Birthdays are a time for celebration, and in Ann Arbor, Michigan, they also present an opportunity for local businesses to offer special treats. From complimentary meals and drinks to discounts on bakery items and even free car washes, a variety of establishments provide birthday perks for customers. This guide details the verified birthday offers available in the Ann Arbor area, based on information from local business listings and promotional content. It is essential for consumers to note that these deals are subject to change, and verification with the specific business is recommended before visiting.
Many of these birthday offers require proof of identification, such as a driver's license or government-issued ID, to confirm the birth date. Some promotions are only valid on the exact day of the birthday, while others may be available for a limited window. A few deals necessitate prior enrollment in a loyalty program or mailing list. The following sections outline the specific offers, their requirements, and the locations where they can be redeemed.
Dining and Restaurant Offers
A significant portion of Ann Arbor's birthday freebies are concentrated in the food and beverage sector, with restaurants and cafes offering complimentary meals, desserts, and drinks.
Free Entrées and Meals
For a full meal on your birthday, several local restaurants have specific offers.
- Northside Grill: This Ann Arbor breakfast and lunch spot provides one free entrée on the birthday holder's actual day of birth. The deal is for dine-in only and does not include drinks or sides. An ID is required for verification. If the birthday meal is shared with others, the discount is applied proportionally to the number of guests. For birthdays that fall on Christmas or Thanksgiving, the free meal can be redeemed on the day before or after the holiday. Northside Grill is located at 1015 Broadway St. and is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.
- Peridot: This establishment offers a special birthday dinner and tops it off with a complimentary birthday dessert.
- New York Pizza Depot (NYPD): Customers can receive a free slice of pizza on their birthday with a valid ID. The business is located at 104 East Michigan Avenue in Ann Arbor.
Complimentary Desserts and Breakfast Items
Several local spots specialize in birthday sweets or unique breakfast treats.
- Café Zola and Zola Bistro: At these locations, you can start your birthday with a free signature Nutella Banana Crepe. This offer requires both an ID and the purchase of an entrée. Café Zola is at 112 W Washington St., and Zola Bistro is at 3030 Washtenaw Ave.
- The Bomber: Located in Ypsilanti at 306 East Michigan Avenue, The Bomber offers a free half-order of Cap’n Crunch French Toast on your birthday, which requires an ID.
- Ashley's: This Ann Arbor spot provides a free birthday dessert. Customers can choose between a chocolate chip cookie sundae or cinnamon sugar fried pretzel bites.
- Frita Batidos: Known for Cuban-inspired street food, this downtown Ann Arbor restaurant offers a free churro after you order a meal on your birthday.
Free Drinks and Coffee
For those who prefer a beverage, there are options for a complimentary birthday drink.
- Argus Farm Stop: You can get any drink on the café’s menu for free on your birthday, with no purchase necessary. This offer is available at their locations at 325 W. Liberty St. and 1200 Packard Road.
- Biggby Coffee: A regional chain that started in East Lansing, Biggby Coffee offers a free drink up to 24 oz. on your birthday to members of their BIGBY Nation club. Signing up is required to access this benefit.
Bakery and Specialty Food Offers
Ann Arbor is home to the renowned Zingerman’s community of businesses, which has several birthday-specific promotions across its various locations.
- Zingerman’s Bakehouse: Customers can get a free loaf of bread (up to a value of $6.99 or $7.29, depending on the source) with the purchase of another product from the Bakehouse on their birthday. Eligible breads include farm bread, true north bread, sourdough, rye, and French baguettes. The Bakehouse is at 3711 Plaza Drive.
- Zingerman’s Delicatessen: This location offers a 15% discount on everything on the day of your birthday. The discount also applies to Zingerman’s Next Door Café. The deli is at 422 Detroit St., and the café is at 418 Detroit St.
- Zingerman’s Coffee Company: For a birthday treat, this location provides a 50% discount on coffee or hot chocolate.
- Zingerman’s Creamery: Customers can enjoy a free 2-ounce serving of gelato without any other purchase. Alternatively, they can opt for a $3 discount on either cheese or other gelato instead. The creamery is located at 3723 Plaza Drive #2.
Retail and Service Offers
Beyond food and drink, some retail and service businesses in the Ann Arbor area also offer birthday freebies, though they are less common and often tied to loyalty programs.
- Jax Kar Wash: Located in metro Detroit, Jax Kar Wash offers a free birthday car wash to Rewards Customers. Enrollment in the rewards program is required to access this offer.
- Sally’s Beauty Supply: This national chain offers a $5 birthday reward during your birthday month to members of Sally's Rewards. Sign-up for the rewards program is necessary to receive the coupon.
- Found: This gallery and shop in the Kerrytown District provides a free pack of birthday candles to customers on their special day.
- Ulta and Sephora: As major national beauty retailers, Ulta and Sephora offer special birthday gifts for members of their rewards programs. This is a common promotion for beauty brand freebies and is available to members who sign up in advance.
Important Considerations for Birthday Deal Seekers
When planning to redeem birthday offers, consumers should keep several key points in mind to ensure a smooth experience.
Verification and Enrollment
Most deals require a government-issued ID to prove your birthday. It is crucial to check if a deal requires you to sign up for a loyalty program, newsletter, or rewards club in advance of your birthday. Some programs, like those for Biggby Coffee, Jax Kar Wash, and Sally’s Beauty Supply, explicitly require prior enrollment. Others, like the Zingerman’s Bakehouse offer, may require signing up for their newsletter. Always confirm the sign-up process and any deadlines well before your birthday.
Terms and Conditions
Each offer comes with its own set of rules. For example, Northside Grill's free entrée is for dine-in only and excludes drinks and sides. The Zingerman’s Bakehouse free loaf is only available with a separate purchase. The Bomber's offer is for a specific portion size (half-order). It is essential to read the fine print of each offer, which may be available on the business's website or social media pages.
Location and Validity
Many of these deals are specific to the Ann Arbor area or particular locations. For instance, Jax Kar Wash is noted as being in metro Detroit, and The Bomber is in Ypsilanti. Furthermore, some deals are only valid on the exact day of your birthday, while others, like the one at Northside Grill for holidays, have a slightly wider window. Always verify the location, hours, and exact validity period with the business before making a trip.
Reliability of Information
The information presented here is compiled from local news articles and promotional blogs. While these sources are useful for discovering potential offers, they are not the official terms and conditions from the businesses themselves. The most reliable way to confirm a birthday deal is to visit the official website of the restaurant or store, or to call the specific location directly. As noted in Destination Ann Arbor's listing, "Birthday deals change frequently," and "all offers should be confirmed with the respective businesses."
Conclusion
Ann Arbor offers a diverse array of birthday freebies and discounts, primarily concentrated in its vibrant food scene. From free entrées at breakfast spots like Northside Grill to complimentary drinks at Argus Farm Stop and special deals across the Zingerman's empire, there are numerous ways to celebrate. For those interested in non-food items, opportunities exist at retailers like Sally’s Beauty Supply and Jax Kar Wash, though these often require membership in a rewards program. The key to successfully redeeming these birthday treats is preparation: research the offers in advance, sign up for any necessary programs, and always verify the current terms with the business before visiting. By taking these steps, celebrants can fully enjoy the free offerings available in the Ann Arbor area.