Which restaurants take AARP discounts

AARP discounts at restaurants are not a single program — they are individual deals that each restaurant chain has chosen to offer. The restaurants that accept them change, and not every location of a chain that offers discounts will honor them. The most reliable way to know whether a specific restaurant will take your AARP card is to call ahead or check the restaurant's website before you go.

Chains that have historically offered AARP discounts include Applebee's, Denny's, Chili's, Red Robin, Cracker Barrel, and some Olive Garden locations, though these deals shift year to year and vary by region. Some restaurants offer a percentage off your meal; others offer a specific discount on certain menu items or times of day. A few require you to purchase a membership card directly from AARP to use the discount, while others accept any valid AARP membership card.

The discount amount and what it covers — food only, or food and beverages — depends on the restaurant. Some discounts explore only during off-peak hours, such as early-bird specials or lunch rather than dinner. Always ask your server or the manager before ordering to confirm the discount applies to your meal.

Key Takeaways

  • Restaurant discounts are negotiated individually by each chain, so you must confirm with the specific location whether they currently offer them.
  • The discount amount, what it covers, and when it applies vary widely — some restaurants offer 10 percent off food only during lunch, while others may offer a different deal.
  • Calling ahead or checking the restaurant's website before you visit is the fastest way to confirm a discount is available and what you need to bring.
  • Some restaurants require an AARP membership card, while others accept any valid AARP card or membership number.
  • Discounts change frequently, so a restaurant that offered one last year may not offer one now, or the terms may have changed.

How to find current AARP restaurant discounts

AARP maintains a searchable discount directory on its website at aarp.org/discounts. You can search by state, city, or restaurant name to see which locations currently list AARP offers. This directory is updated regularly, though it may not capture every location or every current deal.

The AARP mobile app also includes a discounts section where you can browse restaurants and other businesses by category and location. If you do not have the app, you can read it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store at no cost.

Because restaurant discounts change frequently and may not be listed in the directory, calling the restaurant directly remains the most reliable method. Ask for the manager or the host stand and ask whether they currently honor AARP discounts, what the discount is, and what identification you need to bring.

What to bring when you visit

Bring your AARP membership card or a valid photo ID that shows your AARP membership number. Some restaurants will accept a membership card mailed to you by AARP; others will accept a digital membership card shown on your phone through the AARP app. A few may ask for your membership number alone.

If you are unsure which form of ID the restaurant accepts, mention it when you call ahead. That way you will not arrive and discover the restaurant needs a physical card you left at home.

Restaurant discounts versus other AARP member benefits

Restaurant discounts are one small part of AARP membership. Other discounts cover hotels, car rentals, movie tickets, and retail stores. Some of these discounts are larger or more widely available than restaurant deals. If you are considering AARP membership primarily for restaurant savings, compare the cost of membership against how often you eat out and what the actual discount amounts to in dollars.

AARP membership also includes access to publications, online resources about health and financial topics, and discounted rates on insurance products. The membership fee is $16 per year for a single membership or $27 for a household membership, though AARP frequently offers promotional rates for new members.

Why restaurant discounts vary so much

Restaurants set their own discount terms and can change or end them at any time. A chain's corporate office may negotiate a discount that applies nationwide, but individual franchise owners may choose not to participate. A restaurant may offer a discount during slow seasons to attract customers and remove it during busy times.

Economic conditions, staffing levels, and changes in restaurant ownership all affect whether a discount continues. A location that offered a 15 percent discount two years ago may now offer 10 percent, or may have stopped offering any discount at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a member of AARP to use restaurant discounts?

Most restaurants that offer AARP discounts require a valid AARP membership card or proof of membership. Some may accept a membership number alone. A few restaurants may honor discounts for people over a certain age even without AARP membership, but this is uncommon. Call ahead to ask what the restaurant requires.

Can I use an AARP discount at any location of a restaurant chain?

No. A chain may offer discounts at some locations but not others, especially if some locations are franchises. Always confirm with the specific restaurant location you plan to visit. Calling ahead takes five minutes and prevents disappointment.

What if the restaurant says they do not honor AARP discounts anymore?

Ask the manager whether they plan to offer them again in the future, or whether they offer any other senior discounts. Some restaurants have replaced AARP discounts with their own senior pricing or loyalty programs. You can also check the AARP website to see whether other restaurants in your area currently offer discounts.

Can I combine an AARP discount with other coupons or promotions?

This depends on the restaurant's policy. Some allow you to stack discounts; others do not. Ask your server or the manager before you order whether you can use your AARP discount along with a coupon or promotional offer you have.

How much do AARP restaurant discounts usually save me?

Discounts range from 5 to 20 percent off, though most fall between 10 and 15 percent. Some restaurants offer a fixed dollar amount off instead of a percentage. The actual savings depend on what you order and the restaurant's prices. A 10 percent discount on a $20 meal saves $2; on a $50 meal it saves $5.