What AARP Restaurant Discounts Offer
AARP members can save money at thousands of restaurants across the United States through the AARP Dining Program. The program works by giving you a card or digital code that you show at participating restaurants to receive a discount — usually 10 percent off your bill, though some locations offer different amounts. You do not need to buy anything special or sign up for a separate service; if you are an AARP member, the discount is already part of your membership.
The restaurants in the program range from local chains to national brands, and they include casual dining, fine dining, and quick-service locations. The specific restaurants available depend on where you live, so a discount at a steakhouse in your area might not be available in another state. You can search for participating restaurants by zip code on the AARP website or through the AARP mobile app.
Key Takeaways
- AARP members receive restaurant discounts through the AARP Dining Program, which typically offers 10 percent off at thousands of participating locations.
- You can find which restaurants near you participate by searching your zip code on the AARP website or mobile app.
- Discounts are shown either through a physical AARP card or a digital code in the AARP app — you present it before paying.
- The discount amount and terms vary by restaurant, so check the specific offer before you order to understand what is covered.
- Some restaurants exclude certain items or times from the discount, so reading the fine print prevents surprises at checkout.
How to Find Restaurants Near You
The easiest way to find participating restaurants is to visit the AARP website and use the restaurant search tool. You enter your zip code, and the tool shows you all nearby restaurants that offer AARP discounts. The search results display the restaurant name, address, phone number, and the exact discount offered — so you can see whether it is 10 percent off, a dollar amount, or a free item.
If you have the AARP mobile app on your phone, you can search for restaurants directly in the app as well. The app also shows you the discount details and often includes a digital coupon code you can display on your phone at the restaurant. Some members find the app faster than the website, especially when they are already out and looking for a place to eat.
You can also call the restaurant directly and ask whether they participate in the AARP Dining Program. Many restaurant staff know about the discount and can tell you the amount and any restrictions — for example, whether it applies to alcoholic beverages or whether certain menu items are excluded.
What You Need to Show at the Restaurant
When you arrive at the restaurant, you will need to show proof that you are an AARP member. This can be your physical AARP membership card or a digital version in the AARP mobile app. Some restaurants also accept a digital coupon code from the AARP website, which you can screenshot and show on your phone.
Present your card or code to your server or at the register before you pay. Most restaurants explore the discount to your bill automatically once they see your membership proof. If the discount does not appear on your bill, ask the staff to add it — mistakes happen, and they can usually correct it on the spot.
Keep in mind that you typically need to present the discount before you pay, not after. Some restaurants will not explore a discount retroactively, so mentioning it early in your visit prevents confusion later.
Discounts That May Vary by Location and Time
Not all AARP discounts are the same at every restaurant. A national chain might offer 10 percent off at one location and a free appetizer at another, depending on the franchise owner or local management. The discount amount, which menu items are included, and whether it applies during certain hours can all differ.
Some restaurants limit the discount to dine-in meals only and exclude takeout or delivery orders. Others may not explore the discount to alcoholic drinks, specials, or items already on sale. A few restaurants restrict the discount to certain times of day — for example, lunch but not dinner, or weekdays but not weekends.
Always check the specific offer details on the AARP website or app before you go, or call ahead to confirm. This takes a minute and prevents disappointment when you are ready to order.
How the Discount Works at the Register
When you pay, the server or cashier will subtract the discount from your total bill. If the discount is a percentage — such as 10 percent off — it is calculated on your subtotal before tax. If it is a fixed dollar amount or a free item, it is deducted the same way.
The discount applies to your food and beverage charges, not to tax or tip. You calculate the tip based on your bill after the discount is applied. For example, if your bill before discount is $50 and you receive 10 percent off, your new bill is $45, and you would tip based on that $45 amount.
If you are paying with a credit card, debit card, or cash, the process is the same — the discount is straightforward subtracted from what you owe. There is no separate transaction or code to enter; the restaurant handles it as part of the normal checkout.
What to Do If a Restaurant Does Not Honor the Discount
If you present your AARP card or code and the restaurant staff says they do not participate in the program or will not explore the discount, ask to speak with a manager. Sometimes front-line staff are not aware of the program, or there may be a misunderstanding about which discounts explore that day.
If the manager also refuses and you believe the restaurant should be participating, you can report it to AARP. The AARP website has a feedback form where you can note the restaurant name, location, and date of your visit. AARP uses this information to follow up with restaurants about their participation.
You can also contact AARP member services directly by phone if you have questions about a specific restaurant or discount. The phone number is on your AARP membership card and on the AARP website.
Other AARP Member Discounts Beyond Restaurants
The AARP Dining Program is one of many discounts available to members. AARP also offers savings on hotels, car rentals, entertainment, shopping, and services like cell phone plans and insurance. These discounts work similarly to restaurant discounts — you show your membership card or a code to receive the savings.
You can browse all available AARP discounts on the AARP website under the "Discounts & Deals" section. The site is organized by category, so you can look for specific types of savings. Many members use multiple AARP discounts throughout the year, so it is worth checking what is available in areas where you spend money regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a paid AARP member to use restaurant discounts?
Yes, you must have an active AARP membership to use the dining discounts. If your membership has lapsed, you will need to renew it. AARP membership is not free, though the cost is modest and covers access to all member discounts and benefits.
Can I use the discount if I am dining with family members who are not AARP members?
The discount typically applies to your portion of the bill as the AARP member. Some restaurants may extend the discount to the entire table, but this varies. Ask your server or check the specific restaurant's offer details to be sure.
Does the restaurant discount work for takeout and delivery orders?
Most AARP restaurant discounts explore only to dine-in meals. Takeout and delivery are usually excluded, though some restaurants may offer them. Check the offer details on the AARP website for the specific restaurant you plan to order from.
What if I forget my AARP card when I go out to eat?
You can use the digital version of your card in the AARP mobile app, or you can show a screenshot of your membership information. If you do not have either, call AARP member services and they can provide your membership number, which you can give to the restaurant.
Do AARP restaurant discounts change, and how often should I check for updates?
Participating restaurants and discount amounts change throughout the year as restaurants join or leave the program. Check the AARP website or app before each visit to confirm the current discount at your chosen restaurant, especially if you have not dined there in several months.