national burger day 2026: National Burger Day 2026: Which restaurants have the best deals and freebies? Here’s all you need to know
Whether you prefer a classic cheeseburger, smashed patties, or loaded specialty burgers, this year’s National Burger Day offers are full of discounts and freebies.
Which restaurants have the best National Burger Day deals?
According to a report by The New York Post, burger chains and casual restaurants across the country are turning to National Burger Day celebrations with discounts, reward offers and hybrid promotions.
Burger King is offering Royal Perks members a free burger with purchases of $3 or more at participating restaurants. The chain is also adding another bonus to members who spend at least $10; Up to four months of Spotify Premium for eligible new users.
Shake Shack continues its month-long National Burger Month celebration by giving customers a free burger with orders of $10 or more through May 31. Customers who order online, through the Shack App, at in-store kiosks, or directly at restaurants can use the code “FREEBURGER” to take advantage of the offer.
For National Burger Day, Smashburger is keeping things simple with a $5.28 single-patty Smash Burger deal. Guests can redeem this gift in stores or online or through the app using the promo code “528SINGLE.”
Meanwhile, Sonic is rewarding customers who spend $5 through May 31 with a free Sonic Smasher or All-American Smasher. The chain is also running promotions of half-price small classic shakes and $2 snacks throughout the week, The New York Post reports.
What free burgers can customers get this week?
Many restaurants take the holiday beyond simple discounts and move into full-on free territory.
Jack in the Box is offering free Jr. to its customers on May 28 with purchases of at least $1. Jumbo Jack gives. The restaurant is also promoting a limited-time Smashed Jack Sliders Munchie Meal, which includes sliders, tacos, curly fries and a drink in a special Surprise Cup tied to a $75,000 prize drawing, The New York Post reported.
Whataburger Rewards members can claim a free Whataburger with the purchase of a medium fries and a medium drink. Customers who order online or scan the app in stores will also have the chance to win a free Whataburger for a year.
Wayback Burgers is offering its Classic Burger for just $5 on May 28, with a limit of two burgers per order. This deal is valid in restaurants, online and via the app.
Fat Ronnie’s Burger Bar takes a more dramatic approach to the food holiday. The newly opened location at 303 6th Street in Carmine will be giving away free “Fat Ronnie” burgers to the first 100 customers starting at 5 p.m.
Which chains offer limited-time specials?
Some restaurants are using National Burger Day 2026 to promote special menu items and unique promotions. Emmy Squared Pizza is releasing limited-edition Shredded Cheese on May 28 for just $5. The sandwich consists of grass-fed beef, American cheese, red onion, bell pepper, ketchup and pickles served on a Martin’s potato seed bun.
Dairy Queen is celebrating with $1 off all week long on its Signature Stackburgers, including the FlameThrower Signature Stackburger, Backyard Bacon Ranch Signature Stackburger, and Original Cheeseburger Signature Stackburger.
Del Taco is running a buy one get one free Double Del Cheeseburger offer from May 28th through May 30th.
Hard Rock Cafe is offering a buy-one-get-one Classic Smashed Burger promotion between 15:00 and 18:00 local time. Unity by Hard Rock loyalty members can also score a free Classic Smashed Burger.
On May 28, Ruby Tuesday is offering the Single Patty American Smashed Burger with fries or toast and the Endless Garden Bar for $8.99.
How are restaurants extending National Burger month?
Some brands have turned National Burger Day into a month-long celebration.
Wahlburgers spent the entire month hosting giveaways and offering limited-time burgers created by Chef Paul Wahlberg, Donnie Wahlberg, and Mark Wahlberg.
Chef Paul’s featured burger includes “government cheese,” lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle and Wahl Sauce. Donnie’s BBQ Bacon Burger comes loaded with jalapeno, bacon, white cheddar cheese, avocado, and homemade barbecue sauce. Mark’s “OFD” burger features Swiss cheese, bacon, sautéed mushrooms and tomato jam layered on two Certified Angus Beef patties.
The month-long promotion will culminate with a special lunch giveaway featuring Chef Paul Wahlberg himself at one of the Massachusetts Wahlburgers locations.
Arby’s is also extending its special offer through May 31, offering customers buy-one-get-one deals on menu favorites including Classic Roast Beef, Beef ‘n Cheddar and Crispy Chicken sandwiches through the Arby’s app.
With burger chains offering everything from free burgers to limited-edition sandwiches, National Burger Day 2026 is shaping up to be one of the tastiest food holidays of the year.
FAQ
Which restaurant gives away free burgers on National Burger Day?
Many chains, including Burger King, Shake Shack, and Sonic, offer free burger deals with qualifying purchases.
Are burger deals only valid on May 28?
Some promotions are for one day only, while others run until May 31.
