Seniors 55 and older can still stretch their dining dollars at national chains that actually honor real discounts. These places help fixed-income people go further with proof of age or membership in groups like AARP or AMAC.
IHOP
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Anyone 55 and older can order from IHOP’s dedicated senior menu. The Breakfast Sampler, with eggs, sausage, bacon, ham, hash browns, and a pancake, is under $11. Some spots even offer a complimentary coffee. The senior selections are available all day, so dinner can look a lot like breakfast.
Denny’s
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Denny’s long-running AARP discount gives 15% off food and nonalcoholic drinks. Members also get access to the 55+ menu, which includes scrambled eggs and cheddar, grilled chicken, and Alaskan salmon. Their $2 to $8 value menu is still in play, too. This discount is available at participating locations, according to AARP.org.
Village Inn
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Guests 60 and up can ask for 10% off regular menu items at Village Inn. Some locations promote Wednesday pie day, where diners get a free slice with an entree. Their menu includes breakfast all day, where you can enjoy generous portions of pancakes, eggs, and sausage combos that seniors can enjoy at any time.
Bob’s Big Boy
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Big Boy’s breakfast deal for seniors is just $6.99 and includes eggs, pancakes or French toast, sausage or bacon, and coffee. The deal ends at 11 a.m., so there’s time to enjoy a slow start.
Golden Corral
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From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays, diners 60+ can get the early bird special at Golden Corral. The buffet features hot comfort foods, including meatloaf, fried chicken, and pot roast. Their Good as Gold Club offers additional savings and coupons for members who register at goldencorral.com.
Cicis Pizza
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The buffet deal at Cicis varies by location, but many give seniors 60+ a discount, usually around 10% to 15%. You’ll need to ask at the counter and may need to show an AARP card. It’s dine-in only, but if the slice you’re after isn’t on the buffet, just request it. They'll make it fresh. And if you’re with grandkids, the game zone makes it easy to keep them entertained while you grab another plate.
Shoney’s
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On Tuesdays, some Shoney’s spots give guests 60 and older access to the food bar for just $10.25. At others, seniors can enjoy breakfast from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for $11.89. The Golden Age Club offers additional discounts, but the offers vary, so please check with your local restaurant first.
El Pollo Loco
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Some El Pollo Loco locations offer a 10% discount to guests 60 and older, though it's usually capped at $1 off. The deal isn't consistent everywhere, so it’s worth asking before you order. Their signature fire-grilled chicken—marinated in citrus and grilled over an open flame—is the main draw, but rewards members can often stack loyalty points for extra savings, including free burritos.
Papa Johns
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Papa Johns offers 20% off regular-priced online orders for AMAC members. This perk kicks in for anyone 50 or older with a $16/year AMAC membership. The discount applies to the full menu, including pizza, wings, desserts, and even those Twix Papa Bites if you’re in the mood for something sweet. It’s one of the better chain-wide senior deals online, but not the highest in percentage.
Long John Silver’s
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Seniors 55+ who are AMAC members can get 10% to 20% off, depending on the location. The deal covers meals such as two-piece fish baskets, shrimp combos, and sides like hushpuppies and coleslaw. Membership is $16 and valid at nearly 700 Long John Silver’s locations across the United States.
Joe’s Crab Shack
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Joe’s gives seniors 10% off with an AARP card and stacks that with happy hour pricing: $3.50 beers and $6 glasses of wine. Their Captain’s Plate includes crab, shrimp, fish, and sides. This combo of food and atmosphere draws a steady crowd of retirees looking to stretch their dollars.
Cracker Barrel
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Although Cracker Barrel doesn’t advertise a senior discount, its $5.99 daily deal meals and weekday lunch specials are a solid option for budget-minded guests. Seniors can find comfort dishes like meatloaf and dumplings, as well as vegetable plates, at low prices. Ask the staff if local discounts are available at your location.
Bonefish Grill
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Bonefish Grill accepts AARP cards for 10% off food and nonalcoholic beverages. Membership is open to anyone 18 and over, not just retirees, and costs $15 for the first year. Menu items like pineapple-glazed shrimp or filet mignon with shrimp scampi are available for dine-in or carryout.
Friendly’s
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Some Friendly’s locations offer 10% off for seniors, especially in smaller towns. The menu includes all-day breakfast, burgers, and signature sundaes. It’s worth calling ahead to ask. Those who join the BFF Club also get birthday coupons and seasonal savings, which can combine for even more deals.
Applebee’s
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Applebee’s works with AARP to offer 10% off full-price menu items at participating restaurants. Seniors can apply the discount to favorites like riblets, burgers, or the classic 2 for $25 meal deal. The AARP card must be shown when ordering. It’s a quiet but reliable way to trim the check.