National Burger Month Freebies A Comprehensive Guide To May Savings On Americas Favorite Handheld

Introduction

National Hamburger Month arrives each May, bringing with it a bounty of promotional offers, free burgers, and special deals from restaurants across the United States. This celebration culminates on May 28, known as National Hamburger Day, when numerous chains extend significant discounts and complimentary menu items to burger enthusiasts. The timing coincides with peak outdoor dining season and provides consumers with opportunities to enjoy premium burgers at reduced costs through carefully timed promotional campaigns.

The American burger industry generates substantial revenue annually, with Americans consuming an estimated 50 billion burgers each year, according to Circana data. The average U.S. consumer eats approximately 26 burgers annually from restaurants, drive-throughs, and other food service operations. These statistics underscore the significance of promotional opportunities like National Burger Month, which allows consumers to stretch their dining budgets while sampling new menu offerings or enjoying classic favorites at reduced prices.

Throughout May 2025, restaurants from national chains to local establishments are participating in this culinary celebration, offering everything from buy-one-get-one-free promotions to loyalty program bonuses and exclusive limited-time menu items. The following comprehensive guide details verified offers and promotional opportunities available during National Burger Month and National Hamburger Day 2025.

Major Chain Restaurant Deals for National Burger Month

Shake Shack: Month-Long Celebration with Weekly Freebies

Shake Shack is extending its National Burger Month celebration throughout May 2025, offering a free burger with any $10 purchase. This deal encompasses the entire month and requires customers to place orders at in-restaurant kiosks, through the mobile app, or via the website shakeshack.com. A specific promotional code, BURGERMONTH, must be entered in ALL CAPS at checkout to activate the offer.

The promotional period runs from May 26 to June 1, 2025, during which the free burger option features Shake Shack's flagship ShackBurger. During other weeks in May, different burger varieties are available through the promotion, including the SmokeBurger, Bacon Cheeseburger, and Avocado Bacon Burger. These weekly rotations provide customers with variety throughout the month-long celebration.

The offer applies to both delivery and pickup orders, making it accessible to various customer preferences. However, customers must remember that the promotional code must be entered in uppercase letters as specified, and orders must meet the $10 minimum threshold before the free burger becomes available.

Burger King: Royal Perks Member Benefits

Burger King is offering multiple promotional opportunities for Royal Perks loyalty program members throughout late May 2025. On National Hamburger Day, May 28, Royal Perks members can receive a free hamburger with any purchase of $1 or more. This represents a significant value opportunity for frequent customers who maintain active membership in the rewards program.

Additionally, throughout the remainder of May, Royal Perks members can redeem hamburgers for 125 crowns, representing half the usual reward redemption cost. These crowns-based offers provide continued value beyond the single-day celebration of May 28.

To access these deals, customers must activate offers in the "Offers" section of the mobile app or on the website before placing their order. This activation requirement ensures proper tracking of promotional redemption and prevents duplicate claims. The deals are available for orders placed through the BK app and on BK.com, with advance ordering recommended due to expected high demand on National Hamburger Day.

Smashburger: National Hamburger Day Special Pricing

Smashburger is celebrating National Hamburger Day with a single-day promotional offer on May 28, 2025. Customers can purchase any single burger for $5.28 at participating locations, representing a significant discount on standard menu pricing. This offer specifically excludes double burgers, focusing on single-portion selections to maximize value while maintaining operational efficiency.

The promotional offer is available through multiple ordering channels, including in-store purchases, online ordering through the Smashburger website, and through the mobile application. To claim the deal, customers must use the promotional code JUST528 during checkout, regardless of the ordering method chosen.

Participating locations may vary, and customers should verify local participation before planning their National Hamburger Day visit. The single-day nature of this promotion means that interested consumers should plan their purchases accordingly, as the offer will not be extended beyond May 28.

Checkers & Rally: National Hamburger Day Value Deal

Checkers & Rally is offering The Cheese Double burger for $3 on May 28, 2025, as their National Hamburger Day promotion. This burger features two 100% beef patties, a slice of melty American cheese, crisp dill pickles, diced onions, ketchup, and mustard, all served on a sesame seed bun. The $3 price point represents exceptional value for a double-patty burger and positions this offer as one of the most aggressive pricing promotions available on National Hamburger Day.

The promotion is available through all ordering channels except third-party delivery services, providing customers with flexibility in how they claim their discount. This restriction ensures that Checkers & Rally can maintain quality control and maximize the value delivered directly to customers through their own ordering platforms.

Wayback Burgers: National Hamburger Month Celebration

Wayback Burgers is celebrating National Hamburger Month on May 28, 2025, by offering their Classic Burger for $5. This represents a substantial discount on their standard pricing and provides customers with access to their traditional burger preparation. The promotion limits purchases to two per account or person, ensuring broad access to the promotional pricing while preventing bulk purchasing that might strain inventory.

The offer is available in participating locations through all ordering channels except third-party delivery services. This restriction allows Wayback Burgers to maintain control over the customer experience and ensure that promotional pricing benefits reach consumers directly through company-controlled platforms.

Additional National Chain Promotions

Buffalo Wild Wings: National Hamburger Day Discount

Buffalo Wild Wings Go is offering 50% off the price of any burger on May 28, 2025, through their dedicated to-go ordering platform. This discount applies to the complete burger lineup, including the All-American Cheeseburger, Triple Bacon Cheeseburger, and other premium options. The promotional code GOBURGER must be entered at checkout to activate the discount.

This offer is specifically for takeout or delivery orders and does not apply to dine-in orders. The limitation to Buffalo Wild Wings Go ensures that the discount applies to their dedicated to-go service while preserving regular pricing for dine-in customers. The comprehensive nature of this discount, applying to all burgers, makes it particularly attractive for families or groups planning to order multiple items.

Dairy Queen: Multi-Day Signature Stackburger Promotion

Dairy Queen is offering a buy-any-Signature-Stackburger-get-second-for-99-cents promotion from May 26 through June 1, 2025. This extended promotional period captures both National Hamburger Month celebrations and extends into early June, providing customers with a full week to take advantage of the offer.

Members of the DQ Rewards loyalty program can access this deal through the DQ mobile app, with the extended promotional period allowing for multiple visits during the offer window. The Signature Stackburger line represents Dairy Queen's premium burger offerings, making this promotion particularly attractive for customers seeking higher-quality burger options at reduced costs.

Krystal: Dollar Burger Day

Krystal is offering their signature burger for just $1 on May 28, 2025, making it one of the most aggressive promotional pricing opportunities available on National Hamburger Day. This represents exceptional value for a traditional slider-style burger and provides an accessible entry point for new customers to experience the Krystal brand.

To claim this promotion, customers must use promotional code KRYSTALDAY at checkout when ordering online or through the mobile application. The requirement for promotional code activation ensures proper tracking and prevents unauthorized claims of the promotional pricing.

Wendy's: Featured National Hamburger Day Offer

While the complete Wendy's offer details are not fully visible in the provided source material, Wendy's is listed among major chains offering National Hamburger Day promotions. Customers should consult local Wendy's locations or their mobile application for specific promotional details and participating location information.

Regional and Independent Restaurant Promotions

Cuban Guys: Month-Long BOGO Promotion

Cuban Guys is celebrating National Burger Month with a buy-one-get-one-free offer on their Havana Burger and Havana Masita Burger throughout May 2025. This promotion is available for dine-in orders only and provides excellent value for couples or families dining together. The extended month-long availability allows customers multiple opportunities to take advantage of the BOGO offer.

The Havana Burger and Havana Masita Burger represent Cuban Guys' signature burger offerings, incorporating Cuban-inspired flavors and preparations that differentiate them from standard American burger preparations. This promotion provides an opportunity for customers to experience unique flavor profiles while enjoying significant savings.

Red Robin: Month-Long Membership Benefits

Red Robin is extending National Hamburger Month celebrations throughout May 2025 with membership-based promotional opportunities. New customers can sign up for Red Robin Royalty membership and enter to win free hamburgers for an entire year. Existing members can participate by purchasing hamburgers and drinks through their accounts, with each qualifying purchase providing additional entries into the promotion.

This extended promotional period, spanning the entire month of May, provides multiple opportunities for customers to participate and potentially win the year-long burger prize. The emphasis on account-based participation encourages customer loyalty while providing tangible benefits for existing members.

Latin Cafe 2000: Month-Long BOGO Specials

Latin Cafe 2000 is offering buy-one-get-one-free cheeseburgers and buy-one-get-one-free fritas throughout May 2025. These promotions are available for both dine-in and delivery orders, providing flexibility for various dining preferences. The BOGO structure provides exceptional value and encourages group dining or sharing among families and friends.

The extended availability throughout May allows customers to plan multiple visits during the promotional period, maximizing their savings opportunities. The dual promotion covering both cheeseburgers and fritas provides variety for customers with different taste preferences.

Emmy Squared: Limited-Time Menu Addition

Emmy Squared is introducing the Le Bleu Burger specifically for National Burger Month 2025. This burger features a double-stack preparation with a half-pound of Braveheart grass-fed Black Angus beef, combining chuck, brisket, and short rib for optimal flavor and texture. The burger includes blue cheese crumbles, thick-cut Daily's bacon, caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, and house-made Sammy sauce, all served on a toasted pretzel bun.

This limited-time menu addition represents a premium burger offering that showcases high-quality ingredients and sophisticated flavor combinations. The timing of this release as part of National Burger Month provides customers with an opportunity to experience new culinary offerings during the promotional period.

Loyalty Program Bonuses and Rewards

Haus Rewards: National Hamburger Day Points Bonus

The Haus Rewards loyalty program is offering 25 bonus points on May 28, 2025, when customers order any Haus Burger or Big Belly Burger. This points-based bonus provides immediate value for loyalty program members and encourages engagement with the brand's premium burger offerings. The single-day nature of this bonus creates urgency for customers to visit during National Hamburger Day.

Points-based promotions like this one provide ongoing value beyond the immediate discount, as accumulated points can be redeemed for future purchases or rewards. The focus on specific menu items (Haus Burger and Big Belly Burger) directs customers toward premium offerings while still providing tangible benefits.

Limited-Time Menu Items and Weekly Features

Morton’s Steakhouse: National Burger Month Special

Morton's Steakhouse is featuring a Wagyu beef burger during National Burger Month, consisting of three juicy patties stacked with melted cheddar, house-made burger sauce, dill pickles, and grilled red onions, all served on a soft brioche bun. Customers can choose between Matchstick Fries or Thick-Cut Onion Rings as accompaniments.

This premium offering pairs well with a glass of Faust 'Liberation' Cabernet Sauvignon for $39, creating a complete dining experience. The use of Wagyu beef represents the highest quality beef available, making this a premium burger experience available during the promotional month.

Masa Craft: Weekly Giveaways and Special Features

Masa Craft is offering weekly promotions throughout May 2025, giving away 10 single smash burgers to the first 10 guests who know the weekly Word of the Day. The word is revealed weekly on their Instagram page, requiring customer engagement with their social media presence to participate in the giveaway.

Additionally, Masa Craft's Featured Burger throughout May is the Ube Frita, served with fries and two croquetas for $20. This unique burger incorporates ube, a purple yam popular in Filipino cuisine, providing a distinctive flavor profile that sets it apart from standard burger offerings.

Babe’s Meat and Counter: Weekly Featured Burgers

Babe's Meat and Counter is celebrating National Burger Month by featuring a different burger each week throughout May. Their featured burgers include Babe's Big Back Burger (a 10oz tavern style burger), Babe Mack, Black & Blue, and French Onion Soup Burger. The rotating weekly features provide customers with variety throughout the month and encourage repeat visits to sample different offerings.

This approach to promotional celebration emphasizes variety and encourages customers to explore different flavor profiles and preparation styles. The weekly rotation ensures that customers have multiple opportunities to visit during the promotional period.

Independent Restaurant Promotions

Cuento Sandwiches: Permanent Menu Addition

Cuento Sandwiches is making their Jerk Smash Burger a permanent menu item, coinciding with National Burger Month celebrations. This burger incorporates Caribbean-inspired flavors through jerk seasoning, providing a unique alternative to traditional American burger preparations. The elevation to permanent menu status indicates strong customer reception and allows for ongoing availability beyond the promotional month.

Empanada Harry’s: National Burger Month Special

Empanada Harry's is celebrating National Burger Month with a Bacon Cheeseburger Empanada, available exclusively during May 2025. This fusion item combines burger flavors with empanada preparation, representing an innovative approach to burger celebration that reflects the restaurant's specialty in empanada preparation.

Smoke & Dough: Burger Beast Collaboration

Smoke & Dough is offering 15% off any burger from their Friday burger menu when customers mention Burger Beast. This collaboration between the restaurant and a food blogger/influencer creates a unique promotional opportunity that leverages social media reach while providing tangible value to customers. The Friday-only availability creates a specific time constraint that may encourage weekend dining.

Conclusion

National Burger Month 2025 offers unprecedented opportunities for burger enthusiasts to enjoy significant savings and explore new menu offerings throughout May. From major chains like Shake Shack and Burger King offering month-long promotions to independent restaurants creating unique limited-time offerings, consumers have diverse options for experiencing America's favorite handheld food at reduced costs.

The concentration of promotional offers on May 28, National Hamburger Day, creates a particularly attractive single-day opportunity for consumers who prefer to concentrate their savings on a specific date. However, the month-long nature of many promotions allows for more flexible planning and multiple opportunities to take advantage of discounts.

Key strategies for maximizing savings during National Burger Month include monitoring promotional codes, activating loyalty program offers before ordering, verifying participating locations, and understanding the specific terms and conditions of each promotion. The variety of offers available ensures that burger lovers can find promotions that match their preferences and dining habits, whether they prefer premium chains, regional establishments, or unique independent restaurants.

As National Hamburger Month continues to grow in popularity, consumers can expect increasingly sophisticated promotional offerings that provide both immediate savings and long-term loyalty benefits. The 2025 promotional landscape demonstrates the industry's commitment to celebrating this iconic American food while providing tangible value to consumers through carefully structured promotional campaigns.

Sources

1. National Hamburger Day Deals and Freebies
2. National Hamburger Day Freebies and Deals
3. National Burger Month Happenings
4. Burger King Week-Long Deals
5. Restaurant Discounts for National Hamburger Day