a military ID (deal good for dine-in only).
- Manhattan Bagel: All veterans and active-duty military get a free hot or iced coffee on Veterans Day.
- Maple Street Biscuit Company: Veterans and active-duty military get 10% off on Veterans Day with valid identification.
- Paris Baguette: Paris Baguette is offering veterans a free pastry with purchase (no ID required) on the holiday.
- PJ’s Coffee: PJ’s Coffee is offering veterans and active-duty military members a free 16-ounce hot or cold brew coffee on the holiday.
- Scooter's Coffee: Show a valid military ID on Veterans Day and get a free medium drink – choices include the chain's limited-time holiday menu drinks. Mobile order ahead is not available for this promotion; limit one redemption per customer only.
Retail and Service Offers
Some offers extend beyond food to include other services or products.
- Sheetz: All veterans and active-duty military personnel can get a free half turkey sub and a regular size fountain drink on Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11. Veterans and active-duty military can also get a free $9 car wash at Sheetz stores that have a car wash. To get the deals, show military ID or proof of service.
- Sonic: For Veterans Day, Sonic has a Buy One, Get One Free deal when you buy a Sonic Cheeseburger, SuperSonic Double Cheeseburger or Footlong Quarter Pound Coney; offer good for all Sonic app users.
- STK Steakhouse: On Tuesday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day, veterans get a free entrée (max value $75; ID required, dine-in only).
Eligibility and Redemption Process
To redeem these offers, veterans and active-duty military members typically need to provide valid proof of service. The most commonly required documents are a military ID or a DD214 form. Some establishments, such as Sonny’s BBQ, require online verification and sign-up for their rewards programme prior to the event. It is crucial to note that many deals are for dine-in only and are not valid with other promotions or discounts. Offers are often limited to one per person per visit.
The specific terms and conditions, including participating locations and offer validity times, can vary. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to confirm details directly with the restaurant or through its official website before making a trip.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2025 presents a significant opportunity for military personnel to enjoy complimentary meals and discounts from a wide array of food and beverage brands. From full-service restaurants to coffee shops and bakeries, the range of offers is extensive. The key to accessing these benefits lies in understanding the eligibility criteria, which primarily involve providing valid military identification, and being aware of the specific terms, such as dine-in only restrictions and participating locations. By verifying information in advance, veterans and active-duty service members can fully take advantage of these gestures of appreciation on November 11, 2025.