Happy birthday to YOU! The best birthday freebies in Gainesville

by Shannon Smith

Once a year, you get to go out with your friends just to celebrate you. What’s not to love? Well, the bar tab for one. But a little bit of planning ahead of time can go a long way, which is why we’re here to help you have the best birthday ever!

Best birthday freebies

Our top-three birthday destinations

• OAK (Original American Kitchen) — Guests under 21 get a free fried Oreo, and guests 21 and over get a free regular sized mason jar cocktail. Bring in 8 or more friends for dinner and get a free large mason jar cocktail! If you’re bringing a large party for dinner, call to make reservations ahead of time.
• Yamato Japanese Restaurant — Get ready for dinner and a show! Present your ID when you arrive and receive a free meal!
• Ballyhoo Grill— You do have to fill out a form online ahead of time, but once you do you’ll instantly be emailed a coupon for a free birthday lobster! When else [in college] will you get to enjoy something like that?

Other birthday freebies

All of these require you to be a member of their rewards program, but they’re free to join so why not?

• Planet Smoothie
• Panera
• Starbucks — Campus locations excluded.
• Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grill
• Carrabba’s
• BJ’s
• Chili’s
• Firehouse Subs
• Steak ’n’ Shake
• Auntie Anne’s
• Moe’s
• Red Robin
• IHOP

Happy, happy birthday to you! Now get out there and get those freebies!

Are there any epic birthday deals that we left out? Let us know in the comments!