How to get free food on your birthday

For many people, there is nothing more joyous than your birthday. Suddenly you are thrust into the spotlight, the center of attention, as friends and family blow up your phone and gather around you to celebrate.

It is the one day of the year when you can get away with pretty much anything. But, the best thing about your birthday is definitely the free food that companies thrust upon you.

Who knows what company first started free birthday food, but whoever they were, they are a genius.

Free birthday food is now a rite of passage for most food companies, and because of this, there is a never-ending list of restaurants all across the country that will offer you a birthday treat on the house.

Best Birthday Specials and Freebies

So, if you want to find the perfect place to get free food on your birthday, check out this ultimate guide of 101 different places that offer free birthday food. 

Applebee’s

If you are a member of Applebee’s EClub, then you are entitled to a free sweet treat on your birthday.

So sign up for this membership to get your birthday dessert for free. 

Del Taco

Just like Applebee’s, Del Taco also offers a free treat to members on their birthday.

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So sign up to their Raving Fan EClub for a free birthday milkshake. 

GODIVA

Birthdays are usually a time when you send chocolates, but why shouldn’t you receive some too?

To guarantee some birthday chocolate, sign up for the GODIVA rewards program, and get a free treat every year on your birthday. 

Jamba Juice

If you want a free birthday smoothie or juice, all you need to do is become an insider at Jamba Juice. 

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Checker’s

Following the pattern, if you want a free treat at Checkers, you will need to sign up to their ‘Flaverhood’ email list.

For this small effort, you will be granted a free small milkshake on your birthday.

Sonic

If you want a birthday surprise, Sonic is the place to go.

With ‘My Sonic Rewards’, you will be given a free birthday surprise treat. 

Johnny Rockets

Sign up for the Rocket eClub, and you will be rewarded with a free burger when you purchase a drink and entrée from this establishment on your birthday. 

Peet’s Coffee & Tea

For a free cup of coffee on your birthday, sign up for their Peetnik Rewards scheme. 

Zaxby’s

If you sign up for the email list at Zaxby’s, you will receive a free sandwich meal deal immediately, and a free nibbler (chicken slider sandwich) on your birthday. 

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Steak ‘n Shake

Steak ‘n Shake offers excellent free birthday food if you sign up to their email list, so simply input your email address, and you will be rewarded with a free double-steak burger and cheese fries on your birthday.

Whataburger

Sign up for the Whataburger members scheme, and you will receive a free Justaburger on your birthday. 

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Outback Steakhouse

For free birthday food at Outback Steakhouse, it simply needs to be your birthday. So, visit Outback on your special day for a free child-sized vanilla sundae.

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McDonald’s

If it is your child’s birthday, then McDonald’s is the place to be.

Sign up for their email newsletter, and they will receive a free Happy Meal on their birthday. 

Planet Smoothie

Sign up to be a birthday club member at Planet Smoothie, and you will receive a free smoothie to enjoy. 

Arby’s

If you join the Arby’s Extra membership scheme, a week before your birthday you will receive a birthday treat in your inbox.

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Use this coupon to get free curly fries and a small shake on your birthday. 

The Cheesecake Factory 

At the Cheesecake Factory, birthdays are a big deal.

Simply let your server know that it is your birthday and at the end of the meal you will be treated to a free bowl of ice cream. And a song, of course. 

Farmer Boys

Sign up for the Farmer Boys VIF (Very Important Farmer) club, and you will receive a birthday surprise.

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This is deliberately vague, so we can’t tell you what your surprise will be, but you will also receive a free $5 reward on top of it. 

Denny’s

Denny’s doesn’t require you to sign up for any subscriptions or email lists to receive a gift on your birthday.

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Simply show up to a store on your birthday, and you will receive a free grand slam on the house. 

IHOP

Sign up for IHOP’s Pancake Revolution, and you will receive a free stack of pancakes on your birthday.

So, if you are looking for somewhere to eat breakfast on your birthday, as usual, IHOP is the place to go. 

El Pollo Loco

If you become a subscriber to El Pollo Loco’s rewards program, you will be rewarded with free chips and guac on your birthday.

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It doesn’t get much better than that. 

Dairy Queen

Download the Dairy Queen mobile app, and input your birthday.

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In return for these two simple steps, you will be rewarded with a free BOGO blizzard to celebrate your big day. 

Auntie Anne’s

If you want a free pretzel on your birthday, sign up for the Pretzel Perks deal at Auntie Anne’s.

In reward, you will be given a buy one, get one free deal on your favorite pretzels.

California Pizza Kitchen

Sign up for the CPK rewards scheme, and you will be given the treat of a free California dessert on your birthday. 

Cracker Barrel

Cracker Barrel might not be your go-to choice for a birthday meal, but they will sing you happy birthday, and treat you to a free dessert.

So that might be enough to tempt you to visit this store. 

TGI Fridays

For something truly special, visit TGI Fridays on your birthday.

Order your chosen entrée, and in return, the restaurant will treat you to a free dessert. All you need to do is tell your server that it’s your birthday. 

Pizza Hut

Sign up for a free online ordering account at Pizza Hut, and the company will send you a free parcel of hot and fresh cinnamon sticks to enjoy on your big day. 

Krispy Kreme

Join the friends scheme at Krispy Kreme, and you will be able to collect a free donut from one of their stores on your birthday. If you are lucky, they might even have their birthday cake donut on sale. 

Red Robin

At Red Robin, it doesn’t even need to be your birthday to enjoy your treat. It simply needs to be your birthday month for you to be rewarded with a free burger. 

Waffle House

Sign up for the Waffle House Regulars Club, and you will be rewarded with a free birthday waffle to enjoy on your special day. 

Ruby Tuesday

Another great place to visit for a free burger on your birthday is Ruby Tuesday.

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All you need to do is sign up for their ‘So Connected’ scheme, and you will be given this free treat. 

Melting Pot

Sign up to the online club for Melting Pot, and you will receive a voucher code for a free birthday treat.

You will need to do this a couple of days before your birthday to ensure the code arrives in time. So sign up for this for 6 free chocolate-covered strawberries. 

Panera

If you are a MyPanera member or are willing to sign up to be one, then you will be treated to a free pastry by the company on your birthday. 

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Benihana 

Become a member of the Chef’s Table at Benihana, and you will be rewarded with a massive $30 gift certificate, which can be used as you please throughout your birthday month. 

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Yogurtland

Join the Real Rewards program at Yogurtland, and you’ll be given a 3oz frozen yogurt on your birthday.

There is no delay in signing up for this scheme, so you can sign up on your birthday, and you will be given your treat immediately. 

Margaritaville

At Margaritaville, you don’t need to sign up for any rewards schemes to get your birthday rewards.

Simply show up on your birthday, and you will be given a free scoop of ice cream with toppings on the house. 

Olive Garden

Become a member of the eClub at Olive Garden, and you will be treated to free breadsticks and a free dessert on your big day. 

Wingstop

Sign up for Wingstop’s The Club, and you will be eligible for a free order of fries on your birthday.

Plus, you will receive a free order when you first sign up. 

Red Lobster

If you are a member of the rewards scheme at Red Lobster, then you will receive a surprise birthday freebie on your birthday.

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Who knows what the surprise will be, but whatever it is, it will definitely be delicious. 

Orange Leaf

For a birthday discount, sign up for the Ounce Back program at Orange Leaf. In return, you will receive $3 off a frozen yogurt on your birthday. 

Starbucks

Starbucks has had a rewards system for a very long time, so you are probably already aware of their birthday treats.

But just in case you didn’t know, you will be given a free drink or food item on your birthday. 

Red Mango

Join the Red Mango membership scheme, and you will receive a voucher for $5 off any purchase made on your birthday. 

Quiznos

Become a member of the Q-club at Quiznos, and you will receive a free cookie every year on your birthday. 

B. GOOD

Again, if you sign up for the membership scheme at B. GOOD, you will be given a birthday treat.

So visit B. GOOD on your birthday, and you will receive your entire meal on the house. 

Au Bon Pain

Sign up for the eClub at Au Bon Pain, and you will be eligible for a completely free lunch on your birthday.

That is definitely worth a few annoying emails in your inbox. 

Hooters

For many teenagers, Hooters is the dream birthday location. This is made even better when you realize that you can get 10 wings for free on your birthday if you sign up for their e-club. 

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Cold Stone

You might think that there’s nothing better than ice cream, but you are wrong. There is something better than ice cream, and that is free ice cream.

Sign up for the My Cold Stone Club, and you will receive a BOGO offer on your birthday. 

Baskin-Robbins

On the topic of free ice cream, check out Baskin-Robbins on your birthday to receive a free scoop of ice cream on your special day. 

Cinnabon

Sign up to Club Cinnabon to receive a free coupon on your birthday.

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As is the case with many restaurants we have looked at, Cinnabon also does not reveal what treat you will be getting. So, it is the perfect place for a birthday surprise. 

Halo Burgers

Another great place for a free birthday surprise is Halo Burgers. Sign up for Halo Rewards, and when your birthday comes around, you will receive a secret perk for your big day. 

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Dunkin’ Donuts

Dunkin’ Donuts has an excellent membership scheme in the form of DD Perks.

If you are a member of this scheme, you will receive a free beverage of your choice every year on your birthday. 

Culver’s

For a free sundae on your birthday, join the club at Culver’s. Signing up is simple, and it is definitely worth it when you receive your dessert free of charge. 

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Boston Market

Sadly, Boston Market retired its VIP scheme. But, you can still get special treats every year on your birthday.

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Simply sign up to its Rotisserie Rewards club to find out what you might receive. 

Jack in the Box

On the Jack in the Box site, you will find a section called birthday tacos.

Simply flash the coupon on this page to your server, and you will be rewarded with 2 yummy, and more importantly free, tacos. 

Dippin’ Dots

Nothing screams ‘birthday!’ like ice cream, which is why Dippin’ Dots is such a popular birthday restaurant.

To make your birthday even better, sign up to the company’s ‘Dot Crazy! Email Club’ and you will receive a free Dippin’ Dots to celebrate your birthday. 

Bojangles

Sign up to the eClub at Bojangles and make a purchase on your birthday to receive a free Bo-Berry biscuit to help make your day even better. 

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Mimi’s Café

To celebrate your big day, Mimi’s Café will treat you to a free mixed berry muffin sundae. But, you will need to sign up for their e-club first. 

Jersey Mike’s 

Get a free drink and a sub from Jersey Mike’s when you sign up to their email list on your birthday. 

P.F. Chang’s

Add a free entrée onto your order at P.F. Chang’s on your birthday, as long as you become a member of P.F. Chang’s Preferred. 

Sprinkles

If you haven’t yet bought yourself a birthday cake, head to Sprinkles for your very own free birthday cupcake. 

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Sbarro

Become a member of Sbarro’s Slice Society and get a free slice with every drink you buy on your birthday. 

Which Wich

Sign up for the Vibe Club Rewards scheme at Which Wich, and you will be entitled to a free seven-inch sandwich every year on your birthday. 

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Qdoba

With Qdoba rewards, you will be granted their BOGO birthday deal every year on your special day. 

Pinkberry

Get a Pink card from Pinkberry before your birthday, and the company will give you a free frozen yogurt on your birthday. 

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Sizzler

Become a member of the Chains club at Sizzler, and you will be rewarded with a free Malibu chicken on your birthday. 

TCBY

Join myTCBY before your birthday, and you will receive a free frozen yogurt just for being born. 

Wetzel’s Pretzels

Download the Wetzel’s Pretzels app before your visit, and you’ll be able to get a free pretzel on your birthday. 

Bertucci’s

Sign up for Bertucci’s email club before your visit, and you will receive a free dessert to celebrate the day of your birth. 

Papa Gino’s

Join the membership program at Papa Gino’s, and you will receive a free pizza on your birthday. There really isn’t a much better way to spend your big day. 

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Uberrito

Like some of the other restaurants that we have looked at, Uberrito keeps their birthday present to you a surprise.

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So, sign up for their membership scheme to see what gift you will receive. 

The Halal Guys

Likewise, The Halal Guys also promise a secret birthday treat on your birthday, so become a member of their ‘The Halal Guys Rewards’ scheme to find out what you might get. 

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Fuddruckers

Become a member of the Fudds club, and you will receive a BOGO ⅓ pound birthday burger on your special day. 

Chili’s 

If you are a member of the ‘My Chili’s Reward scheme’, then you will be eligible for a free dessert every year on your birthday. 

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Edible Arrangements

Sign up for the Edible Rewards program at Edible Arrangements, and you will receive an assortment of chocolate-dipped fruit to celebrate your special day. 

Duck Donuts

Become a member of the Duck Donuts Rewards scheme, and you will get a yummy donut for free to celebrate you growing older. 

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Cotton Patch Café

For a free dessert on your birthday, become a member of the Cotton Patch Café rewards club. 

Carvel

Loads of restaurants offer free ice cream for your birthday, and Carvel is one of these restaurants.

Simply show up on your birthday, and you will be rewarded with a free ice cream cone. 

Longhorn Steakhouse

Sign up for a Longhorn account, and you will get a free appetizer immediately, and a free dessert of your choice on your special day. 

Jimmy John’s

With the Freaky Fast Rewards scheme at Jimmy John’s, you may be treated to a surprise on your birthday, but it isn’t clear what that surprise is. 

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Rita’s Italian Ice

Simply show up at a Rita’s Italian Ice store on your birthday, and you will be rewarded with a free scoop of ice cream, custard, or Italian ice to celebrate. 

Taco Cabana

Join ‘My TC’ and you will be rewarded with a birthday surprise, just remember to let them know when your birthday is. 

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Dickey’s Barbecue Pit

For 2 rewards every year, sign up for the rewards program at Dickey’s. You will be given a birthday surprise on your birthday and a reward on your membership anniversary too. 

Friendly’s

Become part of the adorably named ‘BFF’ club at Friendly’s, and you will be able to redeem a free birthday sundae at any time during your birthday month. 

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Capital Grille

To get a birthday reward at Capital Grille, you don’t need to do anything other than turn up.

Simply visit a store on your birthday, and you will receive a complimentary dessert. 

A&W All American Food

Become a member of the Mug Club to receive a free root beer float to celebrate your special day. 

Black Angus Steakhouse

For an insanely good birthday gift, become a member of the Prime Club at Black Angus Steakhouse.

In return, you will receive a free steak dinner. 

Firehouse Subs

Join the rewards scheme at Firehouse Subs for a free medium sub on the day of your birth. 

Baja Fresh Mexican Grill

To receive a free burrito on your big day, all you need to do is become a member of Club Baja. 

Einstein Bro Bagels

Sign up to Einstein’s E-club, and you will receive a free egg sandwich to get your big day off to a brilliant start. 

Corner Bakery Café

Join the Corner café, and you will get a free birthday pastry to help you celebrate your special day. 

Snuffer’s Restaurant and Bar

If you use the Cheddar Fries Reward app at Snuffer’s, you will receive a free side serving of cheddar fries to help you celebrate. 

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Rusty Bucket Restaurant & Tavern

Should you be willing to receive the odd email from Rusty Bucket Restaurant & Tavern, you will be rewarded with a free dessert coupon to use during your birthday month. 

Uno Pizzeria and Grill

For a free dessert on your birthday, sign up to the Uno’s Insider Club. 

Nothing Bundt Cakes

Join the e-club, and on your birthday, you will receive a voucher that can be used to redeem a free bundtlet. 

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse

Sign up for Premier Rewards Plus, and you will be rewarded with a free Pizzookie for your special day. 

BD’s Mongolian Grill

BD’s Mongolian Grill promises a free birthday meal when you join the e-club, but we’re not too sure what that meal is. 

Morton’s The Steakhouse

For a free dessert and a $25 reward card, join the Landry’s Select Club before your birthday comes around. 

Rubio’s Coastal Grill

Join the Rubio’s rewards club for a birthday surprise. 

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Noodles + Company

For free birthday noodles, become a part of the Noodles Family and visit the store on your birthday. 

Moe’s Southwestern Grill

Download the Moe’s app onto your phone, and on your birthday, you will be rewarded with a free burrito.

Junior’s Cheesecake

Join the birthday club at Junior’s Cheesecake, and you will receive a free slice of cheesecake with every meal or entrée purchased on your birthday. 

Buffalo Wild Wings

Finally, for free wings, join the Buffalo circle, and you will receive a snack-size order of traditional or boneless wings to help you celebrate.

Final Thoughts

Well, there you have it. You’ll never have to spend another dime again on your birthday when you’re hungry or thirsty. Just follow this guide to all the best birthday deals offered by restaurants all across the country.

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