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Lacey Muszynski / Cheapism

Birthday Freebies? It's a Piece of Cake

If you play your cards right and sign up for a whole lot of mailing lists and rewards programs, you can easily eat your way through lots of restaurants for free on your birthday. Chain restaurants love giving incentives for email signups, so take advantage of it and see how many free birthday meals you can eat this year. You might even double down and pick a date where kids eat for for free too


Offer and availability may vary by location.


Looking for more free stuff on your birthday? Be sure to also check out our list of birthday freebies and discounts from stores.

shaunl/istockphoto

A&W Birthday Freebie: Free Root Beer Float

Relive memories of childhood stops at A&W with a free root beer float on your birthday. Just sign up for the Mug Club, which will also email you monthly offers.


As an added bonus, A&W is considered some of the best fast food in the Northeast.

Abuelo's Mexican Restaurant/Yelp

Abuelo's Birthday Freebie: Free Birthday Meal

You'll score a free entrée for your birthday at this Tex-Mex chain with locations in the Southern states. Just join Mi Abuelo's Rewards and make two visits to the restaurant before your big day in order to qualify for the free birthday meal.

NY M./Yelp

Anthony's Birthday Freebie: Free Pizza

This chain of coal-fired pizza joints gives members of its rewards program a free 12-inch traditional pizza with a purchase of $5 or more. If you reach the VIP level of the loyalty program, you'll get a 16-inch pizza instead. 


Bonus: You'll get a free pizza just for signing up, as well.

Tupungato/shutterstock

Applebee's Birthday Freebie: Free App, Entree, Or Dessert

At Applebee's, you'll get free food on your birthday, but what you get depends on which location you visit. You may get a free birthday app, entree, or dessert, depending on the franchisees in your area. Sign up for the restaurant's Eclub to receive your offer.


RiverNorthPhotography / istockphoto

Arby's Birthday Freebie: Free Small Shake

Sign up on Arby's website to receive email coupons, and you'll get a free small shake coupon emailed to you about a week before your birthday. The free shake is available with the purchase of a full-price menu item.


Looking for more discounts and freebies? Check out our roundup of unbeatable food deals near you.



Heather R./Yelp

Au Bon Pain Birthday Freebie: Free Salad or Sandwich

This French-style bakery and cafe chain will email you a coupon for a free salad or sandwich lunch good during the week of your birthday. Sign up on their website and you'll get a free coffee and bakery item, too.

©TripAdvisor

Auntie Anne's Birthday Freebie: Free Pretzel

You can get a free signature or classic pretzel during the month of your birthday at Auntie Anne's. You'll need to download their phone app and use it to join their Pretzel Perks rewards program, but those buttery pretzels are worth it.

©TripAdvisor

Baja Fresh Birthday Freebie: $10 Birthday Reward

Grab a $10 birthday reward at Baja Fresh for your birthday. Sign up for Club Baja and your birthday reward will be loaded on to your rewards account seven days before your birthday and will be good for another seven days after your birthday (so 14 days total). Use that $10 toward a free birthday meal of a burrito, tacos, a baja bowl, or whatever your heart desires.

Lori S./Yelp

Baker's Square Birthday Freebie: Free Slice of Pie

Who needs birthday cake when you can have pie? Join the Baker's Square eClub and get a coupon for a free slice of pie for your birthday. Plus, you'll get a coupon for $3 off when you sign up as well.

jetcityimage/istockphoto

Baskin-Robbins Birthday Freebie: Free Ice Cream

You'll get a free scoop of ice cream from Baskin-Robbins for your birthday. All you have to do is sign up for the loyalty program and opt in to the birthday club. Then comes the hardest part: choosing between 31 flavors.

Nicole K./Yelp

BD's Mongolian Grill Birthday Freebie: Free Birthday Meal

Sign up for BD's Rewards program in order to snag a buy-one-get-one free bowl for your birthday each year. If you've turned stuffing as many ingredients into that bowl as possible, then it's a pretty big free meal. Plus you'll get a free starter or dessert reward just for signing up. 

chameleonseye/istockphoto

Ben & Jerry's Birthday Freebie: Free Ice Cream

If you're lucky enough to live near a Ben & Jerry's scoop shop, sign up for the Flavor Fanatics rewards program. You'll get 10% off in-store and takeout orders and receive an offer via email for one free ice cream on your birthday.

Jonathan Weiss/shutterstock

Benihana Birthday Freebie: $30 Certificate

One of the highest value items on this list, Benihana sends you a birthday certificate for up to $30 if you join their Chef's Table email club. There are stipulations, of course: You must purchase another adult meal, you must dine for dinner Monday through Thursday, and the $30 will only be applied to the birthday person. But if you love teppanyaki, it's a great deal.

©TripAdvisor

Big Boy Birthday Freebie: Free Kids Meal

Big Boy is a blast from the past restaurant chain, and if you sign up for the Kids Club with your child's birthday, they'll get a free birthday kids meal. You'll also get an occasional dessert freebie too, like shakes or ice cream. 



BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse

BJ's Brewhouse Birthday Freebie: Free Dessert

Do you crave a decadent, gooey dessert on your birthday? Who wouldn't. BJ's Brewhouse has you covered with a free birthday Pizookie for its rewards club members. They're warm skillet cookies with ice cream on top in flavors like hot fudge brownie and salted caramel.

Michael H./Yelp

Bojangles Birthday Freebie: Free Bo-Berry Biscuit

This chain is famous for its biscuits, so naturally, it's also your birthday freebie. Sign up for the restaurant's E-Club to receive a coupon for a free Bo-Berry biscuit — a sweet, icing-glazed treat — on your birthday.


Hungry for more? Check out our ranking of Bojangles' sides.

TennesseePhotographer/istockphoto

Bonefish Grill Birthday Freebie: Free App or Dessert

You have options for your birthday freebie at Bonefish Grill: either a Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer or a dessert. Sign up on their website to be a Bonefish Grill Insider and your coupon will be emailed to you.

Jonathan Weiss/shutterstock

Boston Market Birthday Freebie: Free Dessert

You'll get a free treat on your birthday when you sign up for the Rotisserie Rewards club at Boston Market. Be sure to sign up at least two weeks before your birthday, and your birthday reward will be loaded onto your account at least one day before your birthday good for one free dessert (usually a cookie). The birthday freebie is then good for 14 days from when you receive it.

Alessandro B./Yelp

Boston's Pizza Birthday Freebie: Free Dessert

Birthdays are sweeter at Boston's restaurants because members of its rewards program will score a free dessert. Plus you'll get a free individual pizza after your first visit, as well. 

Eunice K./Yelp

Bruegger's Bagels Birthday Freebie: Free Bagel

A free bagel and cream cheese will be all yours on your birthday if you sign up for Bruegger's Bagels eClub. Bonus: You get a free bagel and schmear just for signing up, too.

Pe3k/shutterstock

Bubba Gump Shrimp Birthday Freebie: Free $25 Reward

This seafood chain, based on characters from the movie "Forrest Gump," gives you a free $25 certificate to use during the month of your birthday. However, getting the reward is a little more involved than it once was. You first have to sign up for Landry's Select Club, the parent company of Bubba Gump Shrimp, which costs $25 to join. You'll immediately receive a $25 welcome reward, and then you'll receive a free $25 birthday reward to use during your birthday month. (Note: The two rewards can't be used on the same visit.)

©TripAdvisor

Buca Di Beppo Birthday Freebie: Free Dessert

You get a Colossal Brownie Sundae for your birthday or a slice of Double Dark Chocolate Cake if you take your order to go, as well as a free pasta for joining Buca di Beppo's e-club

Lacey Muszynski / Cheapism

Buffalo Wild Wings Birthday Freebie: Free Wings

We all have our favorite Buffalo Wild Wings sauce, and you can get six wings coated in it for free for your birthday. Sign up for the Blazin' Rewards program and you'll get a coupon for a half dozen free wings during your birth month. 

Morgan G./Yelp

California Pizza Kitchen Birthday Freebie: Free Dessert

You may not get a free barbecue chicken pizza, but during your birthday month, you'll get a free dessert at California Pizza Kitchen instead. Sign up for the California Pizza Kitchen Rewards program to get your coupon. 


You'll also get a free starter when you register and earn rewards every time you dine at their restaurant. If you earn over 350 points (1 point = $1 spent), you'll receive a free birthday entrée from Californa Pizza Kitchen.

Eric O./Yelp

Caribou Coffee Birthday Freebie: Free Drink

Members of the Caribou Perks program can receive a free beverage in any size. You will have up to seven days to redeem the offer.

Ken Wolter/shutterstock

Carrabba's Italian Grill Birthday Freebie: Free App or Dessert

Carrabba's offers the birthday person a free dessert during the month of their birthday. Join their Dine Rewards program and you'll receive an email the month of your birthday.

C C./Yelp

Carvel Birthday Freebie: Free Ice Cream

Who doesn't love ice cream, especially on their birthday? Join Carvel's Fudgie Fanatics email program and you'll get a free scoop on your birthday.

LPETTET/istockphoto

Cheesecake Factory Birthday Freebie: Free Cheesecake Slice

If you somehow have room after a giant meal at Cheesecake Factory, you'll get a free slice of cheesecake on your birthday. Sign up for their email newsletter to get your coupon.

Christa L./Yelp

Chevy's Fresh Mex Birthday Freebie: Free Birthday Meal

At Chevy's, you'll receieve a free birthday entrée to celebrate your big day when you sign up for the company's Xperience Rewards (which also applies to El Torito and Acupulco restaurants). You'll also receive free chips and guacamole when you sign up for the rewards program.

Chicken Salad Chick

Chicken Salad Chick Birthday Freebie: Free Birthday Meal

You'll get a full meal for free at Chicken Salad Chick for your birthday. You'll need to download the chain's mobile app and sign up for rewards program account. One week before your birthday, you'll get a reward for an Original Chick meal in your account that's good for 30 days. 

Chili's Restaurant by Mike Mozart (CC BY)

Chili's Birthday Freebie: Free Dessert

As a member of Chili's rewards program, you’ll be eligible for a free dessert on your birthday and other freebies.

Ruthie W./Yelp

Church's Chicken Birthday Freebie: Free Chicken

Pick from a free leg, thigh, or tender strip of chicken for your birthday at Church's Texas Chicken. Get your coupon delivered to your inbox by signing up for its email club.

Kaitlin S./Yelp

Cinnabon Birthday Freebie: Free Cold Brew

Joining the Cinnabon Rewards program will get you a free 16 ounce cold brew iced coffee. You also get a coupon for a free Minibon when you sign up. (Note: Not all locations offer the freebies.)

Anthony S./Yelp

Cold Stone Creamery Birthday Freebie: BOGO Free Ice Cream

The eClub of Cold Stone Creamery will send you a buy-one-get-one free coupon for ice cream on your birthday. So grab a friend and celebrate, or just plan on eating a whole lot of ice cream yourself. You'll get a coupon when you sign up, too.

Courtesy of Mark K./yelp.com

Corner Bakery Birthday Reward: Free Dessert

You've got options at Corner Bakery: You get to choose a free sweet pastry during your birthday month. Options include cookies, dessert bars, and cake slices, depending on what your location has. Sign up for the eClub to get your coupon.

jetcityimage/istockphoto

Cracker Barrel Birthday Freebie: Free Dessert

Some Cracker Barrel locations will give you a free dessert (and song!) on your birthday without having to sign up for any programs. It's up to the franchisor though, so call ahead and see if they participate in this promotion before going. There's also the Cracker Barrel Rewards program, which offers a free barrel bite for signing up, as well as other rewards.

Lacey Muszynski / Cheapism
Culver's/Yelp

Culver's Birthday Freebie: Free Dessert

If a free frozen custard with two toppings sounds like a great way to end a birthday, just sign up for the MyCulver's rewards program and you'll get the coupon mailed to you before your birthday. (You'll also get a buy-one-get-one free value basket coupon just for signing up, too.)


Related: All of Culver's Sides, Ranked Best to Worst

jetcityimage / istockphoto

Dairy Queen Birthday Freebie: Free Blizzard

You'll get a BOGO coupon for a free Blizzard for your birthday at Dairy Queen. Sign up for the Fan Club to receive it.

jetcityimage / istockphoto

Del Taco Birthday Freebie: Free Shake

Grab a free regular-sized shake on your birthday from Del Taco. You get to choose from chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry. Join the Del Yeah! Rewards program to get your coupon. You'll also get two free The Del tacos just for signing up, along with other perks.

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Dunkin Donuts & Coffee :) by Rosa Hermosa (CC BY-NC-ND)
jetcityimage/istockphoto

Einstein Bros. Bagels Birthday Freebie: Free Breakfast Sandwich

Bagel lovers who join the Shmear Society rewards program are rewarded on their birthday with a free breakfast sandwich with purchase.

Christine Y./Yelp

Famous Dave's Birthday Freebie: Free Dessert or Entrée

Get your barbecue on for your birthday at Famous Dave's. The freebie seems to vary by location, but has included free birthday meal of an entrée or dessert in the past. Sign up for their Famous Nation email club to find out.


krblokhin/istockphoto

Firehouse Subs Birthday Freebie: Free Medium Sub

The birthday program at Firehouse Subs hooks you up with a free medium sub with any purchase on your birthday. Sign up for their Firehouse Rewards to get your coupon that is good for a week. Then plan to try a dozen new hot sauces when you redeem it.

Friendly's by Mike Mozart (CC BY)

Friendly's Birthday Freebie: Free Sundae

Friendly's offers a free sundae on your birthday for you and your kids. Join their BFF Club to get your coupon by email.

KathyDewar/istockphoto

Fuddruckers Birthday Freebie: Free Burger

This chain known for its burgers and toppings bar will give you a buy-one-get-one free burger offer for your birthday. Sign up for Fuddruckers eClub and they'll send you a coupon around your birthday.

Amy M./Yelp

Grimaldi's Birthday Freebie: Free Pizza

Grimaldi's rewards club sends its members a great birthday gift: a coupon for a free 16-inch cheese pizza when you dine-in. You'll just need to make a purchase at the pizzeria in the year prior to your birthday to qualify. Plus, you get a free appetizer reward when you sign up.

Dez D./Yelp
Addy N./Yelp

Houlihan's Birthday Freebie: Free Birthday Meal

Chow down on a free entrée for your birthday when you sign up for Houlihan's email list.

James R. Martin/shutterstock

IHOP Birthday Freebie: Free Pancakes

Breakfast lovers take note: IHOP gives you free pancakes for your birthday. You also get a free stack right away when you sign up for IHOP's rewards program.

Jack In The Box Taco by Willis Lam (CC BY-SA)

Jack in the Box Birthday Freebie: 2 Free Tacos

You'll get two free tacos with any other purchase during the week of your birthday at Jack in the Box. Just show your ID and the coupon you get by email when you sign up for their emails and enjoy your tacos.

B H./Yelp

Jamba Juice Birthday Freebie: Free Smoothie

At Jamba Juice, you'll get a free smoothie for your birthday. Sign up for the Jamba Rewards program and at least $15 to get your coupon automatically around your birthday.

Scott B./Yelp

Jersey Mike's Birthday Freebie: Free Sub

The East Coast sub chain gives you a free regular-size sub for your birthday. Join their email club and they'll send you a coupon, which is good for an entire year.


Note: According to Jersey Mike's website, the company is currently "taking time to review our free birthday sub program." No new members can join at this time, but some customers have reported that if you have an existing account, the freebie may still work. Be sure to call ahead to confirm.

Sanjay G./Yelp

Joe's Crab Shack Birthday Freebie: Free Treat

Sign up for Joe's Catch E-club and you'll be emailed a coupon for a free treat around your birthday. You'll also get a free appetizer coupon just for signing up. 


Joe's Crab Shack is now part of the Landry's restaurant group, so you can also sign up for Landry's Select Club, which costs $25 to join. You'll immediately receive a $25 welcome reward, and then you'll receive a free $25 birthday reward to use during your birthday month. (Note: The two rewards can't be used on the same visit.)

©TripAdvisor

Johnny Rockets Birthday Freebie: Free Burger

Grab yourself a free hamburger when you purchase another entree and drink at Johnny Rockets on your birthday. Get the coupon through email when you sign up for the Rocket E-club.

egexplorer/istockphoto

Krispy Kreme Birthday Freebie: Free Doughnut

At Krispy Kreme, you get a fresh, warm glazed doughnut free on your birthday, though participation may vary. Join the Friends of Krispy Kreme E-club and you'll get a free doughnut just for signing up.

Steven B./Yelp

Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken Birthday Freebie: Free Birthday Meal

Stretch out your celebration with a free birthday meal from Lee's. You can get a free two-piece classic fried chicken meal anytime during your birthday month when you sign up for the restaurant's email newsletter

Angie Y./Yelp

Legal Sea Foods Birthday Freebie: Free Dessert

Join Legal Net Rewards to get a free dessert from Legal Sea Foods on your birthday. You can choose from favorites like key lime pie and Boston cream pie. Plus you'll get a free cup of clam chowder just for signing up. 

ivanastar/istockphoto

Lone Star Steakhouse Birthday Freebie: Free Dessert

You'll be emailed a coupon for a free dessert for your birthday with the purchase of an adult entrée from Lone Star Steakhouse that's good for 21 days. Join the chains e-club to receive your coupon. The birthday gift can be redeemed in the restaurant or online for to-go orders.

helen89/istockphoto

LongHorn Steakhouse Birthday Freebie: Free Dessert

Birthdays come with free dessert for members of LongHorn’s rewards club. You’ll also get member-exclusive promotions and $5 for your next visit after completing your first transaction.

jetcityimage / istockphoto

McDonald's Birthday Freebie: Free Medium Fries

Sign up for MyMcDonald's Rewards and on your birthday you'll find a coupon for a free medium fries in the Deals section of the mobile app. McDonald's also sometimes gives out free Happy Meals for birthdays, but only to kids. It's also location dependent, so you may want to ask if they participate next time you're in the restaurant. 


Related: Why McDonald's Fries Used to Taste Better

©TripAdvisor

The Melting Pot Birthday Freebie: Free Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

This fondue chain restaurant gives you a free half dozen chocolate-covered strawberries for your birthday and for signing up for their Club Fondue emails.

jetcityimage/istockphoto

Moe's Southwest Grill Birthday Freebie: Free Birthday Meal

How does a free burrito sound? You'll get one each year on your birthday from Moe's Southwest Grill. Sign up for their rewards program to get your annual coupon. You'll also get a free cup of queso just for signing up.

Adam T./Yelp

Ninety Nine Restaurants Birthday Freebie: Free Dessert

This East Coast chain of casual restaurants slinging chicken wings and burgers will send you a coupon for a free birthday dessert every year. Just sign up for the rewards program to get it. You'll also get a free petite dessert after your first visit.

LauriPatterson/istockphoto

Noodles & Company Birthday Freebie: Free Dessert

After a big bowl of mac and cheese, you can get a free dessert for your birthday, either a crispy — better known as a Rice Krispies treat — or a cookie. Sign up for their NoodlesREWARDS to get the coupon emailed to you. It's valid for two weeks. If you earn enough rewards points and join the higher membership tiers, you'll get either a small or regular entrée.

Craig R./Yelp

Old Chicago Birthday Freebie: Free Pizza

This sit-down pizza chain gives its customers a free birthday meal. Download the restaurant's mobile app or create a rewards account on the website in order to score the free birthday pizza. You'll also get a free starter just for signing up. 

©TripAdvisor

Old Country Buffet Birthday Freebie: Free Birthday Meal

Buffet fans will love the birthday freebie from Old Country Buffet. You'll get BOGO buffet meals for your birthday and just for signing up for their Crave Connection email club, too.

Kev H./Yelp

On the Border Birthday Freebie: Free Treat

Join On the Border's Club Cantina and receive a coupon for free queso on your birthday. You'll also get a coupon for your choice of a free dessert, non-alcoholic beverage, or guacamole appetizer just for signing up.

Susan Montgomery/shutterstock

Outback Steakhouse Birthday Freebie: Free Dessert

Get a free small sundae or dessert at Outback Steakhouse when you sign up for their Dine Rewards program.

Joel Carillet / istockphoto

Panera Birthday Freebie: Free Pastry or Sweet Treat

You get a free pastry or sweet from the bakery at Panera for your birthday. Sign up for the My Panera rewards program to get your coupon by email.

Peet's Coffee Birthday Freebie: Free Drink

Peet's Coffee's loyalty program is appropriately named Peetnik Rewards. Join it and you'll get a free beverage of your choice for your birthday, which you'll have two weeks to redeem. 

carterdayne/istockphoto

P.F. Chang's Birthday Freebie: Free Dessert

You have options when it comes to your birthday freebie at P.F. Chang's. When you sign up for their rewards program, you'll get an email coupon for your free dessert.

Mei L./Yelp

Pinkberry Birthday Freebie: Free Frozen Yogurt

You'll get a free frozen yogurt on your birthday at Pinkberry. Sign up for their Pinkcard loyalty program and download the app to get your coupon. (You'll also get a free frozen yogurt after you buy 10.)

RiverNorthPhotography/istockphoto

Pizza Hut Birthday Freebie: Free Cinnamon Sticks

Sign up for the Hut Rewards program and get a coupon for a free order of cinnamon sticks. The only catch is that you must place your order online to redeem the offer.

Tammy B./Yelp

Ponderosa / Bonanza Birthday Freebie: Free Birthday Meal

It’s hard to top a steak dinner for a birthday reward, but that’s what diners can expect when they join Ponderosa’s eClub. They can also choose to enjoy a buffet dinner. In either case, the offers requires the purchase of regularly priced meal, as well. Same is true for Bonanza. (Note: Not all locations participate in the eClub.)

©TripAdvisor

Quiznos Birthday Freebie: Free Sub

When you sign up for the Quiznos' Toasty Points loyalty club, you'll get a BOGO coupon for a free 8-inch sub.


Quiznos also usually offers National Sandwich Day deals, so keep an eye out for those in November. In the past, they've offered $3 off any 12-inch sub.

RiverNorthPhotography/istockphoto

Red Lobster Birthday Freebie: Free Dessert or App

Red Lobster keeps their birthday freebie a secret, so likely it's based on location or randomly doled out. Sign up for My Lobster Rewards to get your mystery coupon around your birthday. Diners have reported getting coupons for free desserts or apps, and discounts.

NicolasMcComber/istockphoto

Red Robin Birthday Freebie: Free Burger

The chain known for burgers gives away — surprise! — a burger for birthdays. Join the Red Robin Royalty rewards program to get a free burger coupon that's good for the entire month of your birthday. Red Robin now requires that you dine in the restaurant and make a minimum $4.99 purchase to receive your free birthday burger.

JHVEPhoto/istockphoto

Pei Wei Birthday Freebie: Free Shareable

At Pei Wei, you'll get a free small Shareable for your birthday if you're a member of the rewards program. The name is a little bit deceiving though, because it's more like an individual appetizer. You can choose from items like a small edamame, two crab wontons, or one egg roll. Still, free is free.

Mel C./Yelp

Portillo's Birthday Freebie: Free Cake

Forget the Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches, because Portillo's gives you a huge slice of its famous chocolate cake for your birthday. Sign up for the birthday club — and enter the birthdays of up to three kids — to score the free slice. 

Dacia Z./Yelp

Potbelly Birthday Freebie: Free Cookie

Move over sandwiches, because the freshly baked cookies at Potbelly are just as delicious — and you can get one free for your birthday. Join the Perks loyalty program to get it, along with a free sandwich after you make your first purchase.

Huey B./Yelp

Rodizio Grill Birthday Freebie: Free Dessert

If there's still room in your stomach after all that meat, you'll get a free dessert at Rodizio Grill for your birthday. Join Club Rodizio to get your offer by email that will be sent five days prior to your birthday. You'll also get a free gift just for signing up.

Cheryl G./Yelp

Round Table Pizza Birthday Freebie: Free Personal Pizza

Personal pizzas seemed like the height of luxury as a kid, and you can relive that experience on your birthday at Round Table. Members of the loyalty program will get a free personal size pizza with a drink purchase for their birthday

Jennifer K./yelp.com

Ruby Tuesday Birthday Freebie: Free Dessert

Join Ruby Tuesday's new RubyRewards program (which recently replaced the So Connected club) and get a coupon for a free dessert for your birthday. The free dessert is available seven days before your birthday and expires 14 days after. If you're on a health kick for your birthday, you can opt for an add-on Garden Bar instead.

Alex Wong/Staff/Getty Images

Sbarro Birthday Freebie: Free Slice of Pizza

Head to the mall food court for a free slice of pizza from Sbarro. Valid for about two weeks, you'll receive the coupon when you sign up for Sbarro Rewards and make a purchase of $5 or more. (Available at select locations.)

Vivian Y./Yelp

Smashburger Birthday Frebie: Free Shake

Get a free shake with any purchase for your birthday at Smashburger. Join its SmashRewards program to get your birthday reward, plus free fries with your second purchase.

Noelle B./Yelp

Sonny's BBQ Birthday Freebie: Free Birthday Meal

Sonny's BBQ doesn't skimp on its free birthday offer for members of its 'Q Crew rewards program. When it's your big day, you'll get a free Big Deal Combo with a barbecue sandwich, side, and a drink. 

Valerie H./yelp.com

Spaghetti Warehouse Birthday Freebie: Free Birthday Meal

Spaghetti Warehouse has one of the most generous rewards programs. Join the Warehouse Club and get a free meal on your birthday. You'll also get a free appetizer with purchase of an entrée just for signing up.

F G./Yelp

Sprinkles Birthday Freebie: Free Cupcake

Who could pass up a free cupcake on their birthday? Get one from Sprinkles as long as you're a member of the loyalty program and make at least one purchase in the previous year. If you reach higher loyalty levels, you'll get two free cupcakes, or up to a baker's dozen for free.

jetcityimage/istockphoto

Starbucks Birthday Freebie: Free Drink or Food Item

Starbucks is generous with their birthday rewards: They let you choose a free beverage or food item. Sign up for their rewards program and the free item will be automatically added to your account.

Sean Pavone / shutterstock

Steak 'n Shake Birthday Freebie: Free Milkshake

You'll definitely want to sign up for Steak 'n Shake's eClub. They send you a coupon for a free double steak burger and cheese fries when they sign up and a free milkshake on their birthday.

Josie N./Yelp

Subway Birthday Freebie: Free Cookie

If you're one of the many people who go to Subway regularly, you may as well sign up for the MVP rewards program. For your birthday, you'll get a free cookie to make your meal a little sweeter.

JohnnyPrimeC. C./Yelp

Ted's Montana Grill Birthday Freebie: Free Dessert

After a meal of bison burgers and cedar planked salmon, you'll get a free dessert on your birthday from Ted's Montana Grill. All you have to do is sign up for the email newsletter which gets you a $5 coupon as well. 

Gustavo K./Yelp

TGI Fridays Birthday Freebie: Free Dessert

Sign up for TGI Friday's rewards program and you'll get a coupon for a free dessert. It's good for the entire month of your birthday, so you have plenty of time to use it.

Anthony D./Yelp

Togo's Birthday Freebie: Free Sandwich

This West Coast chain of sandwich shops will give you a free sandwich for your birthday. Sign up for its rewards program online on in the chain's mobile app to get it. You'll be able to get any sandwich up to $10, and the coupon will be good for two weeks. 

SeanPavonePhoto/istockphoto
Whataburger/Yelp
Kaleb E. / Yelp

Which Wich Birthday Freebie: Free Sandwich

The loyalty program at Which Wich is called the Vibe Club, and when you sign up on the website or in the mobile app, you'll get a free regular 7-inch sandwich for your birthday. You'll need to have made a purchase in the previous 11 months in order to get it, though, so plan ahead.

J. Michael Jones/istockphoto

Zaxby's Birthday Freebies: Free Cookies

Zaxby's used to do things the old-fashioned way by sending you a postcard coupon on your birthday, but you can now sign up for Zax Rewardz online or through the Zaxby app and redeem your birthday reward of three free cookies. You'll also get five free chicken fingers with Zax sauce when you sign up for Zax Rewards.