How to Get a Free Appetizer at Outback Steakhouse

From the iconic Bloomin’ Onion to spicy Sydney Shrooms, Outback Steakhouse starters can eclipse the main event—but they also pad the bill. Luckily, the Aussie-themed chain dishes out plenty of legit ways to make that first plate cost exactly nothing. Below you’ll find eight battle-tested strategies (plus etiquette tips) that work in most U.S. locations without shady coupon hustles. Grab your steak knife; let’s slice into the savings.

1. Sign Up for Dine Rewards (the Outback/Kirika App)

Outback’s multi-brand loyalty program—Dine Rewards—covers Outback, Carrabba’s, Bonefish, and Fleming’s. Enroll online or via the Bloomin’ Brands app:

Fill in your email and phone—no credit card needed.
Within 24 hours you’ll receive a “Free Bloomin’ Onion or Aussie Cheese Fries” coupon triggered by sign-up.
Show the barcode before ordering; the discount applies with any entrée purchase.

You’ll also earn 50 % off (up to $20) after every fourth visit, effectively comping another appetizer.

2. Redeem Game-Day Bloomin’ Onion Promotions

Outback partners with NASCAR driver Kevin Harvick and college football sponsorships. Whenever Harvick finishes in the top 10—or certain teams win—Outback tweets “Bloomin’ Monday”: mention the phrase to your server and get a free Bloomin’ Onion with any purchase. Follow @Outback on X (Twitter) or opt-in for SMS alerts so you never miss race-day freebies.

3. Take the TellOutback.com Survey

Every dine-in or curbside receipt includes an invitation to TellOutback.com. Spend three minutes rating food, service, and cleanliness, then write the validation code on the receipt. Bring it on your next visit within 30 days for a free appetizer or dessert (entrée required). Combine this with Dine Rewards for a double dip across two visits.

4. Leverage Birthday & Half-Birthday Emails

Add your birth date in the Dine Rewards profile. Outback emails a birthday coupon good for a free appetizer (or dessert) all month long. Some regions also issue a half-birthday offer six months later. Bring an ID if the barcode misfires.

5. Buy Discounted Gift Cards with Bonus Offers

Each November–December, Outback sells “Buy $50, get $10 Bonus Card.” Use the $10 on your entrée and stack a free-app coupon—your starter becomes free while the meal costs $10 less. Bonus Cards activate in January and expire by March, so time your visits.

6. Tap Credit-Card Dining Credits

Check Amex, Chase, or Bank of America card portals for deals like “Spend $30 at Outback, get $10 back.” Sync the offer, then use an email or survey free-app coupon. The statement credit wipes out most of your entrée price; the appetizer stays complimentary.

7. Watch for Local Fund-Raiser Vouchers

Outback partners with schools and charities through “Blooming Blossoms” nights. Buy a $10 ticket from a booster club, redeem it for a meal, and you’ll often get a bounce-back card for a free Bloomin’ Onion on your next dine-in. Follow local community Facebook pages for event dates.

8. Military & Service-Appreciation Freebies

On Veterans Day (Nov 11) and occasionally on ANZAC Day promotions, Outback offers veterans and active military a free Bloomin’ Onion and beverage. Teachers, nurses, and first responders enjoy similar perks during appreciation weeks in May and October. Bring proof of status, and be aware the deal sometimes substitutes “Aussie Cheese Fries” depending on inventory.

Putting It Together: A Year of Free Starters

January: Use holiday bonus card + survey code to nab Onion #1.
March Madness: Charity fund-raiser yields Onion #2.
June half-birthday coupon becomes free Coconut Shrimp #3.
September NASCAR top-10 finish claims Onion #4.
November Veterans Day (if eligible) = Onion #5.
December new Dine Rewards sign-up for Cheese Fries #6.

Result: six gratis appetizers, zero policy violations.

Etiquette & Fine Print

Present coupons before ordering.
Tip on the appetizer’s menu price; cooks and servers still worked for it.
One free appetizer per table, unless each person has unique entrée checks—manager’s discretion.
Specialty sharables over $13 (e.g., Aussie Twisted Ribs) are often excluded; the classic Onion is nearly always allowed.
Some coupons can’t combine with $9.99 “Lunch Combo” entrées—read the wording.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I redeem a free app without entrées if I buy two drinks?
Most coupons specify a qualifying entrée. Managers rarely waive this rule.

Do curbside or delivery orders qualify?
Yes—enter promo codes online for pickup; DoorDash and Uber Eats generally can’t process Outback coupons.

Is the Bloomin’ Onion gluten-free?
No. It’s battered in wheat flour and fried in shared oil.

Can I swap for the Aussie Cheese Fries?
If the coupon says “free appetizer of your choice,” yes. If it names the Onion, swap requests depend on availability.

How long are survey codes valid?
Thirty days from issue, and must be attached to the original receipt.

Final Sizzle

Scoring a free appetizer at Outback Steakhouse boils down to smart timing and loyalty leverage: enroll in Dine Rewards, keep every receipt for survey codes, track Bloomin’ Monday race results, and capitalize on birthday or military perks. Stack those strategies and you’ll be dunking crispy onion petals or savory Cheese Fries into ranch dressing for exactly zero dollars—saving your Aussie Dollars for that perfectly seared sirloin. Cheers, mate!

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