Birthday Deals - ArborWiki

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 AND if the deal must be had on the actual day.

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

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. Was only able to use Sunday - Thursday. [Verified 4.12.2013]
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 - Note: Plymouth Rd. location closed as of 1.9.13]
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 4/12/13 - not sure about the free sundae).
Biggby: Free any size beverage if you sign up for their E-wards (emailed coupons) ahead of time. You'll receive a postcard-coupon in the mail. The coupon is good for the month of your birthday. [Verified 3.15.2013]
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]
Culver's: Free sundae for your birthday, add up to six family members to your eClub account and they'll each receive a special treat from Culver's on their birthdays too. Your family's birthday emails will be sent to your email address.
Dairy Queen: Buy One, Get One Blizzard Free if you join their blizzard club in advance (will receive the coupon via e-mail). No longer good - 4/2013.
DSW: Receive a $5 Birthday Certificate via email when you register for their rewards system. Valid the month of your birthday. [Verified 4/15/2013]
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.
Jazzy Veggie : "Join our birthday club" --- free entree on your birthday.
Joe's Crab Shack: Free Appetizer with Entree
Macaroni Grill: sign up and you will get a FREE entree coupon emailed to you for your birthday! The FREE Birthday Entree is only valid on the actual day of your birthday and you must provide the coupon (either printed out or displayed on a mobile phone) along with ID to verify your birth date.(2013)
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]
Nicola's Books: Free paperback or $8 off of another book during your birthday month if you sign up in advance for their email club. [Verified 8.6.2012]
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. [Verified 3/01/13]
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.
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. [Verified 4/15/2013]
Pita Pit: Get a free pita good for up to one week after your birthday if sign up for Pita Pit E-Club. No purchase necessary.
Red Lobster: $5 off any two adult dinner entrées good for two weeks after your birthday after joining the email club.
Ruby Tuesday "So Connected Club" - one of their handcrafted burgers for free [Verified 6.3.2011] 4/20/2013 - Free Birthday Dessert with entree purchase.
Starbucks: Free drink on your birthday for registered Starbucks card holders. Reward drink loaded onto your Starbucks card. [verified 4/20/13]
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 (excludes alcohol). (Verified 3.9.13)

Breakfast

Angelo's: 50% off entree with the purchase of a second entree. (tested 3/2/2012).
Denny's: Free Grand Slam breakfast with ID. [tested 4/15/2013, you get any 4 out of 12 breakfast items]
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. [tested and verified 5/14/2013: They even comped the french-fries upgrade to my sandwich]
Roos Roast: Ask for your birthday coffee [tested and verified 5/14/2013: You can have any drink on the menu!].
Zingerman's Bakehouse: Free loaf of Bakehouse bread (up to $6.25) with the purchase of anything the Bakehouse makes [tested and verified 5/14/2013].
Zingerman's Coffee Company: 50% off any coffee drink.
Zingerman's Creamery: Free 2 oz. serving of gelato or 8oz cheese with any purchase [tested and verified 5/14/2013: It's 8oz of any of the in-house made cheeses; an excellent deal].
Zingerman's Deli: 15% discount on everything you buy at Deli or Next Door on your birthday.

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 4/15/2013)
Sava's: Receive a free lava cake. Updated 04/16/2013
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.

Dinner

Arbor Brewing Company: Free appetizer with another purchase. (tested 12-14-11)
Carlyle Grill: 50% off one entree plus free dessert (called on 11/26/12).
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. (verified 7-28-2012)
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 2/12/13)
The Earle: 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 one third off, 4 people dining one fourth off and so on. Not valid with any other promotion, offer or discount.
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. Must provide ID.
Mediterranos: Free dessert 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." (Any dessert except the carrot cake, confirmed 1/14/2013)
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.
Quarter Bistro: 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 [Verified 3/10/13]
Red Hawk: Free dessert with entree purchase.
Real Seafood Company: 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. [Verified 7.29.2012, also included a free dessert]
Seva: Free entree. Only with dining in (no take out). [Verified 02/18/2012]
Weber's: Buy 1 Entree, Get 1 Free of equal or lesser value with a party of 2 or more. Must see ID. [Verified 04/15/2013]
Zingerman's Roadhouse: Free Donut Sundae with your meal.

Dessert

Applebee's: Free dessert [shot glass sized] and birthday song
Argiero's: Free dessert with entree
Ashley's: Free Tollhouse sundae (Requires purchase of food, verified 10-21-11).
Bagger Dave's: Free drizzle brownie with meal.
Ben and Jerry's: Free scoop of ice cream. May require proof of ID. (verified 04.16.2013, served with a big smile and "Happy Birthday")
Big Boy: Free dessert. Must ask for manager.
Blue Tractor: Free dessert with purchase of an entree; Tested 02-21-2012
Bubble Island: Free medium-sized bubble tea or medium frozen yogurt. [Verified 04/01/2013]
Buffalo Wild Wings: Free dessert with purchase
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**** [tested and verified 5/14/2013]
Chili's: Free dessert on the day of your birthday. Unverified
Cupcake Station: Free mini cupcake on your birthday. [Verified 4/15/13]
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 4/11/2013]
Jolly Pumpkin: Free dessert (anything but chocolate flight) plus $10 gift card (expires in 1 month). Requires entree purchase. [tested and verified 5/14/2013]
Knight's Steakhouse: Free dessert on the day of your birthday. [Verified 4/12/2013]
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 4/15/13]
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 4/11/2013]
Vinology: Free dessert w/ purchase of an entree. Excludes tax and tip. [Verified 5/21/2012]
Zingerman's Creamery: Get 2oz. of gelato or cheese free on your birthday with purchase of anything in our shop [Verified 07/30/2012]

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 Buy one, get one free. Your choice. [Verified 4/12/12]
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.

Goods and Service

The Himalayan Bazaar 15% off total purchase on your birthday with ID.
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 4/15/2013]
Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop: 25% percent off total purchase on your birthday with current valid ID.
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 4/11/13]
Nicola's Books gives a free paperback or $8 off a hardcover during your birthday month if you sign up for their email club.
Princess Designs Jewelry & Rock Shop: 2 birthday deals - Buy one pair of (regular priced) earrings, get another pair FREE (of equal or lesser value) or enjoy 20% off your entire purchase (regular priced items) on the day of your birthday. Must show ID. 2nd Floor Kerrytown Market & Shops [Verified 02.18.2013]
PD's Rock Shop Chakra, Metaphysical, Healing stones. Crystals and more, enjoy 20% off your entire purchase (regular priced items). In Princess Designs Jewelry & Rock Shop
Quest Martial Arts: Stop by on a Birthday and receive a FREE month of classes with everything you need to have an awesome experience.
Salvation Army Thrift Store: 25% off on day of birthday with ID. [Verified 4/15/2013]
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]
Swing Ann Arbor: Free admission for you and one friend to a Wednesday night beginner swing drop-in lesson (8-9 pm) and swing dance (9-11 pm) during the week of your birthday. Rules: ID required to receive discount and the week is defined as starting on Sunday and ending on Saturday. For more information, see www.SwingAnnArbor.org. [Verified 6.5.2012]
Ten Thousand Villages: 15% off once of the whole purchase in your birthday month. (verified 3/10/13)
World Market: If you sign up for the World Market Explorers Reward Program online, you will receive a coupon for $10 off a purchase (excludes alcohol). (Verified 3.9.13)
42 Degrees: Steep discount off many glass artworks & glass tobacco pipes, usually along the lines of 20% off.

No Longer

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.
Blue Tractor: Free dessert, logo glass and a $10 gift certificate for your next visit (expires in 1 month). Requires purchase of an entree. Changed to free dessert with purchase of an entree; Tested 02-21-2012.
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; unknown whether Woodruff's has a similar deal.
Cafe Marie: 50% off entree with the purchase of a second entree. (No longer valid 4/22/2012)
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. (Closed 2/24/13)
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.
Jolly Pumpkin logo pint glass.
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.
Mark Nine Hair Salon: Celebrate your birthday in style with a complementary blow out with Stephanie! (734)761- 8930. (Closed 2/18/2013)
Old Country Buffet Buy one get one free (Closed)
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. (Ann Arbor location not participating, 3/29/13)
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.

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.

Pistons Birthday Program: You will receive one (1) free upper-level Pistons ticket for your birthday. You may purchase additional tickets for your friends and family. Upper-level tickets are discounted to $20 (reg. TBD). You can upgrade your upper-level ticket to the lower level for $25. Additional lower-level tickets for friends and family are discounted to $40 (reg. TBD). If you purchase a minimum of ten (10) tickets, you'll see your birthday guest's name on PalaceVision and receive a special Pistons gift. If you purchase a minimum of twenty (20) tickets, you'll see your birthday guest's name on PalaceVision, receive a special Pistons gift and choose between watching the warm-ups courtside or taking a postgame shot on the court. For an additional $100, you can get a picture with your entire group on the Pistons court or add a Pistons gift for each party attendee. Game choices will be determined upon the release of the 2011-12 Pistons season schedule. If your birthday falls between April and October, you can still redeem a Pistons Birthday Ticket. Game choices will depend on the 2011-12 Pistons schedule and fall between the months of October and December. Please note you can only redeem one (1) complimentary birthday ticket per household, per game. To enroll in Palace Sports & Entertainment's birthday program, email your name, address, phone number and birthdate (MM/DD/YYYY) to enews@palacenet.com or call 248-371-2030.

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."
Easily picked up around $45 in freebies in a couple hours of driving around and noshing. *Excellent* way to spend a birthday afternoon!

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