Finding Free Food Locally On Your Birthday

By Molly Kerrigan

No matter how old you're turning this year, it's always nice to be showered with free things on your birthday. Large national chains are well aware of this fact. Many, such as Starbucks and P.F. Changs, offer free drinks, meals or desserts. The following are local Boston establishments or chains that offer free treats on your special day.

Some of these freebies require a little planning. Many require you to sign up for a free membership or e-mail subscription. Most will send you a coupon good for a week or two around your birthday, but some require you to show up on that day. It's always a good idea to call ahead and make sure the deal is still good.

Bisuteki Tokyo

777 Memorial Drive
Cambridge, MA 02139
(617) 497-8888
Hours: Mon to Thurs 11:30am-10pm; Fri to Sat 11:30am-11pm; Sun 12pm-11pm
Reviews & Website

The Teppanyaki chefs at this Japanese steakhouse in Cambridge are entertaining any day of the year. But if you go on your birthday (bring an ID, they'll check to verify), you'll be treated to a free dinner entree and a boisterous "Happy Birthday" complete with a small gong sure to make everyone in the dining room applaud. Delightfully embarassing.

Finale

One Columbus Ave
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 423-3184
Hours: Mon, Sun 11am-11pm; Tues to Thurs 11am-11:30; Fri to Sat 11am-12am
Website & Reviews

For a delicious dessert, pick up a Sweet Rewards card at any Finale location around Boston and register it online. Once registered, you'll receive a free dessert (up to $10.95 value) for your birthday. You'll receive an e-mail reminder and will be able to redeem the dessert for 30 days from the e-mail date. Throughout the year, use your card when dining at Finale and earn one point for each dollar spent. When you reach 50 points, a $5 gift will be deposited on your card.

J.P. Licks

311 Harvard St #A
Brookline, MA 02446
(617) 738-8252
Hours: Daily 9am-12am
Reviews & Website

No matter the weather, free ice cream is always appropriate. Pick up a Cow Card at any J.P. Licks location and register it online to receive a free birthday sundae. The Cow Card works the same as the Sweet Rewards card at Finale - use it during every purchase at J.P. Licks and rack up points (1 for every $1). 50 points will get you $5.

B. Good

272 Newbury St
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 236-0440
Hours: Mon to Sat 11am-9pm; Sun 11am-8pm
www.bgood.com

You'll definitely feel good sinking your teeth into a B. Good burger made fresh with local ingredients. Sign up on their website to be part of "The Family" - their e-mail subscription. You get a free order of french fries just for signing up, and will get a free burger on your birthday.

Boloco

2 Park Plz #1
Boston, MA 02116
(617)) 778-6772
Hours: Daily 7am-7pm
Reviews & Website

Another valuable card to add to your wallet! Pick up a Boloco Card at any of their locations and register online for a free birthday burrito. For every $50 spent throughout the year, you get a freebie from the menu.

Not Your Average Joe's

109 Chapel St
Needham, MA 02492
(781) 453-9300
Reviews & Website

This local suburban chain features American style casual dining. Sign up for the e-mail newsletter on their website to receive a free birthday entree. Get a coupon just for signing up.