After the kids moved out and I had to cook for one, I quickly grew tired of it. At home, I get caught in a routine of chicken soup, pasta and sauce, or fish and potatoes. But when I dine out, I am a global traveler — spicy ethnic food, or juicy burgers and fries. I don’t have to shop, and I don’t have to wash dishes. I feel like a queen. Unfortunately, the prices are fit for a royal budget.
According to a pre-pandemic Zagat survey, the average individual cost of dining out was $36.40 per person. So if you ate out once per week, you could be spending $1,747.20 per year. You could stay at home and pretend that tuna casserole is pecan-crusted salmon. Or you could take advantage of deals and discounts to cut your spending on dining out.
If you received a 10% senior discount on that meal, you knocked down your annual cost of dining out to $1572.48. That’s a difference of $174.72. Though the dining landscape has changed a lot, the point is the same: Take pride in your age and take advantage of the savings. Pay attention to the age requirements, as they vary according to the establishment. We’ll continue to update this list, but the deals may change without our knowledge. Always check with your local restaurant about senior discounts.
Arby’s. Get a 10% discount on your purchase. some locations offer a free drink with purchase.
A&W. 10% senior discount. Varies by location, so make sure to call ahead.
Ben & Jerry’s. 10% off for seniors 60+.
Bonefish Grill. Present your AARP card for 10% off food and nonalcoholic drinks.
Boston Market. Most Boston Markets have a senior discount available. Ask your local restaurant about age requirements on any discounts.
Burger King. Seniors can receive a 10% discount on their purchase.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. Another 10% off deal with your AARP card.
Captain D’s Seafood. Those 62 and older get special discounts on Sundays and Wednesdays, usually one of 10 meals with a drink for $4.49. But the deal varies by restaurant, so ask before ordering.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill. Show your AARP membership card to get 10% off.
Carrows Restaurant. Offers a Golden 55 menu where seniors 55+ can get value priced meals.
Chart House. AARP members receive a 10% discount.
Chick-fil-A. Offers vary by location but are usually a free small drink or a 10% discount.
Chili’s. Seniors who are at least 55 years old can get 10% off at participating locations.
Corner Bakery Café. Save 10% on your check with an AARP card.
Dairy Queen. Participating locations offer free drinks or 10% off purchase to customers who are 55 years of age or more.
Denny’s. AARP members receive 15% off their purchase. And if you are feeling spunky, ask your server for something off the secret menu. It’s so secret that some locations don’t even know about it. French Toast Grilled Cheese Sandwich. You are welcome.
El Pollo Loco. You must be 60 years of age or older to receive the 10% discount.
Fazoli’s. Join their Club 62 for deals, including a $4 pasta with side salad every Wednesday.
Fuddrucker’s. Fuddrucker’s has a senior platter (hamburger and side dish) for 10% off. Call to be sure it’s offered at that location.
Hardee’s. Seniors over 55 years of age receive up to 10% off any order, and there is a special price for beverages. Be sure to ask at your local Hardee’s before ordering.
IHOP. The 55+ Menu offers lower prices for smaller portions of dinner entrees such as pot roast and lemon chicken and breakfast favorites such as French toast. And most locations have a 10% discount for seniors, although the age requirement may vary.
Jack in the Box. Seniors age 55 or older can get up to 20% off their entire order. Check before ordering, though.
Joe’s Crab Shack. Use your AARP card to get 10% off your check.
KFC. Seniors who are 55 or older can get a free small drink with meal purchase. But we found the franchises may offer a discount of up to 10%, excluding any coupons or sales. Ask before ordering.
Landry’s Seafood. Seniors can get 10% off their check when they present their AARP card.
McDonald’s. Customers who are 55+ can receive discounts on coffee.
McCormick & Schmick’s. Another AARP deal: get 10% off.
Oceanaire Seafood Room. Get 10% off with your AARP card.
Outback Steakhouse. AARP members can show their card to get 10% off lunch and dinner at participating locations.
Panera Bread. Not just for seniors, Panera Bread has special deals for MyPanera club members, including surprising members with a free bagel every day of one month.
Rainforest Café. Present your AARP card for 10% off.
Red Lobster. Sign up for Red Lobster Rewards to earn points toward meal purchases.
Saltgrass Steak House. Earn 10% off when you present your AARP card.
Taco Bell. Get 5% off and a free drink at participating locations if you’re 65 or older.
TCBY. Enjoy your yogurt for 10% less if you are over 55.
Village Inn. Receive 10% if you are 60+.
Whataburger. Guests over 55 years of age receive a free drink with meal purchase (may vary by location).
White Castle. You can get 10% off deals on those little square hamburgers and more if you are 62 and older.
For more senior discounts, deals and tips:
Senior discounts almost everywhere
Save on prescriptions at Rite-Aid
Free produce for low-income seniors
Hungry for more food deals?
We’ve got a list of the latest food deals, tips for saving money when you’re eating out, how to find discounts for seniors and kids, and even ways to get free food at restaurants!
How to save money while dining out
47 ways to get free food at restaurants
Restaurants where kids eat for less
GREAT ARTICLE. I AM NOW 69 ouch hurts to say this let alone others know!! I AM A FIRM ADVOCATE FOR SENIOR DISCOUNTS. A WIN WIN FOR BOTH!! I FIRMLY BELIEVE THE WORKINGS WHO ARE ADVANCED AGE NEED AND DO DESERVE A BETTER REDUCED RATE FOR ALL THE YEARS OF SERVICE TO COMMUNITY AND BUSINESSES KEEPING AFLOAT.
I WOULD LOVE AND ENJOY SAVING MONEY FOR ALOT MORE COMPANY AND BUSINESSES WE HAVE AND DO CONTINUE TO PATRONIZE!!
PS -This I believe need be to include all Military Veterans!! WE ALL HAVE PAID OUR DUES AT THIS POINT IN OUR LIVES!!
Really appreciate the update, but am very disappointed in the number of businesses who require showing an AARP card. Shouldn’t the fact that my wife and I are over 65 and willing to get out in heavy traffic to visit their locations to spend our money be enough to earn a little discount?