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10 Restaurant Chains That Throw in a Free Appetizer

Start your meal with something free; these chains dish out appetizers when you order an entrée.

By Sarah Barkley

Edited by Esther Carlstone

Updated May 23, 2025

If you're looking to stretch your eating-out budget, you're in luck. Many popular restaurant chains offer free appetizers with a meal purchase or rewards sign-up, making eating out more affordable and enjoyable.

Here are 10 restaurant chains that offer free appetizers with meal purchase to help your money go further while still letting you indulge.

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Olive Garden

When you dine in and buy an entreé at Olive Garden, you score their famous unlimited breadsticks and soup or salad for free, which some argue are some of the tastiest menu items at the restaurant.

You can also take advantage of Olive Garden's $6 Take Home Entrees, when you choose from fettuccine alfredo, five cheese ziti al forno, and spaghetti with meat sauce. You eat one there, then get to take home another full-size portion for just $6 to have for lunch or dinner the next day.

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Texas Roadhouse

Ordering a meal at Texas Roadhouse means free fresh-baked rolls served with honey cinnamon butter. They're hot when they come out, and refillable upon request. You can also score a free appetizer for joining the Texas Roadhouse VIP Club.

Chili's

Joining Chili's Rewards means you can choose free chips and salsa or a non-alcoholic drink each time you visit when you order a meal. Plus, you can earn free delivery, appetizers, desserts, and other surprises both while dining in or taking out. Their rewards program also awards you a free dessert on your birthday.

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Moe's Southwest Grill

At Moe's Southwest Grill, you get free chips and salsa with every order. Plus, you can get free queso with a purchase when you sign up for the free Moe's Rewards program. Loyalty members earn points to use for future orders, exclusive deals and offers, and free birthday rewards.

California Pizza Kitchen

California Pizza Kitchen offers free sourdough bread with olive oil and herb dipping sauce. After you place your order, they bring out bread before your meal and keep it coming as long as you ask for more.

Plus, all you have to do to get a free appetizer at California Pizza Kitchen is sign up for CPK Rewards. You'll get a free starter at registration, a free dessert on your birthday, and you'll earn points for every bill you pay there. You'll also receive surprise offers throughout the year.

TGI Fridays

At TGI Fridays, signing up for the Fridays Rewards Program is well worth the free appetizer you earn immediately when buying an entreé. You also get free chips and salsa or $3 off an appetizer every time you dine in as a Fridays Rewards member.

As part of the program, you'll also receive special offers, personalized points, and points for every dollar you spend at TGI Fridays.

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O'Charley's

When you eat at O'Charley's, you'll receive a free basket of warm rolls with butter. If you want a free appetizer from the menu on your next visit, you'll want to sign up for their rewards program first.

Once you sign up for the O'Club Rewards, you'll score a free appetizer on your next visit. You'll also get a birthday gift and other exclusive rewards.

LongHorn Steakhouse

Each time you visit LongHorn Steakhouse and order a meal, you'll get fresh honey wheat bread served with whipped honey butter for free. A secret hack? Ask your server to mix the butter with cinnamon sugar for an extra special treat.

You can also order a free appetizer at LongHorn Steakhouse when you sign up to join their eClub. After enjoying your freebie, enjoy a meal starting at only $7.99.

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The Cheesecake Factory

Dining at The Cheesecake Factory means enjoying a free unlimited basket of their famous brown bread served with butter. Not only is their complimentary bread delicious, but you can also get free cheesecake, make reservations, and earn surprise rewards by joining the Cheesecake Factory rewards program.

Chevys Fresh Mex

Chevy's Fresh Mex serves unlimited free chips and salsa to all customers who dine-in. Pair the free chips and salsa with other deals, like their happy hour specials and Taco Tuesday celebration to get the most for your dollar.

You can save even more by joining Chevy's Xperience Rewards loyalty program to receive free chips and guac. You'll also earn points for every dollar you spend and a free entree on your birthday.

Bottom line

With so many chains offering freebies, it's easier than ever to stretch your restaurant budget and still enjoy great food and service.

One insider tip: Some restaurants will also send exclusive bonus offers if you enable push notifications or email alerts in their rewards app. These can include free items not advertised elsewhere. It's a smart way to prepare yourself financially for pricier times.

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