March is here again. For some of us, it feels like we’re actually still stuck in March 2020. But with Springtime just around the corner, and lots of optimism for a somewhat normal summer (we hope!), there’s more than a few good reasons to celebrate March 2021. And what better way to celebrate than with some free grub? As restaurants around the country attempt to bounce back from an incredibly rough 12 months, many are currently offering great deals. From free items to heavy discounts, here are some of the best ways to score free (or cheap) food this month. Of course, please make sure you’re being as safe as possible if you’re planning to dine out in any way. This whole pandemic thing isn’t quite over yet. Nonetheless, hungry people need to eat!
Here’s a breakdown by day, plus a section on recurring weekly deals and ongoing specials.
Weekly Deals
Some places have continuing rolling specials. Think “half-price appetizer” days or “2-for-1 drink Mondays.” Here’s the best examples you can take advantage of right now.
Weekdays in March
Mondays
Steak ‘n Shake
Every weekday (Monday through Friday) features a Happy Hour at Steak ‘n Shake. You can grab half price drinks and shakes between 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm.
Tuesdays
Red Loster
The popular seafood chain continues to offer its Two for Tuesday dinner deal. You’ll get lobster, shrimp, and salmon for two (with your choice of sides) for only $49.99. Even better, this deal is available for takeout or delivery too.
Bertucci’s
If you’re craving a pizza, wait for a Tuesday. Bertucci’s offers a buy one, get one free deal on their Brick Oven Pizza every Tuesday.
Wednesdays
Buffalo Wild Wings
It’s Wings Tuesdays at B-Dubs! Every Tuesday, you can score cheap traditional wings with their buy one, get one free deal. Thankfully, Buffalo Wild Wings recently brought this deal back after previously discontinuing it. Cheap wings for everyone!
Ike’s Love and Sandwiches
For sandwich lovers, Wednesday might be your new favorite day of the week. Ike’s Love and Sandwiches is knocking $5 off every order (of at least $20) every Wednesday in March. That’s five separate days to save!
Bakers Square
Dessert lovers, rejoice! Bakers Square offers a free slice of pie every Wednesday to anyone who buys an entrée and a beverage. And everyone knows that free pie tastes better.
O’Charleys
One way to score free pie wasn’t enough? O’Charley’s also offers a free slice of pie on Wednesdays, as long as you buy a meal.
Carvel
If pie isn’t your thing, stick with ice cream. Everyone likes ice cream, right? Carvel offers two-for-one ice cream sundaes every Wednesday. Bring a friend. Or eat them both yourself. We won’t judge.
Thursdays
Long wings, but hate the bones? Wait until Thursdays to snag BOGO boneless wings from Buffalo Wild Wings. This deal is even available for takeout at select locations, if you prefer to destroy an obscene amount of wings in the privacy of your own home.
Fridays
McDonalds
You can earn a free medium order of fries every Friday (until the end of June) when you place any order on McDonald’s mobile app for more than $1.
Red Lobster
Red Lobster’s Fish Fry Friday promotion runs every week. You’ll dine on hand-battered, wild-caught cod with fries and coleslaw for only $11.99. Dine in or have it delivered!
Sundays
Dickey’s Barbeque Pit
Struggling to find the energy to feed the kids? Let someone else do it! Dickey’s offers a free Texas-style barbecue meal for kids with all delivery or takeout orders. Just order at least one entrée, spend at least $10, and use the promo code “KEFLO”. Food for you, and free food for the youngin’.
ShutterstockOngoing Deals
Tajuana Flats
This delicious Mexican chain is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. To commemorate the occasion, they are offering a new set of Happy Hour deals every week. The specials run from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. You’ll find great deals like $2 fountain drinks, Mexican beers, chips and salsa, Uno Taco, or Churros. For $5 you can get Loaded Guac, a burrito (no specialty burritos), a bowl (no specialty bowls), or a quesadilla.
Steak ‘n Shake
This one is easy. It’s free fries from Steak ‘n Shake. There’s no minimum order or anything, but it’s only available if you go through the drive-thru. But honestly, it’s just that easy. This promotion is ongoing, any day, any time.
Penn Station East Coast Subs
Until March 21, this sub shop is raising money for local Down syndrome organizations. A donation of $2 or more will get you a coupon for BOGO subs on your next visit or order. Take advantage of this deal before it disappears.
Popeyes
This deal is ongoing, but sadly you can only use it once. You’ll get $2 off your first digital order made through their app or website. It’s not the largest deal we’ve found for March, but it’s better than nothing!
Panda Express
Until March 23, you can grab a Family Meal Deal (two large sides and three large entrées) for just $29. Best of all, their new Firecracker Chicken is part of the deal.
Jimmy John’s
If you sign up for the restaurant’s Freaky Fast Rewards program, you can score a free eight-inch sandwich after your first order through their app. Who doesn’t love a free sandwich?
Del Taco
You can grab free delivery on any Del Taco order through Postmates by using the code “DELTACONOW”. That’s it, it’s that easy.
Halo Burger
You can enjoy a free QP Burger after your first loyalty visit to this popular burger chain. You’ll have to join their loyalty club to take advtantage.
Taco Cabana
Here’s another one for front-line workers. If you work in a restaurant, hotel, food service industry, grocery store, big-box store, or drugstore, Taco Cabana will give you 50% off your order when you purchase while wearing your uniform (or simply show adequate ID.)
Uberrito
This chain offers a “$5 chicken for pick-up” deal every day of the week. They also throw in $0.99 kid meals (with the purchase of an entrée). Hard to beat those prices.
Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop
Whenever you buy an entrée and get it delivered, Capriotti’s will throw in a free grilled cheese sandwich. Use it to feed the kids, or just eat it yourself. Your choice!
B.Good
Kids eat free, every day! Yes, you read that correctly. You get a free kids meal every day of the week, as long as you purchase an adult entrée. You can double up on this deal too, meaning two adult entrees equals two free kids meal. A great deal for families!
Rubio’s Coast Grill
You’ll earn free delivery by placing any order over $20 on Rubio’s app or website. Every day, no exception.
Jamba
If you order any smoothie through the app, you can add one of Jamba’s Functional Boost additives for free.
Special Days
Every once in a while, restaurants will offer a “one day only” special deal. Here are a couple of the highlights we found for March.
Friday, March 5
Ike’s Love and Sandwiches
Need a pickmeup? All first responders can score a free Red Bull just by showing their badge or ID on Friday, March 5.
Sunday, March 14 – Pie Day
Your Pie
Math nerds get it. It’s Pi(e) Day! To celebrate this extra geeky holiday, Your Pie will take $3.14 off any pizza pie on March 14. Some restrictions apply, and the offer is only good using their Your Pie Rewards app.
National Pancake Day
Okay, technically National Pancake Day was February 16. So you missed it. However, IHOP locations are keeping the spirit of the day alive. If you sign up for the MyHOP rewards program by the end of March 31, you’ll get a free short stack of buttermilk pancakes anytime in the month of April. Still free food, regardless of the day!
Shutterstock
