Birthdays are cool. Free stuff is cool. Put the two together and you’ve got yourself a damn fine celebration. Finding free goodies, though, is the issue—but not anymore. Plenty of Evanston businesses give away freebies if it’s your big day; you just need to know where to look. And, hey, we did that for you! Consult this list to make sure that you can maximize your acquisitions on your special day.
Flat Top Grill
You need to sign up for the Flat Top mailing list for this one, but it’s so worth it. Every year on your birthday, you get a free stir-fry meal. Not only that, but you can get a free appetizer or dessert coupon on your half-birthday too.
Andy's Frozen Custard
A free birthday treat awaits you, but only if you join the Andy’s mailing list, endearingly called the “Yum Squad.” Make sure you sign up before your birthday and reap the spoils.
Noodles & Company
This one requires a little advance planning. If you sign up for their E-club, you’ll receive a “Noodlegram” on your birthday that amounts to a free entree. However, you’ll need to have been a member of the E-club for more than 60 days to be eligible.
Cheesie’s Pub & Grub
No formal birthday deal exists at this beloved artery-destroyer, but you can stop by here on your 21st birthday and get a free shot. Just flash your ID and you’ll be one step closer to blackout before you know it.
Joy Yee Noodle
If you ever want to celebrate your birthday at a restaurant, seriously consider Joy Yee. If it’s your birthday and you dine in, you’ll receive a small complimentary birthday cake. Tell your waiter when you first get seated and await your cake.
CVS
It’s not as flashy as a restaurant deal, but the CVS birthday experience is still worth mentioning. If you sign up for the ExtraCare card (and you should, it’s free), you can register it online to get $3 in ExtraCare bucks on your birthday.
Einstein Bro’s Bagels
Whether you visit the location on Sherman Avenue or you can manage to find the one in Tech, Einstein’s offers a nice little birthday treat. Sign up for their mailing list and on your birthday, you’ll receive a free breakfast sandwich with the purchase of any drink.