National Cheeseburger Day falls on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, and restaurants across the United States are rolling out discounts, freebies and limited-time menu items to celebrate the iconic burger. From fast-food chains to sit-down eateries, the offers span app-exclusive prices, buy-one-get-one deals and special menu items designed to lure casual diners and devoted burger fans alike.
Major chains are leaning on digital channels to push deals, with several requiring an app login or membership. McDonald’s is offering Double Cheeseburgers through the McDonald’s App for $0.50, with one burger per customer. Checkers/Rally’s is giving away its signature Big Buford for $3 at participating locations, while supplies last. Smashburger is selling any single Smashburger for $4.99 at participating sites. The Capital Grille is courting burger lovers with its Wagyu & Wine pairing menu, featuring hand-crafted burgers that start at $35 and run through mid-November, a nod to a higher-end dining experience accompanying a glass of wine.
Buffalo Wild Wings Blazin’ Rewards members can enjoy buy-one, get-one-free burgers all day on National Cheeseburger Day. Burger King is promoting a free cheeseburger with a purchase of $1 or more when the order is placed through the BK mobile app. If you plan to order via DoorDash, Shake Shack is offering $9 off a $25 purchase on Cheeseburger Day. Ruby Tuesday is advertising unlimited access to its Garden Bar alongside burger-focused promotions, and Whataburger is highlighting a #5 Bacon & Cheese Whataburger with a free fry or onion ring. Wahlburgers is offering 50% off all burgers on Sept. 18, limited to one per customer and not combinable with other offers, valid in-store and online.
White Castle is promoting one free slider with the promo code “SAYCHEESE” at checkout online or in the app from Sept. 18 to Sept. 21. Sonic is running a buy-one-get-one-free Double Smasher deal for orders placed through the Sonic app on National Cheeseburger Day. Dairy Queen is extending rewards member perks with a free Double Original Cheeseburger Stackburger with the purchase of any app or online order of at least $1; the offer runs Sept. 15–19. Applebee’s is offering a one-day special: any of their 3 Classic Handcrafted Burgers plus fries for $8.99, available for dine-in, to-go, online or via the mobile app (third-party delivery excluded).
Jack in the Box ties its nationally themed Burger Week to the holiday, with a free Jr. Cheeseburger on Sept. 18 with a $1+ order, and the ending-of-the-week promotion includes Smashed Jack for $5 in-store and via the Jack App. Friendly’s is inviting Fan Club members to a free Happy Ending Sundae with the purchase of any burger on Sept. 18. Buffalo’s Café and Hurricane Grill & Wings are offering a free Pepsi with the purchase of a cheeseburger on the holiday.
Red Robin is running a Big Yummm Burger promotion at participating locations, with the burger listed as part of a value-friendly lineup that includes sides and beverages. Freddy’s rewards members can snag a free Freddy’s Original Double Steakburger with a $10 purchase during the National Cheeseburger Day window. Freddy’s is detailing a broader promotional period Sept. 18–21 via the Freddy’s app.
Portillo’s Perks members can get one regular cheeseburger for 50% off through Sept. 19, with new members able to sign up and have seven days to redeem the offer. Portillo’s has also rolled out a new Triple Cheeseburger on its secret menu for Perks members, available exclusively at kiosks in-restaurant. Carl’s Jr. is advertising a half-priced Western Bacon Cheeseburger with the purchase of any large fountain drink.
Native Grill & Wings is promoting a Bacon Cheeseburger for $10 at participating locations, while Skinny Louie’s flagship New York location is highlighting its Skinny Louie Cheeseburger, described as a double-stack smashburger with American cheese and house sauce; the restaurant is planning expansion in New York through 2025–26. Portillo’s Triple Cheeseburger and related menu items are also part of the broader celebration.
Portions of the deals go beyond basic burgers: Burgerville is offering $1.99 Original Cheeseburgers at every location on Sept. 18, with up to 10 burgers per transaction. MOOYAH loyalty app members can enjoy a free cheeseburger with the purchase of any burger, but the offer is valid only on Sept. 18 and requires the app to be downloaded before that date. The Capital Grille’s Wagyu & Wine offerings continue through Nov. 16, including Wagyu burgers such as the Wagyu Cheeseburger, the Wagyu Blue Cheese and Black Truffle Burger, and the Wagyu Roasted Wild Mushroom and Jarlsberg Burger, pairing with wine and extending the celebration beyond a single day.
BJ’s Restaurants & Brewhouse is featuring a Pizookie Meal Deal for $13 that includes the All American Smash Burger and a personal-size Pizookie, with optional upgrades to specialty Pizookie desserts for an extra $4. STK Steakhouse is bundling a cheeseburger for $9.99, described as a 7-ounce patty with cheese, onions, lettuce, tomato and sauce on a brioche bun, served with chips, with availability across the chain for delivery. Kona Grill is promoting a classic cheeseburger and fries for $10.99 dine-in, and a takeout/delivery option at the same price with a smaller side; a Sunrise Burger — a 4-ounce patty with bacon and a fried egg — is offered as a brunch option for $9.99.
Ruby Tuesday is featuring signature smashed burgers starting at $8.99, with options including a Single American Smashed Burger, Mushroom Swiss Smashed Burger, and Loaded Guac Smashed Burger, among others, each served with fries or tots and Garden Bar access. Native Grill & Wings reiterates its $10 Bacon Cheeseburger special, while Hurricane Grill & Wings and Buffalo’s Cafe offer a free Pepsi with the purchase of a cheeseburger on the holiday.
The Greene Turtle is running a buy-one, get-one-free cheeseburger deal all day when dining in at any location, adding another layer of value for burger enthusiasts. In addition to single-location specials, several chains are promoting multi-location promotions and loyalty-driven rewards, underscoring how the burger has become a cultural centerpiece across casual and fine dining.
National Cheeseburger Day promotions reflect a mix of loyalty programs, app-driven discounts, and time-limited offers designed to drive foot traffic while giving diners multiple ways to celebrate. While many deals are available at participating locations and subject to availability, the overarching theme is clear: burgers remain a central, shareable experience across the country, with neighborhoods and regional chains contributing to a national, celebratory food moment.
As the day unfolds and promotions roll through the week, diners are advised to check local menus and app notices for eligibility, hours, and any caps on discounts. For some promotions, members or app users may have exclusive access, while others are open to all customers with a minimum purchase. Whether grabbing a quick fast-food bite, a mid-range lunch, or a fine-dining Wagyu burger and wine pairing, National Cheeseburger Day in 2025 showcases how the burger continues to adapt to a wide range of dining preferences and budgets.
In the spirit of inclusivity and culinary curiosity, the day’s promotions cover a broad spectrum of burger styles, from classic American cheeseburgers to premium blends and gourmet toppings. Diners looking to participate should plan ahead, confirm qualifying items, and consider joining loyalty programs or app memberships to maximize savings. The celebration also highlights how a cultural staple like the cheeseburger remains both a everyday staple and a seasonal event, capable of inspiring promotional creativity across the restaurant landscape.
