How to Get a Free Appetizer at LongHorn Steakhouse (November 2025)
November 2025 update
If you’ve heard there’s a legit way to get a free LongHorn appetizer, you’re right. The chain regularly offers a welcome perk through its email list, and there are a few supporting plays that stretch your savings across the year. Below is the full system—simple, repeatable, and easy to use at the table.
The Core Method (Most Reliable Nationwide)
Join the LongHorn Email Club
What you typically get: A free appetizer with the purchase of one adult entrée, delivered as a welcome offer to your inbox after sign-up.
How to use it smoothly:
Sign up with an email you actually check.
When the welcome email arrives, open it fully (some offers require tapping to reveal a code or barcode).
Screenshot the offer so you can show it even if reception is bad.
Use it before it expires, and remember it’s usually one per check with the purchase of an adult entrée.
Pro tips
If two people at your table have the offer, ask (politely) to run two checks so both can redeem.
Ask your server what apps are eligible that day; premium or limited-time items may be excluded.
Tip on the pre-discount total—it’s good etiquette and appreciated.
Secondary Plays That Stack Over Time
Birthday Perk (via the email list)
Staying subscribed typically nets you a birthday freebie (often a dessert or equivalent). It’s not an appetizer, but it functions like a bill offset. Use your welcome appetizer first, then apply the birthday reward on a later visit.
Receipt Surveys (Rotating Incentives)
Save your receipts. LongHorn guest surveys periodically award $-off or percent-off on a future visit. It isn’t usually a free appetizer by itself, but it’s a great second visit play. Complete the survey by the printed deadline and follow the redemption instructions at the bottom of the receipt.
Seasonal & Gift Card Promos
During peak seasons, keep an eye out for bonus card incentives tied to gift card purchases. These aren’t appetizers, but they lower the cost of the entrée you’ll pair with your free app—resulting in a bigger net win.
Timing & Stacking Strategy (One Visit vs. Many)
First visit: Redeem the email welcome appetizer with an entrée you were going to buy anyway.
Later visit: Use a receipt survey reward or birthday perk on a separate check to avoid offer conflicts.
Two offers at one table: If two diners each have a welcome offer, ask to split into two checks before ordering. Most locations are fine with this if you’re friendly and upfront.
At-Table Scripts (Fast, Friendly, Effective)
Redeeming the welcome appetizer:
“I have the email welcome offer for a free appetizer with an entrée—can I use it on the [appetizer name] today?”Two diners, two offers:
“We each have a welcome email—would it be alright to do two checks so we can redeem both?”If your code won’t load:
“Reception’s spotty, but I have a screenshot of the offer with the barcode—will that work?”If something’s excluded:
“No problem—what’s eligible today for the welcome appetizer?”
Free-App Value Maximizer (What to Choose)
If the offer doesn’t restrict the item, aim for shareable, higher-value appetizers so the table benefits:
Popular shareables: Sampler-style platters, spinach dip, firecracker-style shrimp, or signature wings (availability varies).
If eligibility is limited: Pick the largest eligible appetizer or one that pairs well with your entrée so you don’t over-order sides.
Tip: If you’re counting calories, split the app and lean on a lighter entrée (sirloin, grilled chicken, salmon, or a salad with protein). If you’re maximizing value, choose a heartier entrée and treat the free app as the shared starter.
Common Pitfalls (and How to Avoid Them)
Expired email: Offers have windows—use them promptly. If it expired, ask whether there’s any current in-store promo you could use instead, then watch your inbox for the next round.
Offer not scanning: A clear screenshot usually solves this.
Multiple promos on one check: Most stores limit redemption to one offer per check; split checks at the beginning if you want to use more than one.
“Free appetizer” social media posts: Ignore viral posts that promise unrealistic freebies for sharing or commenting. Stick to in-store materials and official emails only.
Etiquette & Fine Print (Worth Knowing)
One per check is standard for welcome offers.
Usually valid with the purchase of one adult entrée.
Taxes apply; tip as if you’d paid full price.
Manager discretion applies on edge cases (e.g., swapping an excluded app for a similar item). Being polite goes a long way.
Troubleshooting Quick Guide
Didn’t receive the welcome email: Check spam or promotions; search your inbox for “LongHorn.” If nothing appears after a reasonable time, try again or use a different email for a future visit.
Offer shows but won’t redeem: Ask your server to manually key the code or get a quick manager override.
Eligible items unclear: Ask the server, “Which appetizers qualify today?” Decide from that list to keep the service smooth.
One-Page Checklist (Copy/Paste Before You Go)
✅ Subscribed to the email club and received a free appetizer welcome offer
✅ Screenshot saved (code/barcode visible)
✅ Eligible appetizer confirmed with the server
✅ One adult entrée on the check (requirement met)
✅ If multiple diners have offers: two checks requested early
✅ Receipt saved for the guest survey after the visit
✅ Birthday month noted for a future perk (don’t stack on same check)
Bottom Line
The email welcome offer is the simplest, most reliable way to get a free appetizer at LongHorn Steakhouse. Pair it with an adult entrée, show your code (screenshot ready), and you’re set. Use receipt surveys and birthday perks on separate visits, keep your approach friendly and straightforward, and you’ll snag the free starter without hassle—all year long, no links required.
