You can score a free beverage or dessert on your birthday at most restaurants, but for a meatier celebration, enroll online in eatery-run loyalty clubs to get gratis meals on or near your special day (and possibly additional coupons throughout the year).

Free food awaits you at places like Red Robin, Fuddruckers and Ruby Tuesday. — Candle: Davies and Starr/Getty Images; Hamburger: Dan Saelinger/Getty Images

Free burgers await you at Red Robin, Fuddruckers and Ruby Tuesday (or all three if you're really hungry).

Other no-cost birthday sandwiches can be had at Schlotzsky's or Firehouse Subs — you'll need to show your driver's license or other identification. And for free entrees, check out Houlihan's or Famous Dave's.

Tip: When enrolling, use a dedicated e-mail address — such as a free account at Yahoo, Gmail or Hotmail — so that your primary e-mail account won't be bombarded with marketing offers.

And no matter where you celebrate, it's wise to make clear before ordering that you're there for a birthday deal.

Sid Kirchheimer writes about health and consumer issues.