​Veterans Day 2025: Where To Get Free Meals, Discounts And Deals In CA

Restaurants are thanking veterans and active-duty military members for their service with special Veterans Day discounts, freebies and deals this Veterans Day. The holiday, which is always observed on Nov. 11, falls on Tuesday this year.

A military ID or proof of military service or veteran status is required for most deals. As always, call ahead to your local franchises for these national chains to make sure they are participating.

This list of Veterans Day deals at national chains offering promotions in California was curated from emails to Patch.

Applebee's: Veterans and active-duty military members who dine in receive a free meal on Veterans Day at Applebee's locations owned and operated by Flynn Group. Additionally, through the "Buy a Vet a Beer" promotion, customers can purchase a pre-paid pint of beer for a veteran, accompanied by a special message from the purchaser, through Nov. 11. Any beers not claimed will have the funds donated to a local veterans' charity.

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse: Veterans and active-duty military members who dine in get a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie on Veterans Day. Current and former military who dine in also receive a free appetizer coupon for their next visit. Customers must present Military ID or other proof of service.

Black Angus Steakhouse: Veterans and active-duty military members can score a free steak entrée on Veterans Day at the steakhouse chain. The entrée comes with a 6-ounce top sirloin with home-styled mashed potatoes and broccoli with garlic butter. Additionally, the chain offers the HERO's discount year-round discount, giving all veterans, active and retired military, first responders, nurses, health care personnel and teachers 15% off their dine-in order at any Black Angus with valid ID.

California Pizza Kitchen: Veterans and active-duty military members can get a free entrée and beverage from a special prix fixe menu. As an extra thank-you, all veterans and active-duty service members who dine at CPK on Veterans Day will receive a buy one, get one free offer to redeem for a pizza, pasta or salad that can be used Nov. 12-25. The dine-in only offers will be available at all company-owned CPK restaurants. No purchase is necessary, but a valid military ID must be presented to redeem the offer.

Claim Jumper: Veterans and active-duty military members get a free meal on Veterans Day. Drink is not included. Customers need to show military ID.

Dave & Buster's: Veterans get a free entrée and a free $10 Power Card on Veterans Day.

Dickey's Barbecue Pit: Veterans and active-duty military members get a free pulled pork sandwich on Veterans Day. Customers need to show military ID. The deal is good in-store only.

Dunkin': Veterans and active-duty military members get a free donut on Veterans Day at any participating Dunkin' location nationwide. No purchase necessary.

Farmer Boys: Veterans and active-duty military members can score a $4 Big Cheese Burger on Veterans Day at participating Farmer Boys locations. Customers need to show valid proof of service and have or download the Very Important Farmer (VIF) App.

Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers: Veterans and active-duty military members who visit participating locations on Veterans Day and will receive a meal card valid for a free combo meal of their choice. The promo card is valid through Dec. 31, 2025.

Golden Corral: Veterans, active-duty military members and retired service members get a complimentary buffet dinner on Veterans Day. The offer is valid from 4 p.m. to close.

IHOP: Veterans and active-duty military members can get a free Red, White and Blueberry Pancake Combo on Veterans Day. The meal comes with two buttermilk pancakes topped with glazed strawberries, blueberry topping, and whipped topping, as well as two eggs, hash browns, and a choice of two strips of bacon or two pork sausage links. The dine-in only deal is available at participating IHOP restaurants.

In-N-Out Burger: Veterans and active-duty military members receive a free meal, including any burger, fries and beverage on the chain's menu on Veterans Day.

Outback Steakhouse: In celebration of the Marine Corps Birthday on Nov. 10 and Veterans Day on Nov. 11, veterans and active-duty military members can get a a free Aussie three-course meal with valid military ID when dining in (select entrées only).

Panera: Veterans and active-duty military members can get a free pastry or bakery item and cup of coffee at Panera locations owned and operated by Flynn Group.

Red Lobster: Veterans, active-duty military members and reservists get a free a veteran's shrimp & chips meal on Veterans Day. Customers must show a military ID or proof of service for the dine-in only deal.

Red Robin: Veterans and active-duty military members get a free Red's Big Tavern Burger on Veterans Day. The dine-in only deal comes with Red's Secret Tavern Sauce, American cheese, lettuce and tomato on a toasted brioche bun. The burger is served with Bottomless Steak Fries.

Starbucks: Veterans, military service members and military spouses get a free tall brewed coffee on Veterans Day.

Don't see your Veterans Day deal listed? Email Kristina.Houck@patch.com.