This guide shows places where you can get something for free on your birthday in NYC.
Birthday freebies in New York. Photo: 123nyc.org / Raman Shaunia

Birthday freebies in New York: if you’re lucky enough to celebrate your birthday in New York City, you’re also lucky enough to take advantage of some incredible birthday freebies.

Read also: How to tip in New York.


Birthday freebies in New York

Whether you’re a local or just visiting, NYC loves to celebrate your birthday with freebies—from food and drinks to beauty perks and more.

We’ve gathered the best birthday deals in the city—most just need a quick sign-up or ID check.

Here’s your ultimate guide to birthday freebies in New York!

Read also: How to Eat Cheaper in New York.


To-go food

Craving a quick bite or a snack to-go? Several restaurants and eateries in NYC offer birthday freebies that you can easily pick up and enjoy wherever you are.


Restaurants

If you’re looking to indulge in a full meal on your birthday, many restaurants in New York offer fantastic birthday deals. From pizza to sushi, here are some of the best birthday freebies you can enjoy:

  • Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza: Free 12” pizza. Sign-up required.
  • Benihana: $30 birthday gift certificate. Valid on weekdays during your birthday month. Sign-up required.
  • Crab House: Free All You Can Eat seafood meal. Valid the day before, on, or after your birthday with a group of 4+ paying guests.
  • Denny’s: Free Everyday Value Slam (Pancakes, Bacon or Sausage, & Eggs). Valid anytime during your birthday month. Sign-up required.
  • Hometown Hot Pot & BBQ: Free All You Can Eat hot pot on your birthday with 5 paid guests.
  • IHOP: Free stack of pancakes (via PanCoins). Valid up to one year. Sign-up required.
  • PF Chang’s: Complimentary birthday dessert. Sign-up required.
  • RA Sushi: $20 birthday gift certificate (also for half-birthdays!). Sign-up required.
  • Sugarfish: Free “Trust Me” Box. Valid only on your actual birthday. Must dine there twice per year and register for the Birthday Club in person.
  • The Pizza Professor: Free personal pie. Valid on your birthday.
  • 99 Favor Taste: Free All You Can Eat hot pot on your birthday with ID, or within 3 days with a party of 4+.

Drinks

If you’re in the mood for a refreshing drink to celebrate, several spots in the city offer birthday drinks as part of their rewards programs.

  • Bluestone Lane: Enjoy a free birthday coffee by joining their rewards app. Sign up in advance to redeem at any NYC location.
  • Cinnabon: Free 16oz cold brew.
  • Jamba Juice: Free smoothie with a $15 yearly spend.
  • Juice Generation Supa Dupa Rewards: Free juice or smoothie during your birthday month. Must be an active customer within the past 90 days.
  • Lazy Sundaes: Free tea (Black or Jasmine Tea with one topping). Valid within 4 weeks of receiving the birthday email.
  • Maman: $10 credit.
  • Paris Baguette: Free drink, valid for at least 2 months after your birthday.
  • Starbucks Rewards: Free beverage of choice on your actual birthday. Must be an active customer within the past year.

Sweet Treats & Snacks

Want to satisfy your sweet tooth? Here are some sweet birthday freebies to enjoy in NYC:

  • AMC Theatres: Free popcorn for Stubs members (plus a large drink if you’re an AMC Premiere member).
  • Auntie Anne’s: Free pretzel (Original, Cinnamon Sugar, or Sweet Almond) — must have spent $10+ in the previous year.
  • Chip City Cookies: Free cookie of your choice — valid for 30 days after your birthday.
  • Chick-fil-A: Free something sweet and special — Chick-fil-A One membership required.
  • Crumbl Cookies (iOS): Free cookie — valid anytime during your birthday month.
  • DIG: Free dessert — valid within 30 days of your birthday.
  • Dominique Ansel (Flatiron): Free croissant and small coffee — valid during the week of your birthday.
  • Edible Arrangements: Free chocolate-dipped fruit box (requires at least $29 spend during the year).
  • Insomnia Cookies: Free deluxe cookie — valid on your birthday and up to one week after.
  • Krispy Kreme: 3-count Original Glazed doughnuts (plus a free doughnut just for signing up) — valid during your birthday month.
  • Ole & Steen: Free small cake — valid with email sign-up.
  • Panera Bread: Free pastry — MyPanera Rewards membership required.
  • Regal Cinemas: Free birthday popcorn — Regal Crown Club membership required.
  • Sprinkles Cupcakes: Free cupcake — valid for 30 days from the birthday email.
  • Subway: Free cookie — Subway Rewards account required.
  • Wetzel’s Pretzels: Free Original or Cinnamon pretzel — valid for 30 days post-birthday.

Ice cream

  • Baskin’ Robbins: Free ice cream scoop. Valid 10 days after your birthday. Sign-up required.
  • Carvel Ice Cream: Free birthday cone. Valid 7 days after your birthday. Sign-up required.
  • Dippin’ Dots: Free cup. Sign-up required.
  • Haagen Dazs: Free cup or cone. Valid 10 days after your birthday. Sign-up required (use code Rebeka9441 for signup reward).
  • IKEA Family: Free birthday froyo. Sign-up required.
  • Pinkberry: Free small yogurt. Valid 4 weeks after your birthday. Sign-up required.
  • 16 Handles: $5 credit. Sign-up required.
  • Ben & Jerry’s: Free scoop on your birthday. Valid on the actual birthday. Sign-up required.

Conclusion: Birthday freebies in New York

New York City makes birthdays extra special with freebies like tasty meals, sweet treats, and cool drinks. Whether you’re after dessert, a savory bite, or a fun experience, most offers just need a quick sign-up or ID. From big-name spots to local gems, NYC’s birthday perks are the perfect way to celebrate. Enjoy—and happy birthday!

Read also: How to Get Cheap Broadway Tickets.

Cover photo: 123nyc.org / Raman Shaunia