25 Birthday Food Freebies

Whether you like casual dining, fast food or sweet treats, restaurants around the country want to celebrate your birthday with you.

Make no mistake, they’re not just doing it out of the goodness of their hearts — they hope you’ll thank them by becoming a loyal customer. Also, many require you to join their loyalty program or sign up for an email subscription, and some require you to make a purchase or spend a certain amount of money to receive the freebie. (You may also need to provide proof it’s your birthday, so have your ID on you.)

Nonetheless, the deals and discounts are enticing, if you know where to find them. And they’re as varied as the restaurants offering them, ranging from free desserts to entrees.

To maximize the savings on your birthday, April Lewis-Parks, director of financial education at Consolidated Credit, a Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based nonprofit credit-counseling organization, says to be proactive and get on your favorite restaurants' mailing or email lists ahead of your birthday month. "The key is to plan ahead — sign up a few weeks before your birthday to ensure you’re eligible for these promotions,” she says.

"Some offers extend through your entire birthday month," she adds. "It's an easy way to treat yourself and get more for less, with the only 'cost' being an email address or phone number.”

Before your next birthday, be sure to check out our list of restaurants that want to celebrate you.

1. Abuelo's

If Mexican food is just what you’re looking for on your birthday, signing up for the Mi Abuelo's reward program gets you a  special gift on your birthday. Find your local Abuelo's here.

2. Applebee's

At this restaurant chain, you receive a free dessert on your birthday, but there’s a catch: You have to spend at least $15 to get the freebie, and other exclusions apply. You also have to be a member of Club Applebee's to reap the reward. Find your local Applebee's here.

3. Auntie Anne's

Have a hankering for a big pretzel? Auntie Anne's will give you a free pretzel on your birthday if you spend at least $10 annually. You have to be a member of Auntie Anne’s loyalty program; it's free to join, and you get 10 points for every dollar spent. (A free pretzel is 250 points.) Find your local Auntie Anne's here.

4. Baja Fresh

Join Club Baja to receive a birthday treat. Your reward will be loaded to your rewards account and must be used 7 days before or 7 days after your birthday — and of course, on your birthday works too. Find your local Baja Fresh here.

5. Baskin-Robbins

If you’re craving ice cream on your birthday, you’re in luck. Baskin-Robbins will email you a coupon code for a free 2.5-ounce scoop if you opt in to Baskin-Robbins’ Birthday Club.  The deal excludes all waffle cone varieties and toppings.  Find your local Baskin-Robbins here.

6. Benihana

If you register for Benihana's Chef's Table, you will be emailed a $30 birthday certificate 8-10 days before your birthday and have 29 days from the date the certificate is issued to redeem it. Just keep in mind that you must bring a printed copy of the certificate with you to the restaurant and that it can only be used during the restaurant’s dinner hours Monday-Thursday with a $30 purchase. Find your local Benihana here.

 7. Bojangles

Free biscuit on your birthday? Yes please. Enroll in Bojangles' E-Club, and you will receive a coupon for a free Bo-Berry Biscuit with purchase. Find your local Bojangles here.