What Restaurants Offer AARP Discounts

Many people, particularly those aged 50 and above, seek opportunities to maximize their savings by taking advantage of discounts and special offers. One popular source of such savings comes through membership with AARP, a nonprofit organization that provides numerous benefits for its members. Among the various benefits, AARP members often enjoy discounts at a range of restaurants across the country. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of restaurants offering AARP discounts, how to access these offers, and additional tips to maximize your dining savings.

Understanding AARP Membership Benefits

Before diving into the specifics of which restaurants offer AARP discounts, it's essential to understand what AARP membership entails. AARP, formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons, is an organization dedicated to empowering people over 50 to live their lives to the fullest. Membership with AARP comes with numerous perks, including advocacy, information, and, notably for this topic, discounts and deals on various products and services, including dining.

To become a member, individuals aged 50 and over can join by paying a nominal annual fee. However, along with restaurant discounts, members also receive offers on travel, entertainment, insurance, health, and more. The AARP website and mobile app are excellent resources for keeping up with the latest offers and discounts.

Restaurants Offering AARP Discounts

To help you plan your dining experiences and save money effectively, here's a detailed exploration of the restaurants that commonly offer AARP discounts:

1. Denny's

Denny's is one of the most popular chains that provide a discount for AARP members. Known for its American diner-style offerings, Denny's typically offers a 15% discount to AARP members. This discount is available at participating locations, so it's advisable to confirm before ordering.

2. Outback Steakhouse

Outback Steakhouse, famous for its steak and Australian-themed menu items, extends a 10% discount to AARP members on their entire check. This can be particularly useful when dining with family or larger groups as the savings can accumulate significantly.

3. Bonefish Grill

For seafood enthusiasts, Bonefish Grill offers a compelling dining option. AARP members can enjoy a 10% discount on their meals at participating locations, making it a preferred choice for those who love high-quality seafood dishes.

4. Carrabba's Italian Grill

Carrabba's Italian Grill offers authentic Italian cuisine, and AARP members can benefit from a 10% discount on their dining bill. This offer is available at participating locations, providing a delightful experience for Italian food lovers.

5. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

Inspired by the movie Forrest Gump, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is a themed restaurant chain catering to seafood lovers. AARP members receive a 10% discount on their food and non-alcoholic beverages, enhancing the dining experience with added savings.

6. Rainforest Café

Rainforest Café, known for its unique rainforest-themed dining experience, offers a 10% discount to AARP members. This café is particularly appealing for families and those seeking a fun dining environment.

7. McCormick & Schmick's

Another great option for seafood aficionados, McCormick & Schmick's provides a 10% discount to AARP members at participating locations, which can lead to substantial savings on fine dining experiences.

Table of AARP Restaurant Discounts

Tips for Maximizing AARP Dining Discounts

While knowing which restaurants offer AARP discounts is valuable, here are some additional tips to help you make the most of your membership benefits:

1. Confirm Participation

Not all locations of a restaurant chain may participate in the AARP discount program. It's a good practice to call ahead and confirm whether a particular restaurant offers the AARP discount.

2. Stay Informed

AARP frequently updates its list of discounts and participating restaurants. Keep up with the latest information by regularly checking the AARP website or mobile app. Subscribing to the AARP newsletter can also keep you informed about new and limited-time offers.

3. Combine Discounts

Some restaurants allow AARP discounts to be combined with other promotions or coupons. Always inquire whether combining discounts is an option for the greatest savings.

4. Use AARP Member Resources

The AARP website and mobile app offer tools to locate participating restaurants and save digital offers. These resources provide easy access to discounts, making it simpler to plan your dining without missing out on savings.

5. Feedback and Advocacy

If you find that a restaurant where you usually dine doesn't offer an AARP discount, consider providing feedback or suggesting the idea to management. Member feedback is valuable and can sometimes lead to the implementation of new discounts or offers.

Common Questions and Misconceptions

What is the age requirement for AARP membership?

While AARP targets people aged 50 and older, there is no age limit to join, and even younger spouses or partners can enjoy the benefits.

Can I use my AARP discount during weekends or holidays?

Most restaurants allow AARP discounts at any time, but it's always a good idea to check with the specific location as some offers might have restrictions during busy periods.

Do the restaurant discounts apply to takeout and delivery?

The applicability of AARP discounts to takeout or delivery services can vary by restaurant. Be sure to ask when placing your order to make the most of your discount.

Why don't all restaurants participate in the AARP discount program?

Participation in the AARP discount program is voluntary and subject to each restaurant's marketing strategy and business decisions. If a desired restaurant isn't participating, customer demand can often encourage them to reconsider.

Conclusion

Dining out can be a delightful experience, made even better with the savings offered through AARP membership. By taking advantage of available discounts at various restaurants, members can enjoy their favorite meals while stretching their budgets further. Whether it's a casual diner like Denny's or a themed destination like Rainforest Café, AARP discounts make dining more affordable and enjoyable for its members. Keep these tips and information handy, explore participating restaurants, and make the most of your AARP membership benefits.