There’s no such thing as a “free lunch”… that is, except on your birthday! If you haven’t celebrated your birthday yet then use the list below to your advantage. If your birthday passed already, “Happy belated Birthday!” to you and keep this list in mind for next year, and even better, share it with someone you know whose birthday is just around the river bend of time.
The list is comprised of national chain restaurants only; however, if there’s a local restaurant you’re interested in, check out its website or call to ask if there’s a birthday promo offer. I’m merely putting out a list of places that are known to have birthday perks, not promoting actual patronage of the listed restaurants below.
Remember to have your ID ready (and you should have it anyway, especially if you’re 21 and over but look under 21…lucky you!). Birthdays usually happen once a year and staff members at restaurants know this, so it’s normal if they ask for identification.
|
Restaurant |
What you need to do |
What you get |
| Applebee’s | Sign up for their email list | A birthday special |
| Arby’s | Join the Secret Society of Freshly Sliced Meat | Looks like this “secret society” is not so secret… Besides a free roast beef with drink purchase, you’ll get other exclusive offers |
| Ben & Jerry’s | Visit a B&J near you and become a Chunk Spelunker | Free ice scream! Sure, feel free to scream. |
| Burger King | Parents, register your child (13 yrs and under) for the BK Crown Birthday Club | A BK Kids Hamburger Meal |
| California Pizza Kitchen | Join the CPK Adventure Club | Kids (10 yrs and under) get a free CPKids meal during their b-day month |
| Chili’s | Join Chili’s Email Club | Just for signing up, you get chips & queso, and then the exclusive offers follow |
| Chuck E Cheese | Parents, join the email club | Rewards and activities for your kids |
| Cold Stone Creamery | Join My Cold Stone Club | BOGO ice cream on your b-day and coupons |
| Dairy Queen | Join the Blizzard Fan Club | An extra special coupon on your b-day and surprise on your anniversary. If you’re single, well, it looks like you’ll have to make yourself a duo to get the anniversary surprise. |
| Denny’s | Go to Denny’s and tell them it’s your birthday | Get a free Grand Slam! Pancakes, bacon, eggs, and sausages. Did I mention bacon? |
| Famous Dave’s | Join the P.I.G. Club | A special birthday offer via email |
| Hooters | Join Hooters eClub | The site says, “fun stuff” |
| IHOP | Join Pancake Revolution | A free birthday meal and more |
| Jack in the Box | Sign up for stuff | Like the site says, you get “stuff” |
| Krispy Kreme | Join Friends of Krispy Kreme | A free donut and receive other promotions |
| McDonald’s | Parents, fill out a form at McD’s and mail it in | Free Happy Meal |
| Outback Steakhouse | If you really like Outback Steakhouse and you know you’ll go there often, why not become a My Outback Rewards Member | Certificates towards free food |
| Panera Bread | Join MyPanera | Surprises and offers |
| Papa Murphy’s | Join Papa Murphy’s eClub | Enjoy great deals |
| Pizza Hut | Parents, dine in with your kid | Birthday kid (12 yrs and under) get a free Personal Pan Pizza |
| Quiznos | Join the Q Club | Promotional stuff |
| Red Robin | Join Red Royalty | Free Birthday Burger and many more |
| Round Table Pizza | Join the Round Table Pizza eClub | Great deals |
| Ruby Tuesday | Get connected by signing up with “So Connected” | Exclusive email only offers and free dessert on your birthday |
| Sonic | Join Sonic’s Cruiser Club and if you have kids, sign them up for the Kid’s Club | Birthday treats and free food |
| Starbucks | Create a Starbucks account | Enjoy a free drink on your birthday |
| Taco John’s | Sign up for Taco John’s email list | Mouthwatering deals, freebies, and coupons |
| TCBY | Join myTCBY eClub | Special offers and promos every month |
| Wendy’s | Sign up for Wendy Mail | Promos |
If you’re the opportunistic kind, you could really clean out on your birthday. For free birthday meals at restaurants specific to your state, check out Free Birthday Meals. You’re welcome.
