*This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more info.
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 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 on down to see all the restaurants and fast food joints you can score freebies at!
**UPDATED June 8, 2018**
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 a FREE Roast Beef Classic w/drink purchase.
Au bon pain – Newsletter
FREE travel mug for joining, FREE sandwich or salad on your birthday, FREE coffee and pastry on the anniversary of the date you sign up + other exclusive offers/coupons!
Auntie Anne’s – Rewards Program
Join Pretzel Perks and get a FREE pretzel after 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.
Baker’s Square – Newsletter
FREE Entrée with the purchase of another adult entrée and two drinks with eNewsletter sign 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 pasta for signing up!
Cafe Rio – Rewards Program
FREE $5 credit just for signing up! Register with Facebook to get 20 points for free, too.
The $5 credit can be found under the “Offers” tab in the app or on the website.
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 dessert or appetizer.
Caribou Coffee – Rewards Program
Join Caribou Perks and earn a FREE Medium Drink after your first visit, plus a special treat on your birthday.
Carrows Restaurant – Newsletter
FREE dessert for joining eClub.
Carvel – Newsletter
Sign up for Inside Scooop to get a buy one get one FREE printable coupon.
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 Minibon roll at participating bakeries when you join Club Cinnabon. Plus, a special present on your birthday.
Culver’s – Newsletter
Join the club to get a FREE Value Basket with the purchase of a Value Basket.
Dairy Queen – Newsletter/App
Sign up for the Blizzard of the Month club to get a buy one get one FREE coupon + an extra-special coupon on your birthday, and surprise on your half-birthday.
Dairy Queen is offering a FREE Small Blizzard Treat when you download their app, MyDQ!
Del Taco – Newsletter
2 FREE Grilled Chicken Tacos for signing up and a FREE Premium Shake on your birthday.
Don Pablo’s – Rewards Program/Newsletter
Join the Habanaros Club for FREE Cantina Nachos, $10 on your birthday and$10 on your 9th visit!
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 email list and get $10 off, plus a FREE Entree on your birthday.
IHOP – Newsletter
FREE meal offer for signing up and every year on your anniversary of signing up + every year on your birthday.
Jamba Juice – Rewards Program
Join Jamba Insider to get $3 off your next visit and a FREE Smoothie or Juice on your birthday.
Johnny Rockets – Newsletter
Get a FREE burger when you sign up for the Johnny Rocket e-club, one on your birthday.
Joe’s Crab Shack – Newsletter
Sign up for eNewsletter to get a FREE appetizer.
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.
Lone Star Steakhouse – Newsletter
Sign up for eNewsletter to get a gift for join and a gift on your birthday.
Longhorn Steakhouse – Newsletter
FREE Appetizer with eClub sign up.
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.
Marie Callender’s – Newsletter
20% off next dine in purchase and FREE Birthday surprise when you join eClub.
Max & Erma’s – Rewards Program/App
Get 6 FREE cookies just for downloading the app and signing up.
Mimi’s Cafe – Newsletter
FREE 2 pack of Muffins or Croissants for joining and special offer 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.
Orange Julius – Newsletter
Buy one get one FREE coupon for joining the Julius League.
Perkins – Newsletter
Join MYPerkins to get 20% off coupon and a special gift on your birthday.
Pizza Hut – Rewards Program
Sign up for Hut Rewards and get FREE Cheese Sticks. Plus, a special offer on your birthday.
Qdoba Mexican Eats – Rewards Program
FREE order of chips and Salsa or Regular Drink upon sign up + FREE birthday gift offer on your birthday.
Raising Cane’s – Rewards Program
FREE Box Combo for signing up for the Caniac Club Card.
Rubios – Newsletter
FREE Taco when you sign up for the Beach Club.
Sbarro – Newsletter
Join Slice Society to get a FREE XL NY slice with the purchase of a beverage and a surprise on your birthday.
Schlotzsky’s – Rewards Program/App
FREE small Classic Sandwich when you download the app, plus get $7 off on your 7th visit.
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 Any Taco Plate just for signing up!
Taco Time – Newsletter
Join email Club to get a FREE buy one get one free item.
Village Inn – Newsletter
Sign up to receive a coupon for a FREE Slice of Pie with an Adult Entree purchase.
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’re having 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
I love free stuff!