We’re already 43 months into the winter of 2019. It started mild enough you almost didn’t notice it was getting to the holidays. Since the new year, it’s been an unrelenting deluge of record snowfalls and brutal cold. It feels like it’s been happening forever. Everyone deserves some tiny victories throughout March and into April, when we’ll finally see the light at the end of the cold, snowy tunnel. Tiny victories like, say, some free grub.
Many restaurants like IHOP, McDonald’s, Jersey Mike’s and Hardee’s are offering free and cheap food in celebration of actual holidays like St. Patrick’s Day, food holidays like National Pancake Day, and completely made-up days where we get cheap food because why the hell not. (For that last one: See Pi Day.) It makes for a good month to take advantage of deals until it’s suddenly almost spring.
Below, you’ll find all the free and cheap food deals worth your time throughout the month. We’ll be updating the post throughout the month (and every month) with new deals that are actually worth the effort. Check back often to know exactly which days you should offer to buy lunch for your coworkers without telling them there’s a buy-one-get-one-free (BOGO) deal down the street. Lunch is on them next time.
Ongoing Food & Drink Deals
Wendy’s
The deal: Wendy’s is bringing back the Giant Junior Bacon Cheeseburger for the holidays, and you can get it as a combo meal — with a four-piece chicken nuggets, small fries, and a drink — for $5.
When: Ongoing, but for a limited time
Burger King
The deal: Grab a stack of three fluffy pancakes for 89 cents. You can also take advantage of the royal burger chain’s popular 10-piece nuggets for $1 offer, among other deals.
When: Ongoing
Popeyes
The deal: Grab a three-piece of chicken tenders or bone-in chicken with a biscuit for just $3.99.
When: Ongoing
Buffalo Wild Wings
The deal: Every Thursday, B-Dubs unleashes deals on boneless chicken wings. The discounts will vary by location, but you can count on getting a deal any time of day on Thursdays.
When: Ongoing, every Thursday
On the Border
The deal: Dine-in to get endless soft or crunchy tacos for just $8.99. How endless is endless? There’s only one way to find out.
When: For a limited time
Village Inn
The deal: Make a dine-in purchase, and you’re getting a free slice of pie every Wednesday at Village Inn. Also, kids eat free every Monday and Tuesday with the purchase of an adult entrée.
When: Select days of the week
Carvel
The deal: Grab an ice cream sundae and they’ll throw in another one for free every Wednesday.
When: Ongoing, every Wednesday
Carrabba’s Italian Grill
The deal: Get $10 off any bottle of wine. You can also get any pizza for $9.99.
When: Ongoing, every Wednesday
IHOP
The deal: For a limited time, you can pick up all-you-can-eat pancakes with any breakfast combo. You can also just do the bottomless pancakes for $4.99. The deal is only good on buttermilk pancakes when dining in.
When: Ongoing
McDonald’s
The deal: In late December, the Golden Arches brought back its 2 for $5 Mix and Match Deal where you can pick two items off the menu for five bucks. That now includes the Quarter Pounder with Cheese.
When: Ongoing
Dunkin’
The deal: Stop in for a 10-pack of Munchkins donut holes for just $2. The deal is only available for a limited time this month.
When: For a limited time
Red Lobster
The deal: Pair up the Ultimate Lobster Roll and the Lobster Bisque for just $15 every Tuesday until 6pm through the end of Lobsterfest. (There’s no end date for Lobsterfest at the moment, but a representative says is only around for a limited time.)
When: For a limited time
Hungry Howie’s
The deal: Take home a $1 medium one-topping pizza with the purchase of a large one-topping pizza at regular price. Use the code “MEDIUM1” to take advantage.
When: Ongoing
Bojangles
The deal: The catch of the day is the return of the BojAngler fish sandwich. Participating locations are offering two fish sandwiches for $5. Though, a representative says that the pricing may vary some by location.
When: Through April 21
Conrad’s Grill
The deal: Conrad’s wants you to believe it’s “the year of the tater tot.” With how 2018 went, why not? It’s as likely as anything else. To celebrate the best-ever year to be Napoleon Dynamite, they’re giving out free Tot Wraps for an entire year to anyone named Conrad, Tate, or Tot. All you have to do is show your ID. Though, the generous offer is only available at the Wicker Park location.
When: Through December 31, 2019
Dave & Busters
The deal: Not a food deal, but food adjacent. From 9pm to close on Sunday through Thursday, you can get half-priced games.
When: Ongoing
Domino’s
The deal: The Domino’s app will give you free pizza for just eating pizza. It doesn’t have to be Domino’s pizza. Just take a picture of the pizza you’re eating and you get 10 points. You can get 10 points once per week and 60 points is a free medium pizza. There are six weeks from the start of the promo to the end. Boom. Free pizza. (More details here.)
When: Through April 28
Jack in the Box
The deal: Celebrating its tacos that have been around since the 50s, Jack in the Box is offering two tacos for $.99 when you buy via the restaurant’s mobile app. In the app, click on “Menu” and the “App Exclusives,” then enjoy some tacos.
When: For a limited time
Friday, March 1
Kolache Factory
The deal: Of course the Kolache Factory is celebrating National Kolache Day. If they didn’t, who would? Stop in and you can get a free kolache, no questions asked. (Unless you need to ask what a kolache is.) All you have to do is say National Kolache Day when you order.
When: March 1, 6am-2pm
Hardee’s
The deal: If you’re already grabbing a quick breakfast, you’ll be able to skip the stop at a coffee shop. To launch its new Rise & Shine Cofee, Hardee’s is offering a free coffee with any purchase.
When: Through March 10
Church’s Chicken
The deal: For a limited time, Church’s is bringing back its $5 pick-your-platter promotion. Get any one of three dishes for $5, including its new Garlic Butter Shrimp Platter.
When: For a limited time
Metro Diner
The deal: To help launch its new catering menu, Metro is offering $25 off a catering order of at least $100 with the promo code “WINTER2019.”
When: Through March 31
Drizly
The deal: The beer and liquor delivery service is offering new customers $5 off or free delivery with the code “stpaddys19.”
When: March 1-17
Sunday, March 3
Jersey Mike’s
The deal: Take $1 off any regular or giant sub with a code sent via email or grabbed off the chain’s social media.
When: March 3-9
Monday, March 4
Jack in the Box
The deal: Get a pair of free tacos when you order Jack in the Box through Postmates (no minimum required). Also, get free delivery on orders of $10 or more with the code “TACOJACK.”
When: March 4-10
Tuesday, March 5
Yolk
The deal: All Chicago-area Yolk locations will be serving up its popular pancakes for a buck.
When: March 5
Tijuana Flats
The deal: Though it sounds like a pot-infused dinner, that’s not what you’re getting. You can land a free Megajuana upgrade on your order in honor of Fat Tuesday. That means double meat and cheese on any burrito, bowl, or chimichanga.
When: March 5
Friday, March 8
SAJJ Mediterranean
The deal: Grab BOGO entrées all day for International Women’s Day.
When: March 8
Daphne’s
The deal: Get a $5 Athena Salad through the Pita Points program. You can also get the coupon via the restaurant’s Twitter account or email newsletter.
When: March 8
Saturday, March 9
Noodles & Company
The deal: Sign up for NoodlesREWARDS by March 8 and you’ll get 20% off online orders of $10 or more.
When: Discount active March 9-11
Carrabba’s Italian Grill
The deal: We’re deep down the rabbit hole now. It’s National Meatball Day. You won’t find many offers honoring the mighty meatball, but you will at Carrabba’s. Order two entrées and you’re getting a free order of Meatballs & Ricotta.
When: March 9
Sunday, March 10
Jersey Mike’s
The deal: Buy one sub and get the second for just $3.99 all week. The offer is valid for email club members and anyone who digs up the offer off the chain’s Twitter account that week.
When: March 10-16
Monday, March 11
Hungry Howie’s
The deal: Get a medium one-topping pizza for just $3.14 with the purchase of any bread at regular price. The deal is only good on carryout orders with the code “19PI.”
When: March 11-14
Tuesday, March 12 – National Pancake Day
IHOP
The deal: For the holiday it started, IHOP is offering a free short stack of pancakes to anyone who drops by. At the same time, it will be collecting donations for its three charity partners: Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH), The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and Shriners Hospitals for Children.
When: March 12
Metro Diner
The deal: In honor of National Pancake Day, you can get a free stack of six silver dollar pancakes for any kid under the age of 12. No other purchase is required.
When: March 12
Farmer Boys
The deal: If you’re a VIF (Very Important Farmer) member, you’ll get a free hot cakes combo with the purchase of another. You’ll have to present your code at the time of purchase. Get ahold of it at all 92 locations.
When: March 12
Thursday, March 14 – Pi Day
White Castle
The deal: Grab a coupon through the chain’s email list or social media for a breakfast slider combo (with a hash brown and small coffee) for $3.14.
When: March 14
Fresh Brothers
The deal: Grab a personal pizza with as many toppings as you can handle for just $3.14. You can use the code “PIDAY” to redeem the offer via pick-up, dine-in, or delivery as long as the delivery isn’t through GrubHub, Postmates, Uber Eats, or DoorDash.
When: March 14
Davanni’s
The deal: Take $3.14 off a large online pizza order with the code “PiDay19.”
When: March 14
Sauce Pizza & Wine
The deal: Dine-in and one of Sauce’s Texas locations and get a cheese pizza for $3.14. Before you start day-dreaming about how many pizzas you can eat, know that there’s a limit of one per guest.
When: March 14
Friday, March 15
Noodles & Company
The deal: Order through the NoodlesREWARDS app and get $2 off the chain’s new Zucchini Shrimp Scampi or Penne Rosa and Shrimp.
When: Fridays from March 15-April 19
Moe’s Southwest Grill
The deal: Ol’ Moe is offering a free side with an entrée over $5 if you sign up for Moe’s Rockin’ Rewards.
When: March 15-17
Sunday, March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day
Freebirds World Burrito
The deal: In honor of the nation’s second greenest holiday, Freebirds will set you up with free guac when you purchase any entrée.
When: March 17
Bruegger’s Bagels
The deal: Bruegger’s has been doing green bagels for St. Patrick’s Day for more than 20 years. The streak does not go down in 2019. Though they’re not available until March 15, you can preorder yours starting on March 7. Additionally, once they arrive, you can get a coupon for $2 off a Big Bagel Bundle — 13 bagels of any color with two tubs of cream cheese — on the shop’s website.
When: March 15-17
Jersey Mike’s
The deal: Grab a sub after 4pm, and you’ll get free chips and a drink if you’re a member of the Jersey Mike’s email club. The offer will also be shared via Twitter on March 17.
When: March 17-22
Sunday, March 24
Jersey Mike’s
The deal: Sign up for the email club in advance of the date and get $1 off any large or giant sub with a coupon sent to your email. This offer ends the day before the sub shop’s annual Day of Giving.
When: March 24-26
Wednesday, March 27
Jersey Mike’s
The deal: No actual deal today, but it’s the sub shop’s annual Day of Giving. 100% of sales on March 27 — not just profits, but every dollar you spend — will be donated to local charities.
When: March 27
Reward Program Freebies
Carl’s Jr.
The deal: Sign up for the Carl’s Jr. promo club, and you’re going to get a free small order of fries and a small beverage.
When: Ongoing
PintPass
The deal: This app asks you to answer a couple questions about brewery taprooms when you stop by for a beer. In exchange for your time, they’re buying you a round. Get all the details on grabbing free beers through PintPass here.
When: Ongoing
Arby’s
The deal: Sign up for Arby’s email newsletter and start with a coupon for a free roast beef sandwich.
When: Ongoing
Baskin-Robbins
The deal: When you download the Baskin-Robbins app for the first time, you get a free regular-sized scoop as an in-app offer.
When: Ongoing
Bruegger’s Bagels
The deal: You get how this goes now. Sign up for their Inner Circle club, and new members get a coupon for a free bagel with cream cheese.
When: Ongoing
Einstein Bros. Bagels
The deal: Find a similar deal here. Sign up for the Shmear Society and grab a free bagel.
When: Ongoing
Baja Fresh
The deal: Join the restaurant’s Club Baja membership program, and you’ll get an offer for a totally free taco, valid for one chicken, carnitas Baja, or Americano taco.
When: Ongoing
Quiznos
The deal: Sign up for the Toasty Points loyalty app and get rewarded with a free 4-inch sub with any purchase.
When: Ongoing
Del Taco
The deal: Sign up for Del Taco’s Raving Fan eClub and get two free grilled chicken tacos or Del Tacos for signing up. If you download the Del App, you can also land another pair of free Del Tacos.
When: Ongoing
Wingstop
The deal: Get a free order of fries when you sign up for “The Club.”
When: Ongoing
Bojangles
The deal: Sign up for the E-Club, and you’ll get a coupon for a half-gallon of Legendary Iced Tea with any purchase. You’ll also get a coupon for a free Bo-Berry Biscuit with any purchase on your birthday.
When: Ongoing
MOOYAH
The deal: A free order of personal fries are headed your way if you sign up for MOOYAH Rewards.
When: Ongoing
Cold Stone Creamery
The deal: If you’re new to My Cold Stone Club Rewards you’ll get a buy-one-get-one-free coupon on Creations.
When: Ongoing
El Pollo Loco
The deal: If you sign up for Loco Rewards you’ll bag a free pollo bowl.
When: Ongoing
Red Cow
The deal: Join the Minneapolis-based chain’s e-club and you’ll get a coupon in your inbox for $10 your bill next time you dine-in.
When: Ongoing
Wetzel’s Pretzels
The deal:Download the Wetzel’s Pretzels app, and you’ll be gifted a free pretzel item from the pretzel shop. You’ll also get a freebie on your birthday. Happy early bithday!
When: Ongoing
Mimi’s Cafe
The deal: Sign up for the e-club, and you get a free two-pack of croissants or muffins.
When: Ongoing
BJ’s Brewhouse
The deal: Join the Premier Rewards Plus program, and they’ll hook you up with a free Pizookie. (That’s a deep-dish-inspired cookie if it wasn’t immediately clear from the weird portmanteau.) Bonus: You’ll get another free Pizookie on your birthday.
When: Ongoing
Black Angus Steakhouse
The deal: Join the restaurant’s Prime Club, and you’ll automatically get a free dessert. (You also get a free steak dinner on your first birthday after joining the club.)
When: Ongoing
Maggie Moo’s and Marble Slab Creamery
The deal: Sign up for the rewards program — Slab Happy Rewards — and a free ice cream is headed straight for your mouth.
When: Ongoing
Corner Bakery
The deal: Get a free sweet when you sign up for Corner Bakery’s e-club, which is basically just the email newsletter.
When: Ongoing
Papa Murphy’s
The deal: Sign up for the take-and-bake chain’s email offers, and you’ll get a code for 25% off your next online order of $20 or more.
When: Ongoing
Huge thank you to Thrillist for compiling this amazing like. Give them a follow too!
