How to Get Free Food from Restaurants – A List for Hungry People!
Learning where and how to get free food is something that would interest just about anyone.
But:
It probably interests those who are broke or seriously low on money wayyy more. Eating out can be an expensive luxury, so it’s really nice to be able to get freebies.
So HOW exactly do you manage to secure cost-free food?? Great news – it’s easy!
To simplify how to get free food, there are a couple of options:
- Sign up for fast food/restaurant newsletters
- Use mobile apps
- Join rewards programs
I put together this nice, long list of restaurants that will reward you for completing said tasks. Scroll down to see all the restaurants and fast food joints you can score freebies at!
**UPDATED June 2, 2022**
How & Where to Get Free Food!
Abuelo’s – Rewards Program
FREE offer for joining and FREE special offer on your birthday.
Arby’s – Newsletter
Sign up for email deals and get a coupon for 50% off any sandwich on your next order.
Au bon pain – Newsletter
FREE travel mug for joining and other exclusive offers/coupons!
Auntie Anne’s – Rewards Program
Join Pretzel Perks and get a FREE pretzel after your first purchase (of at least $1.00) + a FREE pretzel on your birthday.
Backyard Burgers – Newsletter
Join the eClub and get a FREE Free Back Yard Classic Burger just for signing up.
Black Angus – Newsletter
FREE DESSERT for joining the Prime Club and a FREE Steak Dinner on your 1st birthday as a Prime Club member.
Black Bear Diner – Newsletter
Join Bear Lover’s eClub to get a FREE Bear claw and coffee + a FREE meal on your birthday.
Bojangles – Newsletter
Join the eClub to get FREE 1/2 gallon of Legendary Iced Tea with purchase after sign-up and a FREE Bo-Berry Biscuit with purchase every year on your birthday.
Brueggers – Newsletter
FREE Bagel with cream cheese for signing up for their eClub.
Buca Di Beppo – Newsletter
FREE $10 gift for signing up!
California Pizza Kitchen – Rewards Program
FREE Small Plate when you register + a FREE dessert on your birthday with the CPK rewards program.
Captain D’s – Rewards Program
Join VIP rewards to get a FREE one-piece fish and fries.
Caribou Coffee – Rewards Program
Join Caribou Perks and earn a FREE Medium Drink after your first visit, plus a special treat on your birthday.
Chili’s – Rewards Program
Join Chili’s Rewards for a FREE chips & sale or non-alcoholic drink EVERY visit + a FREE dessert on your birthday.
Cinnabon – Newsletter
FREE 4-count BonBites at participating bakeries when you join Club Cinnabon.
Culver’s – Newsletter
Join the club to get a FREE birthday treat.
Del Taco – Newsletter
2 FREE The Del Tacos for signing up and a FREE Premium Shake on your birthday.
Dunn Brothers Coffee – App
Get a $3 app credit FREE when you download their app. Plus, get $5 for a birthday coffee.
Dunkin Donuts – Rewards Program
Join DD perks to get a FREE Beverage and a FREE Beverage each year on your birthday.
Einstenin Bros – Newsletter
Get a FREE Bagel & Shmear with purchase when you join the Shmear Society, plus a FREE Egg Sandwich with purchase on your birthday.
Houlihan’s – Newsletter
Join the email list and get $10 off, plus a FREE Entree on your birthday.
IHOP – Newsletter
FREE pancakes every year on your birthday.
Lamar’s Donuts – Rewards Program
Join Love for life and get a FREE donut and coffee. Additionally, you’ll get a FREE donut on your birthday & National Donut Day.
Longhorn Steakhouse – Newsletter
FREE Appetizer with eClub signup.
Macaroni Grill – Newsletter
Get $5 off your next visit when you join the email club.
Maggiano’s Little Italy – Newsletter
Sign up for their eClub and get $10 off your next visit.
Marble Slam Creamery – Newsletter
Sign up for Slab Happy Email and get a surprise on your birthday.
Max & Erma’s – Rewards Program/App
Get 6 FREE cookies just for downloading the app and signing up.
Mimi’s Cafe – Newsletter
FREE sweet reward on your birthday.
Moe’s Southwest Grill – Rewards Program/App
Download the Moe’s app and sign up Rockin’ Rewards to get free nachos with the purchase of any regular or large drink just for signing up. And get a free burrito on your birthday every year.
Olive Garden – Newsletter
FREE Appetizer or Dessert with 2 adult entrees when you sign up.
Perkins – Newsletter
Join MYPerkins to get a 20% off coupon and a special gift on your birthday.
Pizza Hut – Rewards Program
Sign up for Hut Rewards and get a FREE special offer on your birthday.
Raising Cane’s – Rewards Program
FREE Box Combo for signing up for the Caniac Club Card.
Rubios – Newsletter
$5 off your first order when you sign up for the Beach Club.
Shari’s – Rewards Program
FREE slice of pie for registering and FREE slice of pie on your birthday.
Shoney’s – Newsletter
Join the eClub to get FREE Hot Fudge Cake on your birthday.
Smoothie King – Rewards Program/App
Sign up and use their app to get $2 off.
Taco Cabana – Newsletter
FREE $5 reward, $3 Ground Beef Taco + Margarita bundle, and 50 free MY TC! reward points just for signing up!
Taco Time – Newsletter
Join email Club to get a FREE buy one get one free item.
Wienerschnitzel – Newsletter
FREE Chili Dog when you join and a FREE coupon on your birthday.
Yogurtland – Rewards Program
FREE Yogurt for joining Real Rewards and a FREE birthday treat.
Zaxby’s – Newsletter
FREE Sandwich Meal for joining eClub and a FREE Nibbler on your birthday.
Now you are armed with the knowledge of where and how to get free food!
Next time you’re low on cash but hungry:
You can take advantage of one (or more) of these free offers. Knowing how to get free food can be a budget saver when you have a serious craving but have no room in your budget to pay for it.
Or it can be a life saver when you have literally no money to spend!
Which free food offer are you going to get first??
Let me know your top pick below!
Related Post: 58 Places to Get Birthday Freebies
About Jen
I’m Jen, one of the co-founders of College Life Made Easy: a lifestyle blog that focuses on helping students navigate college life on topics of finance, organization, dorm living and more.