85 Free Birthday Foods to Enjoy on Your Special Day
On your special day, it’s fair to expect special treatment, including free birthday food from your favorite chains. If you’re trying to figure out how to plan a birthday party, you can’t go wrong by kicking off the day with a latte on the house or grabbing a mid-day treat like a Crumbl cookie.
Keep in mind that a lot of places that offer free birthday food require you to sign up with your email or phone number. Sometimes, you need to be signed up in advance and enter your birthday so they can send you a birthday coupon or discount code. That said, there are still places out there that simply offer free birthday meals with your ID instead of a whole sign-up process. So what restaurants give you a free meal on your birthday?
They say the best things in life are free and there are at least 85 possibilities to see if that’s true. Plus, in some cases, it goes beyond food, with clothing discounts or free samples being offered by some companies. Take advantage of all the great free birthday food at these retailers near you!
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What Restaurants Give You a Free or Discounted Meal on Your Birthday?
1. Applebee’s
This popular chain restaurant is a proud member of the free birthday food club, offering a free dessert to Club Applebee’s members. If you join their E-club, you will also receive a coupon for a free entrée.
2. ABC Liquor
Planning to celebrate and are looking for 21st birthday ideas? You can get free birthday food (and drinks!) from your local ABC Liquor. Simply sign up to receive the gift.
3. Alamo Drafthouse
Sign up for Victory Benefits to get free birthday food from Alamo Drafthouse, like a delicious birthday sweet. This place is perfect if your birthday falls on a chilly winters day.
4. A&W
While A&W locations may be dwindling, if you’re lucky enough to have one nearby, you can enjoy a free frosty mug of rootbeer topped with creamy vanilla soft serve. Who wouldn’t want a rootbeer float for their free birthday food?
5. AMC Theaters
It might be loosely considered a restaurant, but you can definitely get some free birthday food at your local AMC Theater when you’re an AMC Stubs Insider. How about a free large popcorn during your whole birthday month? You can spend $15 to upgrade your membership, allowing you to get a large fountain drink on the house.
6. Arby’s
How about a milkshake to wash down your roast beef sandwich? Arby’s offers free birthday food in the form of a 12-ounce milkshake of your choice, topped with whipped cream and a cherry.
7. Auntie Anne’s
If you’re already in the mall shopping for birthday gifts or in the mood for mouthwatering free birthday food, head over to Auntie Anne’s. When you’re signed up for Pretzel Perks, you get a BOGO deal just for signing up and a free soft pretzel for your birthday.
8. Benihana
Already a popular spot for birthday meals, when you sign up for the Chef’s Table, you can enjoy a $30 gift certificate. Depending on what you order, that could be enough for a free birthday meal from Benihana.
9. Baskin-Robbins
Sign up for the Birthday Club and enjoy a free birthday meal from Baskin-Robbins. It’s only once a year that ice cream can be enjoyed for breakfast, so make good use of it!
10. Bruegger’s Bagels
Bagel lovers rejoice, your favorite bagel chain is offering free birthday food. As long as you’re signed up for Bruegger’s Inner Circle, you can earn a free bagel of your choice along with any of their delicious flavored cream cheese spreads on your special day.
11. Baja Fresh
After signing up for the app, enjoy some free birthday food from Baja Fresh. Bring a friend or enjoy leftovers because you get a free burrito with your purchase.
12. Buffalo Wild Wings
America’s favorite sports bar and wing spot is offering free birthday food to Buffalo Circle members. Enjoy a free snack-sized order of wings, traditional or boneless, with any sauce that you like during a two-week window around your birthday.
13. Boston Market
Use the Boston Market app on your phone to get free birthday food when you dine in, like a sweet treat on the house.
14. BurgerFi
Make your burger meal sweeter with some free birthday food from BurgerFi. If you’re signed up, you get a free custard shake.
15. Black Angus Steakhouse
The free birthday food from Black Angus Steakhouse is pretty incredible if you’re a Prime Club member: a whole steak dinner, along with a cookie cake and a rendition of “Happy Birthday”!
16. Biggby Coffee
Drive-thru your nearest Biggy Coffee for a free birthday food (or drink) item for a rewards member. You’ll get up to 24 ounces free.
17. Ben & Jerry’s
Your two favorite men are scooping up free birthday food, as long as you’re a Flavor Fanatic. Enjoy a free birthday scoop of Phish Food, Chunky Monkey or whatever your heart desires. You also get $3 off an ice cream cake if you want to share the celebration.
This is perfect for a custom cake, like one to help kick off a Bluey birthday party.
18. BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse
If you’re signed up for BJ’s Premier Rewards Plus, you can enjoy free birthday food in the form of a Pizookie. This treat is available one week before or after your actual birthday.
19. Bojangles
As long as you’re a member of their eClub, you’ll get some free birthday food from Bojangles. A free Bo-Berry Biscuit is yours with any other purchase.
20. Big Boy
Sign up for the "I Love Big Boy" emails and you’ll get some free birthday food (a dessert specifically), plus an additional free dessert for signing up. Sweet-treat lovers everywhere are sure to delight in this news.
21. Chick-fil-A
After your favorite spicy chicken sandwich, enjoy a free birthday treat from Chick-fil-A in the form of a cookie or brownie. If you are a loyalty member, you earn points every time you dine that can get you free sides, sandwiches and more as you rack up the points.
Chick-fil-A A birthday rewards start to feel small compared to the other free things you can earn!
22. Cheesecake Factory
If you happen to be celebrating at your local Cheesecake Factory, all you have to do is mention that it’s your birthday and you’ll get some free birthday food, along with a song! You might be asked to show your ID to prove it, however.
23. Chili’s
If you’re a MyChili’s Rewards member, you can enjoy some sweet free birthday food. Specifically, a free dessert after you pay for your entrée.
24. The Capital Grille
No sign-up up necessary for free birthday food from The Capital Grille. Dine in and enjoy a free dessert, on the house.
25. Cinnabon
You can smell the cinnamon rolls a mile away, beckoning you to come in and enjoy some free birthday food. Club Cinnabon members get a coupon for a free treat that changes throughout the year.
26. CAVA
If you’ve spent at least $100 in your lifetime at CAVA, you’ll get a $9 reward to put towards some free birthday food. You also must be a rewards member for this perk.
27. California Pizza Kitchen
Famously found in many malls and frozen pizza sections, the food from California Pizza Kitchen is very tasty. Enjoy some free birthday food from this spot if you have rewards points. Your freebie can range from a whole entrée to a dessert depending on your accumulated points. Rumor has it they also celebrate half-birthdays.
28. Crumbl Cookies
This giant cake and bakery business has taken the country by storm and you can enjoy some free birthday food here, too. Once you sign up for the Crumbl Loyalty Account, you’ll receive a voucher every year for your birthday.
29. Chipotle
Everyone is looking for free birthday food from the most popular Mexican fast-food chain. Does Chipotle offer free birthday meals? Not exactly, but you can get a free side of chips with guac, queso or salsa for your special day, as long as you spend at least $5.
Signing up for their rewards app and scanning each time you purchase could easily earn you a free burrito or other perks over time, though.
30. Cold Stone Creamery
If you don’t love cake, maybe ice cream will hit the spot. My Cold Stone Club members get a BOGO coupon on their birthday, plus another BOGO coupon just for signing up. That sounds like some sweet free birthday food for somebody!
31. Cracker Barrel
Who says you can’t enjoy free birthday food or dessert first thing in the morning? Cracker Barrel is giving you a birthday treat, on the house. It can be used after any meal, but their breakfast is particularly delicious if you want to start your birthday off right.
32. Chevy’s
Make it a fiesta with some free birthday food from Chevy’s. A whole entrée is on the house for the man or woman of the hour!
33. Dairy Queen
Famously served upside down, you can get some great free birthday food from your local Dairy Queen if you’re signed up for the DQ Mobile App. A BOGO blizzard deal for you and a friend should help you celebrate in style.
34. Caribou Coffee
You must be in the Midwest to enjoy this free birthday food or drink from Caribou Coffee. Caribou Perks members get a free beverage during their birthday week.
35. Denny’s
If you are lucky enough to live near Denny’s, you’ve got to stop in for some free birthday food. A free “Grand Slam Breakfast” along with a song will start your day off right.
36. Disneyland
If you’re going to be celebrating at Disney, you can get some great free birthday food. Disney-themed restaurants offer a free dessert on your special day.
37. Del Taco
Del Yeah! rewards members get free birthday food or drink on their big day. A regular shake is yours, but if you have over 1,000 points, you can get any size shake or a dessert for free.
38. Dunkin’ Donuts
After signing up for the DD Rewards program, be sure to swing by for some free birthday food, like a medium beverage to perk you up. The app may also include other birthday offers.
39. Duck Donuts
You may or may not have heard of this amazing donut chain, but you’ll want to check it out ASAP. Based out of Duck, NC, they serve up hot, customized donuts at over 100 locations nationwide. Plus, if you use the Duck Donuts Reward App you can get some free birthday food on your special day.
40. Dutch Bros Coffee
Dutch Rewards members can enjoy some free birthday food (or rather a drink) on their birthday. Any size of any drink is yours on your birthday, plus you get a free medium-sized drink when you sign up.
41. Edible Arrangements
While an edible arrangement might be something you would get as a present rather than buying yourself, you can enjoy a little extra bonus when you sign up to be an Edible Rewards member at these locations. A free six-count chocolate-covered fruit box is waiting for everyone who signs up.
42. Dippin’ Dots
You don’t have to be in an amusement park to enjoy Dippin’ Dots or their free birthday food offering. Join the Dot! Crazy Email Club and receive free Dippin’ Dots on your birthday.
43. Einstein Bros Bagels
Another free birthday food for breakfast comes to you from Einsten Bros Bagels. You must be a member of the Schmear Society to enjoy the free egg sandwich, however.
44. El Pollo Loco
Similar to another popular Mexican fast-food chain, reward members can get free birthday food when they use the rewards program. A side of free chips and guac is yours with the purchase of anything else on the menu.
45. Fuddruckers
This iconic burger chain has been around for a while now and they’re serving up free birthday food to their loyal customers. Join the Fudds Club for a BOGO ⅓ lb burger on your special day. Perfect for you and a friend!
46. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse
After your decadent dinner, enjoy a sweet free birthday food item from Fleming’s. Take home a box of homemade truffles to keep the party going.
47. GODIVA
It’s hard to say no to a little treat, especially when it’s actually free birthday food. Sign up for GODIVA rewards for a free birthday offer. The exact offer changes month to month, so you never quite know what sweet treat is in store.
48. Honey Baked Ham
While an entire honey-baked ham might be a bit much for a free birthday food, you get a $9 gift certificate to use on anything in-store when you sign up for their rewards program.
49. Golden Corral
As long as you’re a member of the Good as Gold Club, you can get free birthday food or at least a refreshment from Golden Corral. A free drink plus a “birthday offer” is yours when you sign up.
50. The Halal Guys
A somewhat mysterious “special treat” is yours when you sign up for this rewards program. Enjoy some delicious free birthday food or a tasty dessert.
51. IHOP
The IHOP rewards program will get you a free birthday meal loaded with pancakes on your special day. Will you go for plain, blueberry or chocolate chip?
52. IKEA
They may be known for affordable, functional furniture, but they’re also pretty famous for their Swedish meatballs. If you’ve been an IKEA rewards member for at least 30 days, you can get free birthday food and a coupon.
53. Jersey Mike’s Subs
If you’re a Jersey Mike’s lover, keep an eye out for free birthday food. This sub shop gives you a free sub and 16-ounce drink when you’re signed up for MyMike’s rewards.
54. Johnny Rocket’s
Treat yourself to some free birthday food at Johnny Rocket’s. No sign-up up necessary, you can get a free ice cream sundae when you celebrate with them. If you are signed up, you get a free burger, too.
55. Jack in the Box
You can find an online coupon for free birthday food at Jack in the Box. Two cheesy, delicious tacos might can be a yummy snack or a light meal.
56. Jamba Juice
Enjoy a health kick with this free birthday food from Jamba Juice. Insiders get a free juice or smoothie on their birthday.
57. Krispy Kreme Donuts
You must be a Friend of Krispy Kreme to enjoy this free birthday food, but if you’re lucky enough to have this iconic donut chain nearby, you won’t need to be convinced to sign up. A free donut is coming your way and if you’re extra lucky, it just might be a birthday cake donut.
58. Kwik Trip
If you’re local to the Midwest, you know that Kwik Trip is so much more than just a gas station. Their selection of beverages, snacks and even meals rivals some of your favorite restaurants.
To know Kwik Trip is to love it, so you probably have already joined The Club, in which case you can expect some free birthday food. Check your app for discounts and promo codes for a variety of KT items.
59. McDonald’s
Does McDonald’s give you something free on your birthday? How about medium-sized french fries for your free birthday food? These salty delights are perfect any time of day and a medium is bigger than you think!
60. Morton’s Steakhouse
If you’re already going out for a nice steak dinner, it’s a sweet gesture to also get some free birthday food. A $25 gift card along with a free dessert are yours when you’ve signed up for Landry’s Select Cluis.
61. Noodles & Company
There’s a surprisingly diverse menu at Noodles & Company, including a nice gesture with their free birthday food. A comforting bowl of soup (like chicken noodles) is the perfect appetizer.
62. Olive Garden
You don’t have to travel far to happen upon one of these insanely popular Italian chains. Enjoy some free birthday food at your local Olive Garden. The best part Is that you can get this free birthday food without signing up; anyone who walks through the door can enjoy unlimited breadsticks AND a free dessert.
63. Panera Bread
As a MyPanera member, you get some perks, like free birthday food. Start your day off with a free pastry or something sweet.
64. P.F. Chang’s
As a P.F. Chang’s Preferred Member, you get your choice of free birthday Preferred dining. A free starter is on offer, with the change to also get bonus offers on your special day.
65. Papa John’s
Make sure to sign up for Papa Rewards to enjoy some free birthday food! Claim your free dessert online, though note that not all locations honor this so make sure to call ahead.
66. Pei Wei
Once you sign up for My Wei Rewards, you get access to free birthday food every year. Crab rangoons, edamame, veggie spring rolls or pork egg rolls are yours, free of charge, as long as you order at least a soft drink, too.
67. Perkins
If you love breakfast food all day long, then you’ll want to check out the free birthday food from Perkins. If you join VIP Perks, you'll receive a birthday gift.
68. Pizza Hut
No one out pizzas the hut and this free birthday food is proof of that. As long as you’re signed up for online rewards, you get a free side of warm, ooey-gooey cinnamon sticks to enjoy with your birthday pizza.
69. Quiznos
Believe it or not if you’re a Quiznos rewards member, you can enjoy some free birthday food. How about a BOGO 8” sub? Plus, get $5 off the first time you order on the app.
70. Red Robin
Red Robin Loyalty members get a great option for free birhday food: a cheeseburger! Compared to some places, birthdays here are pretty awesome.
71. Sonic
Download the MySonic app to ensure you get some free birthday food. Enjoy a small classic shake on the house, along with a small side.
72. Subway
The classic sub shop is also giving away free birthday food. A “special treat” for Subway Rewards members. Fingers crossed it’s a raspberry white chocolate cookie.
73. Red Lobster
Craving seafood? Red Lobster has some free birthday food for My Lobster reward members. A “birthday reward” is all yours, plus get 12 cheddar bay biscuits for free, with a minimum $15 purchase on a to-go order. Oh and 10% off to use next time you dine in, just for signing up!
74. Sprinkles
After you sign up for the Sprinkles rewards program, you’re on your way to some free birthday food. Based on how many points you have in your account, you can receive between one and 13 free cupcakes.
75. Starbucks
Chances are you might be headed to a Starbucks anyway, so the free birthday food is quite the bonus. As long as you’ve been on the Starbucks app for at least 30 days, you’ll get a free cofffee or food item on your big day.
76. Steak ‘n Shake
Make sure you’re signed up for Steak ‘n Shake rewards before your big day so you can pick up some free birthday food. How about a double steak burger with cheese fries, on the house.
77. Taco Bell
Celebrate with some free birthday food at your local Taco Bell, as long as you’re a rewards member!
78. Smashburger
Sign up for Smashclub rewards to enjoy free birthday food from one of the most underrated burger joints around. Get a free side or shake after signing up; the rosemary fries are unmatched, but their Haagen Dazs shakes are pretty incredible, too.
79. Texas Roadhouse
After you sign up for the VIP Club, you can expect some free birthday food from Texas Roadhouse. How about a free appetizer or a side of babyback ribs or shrimp along with your entrée? You’ll bring back a “welcome gift” when you first sign up too.
80. Vitality Bowls
Enjoy a taste of the tropics with some free birthday food from Vitality Bowls. After joining the loyalty program, as long as you’ve made at least one purchase that year, you can unlock a free acai bowl on your big day.
81. Waffle House
There’s something so comforting about a Waffle House and the ultra-casual environment. The food is surprisingly tasty and you can get some free birthday food here too. Waffle House Regular Club members get a free birthday waffle!
82. Whataburger
This Southern burger chain restaurant is the envy of Northerners and if you’re signed up for their loyalty program, you can get some free birthday food. A free Justaburger is yours, but you’ll probably want to order a Dr. Pepper shake to wash it down.
83. Wingstop
If you’re a member of The Club, you get a free birthday food in the form of a side of fries. The lemon pepper wings are famous, but so are their seasoned fries.
84. Wendy’s
If you’re subscribed to the MyWendy’s email list, you can get a sweet free birthday food item, like a frosty, on your big day.
85. 7-Eleven
If you happen to find yourself at your local 7-Eleven gas station during your birthday month, you can get some free birthday food while you fill up. Rewards members get a slurpee on the house anytime during their birthday month!
As you can see, that there are more than just a few spots around town that will give you free birthday food on your special day. Some do require a little pre-planning or dining with a friend to take advantage of that BOGO offer. Plus, if you’re looking for some 18th birthday gift ideas, gift cards to their favorite restaurant are a great place to start.
Can food be a birthday gift? Absolutely! Especially for teenagers and college kids who are likely on a budget anyway, a gift card to Chipotle might just be the best gift they could receive.
Most of these restaurants are national chains, but chances are good that your favorite local spot might also treat you to a free birthday dessert, at the very least.
For even more birthday gift ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
