VAS Littlecrow:Foodie Friday: Free Birthday Meals and Treats |

Foodie Friday: Free Birthday Meals and Treats

On November 4, 2011 by Vas

Photo taken at Famous Dave's in St Cloud

I love getting free treats on my birthday. So far this year, I’ve gotten free ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery and Dairy Queen, a milkshake from Arby’s, and an absolutely delicious slow-cooked pork barbecue sandwich from my favorite rib pit, Famous Dave’s. When my birthday actually does arrive, I can use my ID to enjoy a free breakfast from Perkins, $20 worth of sushi from Fuji’s, free wings from Buffalo Wild Wings, a dessert from Applebees and/or a free meal with a fried ice cream dessert from Mexican Village. Did I mention that I haven’t even gotten all of my birthday treats in my email inbox yet?

If you want to indulge in some birthday BOGO from your favorite restaurants and fast food joints, here are some tips to get the most out of these experiences:

Whatever you do, DO NOT FORGET YOUR ID! This is of extreme importance and it will save you a lot of heartache and empty belly grumbles.
Visit the websites of your favorite restaurants and sign up for the loyalty programs. Many of them send you free or discounted goodies on your birthday and throughout the year.
Don’t be shy about asking the staff about birthday discounts when you visit restaurants. Most will be happy to give you that information along with your order.
The majority of birthday incentives require you to buy another item of equal or greater value, so it’s best to bring a friend. If you don’t have a friend to bring indulge in a little extra to take home. If you’re alone on your birthday at a sit down restaurant (as I was at a Minneapolis location of TGI Friday’s years ago,) and you let the staff know, they might just go the extra mile to entertain you and make you smile.
Some birthday restaurant incentives have age limits, so be sure to read the fine print before you sign up.
Brace yourself for a little birthday embarrassment. Sometimes, the price of free food is listening to waitstaff singing out of tune and loudly.

I’m at the age when my birthday counter starts turning backwards, so my age really isn’t a topic for polite discussion anymore. Yet, I am looking forward to the big day very soon. I hope that when y’all are ready for your birthdays, you can use these super simple tips to get a few extra gifts for your grinning mouth.