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Are you looking for ways to stretch your dollar? 
Put your money away and learn where you can eat for free!
In today's fast-paced world, who doesn't love a good deal? One of the most satisfying deals, without a doubt, is getting free food from your favorite restaurants. Whether you're a budget-conscious individual or simply appreciate the thrill of a complimentary meal, this article is here to guide you on where to find those delightful freebies. We'll explore various restaurants, strategies, and occasions where you can enjoy delicious food without reaching for your wallet.
Everyone appreciates a good meal, but getting one for free is even better. In this article, we'll explore various ways you can enjoy complimentary food from restaurants. Whether you're a loyal customer, a student on a budget, or someone who loves a good challenge, there's a free food opportunity waiting for you.
Check out our great big list of all of the restaurants that offer free food! Keep this page bookmarked because we will update this list frequently with the latest offers!
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Loyalty Programs and Apps
The Power of Rewards
Many restaurants offer loyalty programs that reward frequent customers with free food or discounts. Signing up for these programs can lead to a tasty payday.
Download Apps for Freebies
Some restaurants have dedicated apps that offer exclusive deals and freebies. Download these apps, and you might just find a complimentary appetizer or dessert waiting for you.
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Birthday Treats
Celebrate with Free Food
Several restaurants love to celebrate your birthday with a special treat. Whether it's a free dessert or an entire meal, be sure to take advantage of these generous offers on your special day.
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Happy Hour Specials
Sip and Snack on the House
Happy hours are not just about drinks; many places offer free snacks or appetizers during these times. Check out local bars and restaurants for their happy hour specials.
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Sampling Events
Try Before You Buy
Sampling events are a fantastic way to try new dishes for free. Keep an eye out for restaurant promotions that let you sample their menu items without any cost.
Freebies for the Early Birds
When a new restaurant opens its doors, they often offer free food to attract customers. Be one of the first in line to enjoy complimentary meals and snacks.
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Food Challenges
Tackle the Ultimate Feast
Some restaurants offer food challenges where you can win a meal for free if you can conquer a massive portion. These challenges are not for the faint of heart, but they can be incredibly rewarding.
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Special Discounts
Scoring Freebies with Your Student ID
If you're a student, your ID card might be your ticket to free food. Many restaurants and fast-food chains offer student discounts or special promotions.
Veterans and Military Discounts
Veterans and active-duty military personnel often receive discounts or free meals as a token of appreciation for their service. Check with local restaurants to see if they offer such perks.
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Food Festivals and Events
Savor the Flavor at No Cost
Food festivals and events often provide opportunities to sample a wide variety of dishes for free or at a nominal cost. Keep an eye on local events happening in your area.
Community and Charity Events
Some restaurants participate in community events or charity fundraisers where they offer free food. Not only do you get a meal, but you also contribute to a good cause.
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Restaurants to get FREE Food:
Abuelo's Mexican Restaurant: Get a free appetizer after your 1st visit when you join Mi Abuelo's Rewards.
Alcapulco: Get a free appetizer with the purchase of two entrées with email sign up.
Applebee’s: Enjoy a free treat on your birthday when you sign up for this restaurant’s eClub.
Andy’s Frozen Custard: Sign up and register your rewards card for a free cone.
Arby’s: Get a free roast beef classic with the purchase of any drink.
Au Bon Pain: Get a free travel mug and discounted coffee when you join the eClub.
Auntie Anne’s: Enjoy a free pretzel after your first purchase.
Baja Fresh: Join Club Baja for a free taco with any purchase.
Baskin Robbins: Download and register via the Baskin Robins app for a free scoop of ice cream!
Backyard Burgers: Sign up for a free Backyard Classic burger.
Beef O' Brady's: Free appetizer
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: Register on this restaurant’s mobile app and receive a free mini Pizookie or handcrafted soda.
Black Angus: Sign up for a free dessert plus a free steak dinner on your birthday.
Blimpie: Get a free regular sub with drink purchase when you join the Blimpe eClub.
Bob Evans: Free hotcakes
Bojangles: Get a free half gallon of iced tea with any purchase plus a free Bo-Berry Biscuit on your birthday.
Bucca di Beppo: Join this restaurants eClub and receive a free pasta!
Burger King - free with purchase coupons every week
Psst... Score FREE Medium Fries with Any $1 Purchase at McDonald's EVERY Friday
Cafe Rio Mexican Grill: Get $5 off when you download the app.
California Pizza Kitchen: Enjoy a free small plate when you sign up for CPK Dough rewards. Plus, get a free dessert on your birthday.
Captain D’s: Enjoy a free dessert every week for a month with email sign up!
Carl's Jr: Free small fry and drink with purchase
Champps Kitchen + Bar: Get a free Champps cheeseburger when you sign up for the MVP League.
Caribou Coffee: Sign up for Caribou Perks and receive a free medium beverage.
Carvel: Sign up for a buy one, get one free sundae coupon valid at participating locations.
Checkers: Get a coupon for a free large fry with any purchase with email sign up.
Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen: Sign up for free chips and homemade queso.
Chevys Fresh Mex: Join Chevys’ E-Club and receive a free appetizer with any two adult entrées.
Chilli’s: Get a free dessert on your birthday with a My Chili’s Rewards account.
Chipotle: Enjoy free guacamole when you join Chipotle Rewards.
Cinnabon: Join Club Cinnabon and receive a coupon for a free Minibon roll at participating locations.
Cold Stone Creamery: Bogo free coupon with club enrollment
Corner Bakery: Sign up for this eClub and receive a free bakery treat.
Cracker Barrel: Get a free "barrel bite"---either biscuit beignets, casserole tots, loaded steak fries, and more---when you join Cracker Barrel's Rewards Program.
Culvers: Get a free scoop of custard plus buy one, get one free value basket.
Dairy Queen: Join the Blizzard Fan club for a buy one, get one free Blizzard coupon.
Del Taco: Two free tacos and birthday freebie
Dippin Dots - sign up for free coupons and birthday treat
Don Pablo’s: Join the Habaneros Club and receive a free order of nachos.
Dunkin’ Donuts: Sign up for DD Rewards and receive a free beverage at signup and on your birthday.
Earl of Sandwich: New members will receive $5 off their first order after signing up for this restaurant’s Royalty Club.
Einstein Bros Bagels: Get a free bagel and shmear with purchase plus a free egg sandwich with purchase on your birthday.
El Pollo Loco: Get a free burrito with your purchase when you download the Loco Rewards app.
Firehouse Subs: Sign up for this restaurant's email list, and you’ll get a free large drink with the purchase of any sub.
Friendly's - First time member treats change but are typically a Free scoop, also birthday freebies for the whole family.
Bonus: Get a FREE Starbucks Drink or Food Item During Your Birthday!
Godiva - Free treat for members every month.
Gold Star Chili: Buy-one-get-one-free 3 Way.
Habit Burger & Grill: Free birthday treat.
Hardee’s: Get a free small fry and beverage with email signup with purchase.
Hooter's: 10 free boneless wings and a birthday treat.
Houlihan's: $10 off with signup and free birthday meal.
IHOP: Join the Pancake Revolution for a free full stack of Rooty Tooty Fresh ‘N Fruity pancakes and a free birthday meal.
Jack's: Get a free Big Jack when you download the Jack's Rewards app.
Jamba Juice: $3 off next visit and a free birthday smoothie
Jersey Mike's: Free birthday sub and drink
Jimmy John's: Get a free sandwich after your first member order with Freaky Fast Rewards.
Joe’s Crab Shack: Snag a free appetizer when you sign up for Joe’s Catch.
Johnny Rockets: Get a free burger just for signing up for this restaurant’s newsletter!
Krispy Kreme: - Sign up for their Rewards and get a Free Donut
LaMar's Donuts: Free doughnut and coffee on next purchase
Logan's Roadhouse: $5 off $20 purchase
Longhorn Steakhouse: Free appetizer with the purchase of one adult entree with signup.
Macaroni Grill: $5 off next visit.
Maggiano's: $10 off next visit.
Marble Slab Creamery: Get free ice cream just by downloading the app!
Mazzio's: $5 off and free birthday pizza
McCormick & Schmicks: Free appetizer with entree purchase
McDonald’s: Get a free sandwich when you download the app and use mobile pay on any order of $1 or more.
Melting Pot: Free box of chocolate-covered strawberries with $60 purchase
Mimi’s Cafe: Get a free 2-pack of croissants or muffins with email signup.
Moe’s Southwest Grill: Get a free order of nachos with any regular drink purchase plus get a free burrito on your birthday!
Noodles & Company: Get a free regular entree after your 1st purchase when you join Noodles Rewards.
O’Charley’s: Get a free appetizer when you sign up for this restaurant’s O’Club.
Olive Garden: Join the Olive Garden eClub for a free appetizer or dessert with the purchase of two adult entrees.
On The Border: Join Club Cantina for free queso or sopapillas on your first visit.
Panera: MyPanera rewards members can get a FREE bagel loaded onto their account & treat for signup.
Papa Gino's: Get a free small cheese pizza when you join Papa Gino's Loyalty Program.
Papa Murphy's: Get a free welcome reward plus free birthday pizza when you sign up for Insider Perks.
P.F. Chang's: 1000-point bonus (2,000 for a free entree) - Bogo free entree offers every week.
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery: 20 percent off and a birthday treat.
Pizza Hut: Free Cheese Sticks with your next order.
Pizza Inn: Get a free medium chocolate chip Pizzert or 5 pepperoni twists with email signup.
Quiznos: Download the Quiznos Loyalty app and receive a free 4″ sub with any purchase.
Raising Canes: Get a free box combo meal when you join The Caniac Club.
Red Lobster: Sign up for a free appetizer or dessert with the purchase of two adult entrées.
Red Robin: Join Red Robin Royalty to get a free birthday burger.
Rubio’s Coastal Grill: Sign up for the Beach Club and receive a free taco!
Ruby Tuesday: Get a free appetizer worth up to $10 with the purchase of one adult entree and a free burger on your birthday.
SBARRO: Join The Slice Society to get a free XL NY slice with purchase of a beverage.
Schlotzsky’s Deli: Get a free small Original just by downloading this restaurant’s app.
Sizzler: Join the Real Deal eClub and receive a free entrée.
Slim Chickens: Get a free cayenne ranch chicken sandwich when you join Slimthusiast Rewards.
Smashburger: Free entree with the purchase of a side and beverage with club & birthday freebie
Sonic Drive-In: Free cone with text sign up.
Spaghetti Warehouse: Free appetizer, birthday meal; free dessert with text signup.
Sprinkles: Free birthday cupcake.
Starbucks: Free drink for signup, on birthdays and free refills.
Steak 'n Shake: Free Double ’n Cheese ’n Fries and free birthday milkshake with eclub
Taco Bell: Get a free food reward simply by joining Taco Bell Rewards.
Taco Cabana: Enjoy a free fajita taco when you sign up for TC rewards.
Texas Roadhouse: Get a free appetizer when you sign up for this restaurant’s email list.
TGI Friday’s: Sign up for your choice of a free appetizer or dessert on your next visit.
Tilted Kilt: Join the Kilt Clan and receive a free pub pretzel plus a free burger on your birthday.
Tim Hortons: Get a free medium cold drink during your first membership week when you join Tims Rewards.
TooJay's Deli: Free dessert with rewards signup.
Torchy's Tacos: When you join the Taco Junkies rewards club, you get a free 1/2 queso with chips on your next visit.
Uno's: Free dessert with purchase.
Village Inn: Get a free slice of pie with any adult entrée purchase.
Waffle House: Free hash browns by joining the e-mail club.
Wetzel's Pretzels: Get a free pretzel after your first purchase when you download the Wetzel's Pretzels app.
Whataburger: Get a free Whataburger when you sign up for Whataburger Rewards.
Which Wich: Get a free drink when you join Vibe Club Rewards plus a free sandwich on your birthday.
Wild Wing Cafe: Sign up and get a free appetizer.
Wingstop: Join The Club for a free order of fries on the house.
Yogurtland: Get a free 3-oz frozen yogurt when you register for a Real Rewards account.
Zaxby’s: Join the Zax email club and receive a free sandwich meal.
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Eating for Free: FAQ
Can I really get free food from restaurants?
Yes, many restaurants offer free food through loyalty programs, promotions, and special events. Keep an eye out for these opportunities.
What are some other ways I can score free food?
There are many ways adults and kids eat free. While signing up for rewards programs and downloading restaurant apps is the most common way to collect exclusive deals, other less common ways are equally effective. Here are some other ways to score free food:
- Attend networking events and restaurant openings
- Participate in events, like 5K runs and volunteer initiatives, that include food
- Opt for a part-time job where a free meal is one of the perks
- Attend food festivals, holiday markets, and other popular events where there’s sure to be food samples
- Check our free food page for an ever-rotating list of the freshest deals and freebies.
How can I use coupons to get free groceries?
You can save a ton of money on food simply by learning how to coupon. This is because when you coupon effectively, you learn how to stack manufacturer’s coupons with store coupons, often leading to significant savings or even items, including food, that are completely free.
Is there a catch to eating for free?
There isn’t a catch to scoring free food. However, it’s worth noting that for most restaurants, with the exception of your birthday, getting a completely free food item typically occurs only once, usually right after your membership signup or download.
Can I get free food on my birthday?
You can score free desserts, free appetizers, and free entrees during the month of your birthday! By signing up for many of the restaurants offers on our list will qualify you to get these freebies. Some of these birthday freebies are worth up to $50!
Are there any age restrictions for free food offers?
Age restrictions can vary, but many offers are open to adults of all ages. However, some deals may be limited to certain age groups or demographics.
How can I find out about restaurant promotions and freebies?
To stay informed about restaurant promotions and freebies, follow your favorite restaurants on social media, sign up for their newsletters, and check their official websites regularly. Also, subscribing to Closet of Free Samples and following us on social media will help keep you informed as well!
Do I need to make a purchase to get free food?
In some cases, you may need to make a minimum purchase to qualify for free food offers. Read the terms and conditions carefully.
Are free food offers available year-round?
Free food offers may be available year-round, but some are seasonal or limited-time promotions. Check with the restaurant for specific details.
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Conclusion
There are numerous ways to enjoy free food from restaurants, from loyalty programs and birthday treats to food challenges and community events. The next time you're craving a delicious meal, consider exploring these options to satisfy your hunger without emptying your wallet.
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