35 Restaurants That Will Give You Free Food On Your Birthday

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 you'd 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.

Do you want free pretzels? Take a moment to sign up for Auntie Anne's 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. You'll 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.

The Baskin-Robbins Birthday Club is a rewards program that gives you access to a free gift on your birthday. Sign up online or through the app with a few basic pieces of information.

On your birthday, you will receive an email or notification via the app with a coupon for your gift. Visit any Baskin-Robbins to get a free scoop of ice cream. You don't even have to make a purchase for this one!

Become a Bonefish Grill Insider  to receive a free dessert or Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer on your birthday. Sign up online, and you'll receive a coupon on the big day that can be redeemed for the menu item (dine-on only) within one month.

You can choose from a variety of desserts, such as chocolate chip cookies, key lime cake, or cheesecake, or you can opt for the kick of a savory appetizer. You'll have to make a purchase of an entree or appetizer to receive this free birthday gift. 

Capital Grille is one restaurant that doesn't require customers to sign up for a rewards program or download an app. Just let your server know it is your birthday and you'll 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.

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.

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.

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. 

Joe's Crab Shack offers a birthday gift when you visit on your special day. Signing up for Joe's 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, Joe's 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 you'd like to take advantage of the offer.

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. You'll 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.

There are a few ways you can get a birthday item from Margaritaville. First, showing up at the restaurant and letting your server know it's 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 you're 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.

Sign up for the rewards program at Moe's Southwestern Grill and you'll receive a free cup of queso in addition to a birthday gift in the form of a burrito. You can sign up online or via the app.

When your birthday rolls around, present your coupon to get your birthday gift. Enjoy!

P.F. Chang's has a two-level reward program. The Gold Program is free and the Platinum Rewards Program is $6.99 a month, which comes with more perks like priority reservations, VIP concierge, free delivery, and more. Both options have complimentary items available for customers celebrating their birthdays. 

With both Gold and Platinum you can get a free dessert or appetizer during your birthday month. You can sign up for either of program online or via the mobile app.

Setting up an online order account with Pizza Hut will net you a special gift on your birthday. Sign up online or through the app, and you'll receive a coupon via email during your birthday month. Simply notify the server in person, or when you place your order online that you'd like to redeem the birthday offer. 

Pizza Hut offers either a free order of breadsticks or cinnamon sticks as a birthday gift. You must make a purchase in order to redeem it. 

Join the My Red Lobster Rewards Club to get a special treat on your birthday. You can sign up through the app or online.

On your birthday, you receive get a free menu item that is chosen at random and based on the location. Those items can be Cheddar Bay Biscuits, an appetizer, or desserts. 

To receive a free birthday gift at Sbarro, you must first sign up for the Sbarro Rewards program, which can be done either on the website or mobile app. Then, you must spend at least $5 at a location within the week of your birthday. 

Checking those two boxes will net you a free extra large slice of New York Pizza. That offer is only valid for a limited time around your birthday.

Join the Starbucks Rewards program and you'll get a free beverage, food item, or bottle drink on your birthday. Signup is simple online or via the app, and you can earn points throughout the year for even more free items.

When your birthday rolls around, the reward will automatically be added to your mobile app. Note that you must sign up for the program at least seven days before your birthday. 

The Waffle House Regulars Club offers free gifts for customers who celebrate their birthday at the restaurant. Sign up with a valid email address on the company website and you'll get a free waffle during your birthday month. 

You must make a purchase of another item to get the free waffle for your birthday. You'll be notified via email the month of your birthday to pick up your gift during your next stop.