Discounts for seniors at Seattle-Tacoma area restaurants (greaterseattleonthecheap.com)

Many national and franchise restaurants have deals and discounts for citizens senior citizens. We update this list about once a year and list them below.

Getting the most out of senior discounts

Pay attention to the age and other requirements (such as an AARP card), since they can vary at each establishment even at the same chain restaurant. (That’s because chain restaurants are often franchises that are locally owned and operated.)

Regardless of whether your favorite restaurant is listed here, always ask about a senior discount wherever you dine or shop.

My dad was king of asking for senior discounts. It was, quite frankly, embarrassing. However, now that I am a senior citizen, I find it much less embarrassing. Go figure. Lesson learned. Thanks, dad!

Also, a word about loyalty cards. These days, loyalty cards are less often a card, rather a smartphone app. For places you frequent, a loyalty app pays off (if signing up is free–which it usually is). Loyalty members get exclusive deals and you can save substantially on your dining out dollars. But limit it to 2-3 places that you like and are convenient to your daily routine.

Finally, if you have a loyalty card, don’t forget to ask for senior discounts. Sometimes you might have to do two transactions–one with the loyalty card and another with your senior ID. But that’s a tiny inconvenience that’s worth the effort.

Bon Appetit!

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Seniors discount at Seattle-Tacoma area restaurants

(listed alphabetically by restaurant name)

Arby’s (over 24 Puget Sound locations). Get a 10% discount on your purchase, and some locations offer a free drink with purchase.

A&W (locations in Seattle and south Sound). The offer varies by location, typically a 10% discount off your purchase. Always ask about a discount before you order.

Ben & Jerry’s (Seattle and Eastside). Seniors 60+ get 10% off at participating Scoop Shops. And remember, everyone can ask for a free taste of any flavor in the scoop freezer.

Bonefish Grill (Bothell and Marysville). Present your AARP card for 10% off food and nonalcoholic drinks.

Burger King (locations throughout the Puget Sound region). Seniors can receive a 10% discount on their purchase.

Chick-fil-A (locations throughout the Puget Sound region). Offers a free, refillable senior drink with purchase. Excludes coffee.

Corner Bakery Café (Tukwila). Save 10% on your check with an AARP card.

Dairy Queen (locations throughout the Puget Sound region). Participating locations offer free drinks or 10% off purchase to seniors 55+.

Del Taco (Federal Way). 10% discount for seniors 55+.

Denny’s (many locations throughout the Puget Sound region). AARP members receive 15% off their purchase. And if you are feeling spunky, ask your server for something off the secret menu. It’s so secret that some locations don’t even know about it. French Toast Grilled Cheese Sandwich. You are welcome.

IHOP (many locations throughout the Puget Sound region). The 55+ Menu offers lower prices for smaller portions of dinner entrees such as pot roast and lemon chicken and breakfast favorites such as French toast. And most locations have a 10% discount for seniors, although the age requirement may vary.

Jack in the Box (many locations throughout the Puget Sound region). Seniors 55+ can get up to 20% off their entire order.

KFC (many locations throughout the Puget Sound region). Seniors 55+ can get a free small drink with meal purchase. Individual franchises may offer a discount of up to 10%, excluding any coupons or sales. So, ask before ordering.

McDonald’s (many locations throughout the Puget Sound region). Customers 55+ can receive discounts on coffee and other drinks.

Outback Steakhouse (locations throughout the Puget Sound region). AARP members can show their card to get 10% off their meal.

Panera Bread (multiple locations, outside Seattle). Not just for senior citizens, Panera Bread has special deals for MyPanera club members, including surprising members with a free bagel every day of one month.

Red Lobster (Federal Way, Lynnwood, Olympia, Silverdale, Tacoma). Members of the Fresh Catch Club receive coupons and promos by email.

Taco Bell (many locations throughout the Puget Sound region). Get 5% off and a free drink.

TCBY (Bellingham, Shoreline). Enjoy your yogurt for 10% less if you are 55+.

Village Inn (Federal Way). Receive 10% if you are 60+.

According to a Zagat survey, the average cost of dining out ranges from $28-$48 in cities across the country. If you eat out once per week, that can add up to an eye-popping $1500-$2500 per year.

This list of restaurant deals and dining discounts helps take the “bite” out of the cost of dining out. Use this list to cut your bill by 10% or more.

It’s always good to confirm before you order at a chain restaurant that the location is participating in a national deal.

We usually update this list of senior discounts at Seattle area restaurants once or twice a year. But shoot us an email if you find a new offer, or one listed here that has changed.

But wait, there’s more!