Veterans Day: FREE restaurant meals or menu items, hair cuts, and entrance to attractions on November 11th — plus a long list of retail discounts and local commemorative events.

Veterans Day is Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
Each year, many businesses recognize the service and sacrifice of veterans by offering a free meal or menu item, or some other type of discount or free product.

For the most part,  these freebies and deals are for both veterans and active-duty military members.
Some are only good on November 11th, and others offer a few extra days to redeem.

Click thru the links to find out whether you qualify for the deal, and what kind of ID is required.

The offers are available at participating locations, while supplies last.
Please verify that your preferred location is running the giveaway or deal.

The list below is organized like this:
• Free/discounted restaurant and food offers first
• Then other free/discounted items (like haircuts, golf, and museum tickets)
• Then Atlanta metro area events like parades and remembrances

This is a growing list, so bookmark it and check back! 

You may also be interested in:

• November in Atlanta: Top events & deals
• Big list of Veterans Day freebies and deals
• 30+ places to order a Thanksgiving meal to go
• 50+ restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day
• Atlanta's Christkindle Market is back in a new location
• Where to get FREE pictures with Santa
• Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at the Atlanta Botanical Garden
• Best places to see holiday lights for free, or at paid attractions
• Free and cheap things to do this week

Image: 123RF

2025 Free meals & discounted restaurant offers

We’re still adding more offers, so please check back as the list grows. 

Remember that the free meal offers do not include tax or tip — most don’t include alcohol and some don’t include any beverage at all. 
Below the meal offers, you’ll find offers for retail, hair cuts, car washes, museums, and more.

♦ Another Broken Egg Cafe

All veterans and active military personnel can receive a FREE order of Patriot French Toast topped with strawberries, blueberries and whipped cream on November 11, 2025. Dine-in only. 
Locations: Dunwoody, Buckhead, Johns Creek, Vinings, Roswell. 
More info

♦ Applebee’s

Every year on Veterans Day, Applebee’s serves a free meal to active duty and veteran military service members. On November 11th, 2025, all active military, veterans, reserve members, and National Guard can receive a full-size entrée from a special menu. Dine-in only.
More info here OR read the press release. 

PLUS, Veterans will receive a $5 Bounce Back Card that can be redeemed for a future visit within a 3-week window.

Choices for the free entrée include:

• Classic Bacon Cheeseburger
• 6 oz top sirloin
• Chicken tenders platter
• Double Crunch Shrimp
• Fiesta Lime Chicken
• Oriental Chicken Salad
• Three-Cheese Chicken Penne

♦ Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar

Vets and active duty military can head to Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar for a classic American meal. Vets enjoy a FREE All-American Burger and a side item.
The deal is good on November 11th, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Bring your military ID or proof of service. 
Locations include:
* Smyrna
* Marietta
* Roswell
* Chamblee
* Decatur

♦ Bob Evans

On Nov. 11, 2025, Bob Evans is offering a special menu of homestyle favorites, available to veterans and active-duty military for FREE.
Dine-in only. The menu features 10 hearty favorites. 
More info OR read the press release, with complete menu. 

♦ Bonefish Grill

Veterans are honored everyday here! The Heroes Discount is a 10% discount for all service members, veterans, and first responders — the offer is good every day of the year, with valid ID.

♦ Buffalo Wild Wings

The restaurant is once again offering a FREE order of 10 boneless wings and fries for all past and present armed services members on Veterans Day. The offer is available for dine-in or takeout. You must show proof of service.

♦ California Pizza Kitchen

Veterans and active military can get a FREE entrée and non-alcoholic beverage from a select Veterans Day menu on November 11th, 2025. The menu includes dinner-sized salads, pizzas, and pasta dishes.

Plus, veterans dining at CPK on Veterans Day will receive a buy-one-get-one FREE pizza, pasta or salad coupon — valid for dine-in only from Nov. 12 to 25, 2025. 
Read the press release

♦ Carrabba’s Italian Grill

The Heroe’s Discount means all service members, veterans, and first responders get 10% off any visit on Veterans Day and every day of the year with valid ID.

♦ Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant

On November 11, 2025, Casa Nuova is offering a FREE appetizer with any entrée purchase (dine-in only) for all retired and active-duty military guests. Guests can choose from Minestrone Soup, Fried Calamari, or Mozzarella Marinara.
Casa Nuova is located in Alpharetta. 

♦ Chicken Salad Chick

All locations are offering a FREE meal to veterans and active-duty military on Nov. 11, 2025. The meal includes one scoop or sandwich, a side item, and a fountain drink. Available in-restaurant only.
NOTE: Signature Sandwiches and 3-item meals are not included. 
To redeem the offer, bring a military ID or DD214, or come in uniform.

Find locations online, including:

• Buckhead
• Alpharetta
• Marietta
• East Cobb
• Vinings
• Johns Creek
• Cartersville
• Cumming
• Decatur
• Suwanee
• Kennesaw
• McDonough
• Newnan
• Peachtree City
• Stockbridge

♦ Chili’s

Veterans and active duty military members can get a FREE entree at Chili’s on November 11, 2025. The offer is available in-restaurant for items on a select menu. 
More info here

♦ Chipotle

Chipotle announced a BOGO deal for the military community on November 11, 2025.
All guests with a valid military ID can buy one entree and get another one FREE, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

◊ Cicis Pizza

We have not confirmed this offer for 2025 yet — but Cicis usually offers a free adult buffet to all active and retired military on Veterans Day. Dine-in only. Does not include beverage. This offer may vary by location.
Watch for the offer here

◊ City Barbeque

This offer is not yet confirmed for 2025 — but for the past 10 years, City BBQ has offered veterans a free sandwich with side and beverage. No purchase necessary. Dine-in or carryout.
Locations in Johns Creek, Decatur, Snellville, Woodstock, Acworth, McDonough, and Sandy Springs.
Watch for the offer here

♦ Cracker Barrel

 On November 11th, 2025, Cracker Barrel will thank the brave men and women who have served our nation by offering all U.S. military veterans a FREE Sunrise Pancake Special meal.
Read the press release

♦ Dave & Buster’s

Offering veterans a FREE entrée (up to $20) and FREE $10 Power Card on Nov. 11, 2025. 
The offer was announced on the home page of the website. 

♦ Denny’s

On November 11, 2025, veterans can enjoy a FREE Grand Slam breakfast. The deal is good from 5 a.m. to noon. Hours may vary by location. Dine-in only. Available to all active, non-active, and retired personnel with military ID or DD214.
There is a Denny’s at 5534 Jimmy Carter Blvd, Norcross, GA 30093.
Read the press release

Grand Slam Breakfast, photo courtesy of Denny’s.

 

◊ Dunkin’ Donuts

While not yet confirmed for 2025, we know that each year on Veterans Day, Dunkin’ has offered a FREE donut to veterans and active military.

♦ Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

Veterans and active military personnel who visit Freddy’s on November 11, 2025, will receive a meal card good for a FREE  Combo Meal. No purchase is necessary to receive this special offer. The cards can be redeemed through Dec. 31, 2025. 

You’ll find metro area locations in:

• Conyers
• Cartersvile
• Cumming
• Dawsonville
• Duluth
• Kennesaw
• Marietta
• McDonough
• Snellville

♦ Golden Corral

Veterans and active military are invited to Golden Corral’s Military Appreciation Night. On November 11th, 2025, the restaurant is serving a FREE buffet meal and beverage from 4 p.m. to close.
The offer is open to anyone who has served in the U.S. Military, including retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard or Reserves. It does not extend to spouses, family, or friends, but all are welcome to join this night of fellowship.

◊ Hard Rock Cafe

While not yet verified for 2025, Hard Rock has typically offered a free burger to military and veterans on Veterans Day. 
Located in downtown Atlanta at 215 Peachtree Street.

♦ Hooters

Active duty and veterans can get a  FREE menu item at Hooters on November 11, 2025, with a beverage purchase, at participating locations. 
The Veterans Day menu includes Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, 10 Original Wings, Cheeseburger, or Chicken Caesar Salad. 
More info

♦ IHOP

On November 11, 2025, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., IHOP is offering a FREE Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo, which includes pancakes, fruit topping, eggs, hash browns, and your choice of bacon or sausage. 
The offer is good at participating locations. 
More info

◊ Krispy Kreme

While not yet confirmed for 2025, Krispy Kreme always offers a free doughnut and small coffee to veterans and military on Veterans Day. Last year it was announced the day before. 

♦ Little Caesars

Check back for a 2025 offer. 

♦ McCormick & Schmick’s

Veterans Day is an opportunity for McCormick & Shmick’s to honor those who have served our country. Veterans of the U.S. military, National Guard, Gold Star Parents, Gold Star Spouses and Active Military are invited to enjoy a select entrée at 50% off on Sunday, November 9, 2025.

♦ Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt

On November 11, 2025 all veterans and active military will receive their first 6 oz of frozen yogurt for FREE. If you swirl more than 6 ounces, you just pay the difference. Proof of service required. 
The offer was announced on Facebook.

♦ MOD Pizza

Check back for the 2025 offer. 

♦ O’Charley’s Restaurant

Veterans and active duty personnel will receive a FREE lunch entrée on Monday, Nov. 10 and Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dine-in only. 

Veterans and active-duty military who visit on Nov. 10 or Nov. 11 will also receive a $5 reward card, valid for their next visit to O’Charley’s.

View the press release
Locations in Austell, Canton, and Stockbridge.

The Veterans Day select menu includes:

• Salisbury Steak
• Shrimp Scampi
• Teriyaki Chicken
• Tuscany Chicken
• Chipotle Pork Loin

♦ Outback Steakhouse

 Vets are honored every day at Outback Steakhouse. The restaurant’s Heroes Discount is offered all year long — 10% off for all service members, veterans and first responders. 

♦ Playa Bowls

Offering a FREE bowl for veterans and active duty military on November 11, 2025.
The offer is good with proof of service at participating locations. 
There are 12+ locations in metro Atlanta. 
More info

♦ Pochino Italy

On November 11, 2025, Pochino Italy will offer all active and retired military 25% OFF their entire bill. The deal is good from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., for both dine-in and takeout, with a valid military ID. 
Pochino Italy is a fast-casual Italian eatery at 600 Chastain Road NW in Kennesaw, across from Kennesaw State University. 

Image courtesy of Pochino Italy

♦ Pokeworks

Check back for the 2025 offer. 
Locations at Cumberland, Sandy Springs, and Peachtree Corners.

♦ Red Pepper Taqueria

On November 11, 2025, Red Pepper offers $2 tacos to military. Choose from grilled chicken, seasoned ground beef, or grilled shrimp. All topped with lettuce, tomato, cheese, red Mexican salsa, and cilantro. Valid dine in only with the purchase of any beverage. Please show the proper identification to qualify. 

♦ Red Robin

The family-friendly restaurant is offering veterans a FREE Red’s Big Tavern Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries on November 11, 2025. Dine-in only. 
Locations in Lawrenceville, Cumming, Buford. 
More info

♦ Smoothie King

On November 11, 2025, all active-duty military and veterans can enjoy a FREE 20-oz smoothie at participating Smoothie King locations nationwide — no purchase necessary.
The offer is available from 12 to 3 p.m., and includes three patriotic picks: Strawberry X-Treme (red), Slim-N-Trim Vanilla (white), and Blueberry Heaven (blue). 
There are 30+ locations in the metro Atlanta area. 

♦ Sonny’s BBQ

Veterans and active military get a FREE Pork Big Deal, which includes a sandwich, choice of side, and beverage.
Join the Rewards program, complete a form, and verify your military status by Nov. 9, 2025 to get the freebie. Then redeem the offer on November 11, 2025.

Your free Pork Big Deal will be added to your Sonny’s Rewards account. Show your Military ID card to your server when dining in or picking up. Or, add the Pork Big Deal to your cart and apply the reward when ordering online.
Details and verify here

♦ Starbucks

On November 11, 2025, Starbucks is pouring FREE coffee for veterans, active military, and their spouses. Choose from a tall hot or iced brewed coffee, in a 12-oz cup.
Offer valid at participating U.S. stores for in-store and drive-thru orders only.
Cold Brew, Nitro and beverage customizations are excluded from this offer. Limit one per customer per visit. 
More info

Image courtesy of Starbucks

♦ TCBY

 Veterans and active military can chill out on November 11th, 2025 with their first 6 ounces of frozen yogurt and toppings for FREE. If you get more than 6oz, just pay the difference. The deal was announced in a Facebook post. Participation may vary by location, so consider calling to confirm the deal.

♦ Twin Peaks

On November 11, 2025, all veterans and active-duty service members can enjoy a FREE lunch from a select menu between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. A valid military ID is required. 

In addition, many Twin Peaks locations offer 20% food discounts every day to military veterans and first responders.
Locations in Kennesaw and Buckhead.
Read the press release

♦ Wendy’s

On November 11, 2025, veterans and active military members get a FREE Breakfast Combo, no purchase required, during breakfast hours at Wendy’s.
To get the deal, just mention it to staff at the register, or show your VetRewards Card, no military ID required.  

Choose from: Bacon or Sausage Breakfast Burrito, Breakfast Baconator, or Honey Buddy Chicken Biscuit.
Each combo comes with Seasoned Potatoes and a beverage. 

♦ Whataburger

Starting November 11, 2025, active-duty military and veterans can pick up one FREE Taquito in-store at any Whataburger restaurant during breakfast hours every Tuesday through Dec. 30 (Nov. 11, 18, 25 AND Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30).
To redeem, Guests can simply show a military or veterans ID or other proof of service when ordering at the counter.

Wrapped in a soft flour tortilla, each Taquito is filled with scrambled eggs and a choice of sausage, bacon or potato, with the option to include a slice of American cheese. 

Whataburger also offers a FREE 16-ounce Hot or Iced Coffee for service members and veterans, available anytime they visit a Whataburger dining room. This is an ongoing offer. 

There are 20+ locations in metro Atlanta.
This info was received in an emailed media alert. 

♦ Yard House

Vets and active military can get a FREE appetizer on November 11, 2025. Mention the offer to your server.
Locations at Atlantic Station and The Battery Atlanta.
More info

Deals in previous years

The list below contains restaurants that offered food deals or freebies in past years. We’re keeping an eye out for announcements from them.

• Casa Nuova (Alpharetta)
• Hopdoddy Burger Bar
• Texas Roadhouse
• Little Caesar’s 
• Parker’s on Ponce
• Pochino Italy (Kennesaw)
• Taco Mac
• Red Pepper Taqueria
• Sonic Drive-in
• Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe
• Carabba’s 
• IKEA
• Panera
• Red Lobster
• Wendy’s 

Other 2025 freebies and discounts

The section above was restaurant and food deals.
This section is discounts on services and retail, plus some free ticket offers. 

• Gwinnett Stripers Veterans Pack

In honor of Veteran’s Day, the Gwinnett Stripers are offering Veterans Ticket Packs to service members and their dependents, available for a limited time only from November 8 to November 11, 2025. 
More info and purchase here
For just $75, each ticket pack will include the following:

• One (1) Field Box ticket to four patriotic-themed Stripers 2026 home games including:
  • Opening Day — Tuesday, April 1 (4:05pm vs. Nashville)
  • Salute to Armed Forces — Saturday, May 17 (6:05pm vs. Charlotte)
  • Independence Day — Friday, July 4 (7:05pm vs. St. Paul)
  • Fan Appreciation Weekend — Saturday, September 20 (6:05pm vs. Indianapolis)
• Special field access to hold the American Flag in center field during the National Anthem on July 4
• One (1) Stripers Patriotic T-Shirt

• Puttshack

On Veterans Day and everyday, Puttshack Dunwoody offers a Heroes Discount of 10% on all meals and non-alcoholic beverages.
Visit Puttshack.com for more info.

Brookhaven Veterans Day Observance

Happening at a new location on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 10 a.m.,  at Brookhaven City Centre, located at 4001 Peachtree Rd NE on the South Plaza.