Mayukh Saha
Mayukh Saha
September 29, 2024 ·  5 min read

9 Sneaky Ways To Get Free Food When Eating Out

Dining out is a luxury, but that doesn’t mean it always has to cost a fortune. With a few clever tricks and some insider knowledge, you can enjoy meals for free. From signing up for reward programs to attending special events, here are nine ways to score free food at restaurants.

1. Attend Special Events

free drinks at a bar
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Restaurants often hold grand openings, customer appreciation events, or promotional days where they offer free food and drinks. Keep an eye on local social media pages and event listings in your community to find out when these events are happening. These occasions are an excellent opportunity to not only enjoy a free meal but also experience new menu items or even win restaurant gift cards. My family once attended a grand opening event where we received enough free meals for an entire month.

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2. Join Rewards Programs

tomato salad on a white plate
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Many restaurants have loyalty programs that allow you to earn points or rewards every time you visit. For instance, Panera Bread and Starbucks have popular rewards programs where you can earn free food and drinks after a certain number of visits. By simply joining these programs and using them regularly, you’ll find yourself racking up enough points for a free meal in no time. Some restaurants even offer a free item just for signing up, so it’s worth checking if your favorite spot has a loyalty system in place.

3. Sign Up for Birthday Freebies

salad with meat
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Many restaurants love to celebrate your birthday by giving you free food. Krispy Kreme, Dunkin’, and Red Robin are just a few places that offer special treats on your big day. All you have to do is sign up for their email or rewards program, and when your birthday comes around, they’ll send you a coupon for a free item. It’s an easy way to enjoy a delicious meal or snack on your special day, and some places even offer freebies during your birthday month.

4. Download Restaurant Apps

oysters on ice
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Many restaurant chains offer mobile apps that give users exclusive deals and free food promotions. For example, McDonald’s, Auntie Anne’s, and Taco Bell all have apps that frequently offer buy-one-get-one-free deals, free items, or discounts. By regularly checking these apps and activating the offers, you can score free food just by placing your order through your phone. Some restaurants even give out free items just for downloading their app for the first time.

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5. Sign Up for Texts and Emails

soup and bread
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If you want to stay updated on the latest freebies and discounts from your favorite restaurants, signing up for their email or text message lists is a great way to do it. Many restaurants offer a free item or discount just for signing up, and you’ll continue to receive exclusive offers throughout the year. Places like Chili’s, Red Lobster, and Olive Garden are known for sending out frequent deals that can include free appetizers, desserts, or even full meals.

6. Earn Free Gift Cards

buttered flat bread
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There are numerous apps and websites where you can earn free gift cards that you can use at restaurants. Apps like Swagbucks, Rakuten, and Fetch Rewards let you accumulate points or cash back for activities like shopping or completing surveys. You can then redeem these points for gift cards to restaurants like Starbucks, Applebee’s, or Outback Steakhouse. By spending just a little time each day on these apps, you can build up enough points to dine out for free.

7. Join a Restaurant’s Team

burger and fries
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If you’re a fan of a particular restaurant, why not consider working there part-time? Many restaurants offer free meals or significant discounts to their employees as part of their benefits package. Whether it’s a fast-food chain or a local diner, working just a few hours a week could lead to free or discounted meals every shift. Plus, you’ll make some extra cash while enjoying your favorite foods. This is especially helpful for students or anyone looking for flexible hours and a way to cut down on dining expenses.

8. Participate in Contests and Giveaways

mashed potatoes
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Another fun way to score free food is by entering contests and giveaways. Many restaurants, radio stations, and social media influencers regularly host giveaways where you can win free meals or gift cards. By following your favorite restaurants on social media and keeping an ear out for local radio contests, you increase your chances of winning. My husband and I have won hundreds of dollars’ worth of gift cards by simply entering online contests. It’s a simple way to enjoy a meal on the house without much effort.

9. Make Copycat Recipes at Home

homemade hummus
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While it’s not the same as eating out, making restaurant-style meals at home can satisfy your cravings and save you money. There are plenty of copycat recipes available online that replicate popular dishes from places like Chick-fil-A, Taco Bell, and Olive Garden. With the right ingredients and a little time in the kitchen, you can recreate these meals for a fraction of the price. Plus, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing exactly what’s going into your food, making it healthier and more budget-friendly.

By using these nine tips, you’ll be well on your way to scoring free or discounted meals at your favorite restaurants. Whether you’re downloading apps, signing up for rewards, or getting creative in the kitchen, there’s no reason why dining out has to break the bank.

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