National Burger Day 2026 has officially arrived, and restaurants across the country are serving up some of the biggest burger deals of the season. From free burgers and buy-one-get-one specials to limited-time menu items and rewards giveaways, burger fans have plenty of ways to celebrate May 28 without spending much. With summer barbecue season kicking off, many chains are also extending promotions through the weekend.
Whether you prefer a classic cheeseburger, smashed patties or loaded specialty burgers, this year’s National Burger Day offers are packed with discounts and freebies.
Which restaurants have the best National Burger Day deals?
Burger chains and casual restaurants nationwide are leaning into National Burger Day celebrations with discounts, rewards offers and combo promotions, as per a report by The New York Post.
Burger King is offering Royal Perks members a free hamburger with any purchase of $3 or more at participating restaurants. The chain is also adding another bonus for 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 any order of $10 or more through May 31. Customers ordering online, through the Shack App, in-store kiosks or directly in restaurants can use the code “FREEBURGER” to redeem the offer.
Smashburger is keeping things simple with a $5.28 single-patty Smash Burger deal for National Burger Day. Guests can redeem it in stores or by using the promo code “528SINGLE” online or through the app.
Meanwhile, Sonic is rewarding customers who spend $5 with a free Sonic Smasher or All-American Smasher through May 31. The chain is also running half-priced small classic shakes and $2 snack promotions throughout the week, as per a report by The New York Post.
What free burgers can customers get this week?
Several restaurants are taking the holiday beyond simple discounts and moving into full freebie territory.
Jack in the Box is giving customers a free Jr. Jumbo Jack with any purchase of at least $1 on May 28. The restaurant is also promoting its limited-time Smashed Jack Sliders Munchie Meal, which includes sliders, tacos, curly fries and a drink inside a special Surprise Cup tied to a $75,000 prize giveaway, as per a report by The New York Post.
Whataburger Rewards members can claim a free Whataburger by purchasing a medium fry and medium drink. Customers ordering online or scanning the app in stores can also enter for a chance to win free Whataburger for an entire year.
Wayback Burgers is offering its Classic Burger for just $5 on May 28, with a limit of two burgers per order. The deal is available in restaurants, online and through the app.
Fat Ronnie’s Burger Bar is taking a more dramatic approach for the foodie holiday. Its newly opened location at 303 6th Avenue at Carmine will hand out free “Fat Ronnie” burgers to the first 100 customers beginning at 5 p.m.
Which chains are offering limited-time specials?
Some restaurants are using National Burger Day 2026 to introduce specialty menu items and unique promotions. Emmy Squared Pizza is launching a limited-run Chopped Cheese for just $5 on May 28. The sandwich includes grass-fed beef, American cheese, red onion, bell peppers, ketchup and pickles served on a Martin’s potato seed bun.
Dairy Queen is celebrating all week long with $1 off 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 28 through May 30.
Hard Rock Cafe is featuring a buy-one-get-one Classic Smashed Burger promotion between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. local time. Unity by Hard Rock loyalty members can also score a free Classic Smashed Burger.
Ruby Tuesday is offering its Single Patty American Smashed Burger with fries or tots and the Endless Garden Bar for $8.99 on May 28.
How are restaurants extending National Burger month?
Some brands have turned National Burger Day into a month-long celebration.
Wahlburgers has spent the entire month hosting giveaways and featuring limited-time burgers created by Chef Paul Wahlberg, Donnie Wahlberg and Mark Wahlberg.
Chef Paul’s featured burger includes “government cheese,” lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles and Wahl Sauce. Donnie’s BBQ Bacon Burger comes loaded with jalapeños, bacon, white cheddar cheese, avocado and housemade BBQ sauce. Mark’s “O.F.D.” burger features Swiss cheese, bacon, sautéed mushrooms and tomato jam layered over two Certified Angus Beef patties.
The month-long promotion will conclude with an exclusive 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, giving customers a buy-one-get-one deal on menu favourites, including the 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.
FAQs
Which restaurant is giving free burgers on National Burger Day?
Several chains including Burger King, Shake Shack and Sonic are offering free burger deals with qualifying purchases.
Are the burger deals available only on May 28?
Some promotions are one-day-only, while others continue through May 31.
