Birthday Freebies for Grown-Ups: Restaurants that Give Birthday Freebies

You have likely heard of the various kids birthday club freebies at fast food restaurants like Burger King and Wendy's, who give kids under 12 a free meal on their birthday. But many restaurants and stores will fork over freebies to adults on their birthday as well. Be prepared to show proof like your license, and some places require that you sign up in advance on their website as noted. To maximize your freebie choices, see what freebies can be taken to go, like pizza places and fast food or donuts, and what freebies are the best values. Some freebies are more flexible, like anytime during the month of your birthday. If you are taking someone out to eat on their birthday, call in advance or check their website to see if the promotion is applicable and if proof of birth date is required.

The type of free item varies by place. Some give free dessert or free dessert and another item like a song or hat or similar items, others a free meal, other restaurants have birthday promotions such as someone else pays for their meal and the birthday guy or gal (that means you) gets a free meal. Some freebies are not worth it if you were not going already, some are totally worth it but require a sign-up (like the Palm Restaurants' free 3 pound lobster - WOW!). Inquire in advance to avoid disappointment and if possible, bring out a printout of the portion of their website citing the birthday offer whenever possible.

Restaurants that give a free dessert on your birthday include All American Café, Applebee's, Baskin Robbins, (a free ice cream treat), Bennigan's gives a free dessert and a birthday song, Bob's Big Boy gives a free hot fudge ice cream, Carrows gives a free cake, Cattlemen's restaurants give free dessert and a cowboy hat, Chevy's restaurants give a free dessert and a sombrero. Other restaurants that give some form of a free dessert include El Chico's restaurants, Hard Rock Café. Joe's Crab Shack gives a free cake as does Hometown Buffet; Macaroni Grill gives a free dessert and opera style "Happy Birthday" song. Marie Calendars' gives a free dessert. Outback Steakhouse gives a free birthday dessert and a song. P.F. Chang's is either a free cake or cheesecake and Red Lobster restaurants give a free slice of cake and a song. Steak and Ale restaurants include a free mini chocolate cake, TGI Friday's gives a free birthday dessert, as does Tony Roma's and Zio's.

Some chain restaurants that offer a free entrée or meal on your birthday include Austin Grill (register first), Beaches, and Chips N Giggles.

Chain restaurants that offer a free meal with another purchase include Benihana's Japanese Restaurant has a birthday promotion for a free dinner WITH 3 other paying guests, Maggiano's gives $10 Off purchase of $20 (sign up in advance), Z' Tejas gives a $15 coupon for the month of your birthday if you register first.

Burger King is a free kids' meal to all kids' club members, Denny's gives a free meal but usually for only kids under ten. California Pizza Kitchen has free kids meal during the month of their birthday but you must register first. Steak and Shake restaurants have a free dinner for "birthday club" kids, and Wendy's gives free kids meal to all kids' club members.

Restaurants that give some sort of free item include Alfy's Pizza that gives birthday guests a free mini pizza, Baker's Square gives a free pie, Buffalo Wild Wings (BW3) gives a free dozen hot wings, and Fuddruckers gives a free burger. Chili's is just a free song, so you would have to want to go there anyways since there is no free special item. Krispy Kreme is a free birthday dozen donuts and a travel mug of coffee but you must register first, Perkin's is a free stack of pancakes, and Rock Bottom gives a free appetizer for Mug Club members.

My personal favorite is The Palm restaurants gives you a three pound lobster (must be a member/register first). Visit their website for details and to sign up. The Palm is expensive, so verify this birthday freebie in advance. Palm Restaurants are generally located in the city and most meals are a la carte, so prepare to spend money on sides and beverages even with your free lobster.

Some other free birthday meal restaurants include Einstein's, Ernie's Steakhouse, Famous Dave's BBQ, (w/advance signup), Grillfish, IHOP, Golden Corral has a free meal to Birthday Club members (not just kids) during the month of the birthday. The Old Spaghetti Warehouse gives a free meal, Paradiso's gives a free meal and Taco Bell gives a free combo meal of your choice. Poncho's restaurants are a free meal, dessert and a picture. The Vine Tavern gives a free birthday meal, and Todai Seafood gives a free meal or voucher for a free meal on your next visit.

Other merchants like car washes, Hallmark stores, video stores and more will often have a birthday promotion, freebie or discount. Ask around at your favorite merchants for what free offers or specials they might offer.