If you're a senior on a fixed income, it can be challenging to enjoy a dinner out. However, you can stretch your restaurant budget when you get it at a cheaper price.
Here are some restaurants that offer great senior discounts. Try one the next time you're in the mood to eat out.
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1. Carrabba’s Italian Grill
Show your AARP card at Carrabba’s and get a 10% discount on food and non-alcoholic beverages.
The discount doesn’t count for delivery options, so you’ll have to dine in. Some locations also offer a discount if you pick up your meal.
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2. IHOP
Ask for IHOP’s 55+ menu to get meal prices specifically for restaurant patrons at least 55 years old.
The menu offers cheaper options for seniors on a variety of meals.
3. Golden Corral
As long as you are 18, you can join Golden Corral’s Good as Gold Club to earn extra rewards such as free drinks, special birthday offers, and coupons for your next visit to the restaurant.
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4. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Use your AARP membership at the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. to get 10% off your food and non-alcoholic beverage purchases.
5. Auntie Anne’s
Getting an AARP membership helps you unlock deals for members at many restaurants.
At Auntie Anne’s, you can get 10% off your purchases if you link your AARP membership card to your Auntie Anne’s Rewards account.
6. Rainforest Cafe
The Rainforest Cafe offers a 10% discount on food and non-alcoholic beverages if you present your AARP card when you order.
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7. Moe’s Southwest Grill
Like Auntie Anne’s, you can connect your Moe’s Southwest Grill rewards account with your AARP membership to enjoy 10% off your order.
The discount applies to purchases made in-store, online, or in your app.
8. Cicis Pizza
Get some pizza and other Italian food from Cicis and ask for a discount for seniors.
Discounts and details about the discounts vary from location to location, so check with your local restaurant.
9. Papa John’s
Another great organization for seniors is the Association of Mature American Citizens. A membership there can get you great deals on food.
Get 25% off your orders with Papa John’s when you use the promo code “AMAC25” as part of your AMAC membership. Be aware that you can only get the discount if you order through the Papa John’s website.
AARP members also get 20% off regular menu prices on online orders.
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10. Cinnabon
Connect your AARP membership to your Cinnabon Rewards account and get 10% off your check the next time you visit a Cinnabon location.
11. Denny’s
Grab a meal at your local Denny’s and get a discount if you order off the 55+ menu to keep more cash in your wallet . Denny’s menu for older diners includes several different offerings.
12. Outback Steakhouse
At Outback Steakhouse, your AARP membership card can get you 10% off food and non-alcoholic beverages.
All locations offer the discount to those who dine in, and some extend the price break to those who carry out.
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13. McDonald’s
You might be able to get a discount as a senior at your local McDonald’s, but the price break can vary from restaurant to restaurant.
Check with your local McDonald’s to find out if that franchise location offers discounts for seniors — and if so, the types of discounts you qualify for.
14. El Pollo Loco
El Pollo Loco has locations in seven states — including California and Texas — and you can get a special discount if you live close by and are at least 60.
Take advantage of the El Pollo Loco discount for seniors by getting 10% off your order to a maximum of $1.
15. Landry’s Seafood
Landry’s Seafood offers seniors a 10% discount on food and non-alcoholic beverages if you show your AARP membership card when you eat there.
And when you pay for your meal at Landry’s, consider using a credit card that helps you earn cash back or other perks.
Bottom line
The restaurants on this list allow you to enjoy a night out and stretch your Social Security at the same time. Check before you go out to make sure your local restaurant offers these deals.
Also, keep an eye on any specifics you need to follow to qualify for the discount, such as the time of day you eat or other rules to get the discount.
Finally, look for other ways to get discounts, such as going to a restaurant on your birthday or downloading an app for other deals.
Money tips that can work for everyone
No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.
Focus on paying off your debt. Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.
Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.
Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).
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