Here’s some wonderful news: Your favorite restaurant chains want to treat you to delicious meals at prices that’ll make you smile! Several well-known chains welcome older diners by offering them more affordable options from a special menu or providing an overall discount. That means a chance to savor breakfast food, sandwiches, burgers and more while not derailing your budget. Whether you’re looking to use the senior discounts for yourself or take a loved one out to eat, here are the best options restaurants have to offer.
Denny’s
The popular restaurant chain makes it easier for older Americans to dine out for less. Many locations reportedly offer a 55-and-up menu that features favorite Denny’s dishes at a discount. Choose from classics like omelets, pancakes and sandwiches.
IHOP
Like Denny’s, IHOP has its own menu for diners who are 55 or older. Classic breakfast items come in smaller portions perfect for smaller appetites. While the traditional Breakfast Sampler has two eggs, two bacon strips, two pork sausage links, two pieces of ham, hash browns and two buttermilk pancakes for $14.49, the 55+ option has half the food for just $8.99. There are all-day favorites on the menu too, like BLT sandwiches and crispy fish.
Golden Corral
For a delicious all-you-can-eat meal, head to Golden Corral. Many locations offer senior discounts (usually 10 percent) for customers 60 and up for the regular buffet—and sometimes a complimentary drink! Ask your local restaurant what’s available and consider signing up for the free Gold Rewards Club. When you join, you can request to receive more information specifically catered to senior diners.
Chili’s
When you dine out at Chili’s, you can enjoy more than just flavorful dishes–there’s a special discount available too. Customers who are 55 and older will get 10 percent off their bill when they dine at participating locations. That means a chance to enjoy baby back ribs, fajitas and more tasty options for less.
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
Next time you’re craving Perkins’ homemade dishes, ask for their Fifty-Five Plus Menu. You can choose from breakfast, lunch and dinner items at reduced rates, making your meal more affordable. Don’t forget to enjoy freshly baked goods from the bakery while you’re there!
Friendly’s
This popular restaurant chain offers a menu reserved specifically for older diners. If you’re 60 and older, you can order from this menu, which features salads, burgers and main entrees. The savings typically add up to $2–$3 off per item, putting more money back in your pocket.
How to save even more with your AARP membership
There’s yet another smart way to dine out for less: being an AARP member! Many popular chains offer discounts to older Americans as long as you can prove your membership. In some cases, you’ll get as much as 15 percent off–which could seriously add up in savings if you eat out several times per week.
Here are restaurants that offer an AARP discount:
- Auntie Ann’s
- Bonefish Grill
- Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
- Carrabba’s Italian Grill
- Chart House
- Cici’s Pizza
- Cinnabon
- Denny’s
- Jamba
- Joe’s Crab Shack
- Landry’s
- McAlister’s Deli
- McCormick & Schmick’s
- Moe’s Southwest Grill
- Outback Steakhouse
- Papa John’s
- Rainforest Cafe
- Saltgrass Steak House
- Schlotzky’s
- The Oceanaire Seafood Room
You can currently join AARP for just $15 if you enroll in automatic renewal—and you’ll receive a $5 gift card as a bonus! Besides the dining discounts, you’ll receive other special perks like rewards, travel benefits and a subscription to the AARP magazine.
Whether you order from a special 55+ menu or grab a bite to eat from a restaurant with an AARP discount, you’ll be able to treat yourself to a tasty and affordable meal.
