The Best Food and Drink Perks to Use on Your Birthday

Birthdays only come around once a year, so we all love to go big and celebrate — whether that means making plans with friends, opening gifts with family, or even enjoying a quiet night in. But why not take advantage of birthday perks at your favorite chain restaurant, too? By signing up with store rewards programs, you can unlock all kinds of gifts and perks for becoming a year older. Here are some of the best food and drink perks to bring you one step closer to a delicious birthday treat on the house.

Starbucks: One Free Item

If you’re a member of the Starbucks Rewards program, you are entitled to one free food or drink item on your birthday. Starbucks is far from just a coffeehouse — with this perk, you can select anything from an extra large frappuccino to a cheesy breakfast sandwich, all on their dime. This deal is only available on your birthday, so visit your local Starbucks before midnight strikes.

Baskin Robbins: Free Scoop

With dozens of flavors, Baskin Robbins is the perfect treat for kicking off your birthday celebration. Anyone who signs up for the Baskin Robbins Birthday Club receives a coupon in their inbox for a free 2.5-ounce scoop of ice cream on their birthday. You might be tempted to add another scoop or go big with toppings, but at least one scoop will be on the house.

IHOP: Free Pancakes

IHOP’s loyalty program is known as the International Bank of Pancakes, and it relies on a virtual currency known as PanCoins. Each loyal customer is awarded five PanCoins on their birthday, which they can exchange for a hot stack of pancakes. Best of all, there’s no extra charge for syrup, so there’s no need to hold back.

Chili’s: Free Dessert

What better way to cap off a meal at beloved chain restaurant Chili’s than with a free dessert? By signing up for Chili’s My Rewards program, you can select a free dessert of your choice on your birthday, whether you have an appetite for molten chocolate cake or a skillet chocolate chip cookie. The perks with this program also continue long after your birthday — Chili’s My Rewards members receive a free order of chips and salsa with each meal, whether it’s your special day or not.

Buffalo Wild Wings: Free Wings

Buffalo Wild Wings’ Blazin’ Rewards program awards a lucky celebrant six free buffalo wings at any point during their birthday month. That means even if your birthday is on the 31st, you can still enjoy a plate of honey sriracha wings weeks earlier. Buffalo Wild Wings offers 26 different sauces and dry rubs, so there’s bound to be a flavor for everyone.

Krispy Kreme: Free Donuts

Krispy Kreme also embraces the idea of an entire birthday month, so you can expect to receive your coupon at the very start of the month to use whenever you want. Sign up for the Krispy Kreme Rewards programs and add your birthday to your profile to get started. Some Krispy Kremes locations only offer a free birthday donut, but specific locations will hand you an entire box if you're lucky.

Red Robin: Free Burger

Red Robin is known for fire-grilled burgers, including the Lava Queso burger with a side of queso sauce or the Royal Red Robin burger topped with a runny egg. Signing up for Red Robin Royalty on your birthday will get you a free burger. Fries and other sides are extra, but that’s a small additional cost, considering you’ll be getting a burger on the house.

Waffle House: Free Waffle

Waffle House has a cult following for a good reason. This breakfast chain offers some of the most delicious breakfast platters in the country. Sign up for the Waffle House Regulars Club to get yourself a free order of hash browns right off the bat and to qualify for a free waffle on your birthday.

Jersey Mike’s: Free Sub

Jersey Mike’s offers subs made with fresh, delicious ingredients, making it one of the best lunch chains in the country. By signing up for Jersey Mike’s Shore Points rewards program, you’ll get a free regular sub and a 16-ounce soft drink on your birthday. Be sure to create an account at least eight days in advance to ensure you receive the deal.

Olive Garden: Free Dessert

You don’t have to sign up for anything to receive a free birthday dessert at Olive Garden. That’s right, there’s no special rewards program — simply tell the server that it’s your birthday, and you can get yourself a plate of tiramisu, chocolate lasagna, or another dessert for no charge. How’s that for a sweet deal?

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