When you’re a kid, your birthday is something super exciting to look forward to. Sometimes you have a big party with all your friends. Sometimes it’s a smaller celebration, but a birthday for a child almost always includes lots of presents and a beautifully-decorated birthday cake.
When we grow up, we often don’t look forward to our birthdays in the same way we did when we were kids. There often isn’t a big party, and we’re okay with that. But, there often aren’t lots of presents either, and sometimes there isn’t even cake. But, there can be.
We’re here to help you look forward to your birthday again. Even if you skip the party and presents, you should treat yourself to a day full of free (or BOGO) food! Here are 25 of our favorite restaurants that will pick up the bill for you on your birthday.
Denny’s
Start your birthday off right with a free Grand Slam from Denny’s. When you sign up for Denny’s Rewards, the restaurant will send you a coupon for a free build-your-own Grand Slam breakfast. You get to choose from favorites like eggs, pancakes, fruit and more. There’s no purchase necessary for this offer, but unlike some other offers, you can only use this coupon on your actual birthday. Be sure to bring your I.D. for verification.
Krispy Kreme
Sign up for Krispy Kreme’s rewards program to get a free doughnut on your birthday. You’ll even get a free doughnut just for signing up!
IHOP
If you’re craving pancakes, you can get your fill at IHOP. Their birthday coupon is for a free Rooty Tooty Fresh ‘N Fruity, an IHOP favorite. You can redeem the coupon starting 7 days before your birthday and ending 7 days after your birthday.
Waffle House
When you sign up for Waffle House’s email list, they’ll send you an email for a free Waffle on your birthday. No purchase necessary!
Starbucks
Everyone who signs up for My Starbucks Rewards™ gets a free beverage or treat on their birthday.
Dunkin’ Donuts
DD Perks members can get a free beverage in any size on their birthday, but if you’re not already a member, you’ll get a free beverage when you sign up too!
Joe’s Crab Shack
When you sign up for Joe’s Crab Shack email list, you’ll get a coupon for a free birthday appetizer with the purchase of an entree.
Hooters
Hooters eClub members get free chicken wings on their birthday (or they can redeem the coupon up to 7 days after their birthday).
Texas Roadhouse
Join the Texas Roadhouse email list, and get a birthday coupon for a free appetizer or sidekick of ribs with purchase of an entree.
Red Robin
Red Robin Royalty members get a reward for a free burger that they can use anytime in their birthday month.
Applebee’s
When you sign up for Applebee’s birthday club, the restaurant will send you a coupon good for a free entree with the purchase of another entree. So, it’s not exactly free, but you’re probably not planning on eating alone on your birthday anyway.
Firehouse Subs
When you sign up for Firehouse Subs rewards, you can get a free medium sub on your birthday.
Zaxby’s
If you sign up for Zaxby’s mail club, they’ll send you a postcard that’s good for a free chicken sandwich meal. There are 9 different sandwiches for you to choose from, and the meal includes fries and a drink.
Qdoba Mexican Grill
At Qdoba, you’ll get a free burrito on your birthday.
Ruby Tuesday
At Ruby Tuesday, you can get a free burger or garden bar entree that’s up to an $11 value, and you have 30 days to use the coupon.
Moe’s Southwest Grill
Get a free burrito every year on your birthday when you download Moe’s app.
Jersey Mike’s
Sign up for the Jersey Mike’s email club, and every year on your birthday you’ll get a coupon for a free regular sub and 22 oz fountain drink.
Olive Garden
Olive Garden makes sure you have no excuse not to have cake on your birthday. The restaurant will give you a free dessert (up to an $8.50) value, so even if you’re not a cake person, you can enjoy tiramisu or cheesecake instead.
Noodles & Company
Get a free birthday Rice Krispie Treat on your birthday (or up to 2 weeks after) at Noodles & Company.
Arby’s
Arby’s doesn’t give you a full meal for your birthday, but they’ll give you a coupon for a free small shake with any purchase. You have 7 days to use this coupon, so if you’re craving Arby’s anyway, might as well get a free shake!
Dairy Queen
Sign up for Dairy Queen’s Blizzard Fan Club, and you’ll get a BOGO coupon on your birthday. We won’t judge if you eat both yourself. After all, it’s your birthday!
Sprinkles
Yes, you can get a free cupcake on your birthday! If you visit 20 or more times a year, you can also get a free cupcake on your half-birthday. Visit 40 or more times a year, and you get a dozen free cupcakes on your birthday!
Cracker Barrel
Enjoy a free dessert when you eat at Cracker Barrel on your birthday. They’ll even sing a birthday song to you.
Baskin Robbins
Sign up for Baskin Robbins Birthday Club to get a free scoop of ice-cream on your birthday.
Pinkberry
Enjoy free yogurt on your birthday as a Pinkberry pinkcard member.
Which deals do you plan to use on your birthday?