Halloween 2021: Where To Find The Best Food Freebies And Deals
Halloween is officially upon us! "Trick or treat" may be the official holiday greeting, but let's face it, most people really just want the treat. While the days of door-to-door trick-or-treating may be behind most of us, we're sure people of all ages can appreciate a little Halloween fun. And luckily for adults, it's easy to stack the odds in our favor to ensure we won't be disappointed with our Halloween stash. (Who didn't play the "I'll trade my Starburst for your Snickers bar" game growing up?)
This year, fast food chains, coffee shops, and more are giving away all sorts of goodies to get you in the spooky spirit and ready to celebrate — weather you spend it curled up on your couch with a scary movie or out scoring candy with your kids. From free delivery to ooey-gooey desserts and scary-but-sweet confections, here's where to get the Halloween treat you deserve for 2021.
Schlotzsky's
This year, Schlotzsky's is offering a sweet Halloween deal. According to a press release sent to Mashed, if you order an entrée in-store or via the app on October 31, you'll get a free Classic Cinnabon Roll. For your entrée, you can choose from Schlotzksy's extensive menu of sandwiches, pizza, flatbreads, and salads. The Halloween promotion at Schlotzsky's cannot be combined with other offers. There's a $0.35 service for orders placed online and via the app, and some exclusions apply.
A fast-casual chain, Schlotzsky's opened its first storefront in 1971 in Austin, Texas, according to its franchising website. Today, the brand operates dozens of restaurants across the United States.
McAlister's Deli
For 2021, McAlister's Deli is offering a weekend-long Halloween deal, according to a statement sent to Mashed. From October 29 to 31, "kids 12 and under can eat free when a purchase is made online, in the app, and in-store using the promo code HALLOWEEN21."
A few catches: You must order at least one adult entrée to use the discount code, drinks are excluded, and the deal doesn't apply to orders by third-person delivery services. There is a $0.35 service fee in addition to a convenience fee and taxes when ordering online or on the McAlister's Deli app. This promo is only offered at participating locations and cannot be combined with other offers.
Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme is turning into Krispy Skreme for Halloween 2021, but that isn't the only treat the popular chain has up it's sleeve. According to a statement sent to Mashed, you can drop into your local Krispy Kreme in costume on October 31 to get a free donut — no purchase required.
But you don't have to wait until Halloween day to get your creep on at the donut chain. Krispy Kreme debuted its limited-time Halloween treats earlier this month. Featured offerings include four specialty doughnuts: the Abra Cat Dabra, Enchanted Cauldron, Bewitched Broomstick, and Spooky Sprinkle.
But wait — there's more! Drop in on Saturday, October 30 and get a Saturday Scary Sharies dozen for $1 with the purchase of any dozen.
Dunkin'
Dunkin' is bringing back its Halloween classic Spider Donut again for 2021. This limited-time specialty doughnut debuted in 2017, reports Elite Daily. The sweet-yet-spooky treat is made from a frosted yeast donut with orange icing and chocolate drizzle spider legs. A chocolate Munchkin with white frosting eyes brings the creepy-crawly to life. Dunkin' also brought back its Halloween DIY donut kit for some seasonal at-home fun.
Something new from Dunkin' this year is its virtual trick-or-treating sweepstakes. According to a press release sent to Mashed, Dunkin' is inviting fans to ring a bell and potentially win prizes ranging from electronic gift cards to $1,000. To play, go to the Dunkin' Door website and follow the rules to ring the augmented reality bell and see what treats (or tricks) await you.
Red Robin
When the red, red robin come's bob, bob, bobbin' along this Halloween season, it may be toting a treat from its namesake restaurant. Celebrating this spook-tacular season, Red Robin is offering free delivery for orders placed through October 31, according to a statement sent to Mashed.
The Halloween offer is valid at participating locations for delivery only and each store has a limited delivery area. To qualify, orders must total at least $10 (via Red Robin). While you're waiting for your Halloween burgers and onion rings, click over to Red Robin's Kids' Page for family activities and Halloween-themed conversation starters like, "If you had to wear one costume all year around, what would it be?"
Red Lobster
Some people (not us, of course!) find lobsters to be scary. My, what big claws they have! And when you're done, you have a skeletal husk to dispose of. Whether you're a lobster connoisseur or a tentative taster, Red Lobster is offering a Halloween deal for 2021 that makes the meal even more compelling.
On October 31, the seafood chain is promising free delivery on to-go orders placed via the company's website, according to a statement sent to Mashed. Notably, Red Lobster doesn't only have lobster on the menu, so even if you have a serious fear of the creepy crawly crustacean, you can still take advantage of this holiday promo and fill up before heading out to see what tricks and treats await.
Cheesecake Factory
Order from The Cheesecake Factory any time between October 25 and October 29 and you don't even have to leave your house to savor a sweet treat. According to a press release, simply use the promo TREATME at checkout and choose a complimentary slice of Reese's Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake Cheesecake or Hershey's Chocolate Bar Cheesecake. This deal applies to both pick up and delivery orders placed through DoorDash, but your total must be at least $40 to qualify.
Both candy-themed cheesecakes will be an appropriately gooey choice. The Cheesecake Factory website describes the Reese's Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake Cheesecake as featuring "Chunks of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups in our Original Cheesecake with Layers of Delicious Fudge Cake and Caramel." The Hershey's Chocolate Bar Cheesecake is an equally enchanting concoction, described by the menu item webpage as "Hershey's Cheesecake Between Moist Chocolate Cake with Creamy Chocolate Frosting and Chocolate Chips."
Insomnia Cookies
Are the ghosts and ghouls keeping you awake at night? If you can't beat 'em, you may as well join 'em. Check into Insomnia Cookies from October 29 to 31 for a delightful midnight snack. According to a press release sent to Mashed, if you show up in costume, you can choose one of the chain's demonically delicious cookies for free.
While you're there, be sure to check out Insomnia Cookies' assortment of limited-edition Halloween treats and deals. Special items include indulgent Halloween candy-topped treats including the Tricked Out Deluxe Cookie with Snickers and M&Ms pieces; Tricked Out Loaded Brownie topped with M&M'S, Twix, and Snickers chunks; and Tricked Out Lil' Dippers, which are chocolate chunk cookies with a cookie butter dip topped with (you guessed it) Twix, Snickers, and M&M pieces.
The chain is also selling a DIY cookie kit, which "comes with 12 Classic cookies, green and orange buttercream icing, gel icing, and candy topping including candy zombie eyes and candy corn ready for decorating," and $50 Trick or Treat Packs (50 bags with 3 mini cookies each), if you want to really be the most popular house on the block.
IHOP
Pancake fans won't want to miss this Halloween deal from IHOP. According to TODAY, you can bring kids 12 and under by your local IHOP any time between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. on October 29 and they'll get a free Scary Face Pancake.
According to the IHOP website, the Scary Face Pancake is a kind of DIY treat. The chain will provide you with "a buttermilk pancake topped with whipped topping eyes and smile." The meal also comes with mini Oreo cookies, glazed strawberries, and candy corn, allowing your child to get creative and design their own spooky (or not-so-spooky) face. This deal is not available for takeout or delivery.
In addition to the Scary Face Pancake, IHOP has a few other seasonal menu items. The chain is offering a Monster Mummy Burrito, Reese's Pieces Pancakes (which you can get solo or as part of a combo platter), Peanut Butter Cup Cocoa, pumpkin spice pancakes, and Caramel Apple à la Mode pancakes.
Joe's Crab Shack
Children 10 and under can receive a kids meal for only $0.99 on Halloween at Joe's Crab Shack with the purchase of an adult entrée. According to the company website, this offer is not available at all locations, so be sure to call ahead to check if your local restaurant is participating.
While they encourage your "lil' monsters" to arrive in costume, it does not state that children must be dressed up to claim the deal.
Chuck E. Cheese
Looking to attend a spooky, but family-friendly event this Halloween weekend? Chuck E. Cheese is celebrating with a two-day Halloween Boo-tacular. According to the company website, children who arrive in costume will receive "10 Free Play Points" with the purchase of a game. The entertainment restaurant will also be hosting a costume contest on the 29 and 30, kicking off at 7 p.m. Prizes will vary by store.
If you have a child with sensory issues, Chuck E. Cheese is also offering a sensory-free Halloween experience at some locations. The chain will open two hours early to provide a calmer holiday event, complete with sugar-free candy for those in costume.
Corner Bakery
Through October 31, Corner Bakery is offering one free kid's meal with the purchase of an adult entrée for children 12 and under. According to the website, the deal is good for dine-in, pickup, and delivery at participating locations and depending on the local COVID regulations. This deal is not available with catering orders or through third party apps.
Corner Bakery has over 120 locations scattered across the U.S., offering things like baked goods, breakfast platters, sandwiches, pastas, and more.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Life may be like a box of chocolates, but on Halloween you'll know exactly what you're getting at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. According to their website, on October 31 kids 10 and under eat for only $0.99 cents with the purchase of an adult entrée.
This promotion is not available at all Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. locations, so be sure to call ahead if you're looking to take advantage of the Halloween deal. The offer can also not be used with any other promotions or discounts.
Chipotle
To celebrate 21 years of its popular Boorito event, Chipotle is teaming up with Roblox to create a virtual Halloween experience. According to a press release sent to Mashed, the Mexican-inspired chain will be giving away $1 million worth of burritos to virtual visitors who show up in Chipotle-inspired costumes. Just visit the virtual Chipotle restaurant in Roblox starting October 28 to claim yours, while supplies last (via Roblox). This offer is not available in stores.
Too late to the virtual party? Customers in the U.S. can also purchase a burrito, bowl, salad, or taco for only $5 after 5 p.m. on Halloween night using the code "BOORITO" at checkout. This deal is only available on the Chipotle app and website.