September 18, 2025, marks National Cheeseburger Day, a celebration of one of America’s most iconic comfort foods. Whether you love a classic cheeseburger with ketchup and pickles or a gourmet creation with premium toppings, today is the perfect day to indulge, especially with restaurants across the country offering unbeatable deals. From fast-food giants to sit-down chains, here’s a roundup of the best National Cheeseburger Day deals available on September 18, 2025, to help you enjoy a juicy burger without breaking the bank.
The cheeseburger’s origins are debated, but one popular story credits Lionel Sternberger, a teenager working at his father’s Pasadena, California, sandwich shop in the 1920s, for placing a slice of American cheese on a hamburger, creating the first cheeseburger. Other claims point to Kaelin’s Restaurant in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1934, which is said to have coined the term “cheeseburger,” or the Humpty Dumpty Drive-In in Denver, which trademarked the name in 1935. Regardless of its birthplace, the cheeseburger has become a beloved staple, with Americans consuming billions annually, according to the USDA.
Top National Cheeseburger Day Deals for 2025
McDonald’s: 50-Cent Double Cheeseburger
McDonald’s is bringing back one of its most popular offers: a Double Cheeseburger for just 50 cents. This deal is exclusively available through the McDonald’s app on September 18, with a limit of one per customer. It’s a budget-friendly way to enjoy a classic, melty cheeseburger.
Burger King: Free Bacon Cheeseburger
Royal Perks members can score a free Bacon Cheeseburger with any purchase of $1 or more on September 18 via the Burger King app or website. Burger King is extending the celebration with additional deals through September 21, including a free Whopper Jr. on September 19 and a free cheeseburger on September 20, both with a $1+ purchase.
Smashburger: $4.99 Single Burgers
Smashburger is offering any single burger for $4.99 on September 18, a significant discount from their regular price (e.g., $9.19 for a classic). Use the promo code BURGERDAY25 when ordering online, or mention the deal in-store. This offer is available for dine-in, pickup, or delivery at participating locations.
Dairy Queen: Free Double Original Cheeseburger Stackburger
From September 15 to 19, DQ Rewards members (new and existing) can get a free Double Original Cheeseburger Stackburger with any app or online order of $1 or more. This deal, exclusive to digital orders, is perfect for those craving a hearty burger with a side of savings.
Applebee’s: $8.99 Classic Burgers with Fries
Applebee’s is serving up a deal on September 18 where you can get any of their Classic Handcrafted Burgers—Classic Burger, Classic Cheeseburger, or Classic Bacon Cheeseburger—paired with fries for just $8.99. This offer is valid for dine-in, to-go, or orders placed online or via the Applebee’s app.
Wayback Burgers: $5 Classic Burgers
Wayback Burgers is celebrating with $5 Classic Burgers on September 18, available in-restaurant, online, or through the Wayback Rewards app. Use the code $5CLASS to redeem, with a limit of two per order. Additionally, through October, Wayback offers a Single Cheeeesy Burger with a 22oz Coke for $7.99 daily.
Buffalo Wild Wings: Buy One, Get One Free Burgers
Blazin’ Rewards members at Buffalo Wild Wings can enjoy a buy-one-get-one-free burger deal on September 18, valid for dine-in, takeout, or delivery. Sign up for the rewards program by September 18 to unlock this offer.
Sonic Drive-In: Buy One, Get One Free Double Sonic Smasher
Sonic app users can buy one Double Sonic Smasher and get another free on September 18, with the offer redeemable once per week through September 28. Sonic is also offering a Jr. Deluxe Cheeseburger for $1.99 on September 18. The Double Sonic Smasher features two Angus patties with a crispy edge, American cheese, Smasher sauce, pickles, and onions on a potato bun.
Wendy’s: 1-Cent Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger
From September 18 to 22, Wendy’s app users can get a Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger for just one cent with any purchase. This deal is perfect for a quick, affordable bite.
Ruby Tuesday: Discounted Smashed Burgers
Ruby Tuesday is offering a lineup of smashed burgers at discounted prices on September 18, all served with fries or tots and unlimited access to their Garden Bar:
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Single American Smashed Burger: $8.99 (double for $10.99)
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Mushroom Swiss Smashed Burger: $11.99
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Loaded Guac Smashed Burger: $11.99
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Triple Smashed Burger: $11.99 These deals are available all day for dine-in or takeout.
Checkers & Rally’s: $3 Big Buford
From September 16 to 18, Checkers & Rally’s is offering their signature Big Buford burger for $3 at participating locations, while supplies last. This is a great deal for fans of bold flavors.
Portillo’s: 50% Off Regular Cheeseburger
Portillo’s Perks members can enjoy 50% off one regular cheeseburger from September 15 to 19. New members who sign up during this period also qualify, with seven days to redeem. Portillo’s is also teasing a secret menu Triple Cheeseburger available via in-restaurant kiosks for Perks members.
Jack in the Box: $5 Smashed Jack and Free Jr. Cheeseburger
Jack in the Box is offering their Smashed Jack burger for $5 from September 12 to 18, limited to one per day per user, in-store or via the Jack App. Additionally, app users can get a free Jr. Cheeseburger with any $1+ purchase on September 18.
Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay: $10 Meal Deal
Through the end of September, Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay offers a $10 Meal Deal, including a Palace Classic Burger, a choice of French fries or sweet potato fries, and a small fountain soda. Mention “National Cheeseburger Day” when ordering in-restaurant to redeem.
The Capital Grille: Wagyu & Wine Pairing
For a luxurious experience, The Capital Grille’s Wagyu & Wine pairing menu, available through November 16, features gourmet burgers like the Wagyu Cheeseburger, Wagyu Blue Cheese and Black Truffle Burger, and Wagyu Roasted Wild Mushroom and Jarlsberg Burger, paired with premium wines starting at $35 in the lounge.
Additional Deals to Watch
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Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar: A Double Classic Smash Burger with a choice of side (fries, sweet potato fries, tots, or chips) for $10 on September 18, available for dine-in or online orders.
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BurgerFi: Buy one single cheeseburger and get another for $1 on September 18, in-store only, with a limit of two per person.
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Carl’s Jr.: Rewards members can get a half-priced Western Bacon Cheeseburger with any large fountain drink purchase on September 18.
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White Castle: Buy one, get one free Cheese Slider from September 18 to 21, using the code SAYCHEESE online or in-app, with a limit of one free slider per customer.
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Whataburger: Free fries or onion rings with the purchase of a #5 Bacon & Cheese Whataburger on September 18 via the app or website.
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The Melt: Rewards members ordering a MeltBurger on September 18 get a second burger loaded into their account (join by noon on September 17 to qualify).
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Veggie Grill by Next Level: Buy one, get one free vegan American ChzBurger on September 18.
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Huddle House: Huddle Rewards members can claim a free Single Smashed Burger Deluxe from September 18 to 25.
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Kona Grill: Offers include a Classic Cheeseburger with fries for $10.99 (dine-in), a cheeseburger with chips for $7.99 (takeout/delivery), or a Sunrise Burger brunch special with country potatoes for $9.99.
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Ninety Nine Restaurant & Pub: A Cheese Burger with fries for $8.99 for dine-in guests on September 18.
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The Habit Burger & Grill: New CharClub members get a free Charburger with a regular drink purchase on September 18.
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Farmer Boys: Big Cheese Cheeseburger for $4, in-restaurant or drive-thru, with a limit of two per person.
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Sullivan’s Steakhouse: A Signature Angus Burger for $15 during happy hour (3-6 p.m.) on September 18, served with cheddar, arugula, tomato, pickle sauce, and roasted garlic fries.
Many of these deals are app-exclusive or require membership in a restaurant’s rewards program, so download apps or sign up for loyalty programs ahead of time. Check your local restaurant’s participation, as offers may vary by location. Some deals, like those at Checkers & Rally’s, are available while supplies last, so act early. For the best experience, open the restaurant’s app on September 18 to confirm promos and any required codes.
National Cheeseburger Day 2025 is the perfect excuse to treat yourself to a delicious burger at a fraction of the cost. Whether you’re grabbing a 50-cent Double Cheeseburger at McDonald’s, enjoying a buy-one-get-one deal at Buffalo Wild Wings, or savoring a gourmet Wagyu burger at The Capital Grille, there’s something for every burger lover. So, fire up those apps, join those rewards programs, and dig into the cheesy goodness today!
