Birthday Deals

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(Redirected from Free things on your birthday)

There are plenty of deals to be had on your birthday. Many of these places require proof that you were born on the current day.

Caveat: Many deals have not been confirmed. Please call ahead to confirm a deal, and remove the unverified label to help others in the future. Please also indicate if any purchase is required.

This page is organized according to what your day might look like, morning til late, to maximize the freebies.

[edit] Prepare in advance

Ashley's: Free pizza during the month of your birthday with a Friends of the Owner (FOTO) card. Register for free on their website: You must be signed up prior to the month of your birthday for this deal. [Verified 6.3.2011]
Aubree's Saloon in Depot Town: Coupon for a free meal the week of your birthday, with purchase of another meal of equal or greater value. Must sign up for their email list in advance and they will email you the birthday coupon plus a coupon for a free appetizer to be used within 2 weeks of when you sign up regardless of when your birthday is. You can also sign up for the email list at Aubree's Bistro on Whittaker Road and get the same deal.
Baskin-Robbins: Free 2.5 oz. scoop of ice cream, if you join their birthday club in advance. The website says "on your birthday," but the coupon is good until five days after your birthday. Note: Some coupons seem to be for a discount on cakes or other products. Children may join under a parent or guardians account. [Verified 6.3.2011]
BD's Mongolian Barbeque: Free meal if you join Club Mongo and/or sign up for their newsletter in advance. Also, mention it to the waiter and you get a free sundae (tested 3/4/10).
Biggby: Free grande beverage if you sign up for their E-wards (emailed coupons). You'll receive a postcard-coupon in the mail. The coupon is good for the month of your birthday. [Verified 6.3.2011]
Caribou Coffee: Free drink on your birthday if you are registered with them; bring a copy of the email. Caribou Team Member: Please ring under #459. [Verified 6.3.2011]
Chili's Grill & Bar: Free Dessert with Entree
Cold Stone Creamery: Buy one "Creation" get one free, good for two weeks, if you join their birthday club in advance (will receive the coupon via e-mail). Children may join under their parent or guardians account. Change to BOGO verified 2.10.2012]
Dairy Queen: Buy One, Get One Blizzard Free, if you join their blizzard club in advance (will receive the coupon via e-mail).
Damon's: If you sign up for their newsletter ahead of or on your birthday, they will email you a coupon for a free meal with purchase of another entree. The coupon is good for the week before and for two weeks after your birthday. Need to check with Ann Arbor location for participation. It is not listed on the website.
DSW: Receive a $5 Birthday Certificate via email when you register for their rewards system. Valid the month of your birthday. [Verified 6.3.2011]
Flat Top Grill: Sign up for their email alerts ahead of time and they will email a coupon for a free STir Fry.
IHOP: Sign up for their email alerts, or Pancake Revolution, ahead of time and they will email a coupon for a free birthday Rooty Tooty Fresh 'N Fruity. It is good for 2 weeks, starting from a week before your birthday to a week after your birthday.
Joe's Crab Shack: Free Appetizer with Entree
Macaroni Grill: Free chocolate cake on the day of your birthday if you sign up for their email online. Offer expires a month from your birthday.
Moe's Southwest Grill: Free choice of entree on your birthday, excluding fajita's. Deal is good for the week of your birthday. [Verified 6.3.2011]
Noodles and Company: Free meal if you sign up (online or at the restaurant) for their newsletter in advance; will receive coupon good for 1 week before and after your birthday. You must be 16 to join.
Oasis Hot Tubs: Free t-shirt. Must be signed up for their e-mail club to receive coupon, which is valid for 2 weeks from birthday. You must purchase 1 hour spa or at least a $20.00 gift certificate.
Old Country Buffet Buy one get one free
Olga's Kitchen: Free dessert coupon good within 30 days before or after your birthday when you sign up for their rewards club online.
Qdoba: Buy one get one free entree coupon good for the entire month if you sign up for the Qdoba Club ahead of time. The new Qdoba on Plymouth does not honor this deal.
Palm Palace: Receive a free lunch or dinner entree with the purchase of an entree of equal or greater value when in their email club (coupon is emailed, show server upon ordering). Was emailed one week before birthday and expires one week after birthday but call to confirm use if not planning to go on your actual birthday. [confirmed 12/19/11 AG]
Panera: Get a free pastry if sign up for My Panera card
Red Lobster: $5 off any two adult dinner entrées good for two weeks after your birthday after joining the email club.
Red Robin: Free gourmet burger. Sign up for e-mail club and receive a coupon that will be emailed to you on the morning of your birthday that is good for 12 days AFTER your birthday. Also receive a free sundae on your birthday and/or when you use the coupon. No purchase necessary.
Ruby Tuesday "So Connected Club" - one of their handcrafted burgers for free [Verified 6.3.2011]
Starbucks: Free drink on your birthday for registered Starbucks card holders. Coupon should come by mail.
TGIFriday's: Free birthday appetizer after joining online club. Unverified
World Market: If you sign up for the World Market Explorers Reward Program online, you will receive a coupon for $10 off a purchase of $50 or more. (Verified 9.7.11)

[edit] Breakfast

Angelo's: 50% off entree with the purchase of a second entree. (tested 3/2/2012).
Cafe Marie: 50% off entree with the purchase of a second entree. (NO LONGER VALID 4/22/2012)
Northside Grill: Receive a free breakfast or lunch entree till 3pm with ID. You do need to pay for your drink and tip. Excludes takeouts. [Verified 8.22.2011]
Selma Cafe: "we'll treat you right"
Zingerman's Bakehouse: New birthday deal is a free loaf of Bakehouse bread (up to $6.25) with the purchase of anything the Bakehouse makes.
Zingerman's Coffee Company: New birthday deal is 50% off any coffee drink.
Zingerman's Creamery: New birthday deal is free 2 oz. serving of gelato or cheese with any purchase.
Zingerman's Deli: New birthday deal is 15% discount on everything you buy at Deli or Next Door on your birthday.

[edit] Lunch

Afternoon Delight: receive a free brownie or other dessert on your birthday *w/ ADDITIONAL PURCHASE." Updated 2/3/11 by RAB.
Angelo's: 50% off entree with the purchase of a second entree. (tested 3/2/2012).
Cafe Marie: 50% off entree with the purchase of a second entree. (tested 3/30/2011).
Marnee Thai: Free Thai Ice Tea or Thai Iced Coffee with purchase of lunch special!
Northside Grill: Receive a free breakfast or lunch entree till 3pm with ID. You do need to pay for your drink and tip. Excludes takeouts. (verified 3/26/2011)
Sava's: Receive a free lava cake." Updated 03/23/12 by BK
Weber's: Receive a free lunch or dinner entree (on the day of your birthday only) with ID, with the purchase of an entree of greater value. No coupon necessary, just tell the server that it is your birthday. The lunch menu (Monday-Saturday) is a great deal to dine compared to the dinner menu.
Cafe Zola: Free Nutella-Banana Crepe with purchase of an entree -- must present ID!

[edit] Dinner

Arbor Brewing Company: Free appetizer with another purchase. (tested 12-14-11)
Carlyle Grill: 1/(number of guests) or 1/2 (if you dine alone) off your check. Also free dessert. (I don't see the offer on their web site, but I was given this deal on my birthday in August, 2008.)
Carson's American Bistro: *Offer only available on your birthday with valid ID - driver's license for adults and/or birth certificate for children. Offer only extends to the food portion of the bill (tax, gratuity and alcohol are excluded) and is based on the number of guests in your party; for example 2 people dining receive a discount of 50% off, 3 people dining 33% off, 4 people dining 25% off and so on. Not valid with any other promotion, offer or discount.
Chop House: *Offer only available on your birthday with valid ID - driver's license for adults and/or birth certificate for children. Offer only extends to the food portion of the bill (tax, gratuity and alcohol are excluded) and is based on the number of guests in your party; for example 2 people dining receive a discount of 50% off, 3 people dining 33% off, 4 people dining 25% off and so on. Not valid with any other promotion, offer or discount.
Conor O'Neils: $10 gift card for birthday person, good on next visit with purchase of entree.
Cottage Inn: Buy 1 Entree, Get 1 Free of equal or lesser value or get 15% off pizza or get a free dessert with a paid entree. (verified 10-21-11) (only at William Street).
Creekside Grill: Free entree with purchase of beverage on birthday (Verified 11/26/11)
The Earle: 1/{number of guests} or 1/2 (if you dine alone) off the FOOD portion of your check. (Verified 10/10/11)
GoodTime Charley's: Buy one, get one free meal (of equal or lesser value).
Gratzi: *Offer only available on your birthday with valid ID - driver's license for adults and/or birth certificate for children. Offer only extends to the food portion of the bill (tax, gratuity and alcohol are excluded) and is based on the number of guests in your party; for example 2 people dining receive a discount of 50% off, 3 people dining 33% off, 4 people dining 25% off and so on. Not valid with any other promotion, offer or discount.(Half off food plus free cannoli 3/6/2012)
Marnee Thai: Half off entree! Please provide ID
Mediterranos: Free desert only (confirmed 2/28/2012)
Metzgers: "Join us for your Birthday! If it is your birthday we will give you 50% off two entrées plus a free dessert for the one having the birthday. Proof of your birthday is required." (tested 3/24/2010. Any dessert except the carrot cake)
Paesano's: 1/2 off entree for birthday person when reservation is made, and always a free dessert with a sparkler in it.
Palio: *Offer only available on your birthday with valid ID - driver's license for adults and/or birth certificate for children. Offer only extends to the food portion of the bill (tax, gratuity and alcohol are excluded) and is based on the number of guests in your party; for example 2 people dining receive a discount of 50% off, 3 people dining 33% off, 4 people dining 25% off and so on. Not valid with any other promotion, offer or discount.
The Quarter Bistro & Tavern: From their online menu... "BIRTHDAYS ON US Join us on your birthday and receive a free dinner with the purchase of a second dinner of equal or greater value. You must present valid I.D. Does not include alcoholic beverages, tax or gratuity." NB: by DINNER they only mean ENTREE. Only your birthday entree is free.
Red Hawk: A free dessert with entree purchase
Real Seafood Co.: *Offer only available on your birthday with valid ID - driver's license for adults and/or birth certificate for children. Offer only extends to the food portion of the bill (tax, gratuity and alcohol are excluded) and is based on the number of guests in your party; for example 2 people dining receive a discount of 50% off, 3 people dining 33% off, 4 people dining 25% off and so on. Not valid with any other promotion, offer or discount.
Seva: Free entree. Only with dining in (not take out). [Verified 01/13/2012]
Weber's: Buy 1 Entree, Get 1 Free of equal or lesser value with a party of 2 or more.
Zingerman's Roadhouse: A free cupcake with a birthday candle in it.This will be changing in Jan 2012. New birthday deal is a free Donut Sundae with your meal.

[edit] Dessert

Applebee's: (Free dessert [shot glass sized] and song)
Argiero's: Free dessert with entree
Ashley's: Free Tollhouse sundae (previously listed as any dessert) [Requires purchase of food, went 10-21-11 and were told we would need to get a table and buy something].
Bagger Dave's: Free drizzle brownie with meal.
Ben and Jerry's: Free scoop of ice cream. May require proof of ID.(verified 01-16-2012, served with a big smile and "Happy Birthday")
Big Boy: Free dessert. Must ask for manager.
Blue Tractor: Free dessert, logo glass and a $10 gift certificate for your next visit (expires in 1 month). Requires purchase of an entree. *UPDATE: Free dessert with purchase of an entree; Tested 02-21-2012*
Bubble Island: Free medium-sized bubble tea or medium frozen yogurt. [Verified 01/09/2012]
Buffalo Wild Wings: Free dessert
Cafe Habana: Free dessert, plus $10 gift card for your next meal (expires in 1 month). Requires purchase of an entree.
Cafe Zola: Free dessert crepe with purchase of an entree
Cake Nouveau: One free cupcake or two free cake truffles on your birthday with proof of ID. Note: Cupcakes are only available on Fridays and Saturdays. Flavor choices are limited to only those flavors that are available on that date. Because Cake Nouveau is closed on Sundays and Mondays, free birthday treats will be honored either on the Saturday before or Tuesday after your birthday. ****Bakery moved from 206 S. 4th, it is re-located at 1924 Packard Street**** [Verified 6.3.2011]
Chili's: Free dessert on the day of your birthday. Unverified
Cupcake Station: Free mini cupcake on your birthday. [Verified 6.3.2011]
Grange Restaurant: Free dessert with purchase of an entree
Great Harvest: Free cookie [Verified 6.3.2011]
Grizzly Peak: Free dessert plus $10 gift card (expires in 1 month) and a Grizzly Peak logo pint glass. (you have to ask for them) (Some people have only gotten the free dessert and glass) Requires purchase of an entree. *UPDATE: Free dessert with purchase of an entree and $10 gift card if your total bill exceeds $25; Tested 02-21-2012*
Iorio's Gelateria: Free small gelato. [Verified 12.14.2011]
Jolly Pumpkin: Free dessert (anything but chocolate flight) plus $10 gift card (expires in 1 month). Requires entree purchase. *UPDATE: Free dessert with purchase of an entree; Tested 02-21-2012*
Knight's Steakhouse: Free dessert on the day of your birthday.
Max and Erma's: Free dessert on the day of your birthday.
Macaroni Grill: Free dessert on the day of your birthday. Unverified
Momo Tea: 1/2 off a drink on the day of your birthday (with ID). (tested 3/20/2011)
Pizza House: Free dessert on the day of your birthday with any purchase.
Sabor Latino: Free dessert with purchase of an entree
Schakolad Chocolate Factory: Free truffle w/ proof of of ID.[Verified 6.3.2011]
Silvio's Organic Pizza: Free Sweet Dream pizza (nutella flavored) on the day of your birthday with a minimum purchase of $10
Stucchi's: Buy one, get one free single scoop of ice cream. (Available at both locations)
TeaHaus: Free small or large brewed tea of your choice. [Verified 6.3.2011]
Vinology: Free dessert w/ proof of of ID. Excludes tax and tip. Verified 4/7/11.
Zingerman's Creamery: Free gelato. [Verified 6.3.2011] This will be changing January 2012 to: get 2oz of gelato or cheese free on your birthday with purchase of anything in our shop

[edit] Drinks

The Arena: Free shot with any purchase (4/7/2011 bartender's choice)
Bar Louie: Free drink on your 21st (4/7/2011 they said they don't do freebies but they gave it to me anyway, not my 21st)
The Blue Leprechaun Free shot on your birthday (any birthday), bartender's choice (4/7/2011 my choice)
Brown Jug: Free shot (bartender's choice). Must have a server to receive this; you can no longer walk up to the bar and ask for it
BTB Cantina: Buy one, get one free shot on your 21st.
Good Time Charley's: Free shot on your 21st.

[edit] Goods and Services

Across Town Cab: Free Birthday Ride. Call for a ride within Ann Arbor and the ride back will be FREE. Must have ID. Offer applies to Ann Arbor only. Coupon found on igoogle.
Adorn Me: 15% off your purchase. Mention it's your birthday and they give 15% off on regular priced items.
Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase: During the month of your birthday you & five guests can pick one show, any night, and attend for free. General Admission seating only and some exclusions do apply so call box office for more information. Ticket reservations must be made at least one day in advance. [Verified 6.3.2011]
Ann Arbor Sewing and Quilting Center: 30% off fabric cuts of one yard or more on the day of your birthday. Must show ID.
Bead Gallery: 15% off your purchase. Mention it's your birthday and they'll give you 15% off all regular priced items.
Carol Roeda Studio 20% off entire purchase on the day of your birthday. Must show ID.
FOUND: Free pack of 12 party candles. Kerrytown, 2nd floor. [Verified 6.3.2011]
Healthy Generations: Free membership and nutrition/wellness assessment with a purchase of a nutritional/wellness pack. week of your birthday. Must show ID.
Princess Designs Jewelry & Gifts: 2 birthday deals! Buy one pair of (regular priced) earrings and get another pair FREE (of equal or lesser value) also enjoy 20% off your entire purchase (regular priced items) on the day of your birthday!, must show ID. 2nd Floor Kerrytown Market & Shops.
Salvation Army Thrift Store: 25% off on day of birthday with ID.
Sephora: If you sign up for Sephora's Beauty Insider club in the store, they will give you a free birthday gift. You don't have to go in on your birthday, just within two weeks of it. [Verified 6.3.2011]
Ten Thousand Villages: 15% off once of the whole purchase in your birthday month. (Verified October, 2011)
World Market: If you sign up for the World Market Explorers Reward Program online, you will receive a coupon for $10 off a purchase of $50 or more. (Verified 9.7.11)
42 Degrees: Steep discount off many glass artworks & glass tobacco pipes, usually along the lines of 20% off.

[edit] No Longer

Jolly Pumpkin logo pint glass.
Arbor Brewing Co.: The offers for free beer samplers and desserts have been reported as not being official offers, despite other reports of receiving said offers.
Borders: Until the company went out of business, they offered a free small tea or coffee via email coupon if you are a Borders Rewards member - good for 2 weeks after
Cady's Grill in Depot Town: 50% off the bill for 2 people's meals, 33% for 3 people and 25% for 4 people. They take reservations, even for St. Patrick's Day birthdays! Must sign up for their email list in advance and they will email you the coupon. Cady's has shut down; it's not known whether Woodruff's has a similar deal.
Espresso Royale: No longer offers a free coffee drink on your birthday.
Firefly Club: No longer offers free cover and one free drink of your choice on your birthday. [Note - Firefly Club is closed as of late summer 2009]
Hollywood Video: Until the company went out of business, they offered a free movie rental on the day of your birthday.
Sadly, Moosejaw's free birthday shirt was a limited time deal, and it's over. The 50% off is also over - I was told that corporate found out the store was giving the offer and made them stop.
Taco Bell Free combo meal at corporate owned locations. The Stadium location is corporate but the State Street location is not. Despite being corporate owned, the Stadium location no longer gives meals free for birthdays.
Tios: Free dessert. Dine in only, must present I.D. Verified 1/31/11 by RAB.
Zingerman's has completely revamped its birthday deal menu, as of this 2012 Ann Arbor Observer story by Vickie Elmer. Check every Zing-establishment for new details.

Ten years ago, when Zingerman's first started giving away a half-dozen "birthday bagels," only about twenty-five people picked them up. By last year, word of the freebie had spread, and close to 2,000 people claimed the treat at Zing's southside Bakehouse. Free-bagel bliss ended this year. Bakehouse patrons can now pick out a free loaf of bread, up to $6.25 in value, with any purchase (even a single cookie or bagel) on their birthdays.

[edit] Road trip

Zehnder's in Frankenmuth, about 80 miles north of Ann Arbor: Free chicken dinner after joining online club, good any time during the month of your birthday.

[edit] Birthday stories

made her birthday a happy birthday by tracking down freebies around Ann Arbor, making it to 30 different locations.
succeeded in securing 16 birthday deals the day of, got 2 more the night before, but failed at 4 places that were closed for the holidays
asked nicely, and got some of her birthday deals on the day after her birthday. She recommends the chocolate balsamic strawberry gelato at Zingerman's Creamery.
successfully hit 11 separate establishments, struck out at 2, and picked up 3 more before/after!
and a MIMOSA flavored cupcake from Cake Nouveau."

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