Going out to eat either at a sit-down restaurant or at a fast food joint can quickly get expensive. Consequently, if you are like most seniors, this expense can be a factor in whether you eat out at all. Thankfully, there are some benefits that come with age, in addition to the wisdom you have gained. You can now qualify for many types of senior discounts and deals, meaning you can eat at your favorite chain restaurants while spending less. Read on for some of the most popular deals and discounts you can enjoy today as a senior:

McDonald’s

Each individual McDonald’s is slightly different as they are owned by franchises that set their prices and policies. However, each location is also owned by an individual business owner who has to decide if they will offer franchise discounts. Thankfully, more than 90% of all McDonald's honor the franchise senior discount policy. The typical discount offered is getting a small coffee for 80 cents. However, some offer dine-in discounts in addition to this or when using the McDonald’s App. Generally, the age that qualifies for this discount is 55 years and up, but some locations have an age requirement of at least 60 years of age to qualify.

Denny’s

Denny’s is a favorite as a budget-friendly, yet feeling and good-tasting dining option. Instead of offering a general senior discount, such as offering savings on the overall balance, they instead feature a 55+ senior menu that is only available to seniors. This menu features meal options that are priced lower than the meals on the standard menu. Denny’s are owned by individual owners, but since they are a franchise, most do offer a version of a 55+ menu that allows seniors to eat at a discounted rate. In addition, if you are an AARP member, you can also get an additional 15% off of your overall order, including both in-house dining and to-go orders. The AARP discount is capped at $10 and does not include savings on alcoholic beverages. Denny’s also offers franchise promotions like their Denny’s Rewards program, which, although it isn’t relegated to seniors, will save you 20% off after joining. It will also give you special offers on your birthday and let you know about specials and other promotions.

Applebee’s

Another great location to visit as a senior is Applebee’s. They give seniors aged 60 and older anywhere from 10 to 15 % off their checks. There isn’t a universal set discount, so ask about the specifics before visiting. In addition, getting this discount might require you to sign up for their senior loyalty card, called the Golden Apple Card, but it is again subject to each individual owner’s preferences.

IHOP

Instead of offering a set amount off of your bill, IHOP also offers a special 55+ menu. This makes eating at this delicious restaurant more affordable than it already is, and you can save even more by signing up for the IHOP rewards program called the International Bank of Pancakes. Signing up for this is free, and it can be accessed via an IHOP app as well, for greater convenience. You earn “crypto pancakes” after signing up for IHOP Rewards. Every $5 spent will equal one PanCoin, and eventually, PanCoins can be traded in for a short stack of pancakes (three pancakes).

Outback Steakhouse

This restaurant is a favorite place to enjoy a nice meal with many seafood and land lover options. To qualify for a senior discount at Outback Steakhouse, you have to be an AARP member and be able to show your card. This will give you 10% off food and non-alcoholic beverages and is applicable for both lunch and dinner visits. This discount cannot be used to discount catering or delivery orders.

There are so many chain restaurants that base their senior discounts on AARP membership; here is a convenient list of all those in one location and the discounts that come along with presenting an AARP membership:

• Jamba: 10% off your order.
• Cinnabon: 10% off your order.
• Bonefish Grill: 10% off non-alcoholic beverages and food, does not include discounts on catering or delivery orders.
• Chart House: 10% off non-alcoholic beverages and food.
• Bubba Gump Shrimp: 10% off food and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Carrabba’s Italian Grill: 10% off food and non-alcoholic beverages.
• McAlister’s Deli: 10% off your order.
• Moe’s Southwest Grill: 10% off your order.
• Scholtzky’s: 10% off your order.
• Landry’s Seafood: 10% off non-alcoholic beverages and food.
• Joe’s Crab Shack: 10% off food and non-alcoholic beverages.

How to Find Discounts

While you might assume there is some trick to getting a discount, in most cases, the simplest way to get a senior discount or a deal on your food is just to ask. You can either ask when dining before you order or call ahead and inquire about a restaurant’s policy before visiting. In many cases, you will be surprised at the deals you can enjoy now that you have entered your senior years.