Veterans Day means more than parades and ceremonies.

It's when America says thank you through action. Restaurants roll out free meals. Retailers slash prices. Service providers open their doors at no cost.

This year, Veterans Day discounts 2025 are bigger and better than before. Businesses across the country are competing to show appreciation for your service.

What can you expect? Free steaks. Complimentary haircuts. Zero-cost car washes. Museum entries that won't cost you a dime.

This guide breaks down every deal you can claim on November 11, 2025.

2025 Veterans Day Restaurant Deals

Your military ID becomes a golden ticket on Veterans Day.

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Major Chains Going All Out

Applebee's continues its tradition with free meals from a special menu. They've served over 8.3 million free meals since 2008.

Bob Evans offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. No strings attached.

Buffalo Wild Wings gives you 10 free boneless wings and fries. Available for dine-in or takeout.

Denny's hands out free Build Your Own Grand Slam breakfasts. Pick four items from their menu.

IHOP serves Red, White & Blue Pancakes or Pancake Combos. Bring the whole military family.

LongHorn Steakhouse offers a 10% discount plus a free appetizer or dessert on Nov. 11th.

Dinner Winners

Chili's provides meals from its Veterans Day menu. Expect favorites like burgers and pasta.

Olive Garden lets you choose from Italian classics. Bring proof of service.

Golden Corral hosts Military Appreciation Night from 4 p.m. until closing. They've run this program for over two decades.

Coffee and Quick Bites

Starbucks offers free 12-ounce coffee to veterans and military spouses.

Dunkin' gives free donuts. No purchase needed.

7-Eleven provides free coffee or a Big Gulp through its 7Rewards program.

These restaurant deals cover breakfast through dinner. You won't go hungry.

2025 Veterans Day Discounts Beyond Food

Free meals are just the start.

Automotive Services

Grace for Vets coordinates free car washes at over 1,500 locations nationwide. Visit their website to find participating locations near you.

Check with your local mechanic or service center. Many independent shops offer complimentary services on Veterans Day, though offers vary by location.

Personal Care

Great Clips gives free haircuts or cards for future cuts.

Sports Clips participates at select locations.

Retail Savings

Home Depot and Lowe's maintain year-round military discount programs. Both typically promote these existing benefits during Veterans Day.

Target continues military discount programs throughout November.

Finding Veterans Day discounts 2025 at major retailers means checking their websites before you shop.

Entertainment and Culture

National Parks waive entrance fees for everyone on November 11.

Museums across the country offer free admission. Colonial Williamsburg opens its doors to military families.

Six Flags America provides free admission plus discounted tickets for up to four family members.

Multiple zoos grant free entry. Cincinnati Zoo, Zoo Miami, and others join the celebration.

These Veterans Day discounts 2025 extend well beyond a single meal. Entertainment and cultural attractions want to honor your service, too.

Making the Most of Your Veterans Day Benefits

Planning makes the difference between frustration and celebration.

Be sure to call ahead. Franchise locations may differ from national promotions. Your local Applebee's might have different hours from the one across town.

Confirm three things:

• What time the deal starts.
• What proof of service they need.
• Whether you need to dine in or can order takeout.

Not all Veterans Day discounts 2025 work the same way at every location. A quick phone call saves wasted trips.

Restaurants get slammed on Veterans Day. Lines form early. So, be sure to arrive before peak hours. Beat the lunch rush by showing up at 11 a.m. or earlier.

Consider visiting the day before or after. Some deals extend beyond November 11.

Bring the Right ID

Acceptable proof includes:

• Military ID or Common Access Card
• VA card
• DD214
• State ID with veteran designation

Some places accept uniforms as proof. Don't count on it.

Many deals extend to active duty service members. Bring fellow Veterans. Some restaurants allow one guest to eat at a discount when you claim your free meal.

Plan Your Route

You can't hit every deal in one day. Pick your top three. Start with breakfast at IHOP. Grab a free haircut at Great Clips. End with dinner at Olive Garden.

The variety of Veterans Day discounts 2025 is impressive. You earned these benefits through service. Companies want to honor that service.

Make November 11 about more than free food. Use these deals as a chance to connect with fellow Veterans. Share stories. Build community.

Your service deserves recognition. These businesses are stepping up.

Mark your calendar. Gather your IDs. Plan your Veterans Day strategy now. The Veterans Day discounts 2025 are waiting for you to claim them.

Suggested reads:

• Are Banks Closed on Veterans Day? – Understanding Bank Holidays
• Try Out These Veterans Day Activities to Honor, Remember, and Appreciate
• Veterans Day 2025 Travel Deals: Top Discounts For Military