That old saying, “There’s no such thing as a free lunch,” is mostly true. Unless it’s your birthday! Many national chain restaurants offer birthday freebies. In most cases, you’ll need to register to receive the company’s promotional emails; but sometimes, all you have to do is show proof that it’s your birthday. Either way, if you time your day right, you could eat free from breakfast ‘til dinner (with snacks in between). Let’s take a look at a list of birthday freebies.  

BREAKFAST

Bruegger’s Bagels— Inner Circle email club members receive a free bagel and cream cheese on their birthdays.

Corner Bakery Café— Corner eCafe members receive a free birthday pastry.

Denny’s— These guys were one of the first to offer a free birthday meal and their free Grand Slam Breakfast offer is still going strong. You don’t even have to sign up for emails; just show proof it’s your birthday.

Dunkin’ Donuts— Any beverage you want is on the house for DD Perks members celebrating a birthday.

Einstein Bros. Bagels— Members of Einstein’s Shmear Society enjoy a free egg sandwich on their special day.

IHOP— Join MYHOP to chow down on a free stack of birthday pancakes.

Panera Bread— If you’re a My Panera member, be sure to stop by for your free pastry.

Peet’s Coffee & Tea— Get your morning dose of caffeine free as a Peetnik’s rewards member.

Starbucks— Sign up for Starbucks Rewards and get a free food or drink item of your choice (even the largest size!)

Waffle House—  A free birthday waffle is waiting for members of the Waffle House Regulars Club.

LUNCH OR DINNER

Au Bon Pain— Your birthday lunch is on the house if you’re a member of the eClub.

Baja Fresh— Join Club Baja, get a free birthday burrito. Easy!

Carrabba’s— A free appetizer (or dessert) awaits members of the Amici Club who are celebrating a birthday.

El Pollo Loco— Get free guacamole and chips as a member of Loco Rewards.

Jersey Mike’s— Lunch is served! Your birthday sub and drink are on the house when you sign up to receive emails.

Joe’s Crab Shack— Sign up for the newsletter and get a free appetizer on your birthday.

Noodles & Company— Birthdays are better with a free bowl of noodles. Get yours by joining Noodles Rewards.

Red Robin— Want a free burger? Join their club and you’ll get one on your birthday.

Ruby Tuesday— Yet another free birthday burger is waiting when you are So Connected.

Sbarro— Prefer pizza? Hit the food court and get your free slice as a member of the Slice Society.

SWEETS & TREATS

A&W All American Food— Mug Club members get a free root beer float on their birthdays.

Applebee’s— Free dessert is waiting for members of the EClub.

Arby’s— Arby’s Extras members should be on the lookout for their free shake coupon about a week before their birthdays.

Baskin-Robbins— If you’re in the Birthday Club, be sure to stop by for your free scoop.

California Pizza Kitchen— CPK Rewards Members can treat themselves to a free dessert any time during their birthday month.

Carvel— More free ice cream for Fudgie Fanatics. They get a free cone on their birthday.

Cheesecake Factory— Show your server your ID to prove it’s your birthday, and they’ll bring you a free bowl of ice cream.

Chili’s— You’ll have two weeks to cash in on your free birthday dessert. But you have to join their email club first.

Cracker Barrel— Free birthday dessert with no sign-up required? Sounds good to us!

Culver’s— Change it up with a free frozen custard sundae as a birthday reward for being part of the club.

Godiva— Free birthday chocolate is awaiting for GODIVA rewards members.  A different surprise every month!

Jamba Juice—Quench your thirst with a free juice or smoothie on your birthday as part of the insider’s program.

Sprinkles— Is it even a birthday without cupcakes? Get yours free on your birthday as a perks member

If you don’t see your favorites on this list of birthday freebies, be sure to review our tips for saving money when dining out.