When it comes time to celebrating birthdays, the majority of us would probably rather not cook. However, the cost of eating out for even that special occasion is still hard to justify. It's fortunate, then, that there are so many restaurants that offer free food to birthday celebrants, or I might never eat out. For your next birthday, why not let the cooks at one of these restaurants take care of you?
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Baskin Robbins
Image source: mentalfloss.comCake and ice cream is a pretty traditional part of all birthdays, in my experience. I can't think of anything better, except possibly free cake and ice cream. Join the Baskin Robbins Birthday Club and they will hook you up with the ice cream! Just bring the cake. Or don't. Ice cream is pretty amazing all by itself.
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Starbucks
Image source: fullpriceforwhat.comI don't know about you, but I am not exactly a morning person. My kids tell me I'm pretty crabby before my first mug of coffee. So it's good to know that our friends over at Starbucks not only understand, but are willing to gift us with a free drink (or treat) on our birthdays. Join their rewards club and enjoy that delicious start to your special day.
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Krispy Kreme
Image source: thedrum.com Maybe you don't want to have to decide between free coffee or a free treat for the start of your birthday. Caffeine is great, but we all know breakfast is the most important meal of the day. How can a person choose between free coffee and free food? Thanks to our friends at Krispy Kreme, there's no need to. Sign up for the Friends of Krispy Kreme and receive a free doughnut and coffee on your birthday.
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IHOP
Image source: ihop.comHop on over to the IHOP Pancake Revolution and receive a free meal on your birthday and on the one-year anniversary of your sign up. Although IHOP is famous for its breakfasts, this offer is good for more than just pancakes. So head on over at any time on your birthday for your free meal and enjoy the lack of dishes you have to wash. That's the best part, isn't it?
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Red Robin
Image source: partners.visitrenotahoe.comIf you have a summer birthday like I do, you're probably used to burgers and fries for lunch or dinner on your special day. Maybe your birthday is in the middle of winter, but a burger sounds like the best meal you can think of. Join Red Robin's email club and receive that delicious burger for free on your birthday. No mention of fries included, so you may have to order those separately or just enjoy the burger by itself.
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Baja Fresh Mexican Grill
Image source: bajafresh.comTacos, burritos, chili, and quesadillas are some of my favorite dishes. It's no wonder Baja Fresh Mexican Grill is my go-to Mexican restaurant—their food is absolutely delicious! By joining their e-club, not only will you get a free taco just for signing up, you'll get a free burrito on your birthday. I can tell you from personal experience they are well worth the effort of registering online!
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Firehouse Subs
Image source: savingslifestyle.com I might be a little biased, but I find that Firehouse Subs are even better than Subway. When my birthday rolled around a couple months ago, I decided to take advantage of there being one a few miles from my house. One of my kids mentioned it was my birthday, and the lady behind the counter informed me my medium sub would be free that day. Apparently, it's a bit of policy for them—just present a valid ID (or have a ridiculously cute six-year-old spill the beans, whichever).
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Edible Arrangements
Image source: coupofy.com What's better than getting a flower arrangement on your birthday? Getting a FREE chocolate dipped fruit arrangement, of course! By joining Edible Arrangements' “Edible Rewards” program, you'll receive a fruit arrangement dipped in chocolatey goodness for your birthday. The only possible thing that could beat that would be a free lifetime's supply of chocolate dipped, artfully arranged fruit.
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P.F. Chang's
Image source: pfchangs.comChinese food on my birthday for free? Where do I sign up? Join P.F. Chang's Preferred and receive your choice of a free small plate, dim sum item, or dessert during your birthday month. Decisions, decisions, decisions! That's going to be a tough call, for sure.
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Chili's
Image source: thepickiesteater.net Cake and ice cream, like I mentioned before, is a pretty standard part of any birthday celebration. However, I think I'll take Chili's brownie sundae if I can have my pick, and what do you know? By joining their rewards club, I can get it free on my birthday. You'll also receive a free order of chips and salsa, guacamole, or queso when you sign up—even more reason to take a few minutes of your day to check out the program.
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Black Angus Steakhouse
Image source: enjoyfloridamagazine.comI'm not much of a steak person, but if you are, sign up for Black Angus Steakhouse's Prime Club and receive a free steak dinner with a purchase on your birthday. Take a friend, significant other, or hey, just order two meals—it's your birthday, who's going to question your feast?
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Red Lobster
Image source: shescribes.com
Surprises are great and always welcome on a birthday. Isn't that what a birthday is for? Red Lobster understands this and offers their Fresh Catch Clubbers a birthday freebie chosen at random. Happy birthday!
I hope you enjoyed this list and found a few birthday freebies in your area to celebrate your special day. I know I don't always want to cook, especially on my birthday, so free food is a welcome relief. The added bonus of no dishes for me to wash is also compelling. Do you have any restaurants you frequent who give out surprises on your birthday? Comment those and your thoughts, and don't forget to share so your friends and family can get in on the freebie fun, too.
