On Veterans Day 2025, many Massachusetts restaurants and businesses will honor the brave men and women who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. military. A number of local and national chains are offering free meals, special discounts, and exclusive offers for veterans and active-duty personnel.
This year’s promotions continue a long tradition of giving back to those who have sacrificed for their country, providing a small token of appreciation on November 11.
Veterans Day 2025
| Restaurant/Business | Offer | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Applebee’s | Free Meal | Veterans and active-duty military personnel can select a free full-sized entrée from a special menu. |
| Chili’s Grill & Bar | Free Meal | A free meal from a select menu for veterans and active-duty military members. |
| The 99 Restaurant & Pub | Free Lunch | Free lunch entrée (dine-in only) from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM with purchase of an adult entrée. |
| Tuscan Kitchen Seaport | Complimentary Meal | Veterans enjoy a free meal from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Tuscan Kitchen Seaport (reservations required). |
| Legal Sea Foods | Free Clam Chowder | Veterans and active-duty military members receive a free bowl of clam chowder (dine-in only). |
| Dunkin’ | Free Coffee | Veterans and active-duty military members get a free hot or iced coffee. |
| Home Depot | 10% Discount | Veterans receive a 10% discount on their in-store purchases. |
| Big Y | Free Meal or Discount | Big Y offers a free meal to veterans or a discount on groceries. |
Why Veterans Day Deals Matter
Veterans Day, celebrated on November 11, serves as an important reminder to honor those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The day marks the end of World War I and offers an opportunity for citizens to express gratitude for the sacrifices made by veterans.
Many businesses, including restaurants, show their support through promotions that offer free meals, discounts, and even additional perks for veterans.
This year, these efforts come at a time when more people are focusing on the well-being of military personnel, both during and after their service. The sense of community and appreciation generated by these deals plays an important role in acknowledging the contributions of veterans.
Participating Massachusetts Restaurants and Businesses
Veterans and active-duty military members in Massachusetts can take advantage of a variety of restaurant deals, as well as discounts from other businesses on Veterans Day. Below are some of the top offers:
Applebee’s
Applebee’s is a national chain that has become synonymous with Veterans Day promotions. This year, veterans and active military personnel can enjoy a free full-sized entrée from a select menu, which includes popular dishes like the Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, Chicken Tenders Plate, and Riblet Platter. The offer is available for dine-in customers only, and proof of service is required.
Chili’s Grill & Bar
Chili’s will also be offering a free meal to veterans and active military personnel. The meal is available from a special Veterans Day menu, which includes options such as Chicken Caesar Salad, Boneless Wings, and The Big Mouth Bites. The offer is valid for dine-in only at participating locations.
The 99 Restaurant & Pub
The 99 Restaurant & Pub, a popular regional chain in New England, offers a free lunch entrée to veterans from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This promotion is valid with the purchase of an adult entrée. The 99 is a staple in Massachusetts and is known for its community-oriented approach, making this offer a well-received way to honor service members.
Tuscan Kitchen Seaport
At Tuscan Kitchen Seaport, a premier Italian dining location in Boston, veterans can enjoy a complimentary meal from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This offer is available to all veterans who show proof of service, and reservations are required to ensure availability. For veterans in Newburyport, the Tuscan Sea Grill & Bar is also offering the same promotion.
Legal Sea Foods
Known for its high-quality seafood, Legal Sea Foods is offering veterans a free bowl of New England clam chowder. This offer is valid for dine-in customers only and does not apply at airport locations. It’s a great option for veterans looking for a taste of local cuisine on this special day.
Dunkin’
Dunkin’, the iconic coffee and donut chain, will be offering free hot or iced coffee to veterans and active military personnel on Veterans Day. Participating locations will serve this promotion all day, but customers are encouraged to confirm with their local store before visiting.
Additional Veterans Day Discounts
Beyond food, other businesses across Massachusetts are joining the efforts to honor veterans with discounts. For example, Home Depot offers a 10% discount on in-store purchases to veterans on Veterans Day, and Big Y offers either a free meal or a discount on groceries.
What Veterans Should Know Before Visiting
While most of these offers are straightforward, it’s important for veterans to keep the following in mind:
- Proof of Service: Veterans will typically need to show military ID, a veteran ID card, or a DD-214 discharge form to claim their free meal or discount.
- Dine-In Only: Many restaurants are offering free meals for dine-in only, so takeout may not be eligible for these deals.
- Limited Time: Offers may only be available during certain hours, so veterans should check the specific time frames for each restaurant. For instance, The 99 Restaurant & Pub offers free lunch from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- Reservations Required: Some locations, like Tuscan Kitchen Seaport, require reservations, so veterans should call ahead or book online to secure a spot.
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The Broader Context: Why Veterans Day Offers Matter
While the meals and discounts provided by restaurants may seem like small gestures, they play an important role in recognizing the contributions of military service members. Dr. Claire Simmons, a historian of military culture, explains that these efforts provide a “visible and tangible acknowledgment of the sacrifices veterans have made.”
She adds, “Such acts not only provide a moment of gratitude but also help foster a greater sense of community and inclusion for veterans.”
Veterans Day deals also promote awareness of veterans’ needs beyond the battlefield. Many veterans face significant challenges, including mental health issues, unemployment, and homelessness. By offering discounts and meals, businesses participate in the larger effort to honor veterans in meaningful ways.
Veterans Day 2025 is shaping up to be another day of heartfelt recognition for veterans in Massachusetts. With a wide variety of free meals, discounts, and special offers available across the state, there are plenty of opportunities for veterans to feel appreciated.
Whether enjoying a meal at Applebee’s or Chili’s, or picking up a free coffee at Dunkin’, Massachusetts restaurants and businesses are showing their gratitude for those who have served.
As you plan your Veterans Day, make sure to check the details for each offer, bring your proof of service, and take full advantage of the special promotions.
