101+ Restaurants with Free Food on Your Birthday

We’ve all been there. We’re sitting at a restaurant, and suddenly, all the servers approach your table and start clapping and singing one version or another of Happy Birthday. It’s the ole birthday shuffle!

In fact, at most restaurants, if you tell them it’s your birthday, they will give you a little something just for dining with them.

But some restaurants go even further by giving you an entire entree, a full dessert, or more – but you may have to do a little extra work, including signing up for a loyalty program.

So how do you know which restaurants offer the BEST birthday freebies? To help, we’ve compiled the following list of 101+ restaurants that will treat you on your special occasion.

Table of Contents
  1. Free Birthday Appetizers
    1. 1. Beef ‘O’ Brady’s
    2. 2. Buffalo Wild Wings
    3. 3. Chipotle
    4. 4. Olive Garden
    5. 5. Pretzelmaker
  2. Free Birthday Drinks 
    1. 6. Caribou Coffee
    2. 7. Cinnabon
    3. 8. Jamba Juice
    4. 9. Orange Julius
  3. Free Birthday Desserts 
    1. 10. A&W
    2. 11. Applebee’s
    3. 12. Baskin Robbins
    4. 13. Ben & Jerry’s
    5. 14. Bertucci’s
    6. 15. Bonefish Grill
    7. 16. California Pizza Kitchen
    8. 17. Capital Grille
    9. 18. Carvel
    10. 19. Carraba’s Italian Grill
    11. 20. Checkers
    12. 21. Cheesecake Factory
    13. 22. Chili’s
    14. 23. Cold Stone Creamery
    15. 24. Corner Bakery Cafe
    16. 25. Cracker Barrel
    17. 26. Culver’s
    18. 27. Dairy Queen
    19. 28. Friendly’s
    20. 29. Great American Cookies
    21. 30. Jason’s Deli
    22. 31. Junior’s Cheesecake
    23. 32. Krispy Kreme
    24. 33. la Madeleine
    25. 34. Marble Slab Creamery
    26. 35. Marie Callender’s
    27. 36. Mimi’s
    28. 37. Outback Steakhouse
    29. 38. P.F. Chang’s
    30. 39. Pinkberry
    31. 40. Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion
    32. 41. Seasons 52
    33. 42. Smashburger
    34. 43. Sprinkles
    35. 44. TCBY
    36. 45. Village Inn
  4. Free Birthday Meals
    1. 46. Auntie Anne’s
    2. 47. Baja Fresh
    3. 48. BD’s Mongolian Grill
    4. 49. BGR The Burger Joint
    5. 50. Black Angus Steakhouse
    6. 51. Blimpie
    7. 52. Bruegger’s Bagels
    8. 53. Chevys Fresh Mex
    9. 54. Einstein Bros. Bagels
    10. 55. Firehouse Subs
    11. 56. Fuddruckers
    12. 57. Gordon Biersch
    13. 58. Houlihan’s
    14. 59. IHOP
    15. 60. Johnny Rockets
    16. 61. Moe’s Southwest Grill
    17. 62. Pita Pit
    18. 63. Quiznos
    19. 64. Red Robin
    20. 65. Ruby Tuesday
    21. 66. Rubio’s
    22. 67. Sbarro
    23. 68. Schlotzsky’s
    24. 69. Sizzler
    25. 70. Spaghetti Warehouse
    26. 71. Waffle House
  5. Other Birthday Freebies
    1. 72. Benihana
    2. 73. Buca di Beppo
    3. 74. Del Taco
    4. 75. Denny’s
    5. 76. Dunkin’ Donuts
    6. 77. Dunn Bros Coffee
    7. 78. Eat’n Park
    8. 79. Famous Dave’s
    9. 80. Farmer Boys
    10. 81. Halo Burger
    11. 82. Jimmy John’s 
    12. 83. Joe’s Crab Shack
    13. 84. Longhorn Steakhouse
    14. 85. Maggiano’s
    15. 86. Melting Pot
    16. 87. Noodles & Company
    17. 88. Not Your Average Joe’s
    18. 89. Panera Bread
    19. 90. Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
    20. 91. Planet Smoothie
    21. 92. Qdoba
    22. 93. Rita’s Italian Ice
    23. 94. Red Lobster
    24. 95. Romano’s Macaroni Grill
    25. 96. Smokey Bones
    26. 97. Sonic
    27. 98. Sonny’s BBQ
    28. 99. Starbucks
    29. 100. Steak ‘n Shake
    30. 101. Subway
    31. 102. Texas Roadhouse
    32. 103. TGI Fridays
    33. 104. Wendy’s
    34. 105. Yogurtland
  6. Final Thoughts

Free Birthday Appetizers

Consider it an instant free $10 bonus. The first 5 restaurants listed here offer free appetizers (and more) on your birthday.

1. Beef ‘O’ Brady’s

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s New Beef’s Rewards program gives you a coupon for a free appetizer with an entree purchase on your birthday.

You’ll also earn points on every purchase that you can use for dollar-off coupons on purchases.  (Join Beef ‘O’ Brady’s New Beef’s Rewards)

2. Buffalo Wild Wings

Become a member of the Buffalo Wild Wings Blazin’ Rewards club and receive a free snack-size order of wings on your birthday. Earn rewards for free menu items and get personalized offers too. (Join Blazin’ Rewards)

3. Chipotle

Chipotle will give you a free order of chips and guac with a $5 purchase on your birthday. Join the Chipotle Rewards program to get this and other freebies. (Join Chipotle Rewards)

4. Olive Garden

Join Olive Garden’s eClub and get a free appetizer with the purchase of 2 entrees on your birthday. Get other freebies, discounts, and special offers, too.  (Join eClub)

5. Pretzelmaker

Sign up for Pretzelmaker’s rewards program and get a coupon for a free order of Birthday Bites. Earn points on purchases that get you $ off coupons too. (Join email)

Free Birthday Drinks 

Enjoy a free birthday beverage from one of the following popular chains.

6. Caribou Coffee

Get a free drink on your birthday when you join Caribou Perks. Earn points for purchases, discounts on K-cup pods, and exclusive offers and rewards. (Join Caribou Perks)

7. Cinnabon

You’ll get a free cold brew drink when you join Cinnabon Rewards. Every purchase earns you points toward additional rewards.  (Join Cinnabon Rewards

8. Jamba Juice

The Jamba Juice rewards program will give you a free juice/smoothie on your birthday. You’ll also earn points for every purchase, discount coupons, and more. (Join Jamba Rewards)

9. Orange Julius

Orange Julius will give you a free drink on your birthday when you join the Julius League fan club. Get other discounts and special offers throughout the year.  (Join Julius League)

Free Birthday Desserts 

The following restaurants have some great desserts that you can get for free at least once per year!

10. A&W

When you join A&W’s Mug Club you’ll get a free A&W Root Beer Float on your birthday. You’ll also get exclusive coupons and deals sent to your phone or your inbox.  (Join Mug Club)

11. Applebee’s

When you sign up for the Applebee’s email list you’ll get a coupon for a free dessert on your birthday. You may also get a free appetizer, drink, or other item on your birthday.

As an Applebee’s email member you’ll get exclusive deals and offers sent to your email inbox as well.  (Join Applebee’s email list)

12. Baskin Robbins

When you join the Baskin Robbins Birthday Club, you’ll get a coupon for a small free scoop of ice cream on your birthday.

In addition, you’ll get email and/or text notifications about special offers, deals, and new products.  (Sign up to receive emails from Baskin Robbins)

13. Ben & Jerry’s

Ben & Jerry’s Flavor Fanatics rewards program gets you a coupon for free ice cream on your birthday. You’ll also get 10% off on every in-store and takeout order. (Join Flavor Fanatics)

14. Bertucci’s

When you sign up for Bertucci’s Dough Nation eclub, you’ll get a free dessert on your birthday, a free welcome offer, and other special deals. (Join Bertucci’s Dough Nation eclub)

15. Bonefish Grill

Bonefish Grill will give you a free dessert when you sign up for their Dine Rewards rewards program.

Earn points for every food and non-alcoholic beverage purchase, and use the points to get $ off coupons and other deals.  (join Dine Rewards )

16. California Pizza Kitchen

You’ll get a free dessert on your birthday when you sign up for California Pizza Kitchen’s CPK rewards. Earn 1 point for every dollar you spend and redeem points for coupons off your next purchase.(Join CPK Rewards)

17. Capital Grille

Join Capital Grille’s Insiders Club and get a free dessert with your birthday meal. Be the first to know about special events and get special offers as well. (Join the Insiders Club)

18. Carvel

Carvel’s Fudgie Fanatics rewards program gives you a free cup/cone on your birthday and gives you rewards points with every purchase. (Join Fudgie Fanatic)

19. Carraba’s Italian Grill

Carraba’s Italian Grill’s Dine Rewards program offers you a free dessert with an entree purchase on your birthday. Earn points for every purchase and get free $ off coupons as rewards. (Join Carraba’s Dine Rewards)

20. Checkers

Checkers will give you a free milkshake on your birthday when you join Checkers Rewards. You’ll also get regular discounts on food, free items, and more. (Join Checkers Rewards)

21. Cheesecake Factory

The Cheesecake Factory’s Cheesecake Rewards program offers you a free slice of any cheesecake on your birthday. You’ll also get surprise rewards and reservation priority. (Join Cheesecake Rewards)

22. Chili’s

Chili’s will give you a free dessert on your birthday and other personalized rewards when you join the Chili’s Rewards program.  (Join Chili’s Rewards)

23. Cold Stone Creamery

Cold Stone Creamery gives you a buy 1 get 1 free coupon to use in your birthday month when you join their Cold Stone Club Rewards. Earn points for purchases that will get you $ off coupons.  (Join My Cold Stone Club)

24. Corner Bakery Cafe

Corner Bakery Cafe will give you a free baked goodie on your birthday when you join the Corner Bakery Rewards program. Level up to better reward tiers as you make more purchases.  (Join Corner Bakery Rewards)

25. Cracker Barrel

Cracker Barrel will give you a free dessert on your birthday when you join Cracker Barrel Rewards. Collect “pegs” for each purchase that add up to more free items. (Join Cracker Barrel Rewards)

26. Culver’s

Culver’s will give you a free sundae on your birthday when you sign up for MyCulver’s Rewards. Get exclusive deals and discounts as well. (Join MyCulver’s Rewards)

27. Dairy Queen

Join the DQ Rewards program and get a free surprise treat on your birthday. Get points on every purchase that you can use to redeem for free food.  (Join DQ Rewards)

28. Friendly’s

You’ll get a coupon for a free sundae when you join Friendly’s Fan Club. Be the first to hear about upcoming promotions and deals, too. (Join Friendly’s Fan Club)

29. Great American Cookies

Join the Great American Cookies reward club and get a free treat on your birthday. Gain access to exclusive rewards, deals, and earn points for freebies. (Join Great American Cookies rewards)

30. Jason’s Deli

Join Jason’s Deli’s Deli Dollars program and get a free sweet treat on your birthday. Earn points for $$ off purchases, special offers, and more. (Join the Jason’s Deli email list)

31. Junior’s Cheesecake

Junior’s Cheesecake will give you a free slice of cheesecake on your birthday when you sign up for their birthday club. (Join the birthday club)

32. Krispy Kreme

Join Krispy Kreme’s Krispy Kreme Rewards program and get a free doughnut during your birthday month. Earn points to get other freebies and discounts too. (Join Krispy Kreme Rewards)

33. la Madeleine

la Madeleine’s will give you a free bakery treat on your birthday when you join its eClub. Earn credits for each visit, and unlock more rewards as you earn more credits. (join eClub)

34. Marble Slab Creamery

Marble Slab Creamery will give you a free ice cream on your birthday when you join the Slab Happy Rewards program. Get free treats throughout the year as well, and earn points for $ off purchases.  (Join Slab Happy Rewards)

35. Marie Callender’s

Sign up for Marie Callender’s e-Club and get a coupon for a free slice of pie and $5 off an entree or other specials on your birthday. Get other special offers and discounts as well.  (Join e-Club)

36. Mimi’s

Join Mimi’s eClub and get a free sweet treat on your birthday. Get the first scoop on new menu items and additional rewards and offers as well. (Join eClub)

37. Outback Steakhouse

Join Outback Steakhouse rewards and get a free dessert with an entree purchase. You’ll receive other rewards and discounts as well. (Join Outback Rewards)

38. P.F. Chang’s

Become a member of P.F. Chang’s free Gold Rewards program and get a free dessert on your birthday, as well as $ off coupons for points earned. (Join club)

39. Pinkberry

Join the Pinkberry rewards program and get a free yogurt on your birthday and more freebies after 10 purchases. (Join loyalty program)

40. Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion

Join Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion’s Ohana Club and get a free dessert on your birthday. Get $ off coupons and be the first to hear about special events and discounts. (Join the Ohana Club)

41. Seasons 52

Join the Seasons 52 eClub and get a free dessert for your birthday. Be the first to know about new menu items and special event access.  (Join the Seasons 52 eClub)

42. Smashburger

Sign up for Smashburger’s SmashRewards program and get a free flavored shake on your birthday. Earn points to get free menu items and other discounts. (Join SmashRewards)

43. Sprinkles

Join Sprinkles Perks and get a free cupcake on your birthday! Earn points for each purchase, and level up to earn even more. (join Sprinkles Perks)

44. TCBY

Get a free yogurt when you join the TCBY Insiders Club. (Join TCBY Insiders)

45. Village Inn

Get a free slice of pie and other goodies when you join the Village Inn’s eClub or get the app. Earn points on every purchase, and get $ off coupons with points. (Join eCLUB)

Free Birthday Meals

The following birthday freebies include free meals, and signature items from popular restaurants.

46. Auntie Anne’s

Auntie Anne’s Pretzels has a rewards club called Auntie Anne’s Rewards. When you sign up, you’ll get a coupon for a free pretzel on your first birthday after joining the club. 

Then you’ll earn 10 points for every dollar you spend at Auntie Anne’s.  Free pretzel rewards begin at 250 points. As a club member, you’ll get other exclusive offers and deals too. (Download their Auntie Anne’s Rewards app)

47. Baja Fresh

Baja Fresh offers a Club Baja rewards program where you can earn points with every Baja Fresh purchase. Every dollar you spend at Baja Fresh as a Club Baja member gets you 1 point. 

You’ll also get a free gift, such as a burrito on your birthday, exclusive offers, coupons and other rewards. (Join Club Baja)

48. BD’s Mongolian Grill

Join BD’s Mongolian Grill’s  BD’s Rewards program and get a free bowl with the purchase of a bowl on your birthday. Earn points for exclusive offers and other free items as well. (Join BD’s Rewards) 

49. BGR The Burger Joint

BRG The Burger Joint gives you a free burger on your birthday when you join the BGR Rewards program. Earn points with every purchase for more free stuff. (Join BGR Rewards)

50. Black Angus Steakhouse

Black Angus Steakhouse gives you a free steak dinner with the purchase of any dinner entree on your first birthday after you join the Prime Club Rewards program.

You’ll earn points for every purchase while in the rewards program, and you can use them to earn free menu items. 

51. Blimpie

When you join Blimpie’s  Blimpie Rewards program, you’ll get a free 6″ sub on your birthday.

You’ll also earn 1 point for every dollar you spend at Blimpie. Fifty points will get you a $5 reward to be used on in-store or online Blimpie purchases. (Join Blimpie Rewards)

52. Bruegger’s Bagels

When you join the Bruegger’s Bagels Inner Circle rewards program, you’ll get a free bagel with any cream cheese on your birthday and for signing up.

Earn two points for every dollar spent and use your rewards for (Join Inner Circle)

53. Chevys Fresh Mex

Chevys Fresh Mex will give you a free entree on your birthday when you sign up for their loyalty program. Earn “chips” for every purchase, and redeem your earnings for $ off and free items. (Join Chevys Fresh Mex loyalty program)

54. Einstein Bros. Bagels

Join the Einstein Bros. Rewards program and get a free egg sandwich with a purchase on your birthday. You can earn a daily free coffee as well. (Join Einstein Bros. Rewards)

55. Firehouse Subs

When you join Firehouse Subs’ Firehouse Rewards program, you’ll get a free medium sub with any purchase on your birthday. (Join Firehouse Rewards)

56. Fuddruckers

Sign up for the Fuddrucker’s e-club and get a free burger with a purchase on your birthday. Get sweet offers and advanced notifications of deals, too. (Join Fudds Club)

57. Gordon Biersch

Join the Gordon Biersch rewards program and birthday e-gifts, such as a free entree with purchase. Get discounts on purchases and invitations to member events as well. (Sign up to receive emails)

58. Houlihan’s

Get a free entree on your birthday and receive other promotions as well when you join Houlihan’s email club. Up to $50 per month in savings. (Join the emai list)

59. IHOP

Join the IHOP International Bank of Pancakes rewards program and get free pancakes on your birthday. Earn Pancoins for every purchase and get other freebies as well. (Join IHOP Rewards)

60. Johnny Rockets

Join Johnny Rockets eClub and get a free burger on your birthday. Get advance notification of deals, offers, and giveaways. (Join Rocket eClub)

61. Moe’s Southwest Grill

Get a free burrito on your birthday when you join Moe’s Rewards. Earn points toward rewards with each purchase and other special surprises as well. (Join Moe’s Rewards)

62. Pita Pit

Get a free pita for your birthday when you join Pita Pit’s Pita Pit Rewards Club. Earn points for purchases, and level up as you earn. (Join Pita Pit Rewards)

63. Quiznos

Get a free 8-inch sub on your birthday when you join the Quiznos loyalty program. Earn points on every purchase that will give you free food items. (Join QClub)

64. Red Robin

You’ll get a free burger for your birthday when you join Red Robin’s Royalty program. Earn $ off coupons and free items with your purchase points. (Join Red Robin Royalty)

65. Ruby Tuesday

Join Ruby Tuesday’s RubyRewards program and get a free burger on your birthday. Collect “Rubies” with each purchase for free food and exclusive offers. (Join RubyRewards)

66. Rubio’s

Join Rubio’s rewards program and get a free surprise birthday gift, such as a taco. Earn points for purchases and just for fun, and use points to get $ off. (Join Rubio’s Rewards)

67. Sbarro

You’ll get a free XL NY Slice with a $5 purchase on your birthday when you join the Sbarro Rewards program. Earn points on purchases and get more free food. (join Sbarro Rewards)

68. Schlotzsky’s

Get a free sandwich when you join Schlotzsky’s Rewards program. Earn points to get free menu items as well. (Join Schlotzsky’s Rewards)

69. Sizzler

Join Sizzler’s Real Deal eClub and get a free Malibu chicken or other birthday treat. Get free offers and other “sizzling” news as well. (Join eClub)

70. Spaghetti Warehouse

Join Spaghetti Warehouse’s eClub and get a free meal on your birthday. Get other exclusive offers too, and be the first to know about special events. (Join eClub)

71. Waffle House

When you sign up for Waffle House’s Regulars Club you’ll get a free waffle on your birthday. You’ll also get coupons for free items, exclusive special deals, and more. (Join Regulars Club)

Other Birthday Freebies

These restaurants some unique gift ideas on your birthday. Stop in to find out what you’ll get. 

72. Benihana

Benihana will give you a free $30 gift certificate during the month of your birthday when you join The Chef’s Table rewards program. You’ll also get other special offers and information during the year. (Join The Chef’s Table)

73. Buca di Beppo

When you join the Buca di Beppo e-club, you’ll get exclusive access to offers, discounts, and promotions. You’ll also get a free  $20 gift card during your birthday month. (Join Buca E-Club)

74. Del Taco

Del Taco’s Del Yeah rewards program gets you a free surprise reward on your birthday. Earn points for purchases, and level up for more freebies and deals. (Join Del Yeah Rewards)

75. Denny’s

Join Denny’s rewards program and get a free yummy gift every year on your birthday. Complete monthly challenges to earn more freebies, discounts, and other prizes. (Join Denny’s Rewards program)

76. Dunkin’ Donuts

Get a free surprise on your birthday when you join the Dunkin Rewards program, and earn 3x points on purchases. (Join Dunkin Rewards)

77. Dunn Bros Coffee

Join Dunn Bros Coffee’s rewards program and get a free $5 coupon on your birthday. Earn $ off as your purchases add up. (Join Dunn Bros Rewards)

78. Eat’n Park

Sign up for Eat,n Park’s email club and get a “sweet” surprise on your birthday and your club anniversary. Receive exclusive deals and coupons as well. (Join the email list)

79. Famous Dave’s

Sign up for the Famous Dave’s rewards club and get free food on your birthday. Earn “bones” for every purchase and get free rewards, discount coupons, and more. (Join the Famous Dave’s Rewards Club)

80. Farmer Boys

You’ll get a free birthday surprise when you join the Farmer Boys VIF club. Earn points on each purchase and get exclusive discounts and deals. (Join VIF club)

81. Halo Burger

Get a free surprise treat on your birthday when you join Halo Burger’s Halo Rewards. Earn points for purchases to get $ off and other freebies. (Join Halo Rewards)

82. Jimmy John’s 

Join Jimmy John’s Freaky Fast Rewards program and get a free surprise on your birthday. Earn points for purchases and get other freebies as well. (Join Freaky Fast rewards)

83. Joe’s Crab Shack

Joe’s Crab Shack offers Landry’s Select Club, which rewards points and more to members. You’ll get a $25 gift certificate on your birthday. It costs $25 per year to be a member, but you’ll get a $25 welcome gift certificate as well. Earn points at any Landry’s Select member restaurant. (Join Joe’s Landry’s Select Club)

84. Longhorn Steakhouse

Sign up for Longhorn Steakhouse’s eClub and get a coupon for a special free food item on your birthday. Get other freebies, discounts, and special offers throughout the year. (Join Longhorn)

85. Maggiano’s

Join Maggiano’s eClub and get $10 off that you can use on your birthday visit. Get firsthand notification of new products, special offers, and discounts. (Join eClub)

86. Melting Pot

Get a special birthday voucher for discounts on purchases when you join The Melting Pot’s Club Fondue. You’ll get other special offers and discounts as well. (Join Club Fondue)

87. Noodles & Company

Noodles & Company’s Noodles Rewards program has different tiers you can achieve. Depending on which tier you are in, you can get a free crispy treat, a small entree, or a large entree on your birthday. (Join Noodles Rewards)

88. Not Your Average Joe’s

Join Not Your Average Joe’s email club and get a free surprise on your birthday. Get first notice of new menu items, special discounts, and other freebies as well.  (Join the email list)

89. Panera Bread

Join Panera Bread’s MyPanera rewards and get a free treat on your birthday, along with endless offers and discounts. (Join MyPanera)

90. Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen

Join Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen’s eClub and get a free surprise on your birthday. Get other offers, coupons, and discounts via email as well. (Join eClub)

91. Planet Smoothie

Join Planet Smoothie’s VIP rewards club and get a free offer for your birthday, and earn points to get free smoothies and more. (Join VIP Rewards)

92. Qdoba

Get a free treat on your birthday and other free goodies throughout the year when you join Qdoba Rewards. Eat more often to level up and get more goodies. (Join Qdoba Rewards)

93. Rita’s Italian Ice

Sign up for Rita’s Ice App perks and get a free treat on your birthday. Also, for every seven visits you make, you’ll get a free treat on your eighth visit. (Join Rita’s Ice App Perks)

94. Red Lobster

Get a free birthday reward when you sign up for My Red Lobster Rewards. Earn points for any purchase and get free food and meal discounts with your points. (Join My Red Lobster Rewards)

95. Romano’s Macaroni Grill

Join Romano’s Macaroni Grill eClub and get a free treat on your birthday. Get first dibs on promotional offers and breaking news as well.  (Sign up to receive emails)

96. Smokey Bones

Join Smokey Bones’ Bones Club and get a free birthday treat for your birthday. Earn points for purchases that add up to free and discounted menu items. (Join The Bones Club)

97. Sonic

Download the Sonic Drive-In app and get a free Creamslush, Tater Tots, or Drink. Order from the app and get points to be used toward future purchases. (Get the Sonic Drive-In app)

98. Sonny’s BBQ

Join Sonny’s BBQ’s Q Crew rewards and get a free surprise on your birthday. Get other gifts such as $ off and free menu items. (Join Q Crew rewards)

99. Starbucks

Get a free birthday treat when you join Starbucks Rewards. Earn points for purchases to get free menu items and other deals. (Join Starbucks Rewards)

100. Steak ‘n Shake

Get a free menu item on your birthday and earn other freebies and deals when you join the Steak ‘n Shake Rewards program. (Join Steak ‘n Shake Rewards)

101. Subway

Join Subway’s MVP Rewards and get a birthday freebie every year. Earn points on purchases, and redeem points for free menu items. (Join Subway MVP Rewards)

102. Texas Roadhouse

Join the Texas Roadhouse VIP Club and get a free surprise menu item during your birthday month. Get special offers and free insider news as well. (Join VIP Club)

103. TGI Fridays

Get a free birthday offer when you join TGI Fridays Rewards. Earn points for every purchase and get exclusive offers and news. (Join Fridays Rewards)

104. Wendy’s

Get a free birthday surprise when you join Wendy’s Rewards. Earn points for purchases and get exclusive offers and news. (Join Wendy’s Rewards)

105. Yogurtland

Get a free birthday treat when you join Yogurtland’s Real Rewards program. Earn points for every purchase, and level up as you earn more points. (Join Real Rewards)

Final Thoughts

There you have it, over 100 restaurants that offer free food on your birthday. If nothing else, it’s an easy way to save money when eating out. Just remember, your birthday comes once a year, so take advantage of it!

The key is to sign up early. Some places, like Noodles and Company, will only send you the coupon for a free Birthday crispy (rice crispy treat) if you’ve been in the club for 60 days. Others take a little extra time to get to you (their systems take time to update, like 24-48 hours) so you can’t sign up on your actual birthday and expect a treat.

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About Jim Wang

Jim Wang is a forty-something father of four who is a frequent contributor to Forbes and Vanguard's Blog. He has also been fortunate to have appeared in the New York Times, Baltimore Sun, Entrepreneur, and Marketplace Money.

Jim has a B.S. in Computer Science and Economics from Carnegie Mellon University, an M.S. in Information Technology - Software Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University, as well as a Masters in Business Administration from Johns Hopkins University. His approach to personal finance is that of an engineer, breaking down complex subjects into bite-sized easily understood concepts that you can use in your daily life.

One of his favorite tools (here's my treasure chest of tools,, everything I use) is Personal Capital, which enables him to manage his finances in just 15-minutes each month. They also offer financial planning, such as a Retirement Planning Tool that can tell you if you're on track to retire when you want. It's free.

He is also diversifying his investment portfolio by adding a little bit of real estate. But not rental homes, because he doesn't want a second job, it's diversified small investments in a few commercial properties and farms in Illinois, Louisiana, and California through AcreTrader.

Recently, he's invested in a few pieces of art on Masterworks too.

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  1. Andrew says

    This is the best free food resource I have seen. It’s the perfect pre-gift egift, to anyone having a birthday in the next while. Can’t wait to share it. Thanks for putting this together JIm.

    • Jim says

      We don’t have a Pappadeaux near us so I missed it… but the dishes on the website look FANTASTIC. I want to go there now. πŸ™‚

      • Victor says

        Strongly recommend to anyone who likes Cajun food. I’ve been told by some co-workers from Louisiana that it’s not authentic but all I know is I like it. Their Lunch specials are well priced and you will leave full.

  2. Taddy says

    Missing HoneyBaked Ham. Free sandwich on your birthday & on the anniversary of signing up.

    • Jim says

      Do you just show up and show an ID? I went to the website and it appears they just do catering? We don’t have one near me to confirm this.

      • Taddy says

        They email you a coupon and if I recall correctly, you get about a week to use it.

        I’ve only had it once in the past 4 years where they looked at my ID… so ymmv?

        As far as I know, any store of their’s that does catering also has sandwiches/side dishes/condiments to purchase on site. Been to one in NC and one in PA.

        Very good sandwiches (bit overpriced in my opinion), but as someone that can’t stand mayo, I practically eat their ham classic as is and it comes with mayo.

        Made myself hungry, lol!

        • Jim says

          Hmmm… I can’t figure out how to sign up for their email newsletter or anything? Any ideas?

          • Taddy says

            Ah, just saw that the emails come from whichever store you select as your store.

            Eek, out of luck I suppose.

    • Jim says

      You have a few birthdays coming up? πŸ™‚ j/k, I knew what you meant. You’re welcome!

  3. Yetisaurus says

    Oh, awesome. My boyfriend will love this. We had to celebrate his birthday SIX times a couple years ago because he kept signing up for these things. Now it literally won’t even be possible to get to all 101 things within the birthday “month.” πŸ˜€

  4. CentSai.com says

    Wow, this is a really fun post! Who doesn’t want free food, especially on your birthday?? Definitely a money saving hack as well as a good time! Thanks for the info!

  5. Steve says

    Thank you so much, Jim! Couple notes:

    Looks like the Applebee’s link has changed to http://www.applebees.com/Sign-Up

    Checkers says free fry with sign-up (not bad, but not a shake πŸ™‚

    Dunkin’ Donuts requires a DD Perks account, which you can set up online, but you have to fund it with at least $2 to start. You can also pick up a plastic card in-store, not sure if you have to fund that one.

    Thanks again for putting all this together!

  6. David Bodendoerfer says

    The owner of The Train Shop in Santa Clara, CA. gave me 20 dollars off my purchase because it is my birthday today.

  7. Darryl S Rich says

    I just had a birthday this past September and many offers you listed need correction, as follows:
    β€’ Au Bon Pain – Get a free medium coffee and pastry/cookie
    β€’ Baja Fresh – Get $10 towards any item
    β€’ Benihana – Get $30 gift certificate (dine in only and purchase of $30 required)
    β€’ Famous Dave’s – free dessert
    β€’ Jersey Mike’s – no longer gives free food, only extra points.
    β€’ Moe’s Southwest Grill – free burrito, but no free queso
    β€’ Not Your Average Joe’s – free $15 toward meal
    β€’ Qdoba – free cookie
    β€’ Subway – no free food
    β€’ Texas Roadhouse – free appetizer or sidekick of ribs

    • Jim Wang says

      Thank you Darryl – we will work on updating this list!. Many restaurants changed their birthday promotions, in part because of Covid, so my hope was that they may restore them in the future. That might not be the case!

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