Birthday plans on a budget? We've got you.
San Diego might be pricey, but your birthday doesn’t have to be. From free donuts and comped drinks to spa perks and exclusive giveaways, our list of 50+ birthday deals across the city helps you celebrate big without spending a dime.
Want to keep the party going? Check out all of the upcoming Free Events for no-cost local happenings, indulge in some easy Happy Hour Deals, and explore our full Guide to Celebrating Your Birthday for even more ways to make your day special. Plus, don’t miss out on our Giveaways page for a chance to win birthday perks and surprises.
Just bring your ID, your email login, and maybe your appetite. Remember, some spots require sign-up in advance, so read the fine print and plan ahead. Now go out there and live your best birthday life!
Updated: June, 2025
Food
Photo: @rubioscoastalgrill
Juniper & Ivy – Birthday babes get a "bite" from the kitchen at the start and a sweet treat at the end. Pro tip: make a reservation!
Roman Wolves – Make a birthday reso for a fancy desert.
100s Seafood Grill Buffet – Receive 1/2 off on your birthday by showing an ID.
Rubio’s Coastal Grill – Download the Rubio's app for birthday surprises.
The Habit Burger Grill – Register for a CharClub rewards account and get a free birthday charburger.
Wetzel’s Pretzels – Download the Wetzel's App to receive a free pretzel on your birthday.
Chipotle – Join Chipotle Rewards for something special on your birthday (it's a super secret surprise)!
Firehouse Subs – Download the Firehouse Subs App for a free medium sandwich.
Lemonade – Download the Lemonade Loyalty app for free food on your birthday.
P.F. Chang’s – Score a free dessert during your birthday month with rewards account.
Applebee’s - Sign up online to receive a birthday special.
Baja Fresh – Sign up online for a birthday burrito.
Benihana Japanese Restaurant – Receive a FREE meal up to $30 during your birthday month when you sign up online.
Black Angus Steakhouse – Sign up online for the Prime Club Email Program to receive a free steak dinner on your birthday.
Bluewater Grill – Join their E-crew Club online to receive a $10 OFF certificate on your birthday.
Jersey Mike’s – Join the email club and receive a free sub on your birthday.
Buffalo Wild Wings – Based on the number of points you have, birthday treats range from a free dessert to a free entrée.
*Coronado Brewing – Enjoy craft beer and food with a local vibe, and check their website or contact them directly for any birthday specials as these can vary.
Denny's – Get a free birthday breakfast by showing your ID at the restaurant on your birthday.
*Karl Strauss Brewing Company – Offers a dynamic atmosphere and craft beers, contact directly for any birthday specials.
*Mission Brewery – Enjoy a tour and craft beer experience, contact directly for any birthday specials.
Red Robin – Sign up for their rewards program to get a free burger on your birthday.
Round Table Pizza – Download the Royal Reward App for six free twists!
Sushi Kuchi – Visit for free mochi-flavored ice cream during your birth month! Some locations may even sing to you...
Bruegger's Bagels – Sign up for Rewards and celebrate your birthday with a Free Bagel & Cream Cheese with purchase.
Drink
Photo: @betterbuzz
Better Buzz – Download the app to receive a free birthday drink (+ get a free drink after your first purchase).
Starbucks – Sign up for Starbucks Rewards and get a free beverage or food item.
Tastea – Get a free drink when you invite a friend to download the Tastea Loyalty App.
Peet’s – Sign up for Peetnik Rewards and get 25 points to use how you choose on your birthday!
Starbucks – Sign up for Starbucks Rewards and get a free beverage or food item.
Jamba – Get a free smoothie when you sign up for My Jamba Rewards and earn at least 15 rewards points.
Dunkin' – Register for DD Perks and get a free birthday beverage.
Dutch Bros Coffee – Download the Dutch Bros app and get a free drink of any size.
Taco Bell – Download the Taco Bell App and get a free Mountain Dew Baja Blast Freeze!
Dessert
Photo: @krispykreme
*The Melting Pot – Offers free chocolate-covered strawberries on your birthday when you sign up for its online club.
Yogurtland – Sign up for their rewards program to receive a free 3 oz yogurt on your birthday.
Nothing Bundt Cakes – Sign up for their email to receive a free bundtlet on your birthday.
Crumbl Cookies – Join the Crumbl Loyalty program to get a free cookie on your birthday.
Cold Stone Creamery – Join My Cold Stone Club Rewards to receive a buy-one-get-one-free creation coupon for your birthday.
California Pizza Kitchen – Sign up for their rewards program online to receive a free dessert on your birthday.
Cheesecake Factory – Join Cheesecake Rewards to receive a free slice of cheesecake on your birthday.
BJ’s Restaurants – Sign up online to receive a FREE freshly baked Pizookie dessert for your birthday.
Baskin Robbins Ice Cream – Sign up online to receive a free scoop of ice cream on your birthday.
Arby’s – Join the Arby’s Birthday Club online for a free birthday milkshake.
Krispy Kreme – Sign up for Krispy Kreme Rewards and get a free donut and coffee.
Panera – Join MyPanera Rewards for a free sweet treat on your birthday.
Olive Garden – Sign up for the Olive Garden E-Club to receive a free dessert on your birthday.
Chili’s – Sign up for My Chili's Rewards to grab a free dessert on your birthday.
Burger Lounge – Sign up online and receive a certificate for a FREE Milk Shake on your birthday.
Buca di Beppo – Sign up for their E-club to receive a FREE colossal brownie Sundae on your birthday.
Other Freebies
Photo: @bathandbodyworks
American Eagle Outfitters – Sign up for their rewards program and receive 15 percent off during your birthday month. If you spend $350 or more in a year, that coupon goes up to 25 percent.
AMC – Join AMC Stubs and get a free large popcorn during your birthday month.
Benefit – They usually offer a free brow arch with photo ID at most Benefit BrowBar locations!
Ulta – Join Ultamate Rewards and get a free birthday gift, plus double points during your birthday month.
Bath & Body Works – Sign up for My Bath & Body Works and get an annual birthday gift.
Container Store – Get a discounted order during your birthday month when you sign up for POP Rewards.
Barnes & Noble – Sign your child up for the Kids' Club and they'll receive a free cupcake from the cafe on their birthday. For grown-ups, there’s a birthday gift for regular B&N membership too.
Barona Casino – Receive free Birthday offers when you become a Club Barona Member.
DSW –Join DSW's rewards program and receive a $5 gift certificate on your birthday.
Old Navy – Sign up for Old Navy's email newsletters and get a free gift on your birthday.
Sephora – Join the Beauty Insiders and receive a complimentary gift during your birthday month.
*City Cruises by Hornblower – Enjoy a free Harbor Cruise on your birthday. Spend your special day sightseeing on San Diego Bay with close-up views of the Star of India, USS Midway, Coronado Bay Bridge, military ships, and up to 50 San Diego landmarks. Available for walk-up reservations, must show ID.
*These offers are subject to change, and it's a good idea to check with the establishment as your birthday approaches to confirm the details of the offer.*
