Get ready to sink your teeth into one of America’s most iconic creations—because September 18th is National Cheeseburger Day! From backyard grills to gourmet gastropubs, this juicy classic has earned its place as the king of comfort food. Whether you like it piled high with toppings, smothered in melty cheese, or kept simple and traditional, today is the perfect excuse to indulge.
The cheeseburger’s exact origins are debated, but most food historians credit Lionel Sternberger, a 16-year-old fry cook in Pasadena, California, who supposedly topped a sizzling hamburger with a slice of cheese back in the 1920s. That simple addition transformed a good sandwich into a legendary one. Since then, cheeseburgers have grown into a cultural staple, with countless variations around the world.
Restaurants across the country often celebrate with special deals, making it the ultimate time to try something new—or stick with your tried-and-true favorite. So gather your friends, bring your appetite, and honor the timeless marriage of beef and cheese. After all, nothing brings people together quite like a perfectly cooked cheeseburger. Here are the deals we’ve found:
Applebee’s – This National Cheeseburger Day, enjoy any of 3 Classic Burgers: Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, Classic Cheeseburger, or Classic Burger – served with fries for just $8.99!
Buffalo Wild Wings -All Blazin’ Rewards members can snag buy one, get one free burgers all day long.
Burger King – order through the BK app, you can score a free cheeseburger with a purchase of $1 or more.
Dairy Queen is offering fans a free Double Original Cheeseburger Stackburger with any app or online order of $1 or more between September 15 and 19, exclusive to DQ rewards members.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers – Guests with the reward app can snag a free Freddy’s Original Double Steakburger with a $10 minimum purchase between September 18 and 21
McDonald’s is offering a 50-cent Double Cheeseburger on Sept. 18 to celebrate National Cheeseburger Day – offer will be available exclusively through the McDonald’s app
Rally’s – From September 16 to 18, customers can enjoy the signature Big Buford for just $3 at participating locations nationwide, while supplies last.
Red Robin – Get the Big Yummm Burger Deal for $9.99, with a Red’s Double Tavern Burger, bottomless side and bottomless beverage at participating locations.
Smashburger – any single for just $4.99 on September 18 at participating locations.
Sonic Customers can enjoy buy-one-get-one-free Double Smasher burgers when purchasing through the Sonic app.
Wendy’s – Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger for $0.01 (App only, Sept. 18–22)
White Castle- Get one free slider with the promo code SAYCHEESE at checkout online or in-app from Sept. 18 to 21.
