Hamburgers may be the most popular American dish, but topping it with cheese takes it to another level. So, of course, there's a National Cheeseburger Day, which happens to be Wednesday.
Cheeseburgers remain one of the favorite entrées in the U.S., according to YouGov's ranking of The Most Popular American Dishes. While the hamburger tops the regularly updated list with 85% popularity, the cheeseburger is close at 83%, just behind french fries and grilled cheese (both at 84%), and tied with fried chicken (83%).
Americans eat an estimated 50 billion burgers each year. Nearly three-fourths of burger lovers (74%) say they typically top their burger with cheese, YouGov found.
While there's no historic significance to National Cheeseburger Day arriving annually on Sept. 18, some dispute remains about the burger's birth. Pasadena, Calif., claims to be its birthplace, with a 16-year-old short-order cook serving the first one more than 100 years ago in a roadside hamburger stand there. Other spots claiming the cheeseburger's birthright include Kaelin's restaurant in Louisville in 1934, credited with naming it a “cheeseburger.”
Whatever the origin of the cheeseburger, if you are craving one, many restaurants and burger joints have deals and specials on them Wednesday.
National Cheeseburger Day Deals
Happy National Cheeseburger Day! This glorious holiday is celebrated on September 18, and, of course, all of your favorite fast food chains and burger joints are offering deals that day. The best deal is arguably at Wendy's, where you can buy a Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger for just 1 cent! The deal runs from September 18-22, and you need to make another purchase. We've rounded up all the other cheeseburger deals to score this Wednesday from spots like Burger King, McDonald's, and Buffalo Wild Wings.
Wendy's: A Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger for 1 Cent
Wendy’s National Cheeseburger Day deals make it easy to be cheesy.
Starting on National Cheeseburger Day, which is Sept. 18, customers can snag a 1-cent Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger with any purchase. The digital offer will be available to people placing orders on the Wendy’s app and is available through Sunday, Sept. 22
The Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger combines a beef patty, applewood smoked bacon, American cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and mayo. The menu staple has been offered at a discounted price for other national food holidays, like National Hamburger Day in May and National Bacon Day in December.
McDonald’s: 50-Cent Double Cheeseburgers
The Golden Arches is offering a golden deal for one day only.
On National Cheeseburger Day, Sept. 18, McDonald’s customers who order using McDonald’s app can score a 50-cent Double Cheeseburger. Yes, a momentous occasion when beef, bread and cheese meet in perfect harmony with your appetite can be yours for less than a dollar — no purchase necessary.
Burger King: Free Cheeseburgers and More
Of course, McDonald’s is not the only beef purveyor celebrating National Cheeseburger Day: Burger King is offering members of its loyalty program, Royal Perks, a free cheeseburger on the holiday. The chain is also offering a full week of other free food, like Croissan’wiches, Mozzarella Fries and other grubm, with a purchase of $1 or more.
Buffalo Wild Wings: BOGO Burgers
Blazin' Rewards members who buy one burger, can get another burger free.
Other Cheeseburger Deals
Here are some of the more earthbound offers that restaurant chains have announced on their websites or in social media and news releases. Participation may vary. Check with your local restaurants. All specials are available on Wednesday, Sept. 18 only, unless noted otherwise.
- Applebee’s: The Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, Classic Cheeseburger and Classic Burger will sell for $8.99 with a side of fries. applebees.com
- Bar Louie: Louie’s Choice Cheeseburgers are available with fries or tots for $9.95 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at participating locations. barlouie.com
- Del Taco: There’s a buy-one-get-one offer on Double Del Cheeseburgers for Del Yeah! Rewards members. deltaco.com
- Farmer Boys: The Big Cheese will sell for $4 each. The offer is limited to two burgers per person. farmerboys.com
- Habit Burger & Grill: In addition to the space stunt, Habit is offering new members of its CharClub loyalty program a free Double Char with a minimum $5 purchase when they register for the CharClub, according to the news release. habitburger.com
- Red Robin: Customers can get a Gourmet Cheeseburger with a bottomless side for $10 Sept. 17-19, two days longer than its current Tuesday discount. redrobin.com
- Rock & Brews: Ultimate and Oklahoma Smash Burger sell for $7.99. rockandbrews.com
- Smashburger: Classic Singles will sell for $5 at participating locations. To order online, use the code CLASSIC24. Any purchase on that date will generate a coupon 50% off a burger or sandwich on a future visit. smashburger.com
Celebrate Early or Late
If you can’t wait until Wednesday, Sonic offers half-price cheeseburgers after 5 p.m. every Tuesday, including Sept. 17. Additionally, customers can get the Quarter Pound Double Cheeseburger for $1.99 for a limited time, or a Sonic Smasher for $7.
Where To Find More Deals
Check out all the National Cheeseburger Day deals here.
Looking to celebrate at home? You can't go wrong with any of our cheeseburger recipes.
Get Your Burger Fix On!
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your friends and family and head out to your favorite burger joint to celebrate National Cheeseburger Day! And don’t forget to take advantage of all the amazing deals that are being offered. Happy National Cheeseburger Day!
