Understanding AARP Membership and Restaurant Discounts
AARP is a membership organization for people age 50 and older. The organization works with various businesses to offer discounts on products and services. One area where AARP members can find savings is at restaurant chains across the United States.
Your Free Guide to Target Gift Card Balance and Use →
AARP membership currently costs $16 per year for a basic membership. Members receive a membership card that they can present at participating locations. The card contains membership information and an identification number. When you visit a restaurant that participates in the AARP discount program, you show your card at the time of payment to receive the discount.
Restaurant discounts through AARP vary widely. Some chains offer percentage-based discounts, such as 10% off your entire meal. Others offer specific discounts on certain menu items or beverages. A few restaurants offer buy-one-get-one deals for AARP members. The discount amounts and terms change based on the specific restaurant's agreement with AARP.
It's important to understand that participating restaurants can change their discount offerings at any time. A restaurant that offered discounts last year may have discontinued them this year, or changed the discount amount. Similarly, new restaurants may begin participating in the program. For this reason, it's wise to check current information before visiting a restaurant, or to ask your server if an AARP discount is available before placing your order.
The restaurants in this guide represent chains with multiple locations that have offered AARP discounts. However, not all locations of a chain may participate. Regional differences, franchise ownership, and local policies can affect whether a specific restaurant honors the discount. Always verify with your local restaurant before your visit.
Practical Takeaway: AARP membership provides access to restaurant discounts at many chains, but discounts vary by restaurant and location. It's worth confirming the specific discount and whether your local restaurant participates before your next visit.
Major Fast-Casual and Quick-Service Chains Offering AARP Discounts
Fast-casual restaurants are a popular segment for AARP discounts. These establishments sit between traditional fast food and full-service restaurants. They typically feature made-to-order meals with higher-quality ingredients than quick-service chains, but faster service than sit-down restaurants.
How to Change Your Uber Password Safely →
Panera Bread has offered AARP member discounts at various times. The discount typically applies to beverages or specific menu items. Panera operates over 2,100 locations across the United States, making it widely accessible. Similarly, Chipotle Mexican Grill has occasionally offered discounts to AARP members, though the availability varies by location and time period.
Bob Evans, a casual dining chain with over 150 locations primarily in the Midwest and South, has traditionally offered AARP member discounts. Their discount program sometimes includes a percentage off the total bill or specific deals on entrees. Bob Evans focuses on comfort food and breakfast items, popular choices for their older customer base.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, a chain of 660+ locations across the United States, has been known to offer AARP discounts. Located primarily along highways, Cracker Barrel serves country-style home cooking. Their stores also include country merchandise shops, making them popular destinations for road trips and casual dining.
Denny's, with over 1,500 locations nationwide, has offered discounts to AARP members in the past. Denny's serves 24 hours at many locations and offers a broad menu including breakfast items, sandwiches, and entrees. Their senior-friendly hours and menu options make them popular with older diners.
IHOP (International House of Pancakes) operates over 1,600 locations and has provided AARP member discounts. As a breakfast and lunch-focused chain, IHOP appeals to many older diners. Their discount offerings may vary, so checking with your local IHOP about current offers is recommended before your visit.
Practical Takeaway: Several major fast-casual and quick-service chains recognize AARP membership. Before visiting, contact your local restaurant directly to confirm the current discount amount and any restrictions on when the discount applies.
Full-Service Dining Chains With AARP Participation
Full-service restaurant chains offer sit-down dining with table service. These establishments typically have higher price points than fast-casual options, making discounts potentially more valuable. Several national full-service chains have participated in AARP discount programs.
Free Guide to Recycling and Surrendering Old License Plates →
Red Lobster, operating over 600 locations, has offered AARP discounts at various times. As a seafood-focused casual dining chain, Red Lobster attracts diners seeking special occasion meals. Their AARP discounts have sometimes included percentage-off deals or specific menu item discounts.
Olive Garden Italian Restaurant, with over 850 locations, is one of the largest casual dining chains in the United States. They have provided AARP member discounts in the past, though specific offers change periodically. Olive Garden serves Italian-American cuisine and is known for unlimited breadsticks and soup options.
Outback Steakhouse operates over 700 locations worldwide, with the majority in the United States. This Australian-themed steakhouse chain has offered AARP discounts. Their menu emphasizes steaks and grilled items, and prices typically range higher than fast-casual establishments.
Texas Roadhouse, a steakhouse chain with over 600 locations, has provided AARP member discounts. Known for hand-cut steaks and fresh-baked rolls, Texas Roadhouse attracts both casual diners and special occasion customers. Their casual atmosphere and moderate pricing appeal to many age groups.
Applebee's, with approximately 1,800 locations, has offered discounts to AARP members. As a neighborhood casual dining chain, Applebee's serves American fare including burgers, salads, and entrees. Their widespread locations make them accessible to many diners.
On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina has locations in multiple states and has offered AARP member discounts. Specializing in Mexican cuisine, this chain provides a dining experience different from traditional American restaurants.
Practical Takeaway: Full-service casual dining chains often provide better discount opportunities than quick-service restaurants because the bill totals are usually higher. The percentage-based or dollar-amount discounts can represent meaningful savings on a larger bill.
Specialty and Regional Restaurant Chains
Beyond national chains, many specialty and regional restaurant groups offer AARP discounts. These establishments may have smaller geographic footprints but serve important roles in their local communities and regions.
How Progressive Insurance Works Information Guide →
Red Robin, a burger chain with over 500 locations primarily in the western United States, has offered AARP member discounts. Their restaurants feature customizable burgers and craft beverages. Red Robin locations often include arcade games and entertainment, creating a family-friendly atmosphere.
Steak 'n Shake, with over 400 locations, has provided AARP discounts at times. This chain is known for hand-dipped milkshakes and made-to-order burgers. Originally a drive-in concept, Steak 'n Shake now operates primarily as traditional sit-down restaurants.
Logan's Roadhouse, a steakhouse chain with over 100 locations in the South and Midwest, has offered AARP member discounts. They serve hand-cut steaks and fresh-made sides. Logan's maintains a rustic steakhouse atmosphere with moderate pricing.
Golden Corral, a buffet-style chain with over 150 locations, has provided AARP discounts. As a buffet concept, Golden Corral allows diners to serve themselves and choose portion sizes, appealing to various appetites and dietary preferences.
Bonefish Grill, a fine-casual seafood restaurant chain with over 200 locations, has offered AARP discounts in some regions. They focus on fresh fish and sophisticated preparation methods. Their wine selection and upscale-casual atmosphere differ from typical casual dining chains.
Chili's Bar and Grill, operating over 1,600 locations worldwide, has provided AARP member discounts. Known for Southwestern-inspired cuisine and bar service, Chili's maintains locations in most American markets.
Local and regional chains also participate in AARP discount programs. These may include established family-