Everyone loves to get something free for their birthday. But free food? That trumps nearly any gift. Many people go to restaurants to celebrate their birthday and many places offer free items (and probably an embarrassing song) to help you celebrate. From fast food to fine dining establishments, this list looks at 35 places that are worth eating at on your birthday.
There was once a time when all you had to do was tell your server that it was your birthday and youd get a treat and song. Those days are long over, as many locations require you to sign up for loyalty programs now. Yes, you get a free item on your birthday, but it comes at the cost of potentially opening your inbox up to endless marketing communications. Still, getting yourself a special treat on your special day is a great way to celebrate and these places all offer something just for you.
Applebees is a favorite chain restaurant for many and birthday desserts are on the house. In order to get a free dessert you have to sign up for the rewards program, Club Applebees. You can do that either on the company website with your valid email address or through the app.
You can order any of the four available desserts from the menu, including Cinnabon mini swirls, sugar-dusted donut dippers, triple-chocolate meltdown, or brownie bites. To receive your free birthday dessert, you need to make a $15 purchase.
Do you want free pretzels? Take a moment to sign up for Auntie Annes Pretzel Perks on the website or via the app.
One of the perks of being a part of the program is that you get a special offer on your birthday for a buy-one-get-one pretzel. Youll receive a special coupon in either your email or on the app, and you simply need to show it when ordering to get your free item with the purchase of another.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Join the Buffalo Wild Wings Blazin Rewards program online or via the app to get six free wings to celebrate your birthday. You will receive a notification and an email with the coupon for your birthday gift.
Visit Buffalo Wild Wings within two weeks of your birthday to get your free order of traditional or boneless wings with the sauce of your choice. That gift is worth $8.99, and you dont have to make a purchase of another item either.
Capital Grille is one restaurant that doesnt require customers to sign up for a rewards program or download an app. Just let your server know it is your birthday and youll receive a free dessert with your meal.
Dessert options vary by location but can range from cheesecake to creme brulee to chocolate espresso cake. You will have to purchase an entree to get access to the birthday gift.
Checkers is a fast food restaurant that harkens back to the drive-thru locations of yesteryear. Its known for its variety of burgers and milkshakes and that is exactly what is on the menu for those celebrating their birthday.
Download and sign up for the Checkers & Rallys mobile app, and youll be eligible for a birthday gift. During your birthday, month, you will get an email and notification in the app with a coupon for the free item. The best part is that you dont have to make a purchase to get the cool treat. You can select from a variety of milkshake flavors like vanilla, chocolate, banana, and strawberry.
Chick-fil-A offers free food for those looking to celebrate their birthday, however, the gifts vary based on your level of membership through Chick-fil-A One.
Chick-fil-A One Members are entitled to either a fudge brownie or a chocolate chunk cookie. Silver Members get their choice of a dessert item. Red Members get to pick between a grilled, regular, 8- or 12-piece nugget meal; and Signature members get their choice of any entrée on the menu.
At Chipotle, you can get a free order or topping of guac on your birthday, but first you must sign up for the Chipotle Rewards program either online or via the app.
Unfortunately, youll have to spend at least $5 to get the item. Chipotles menu isnt as cheap as some would like, so the best bet would be to purchase an entree like tacos or a burrito and add the chips with guac as a side item.
Cinnabon offers its customers a free sweet treat on their birthday. The gift changes throughout the year and varies by location. That adds a whole new element as Cinnabon really does give you a birthday surprise.
Sign up for the Cinnabon eClub online or through the app to receive a coupon every year around your birthday. When your birthday comes around, you will get a notification and email letting you know that your gift is available.
Sign up for Dennys rewards program online or via the app and youll get a free Build Your Own Grand Slam breakfast to enjoy on your big day.
To receive your gift, there is no purchase necessary. When ordering, simply present the coupon youll receive in your email or in your app. The coupon is valid for any day during your birthday month.
Fuddruckers has a membership program called the Fudds Club that gives you access to promotions, discounts, rewards, and a BOGO 1/3-pound original burger on your birthday.
To get your gift, you must purchase another entrée during that order and present a barcode on your app or email. Your birthday burger can include the toppings of your choice, such as lettuce, cheese, jalapeno peppers, and more.
To get free food from Hooters all you need to do is sign up for the Hoot Club through the app or online. The loyalty program allows you to accrue points from food purchases and offers all types of rewards, including free wings on your birthday.
The max value of your gift is $8.99. You can order them in a variety of styles such as honey BBQ, Daytona Beach style, or even boneless.
1 Joe’s Crab Shack
Joes Crab Shack offers a birthday gift when you visit on your special day. Signing up for Joes Catch Eclub, you will gain access to the gift. During your birthday month, you will receive an email with the coupon included for your next trip.
For your birthday, Joes Crab Shack allows you to pick a free appetizer when you purchase an entree. Those appetizers include items like garlic bread, crab & shrimp tacos, spinach & artichoke dip, and many more. Inform your server when you arrive and are seated that youd like to take advantage of the offer.
Sign up for the Rocket E-Club at Johnny Rockets and youll not only receive special offers throughout the year, but youll also get goodies on your birthday. Register online or via the app.
When your big day approaches, you will receive a coupon via email that is valid during the week of your birthday. That coupon allows you to receive a free burger when you purchase another entree or drink. This only includes the original single. Present the coupon on your phone to your server when checking out.
The Krispy Kreme rewards program gives you access to a gift on your birthday. Sign up for the program either on the company website or by downloading the app on your smartphone. Youll get a notification and email for your birthday gift within the month of your special day.
When you visit for your birthday you will get the option of selecting any of the donuts available at the shop. The birthday offer is valid for the entire month.
The popular chain restaurant, Longhorn Steakhouse, allows you to double up on your birthday and get two free rewards. Visiting a location on or near your special day not only nets you a free appetizer, but you also get a free dessert.
To take advantage of this program, all you need is a valid email address to sign up for the Longhorn Steakhouse account. You can also do so through the mobile app on your smartphone.
There are a few ways you can get a birthday item from Margaritaville. First, showing up at the restaurant and letting your server know its your birthday will net you a special gift.
You can also sign up for the Fins Up Club, which is a rewards program that works for both Margaritaville and Landshark Bar & Grill. If youre in the club, you will get an email during your birthday month with a gift of a free dessert. During your visit, you have to order an entree to be eligible for the item.
At McDonalds, you can get a free medium french fries on your birthday if you follow a few steps along the way. Those 18 and older simply need to download and sign up for the McDonalds app.
On your birthday, a coupon will be available in the “Deals” section of the app. Note that the deal is only available via mobile app orders, but you can pick them up if you walk into a McDonalds or go through the drive-thru.
How To Redeem Birthday Rewards McDonald’s (2024)
What is the McDonald’s birthday rewards program?
The McDonald’s Birthday Rewards Program allows you to receive a special treat on your birthday, whether that is a free dessert, a free sandwich, or a free drink. You will receive a coupon via email, which you can redeem in any McDonald’s outlet of your choice.
Does McDonald’s give free food on a birthday?
If you’re looking for freebies on your birthday, you may want to consider other fast food chains besides McDonald’s. While McDonald’s does offer some promotions and discounts throughout the year, it doesn’t typically give away free food or beverages on customers’ birthdays. Other chains, however, do have established birthday programs.
How do I get free McDonald’s on my birthday?
Another way to score some free McDonald’s on your birthday is to simply ask the staff if they have any special offers available. While not all locations may offer this, some may be willing to give out small tokens of appreciation to customers celebrating their special day.
Does McDonald’s offer birthday perks?
It’s worth exploring what other chains offer birthday perks to make the most of your special day. McDonald’s does offer birthday deals to customers as part of its rewards program, but it varies by location. Some locations may offer a free item or discount on your birthday, while others may not have any special offers at all.