Freebies are one of the best-kept secrets of the dining world. From complimentary chips and salsa to celebratory desserts, many chain restaurants offer free add-ons to guests who know where to look—or how to ask. With a little strategy, you can regularly enjoy free appetizers, drinks, or sweet treats every time you dine out.

1. Join Loyalty Programs with Built-In Perks
   Many national restaurants reward members with free menu items just for signing up or visiting regularly. These offers often include free appetizers, birthday treats, or drink upgrades.

• Chili’s Rewards: Free chips and salsa or a non-alcoholic beverage on every visit with qualifying purchases
  
• TGI Fridays Rewards: Free appetizer for new members, plus ongoing offers
  
• Red Robin Royalty: Free birthday burger and random perks like free fries or drinks
  
• BJ’s Premier Rewards Plus: Free Pizookie dessert upon signup and birthday treat
  

2. Use Coupons from Restaurant Newsletters or Apps
   Sign up for a restaurant’s email list or download their mobile app to receive coupons that frequently include free starters or desserts. These offers are especially common during promotional periods or after you haven’t visited in a while.

Example: Applebee’s and Olive Garden often send offers like “Free appetizer with entrée purchase” to app users and email subscribers.

3. Take Advantage of Birthday Promotions
   Birthday deals are a great opportunity to enjoy something extra without spending more. Restaurants like:

• Baskin-Robbins: Free scoop of ice cream
  
• Panera Bread: Free sweet treat
  
• Firehouse Subs: Free sub during your birthday week
  

Want to stretch the value even more? You can earn cashback with a Blaze Pizza gift card or get a discount at Panera Bread by purchasing a digital gift card through Fluz and stacking it with your birthday reward.

4. Follow Restaurants on Social Media
   Many chains post exclusive promotions and flash freebies on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter/X. These limited-time deals can include free appetizers or dessert trials for new menu items. Brands like The Cheesecake Factory and Buffalo Wild Wings frequently share surprise specials with their followers.
5. Ask Politely During Your Visit
   Sometimes, the easiest way to get a freebie is to ask. Especially during off-peak hours, staff may be willing to offer a free appetizer or dessert to keep a loyal guest happy. This works best at casual dining chains where flexibility is more common.
6. Use Cashback Gift Cards to Offset Appetizer Costs
   Even if you don’t get something for free, you can still cut your cost by paying with a gift card that earns you cashback. Platforms like Fluz let you instantly purchase and redeem gift cards at restaurants including:

• Five Guys
• Shake Shack
• Panera Bread
• Blaze Pizza

Use them with promo coupons or during happy hour to maximize value.

7. Combine Multiple Offers in a Single Visit
   Try this method to stack savings:

• Use a birthday reward for a free dessert
  
• Apply an email coupon for a free appetizer
  
• Pay with a cashback-enabled gift card from Fluz
• Use a dining rewards credit card for added cashback
  

By combining loyalty, coupons, and payment strategy, you could enjoy a full meal with multiple freebies and still walk away spending less than usual.

Final Thought
Free appetizers, desserts, and drinks are well within reach—you just need to know where to look. Sign up for rewards, keep an eye on social offers, and stack your payment methods to stretch your savings even further. With tools like Fluz and smart loyalty program use, you can dine out with more flavor and less financial pressure.