February 27th 2026
By Ari Parker
Save money dining out with our complete guide to restaurant senior discounts. Discover which chains offer deals, age requirements, and how to maximize savings at your favorite eateries.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or want to take a break from cooking, dining out is a great way to shake up your routine.
But many seniors worry about the cost of eating at restaurants, especially when living on a fixed income.
Thankfully, many beloved restaurant chains in the U.S. offer senior discounts and savings, making it easier for you to sit back, relax, and enjoy your meal.
In this article, we’ll cover the top 10+ restaurant chains with senior discounts, their age requirements, and how to save money when dining out .
Many restaurant chains offer senior discounts, including Jack in the Box, Denny’s, Sizzler, and Krispy Kreme.
Not all locations offer the same discount, so it’s a good idea to check their discount policy ahead of time.
Joining AARP, AMAC, or a restaurant specific rewards program is a great way to maximize your savings when dining out.
Research shows that eating communally, or dining with friends and family, is associated with a better quality of life.
But because hosting loved ones at your home isn’t always feasible, going to a restaurant is one of the easiest ways to break bread with others and reap the benefits this activity provides.
Unfortunately, dining out isn’t always affordable, especially in retirement. Finding senior discounts offered by some of the most popular chain restaurants is a great way to ensure you and your friends can enjoy a meal out without a high price tag.
Several fast food restaurants offer senior discounts. However, keep in mind that these discounts can vary by location, so it’s a good idea to inquire ahead of time if the location near you offers a senior discount.
Examples of fast food restaurants that offer senior discounts include:
Jack in the Box: This fast food chain offers 55+ dining discounts at many locations, though the exact discount percentage can vary between 10-20%.
A&W: Customers 55+ get 10% off their order at participating A&W locations.
Sonic Drive-In: Customers aged 60 and above can get either 10% off their meal or a free drink.
Steak ‘N Shake: Diners aged 50 and above receive a 10% discount at participating Steak ‘N Shake locations. You can also combine this discount with other promotional offers.
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Looking for a more relaxed and less speedy dining experience than fast-food? Casual dining chains offer a more traditional dining experience at affordable prices.
Examples of casual dining restaurants that offer senior discounts include:
Denny’s: Many locations offer 15% off discounts for customers aged 55+. If you’re an AARP member, you can take 15% off your entire order with a savings cap of $10.
Long John Silver’s: Over 700 locations of Long John Silver's offer 10-20% discounts for diners who are 55+ and members of the Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC).
Friendly’s: Customers aged 60 and older can access Friendly’s senior menu that offers beloved menu items at reduced prices.
Cici’s Pizza: Some locations offer AARP members 15% off their dine-in orders.
Like casual dining locales, family restaurants offer a more elevated experience than fast-food without breaking the bank. With items to please the whole family, these restaurants are ideal for a multi-generational gathering.
Examples of family restaurants that offer senior discounts include:
Sizzler: Senior diners aged 60 and above can access Sizzler’s “Honored Guests” menu that offers popular entrees at reduced portions and prices.
Perkin’s Restaurant & Bakery: Like Sizzler, Perkin’s offers diners 55+ a special menu of smaller portioned and reduced cost entrees.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill: If you’re an AARP member you can get 10% off your meal at Carrabba’s Italian Grill (excludes alcohol, taxes, and gratuity).
Outback Steakhouse: You can also get 10% off your meal (excluding alcohol, taxes, and gratuity) at Outback Steakhouse as an AARP member.
Want a pick-me-up or sweet treat rather than a full meal? Try one of these coffee shops or cafes to take advantage of their senior discounts:
Examples of coffee shops and cafes that offer senior discounts include:
Krispy Kreme: Participating locations offer customers 50 and over 10% off of their order.
Tim Hortons: Some locations offer customers 60 and over a 10% discount on certain food items.
Below are some ways to maximize your savings when dining out as a senior:
Call ahead: Most chains lack nationwide policies on senior discounts, which is why it’s important to call ahead to inquire whether or not the location nearest you offers a senior discount.
Join AARP or another organization: As a member of AARP or AMAC, you’ll have access to additional dining discounts.
Sign up for restaurant specific rewards: Some chains offer exclusive rewards and discounts for their members. In some cases, you can combine these offers with their standard senior discount.
Dining out doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Finding popular chains near you that offer senior discounts is a great way to save money when you don’t feel like cooking at home.
Keep in mind that many of these senior discount policies vary by location, so it’s important to check with the chains near you to see if they offer any senior-specific discounts.
The age requirements for senior dining discounts vary according to each restaurant, but most establishments offer senior discounts for customers who are either 55 or 60+.
Rules and eligibility requirements vary according to each restaurant, but some chains may ask for ID to prove eligibility.
Examples of fast food restaurants that offer senior discounts include Jack in the Box, A&W, Sonic, and Steak ‘N Shake.
The benefits of eating with others: connecting nutrition and socialization for better health. (n.d.). https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/nutrition/BenefitsOfEatingTogether_IG-508.pdf
