National Cheeseburger Day 2025 - September 18

September 18, is National Cheeseburger Day, celebrating one of America's favorite dishes. On this day, restaurants and cafes offer deals and special promotions for this delicious treat. It's a great opportunity to visit your favorite spot or try a new cheeseburger recipe.

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If you’re ready to celebrate but still unsure where to go, here’s a roundup of the best restaurants to enjoy delicious cheeseburgers, along with a list of current deals from popular chains.

Au Cheval on Randolph Street is a small restaurant that has transformed a classic American diner into a Chicago institution. The establishment has been recognized as one of the best burger spots in the U.S. by Business Insider, Eater, and Food Network, and in 2012, Bon Appétit named it "The Best Burger in America." The restaurant doesn't take reservations - it's a walk-in-only policy, and the lines can stretch for hours, especially on weekends. The atmosphere is simple: an open kitchen, a bar counter, a few tables, and a menu that focuses on elevating classic American diner food to a true art form.

The main star at Au Cheval is the cheeseburger, which consists of two juicy patties, American cheese, Dijon mayonnaise, and a brioche bun. The most popular additions are the thick-cut peppered bacon and a fried egg (hence the name "au cheval" - "on horseback"). The secret isn't in exotic ingredients but in the perfect execution of simple things. Besides burgers, the restaurant is famous for its various egg dishes and crispy fries with Parmesan and foie gras. The cocktail list is also worth noting, especially the classic whiskey cocktails.

For the Win was created by chef and restaurateur Santos Uy during the COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020. He opened it in the space of his former French restaurant, Papilles Bistro, which had a Michelin Bib Gourmand award. Now, For the Win is recognized as one of the best burger spots in Los Angeles and is rapidly expanding across the city. The original location on Franklin Ave in Hollywood has been joined by spots in Grand Central Market, Beverly Center, and several other locations. This is a classic example of how the pandemic forced high-quality chefs to rethink their approach to food and create something more accessible but no less delicious.

The menu is built around smash burgers with juicy patties that have a real beef flavor and crispy, caramelized edges that look like a "meat skirt." The classic cheeseburger consists of a smashed patty with grilled onions on a toasted Martin's potato bun with American cheese, pickles, and a signature Thousand Island-style sauce. It's recommended to order at least a double, as a single patty can feel a bit small. In addition to burgers, they serve fried chicken sandwiches, which have also become popular, and a variety of sides. Some locations even offer grain bowls for $8 - an unusual but interesting contrast to the meat-heavy main menu.

Open since 1972 on Manhattan's Upper East Side, JG Melon is a true New York institution. It's a "saloon with food" that serves a local and international crowd - from stars and politicians to artists, writers, and generations of families. The restaurant maintains its old-school atmosphere with melon-themed decor, green-and-white tablecloths, a vintage jukebox, and a "cash only" policy. It's a classic old-fashioned burger joint with a bar up front where you'll find constant lines and devoted fans.

JG Melon's claim to fame is its incredibly simple cheeseburger, which stands out precisely because of its simplicity. It's not smashed flat or covered in a special sauce, nor is it two inches thick with obscure French cheeses. The meat is grilled to a perfect pink on a warm, toasted bun with onion and pickles. The must-have side is their signature cottage fries (crispy, wavy-cut fries) and the legendary Bloody Mary, which is especially popular during brunch. Other restaurants try to copy these fries, but only JG Melon gets them right. For dessert, be sure to order the lime pie, which has a 1:1 pie-to-whipped-cream ratio.

Stanton's City Bites began as a family-owned grocery store in 1961 and has since evolved into a restaurant known for its unique, custom-made burgers. It's a genuine family business with a local feel, where every burger is handmade and the recipes have been passed down for generations.

The menu features burgers for serious appetites. The original Bacon Cheeseburger is a bestseller with crispy bacon, creamy mayonnaise, tangy mustard, fresh vegetables, and melted American cheese. The Cowboy Brunch burger features a half-pound handmade patty with a fried egg, Swiss cheese, fried pickles, and bacon between grilled Texas toasts. And the Luke Skyburger includes a beef patty, deep-fried bacon, garlic spinach, grilled mushrooms, provolone cheese, and enough meat to keep you from the dark side of the Force forever. Burgers are served with Italian fries and tots, as well as homemade salads with their own dressing.

Located on NW 24th Street in the Wynwood neighborhood, Le Chick is a casual dining spot specializing in fried chicken and burgers. The restaurant has a bar, an open kitchen, and a patio, operating as a restaurant-bar that stays open late. It’s open daily from 5 PM to 2 AM on weekdays and until 3 AM on weekends, making it a popular destination for both dinner and late-night dining. The menu is built around classic comfort food, with a focus on high-quality ingredients and a modern presentation.

The signature burger is a double Wagyu cheeseburger with smoked gouda, butter lettuce, and a roasted red pepper sauce on a brioche bun. The restaurant also specializes in fried chicken, which is marinated for 12 hours in brine, then soaked in buttermilk, and fried with a special blend of spices. The Chicken Sandwich is served with a crispy fillet, butter lettuce, house-made pickles, and Swiss cheese. Sides include skin-on fries, sweet potato fries, or coleslaw. Le Chick offers a Burger Club - an annual membership with monthly burgers and additional perks for regular customers.

The Cherry Cricket is a Denver legend that has been around for decades, and it’s a true institution in the city. It's not just famous for its large portions, but also because you can build your own cheeseburger, adding almost any topping you can imagine.

The interior is that of a classic American tavern, with large TVs, wooden furniture, and walls covered in photos of regular customers. It's a gathering place for sports fans, families with children, and tourists.

The key feature of the menu is the green chile, a Colorado tradition that they add to almost everything. The meat for the burgers is sourced from local ranches and cooked on an open grill that operates from morning until late at night. The portions are huge, even by American standards, making a cheeseburger from The Cherry Cricket not just delicious but also very filling.

Located on the second level of the Boulevard Tower at the Cosmopolitan hotel on the Las Vegas Strip, Holsteins operates as a burger bar focusing on craft burgers and boozy milkshakes. The restaurant was created by Las Vegas restaurateurs Billy Richardson and Chef Anthony Meidenbauer of Block 16 Hospitality. Holsteins has earned the title of "Best Burger in Las Vegas" and has become a staple of the city's burger scene. The restaurant is open Sunday to Thursday from 11 AM to 10 PM and Friday to Saturday from 11 AM to 11:30 PM.

The signature Gold Standard is a burger made with dry-aged sirloin, smoked bacon, aged goat cheddar, tomato confit, arugula, and a garlic-chive aioli. The menu includes specialty burgers, house-made sausage, variations of traditional American snacks, and a vegan Urth Burger with a craft vegan patty. Holsteins' main attraction is its signature Bam-Boozled milkshakes, which are spiked with alcohol and have become an Instagram-worthy calling card for the restaurant.

Village Whiskey is a restaurant that takes two things seriously: quality burgers and good whiskey. The name says it all: it has one of the best collections of American whiskey on the East Coast. The interior is reminiscent of Philadelphia's history, with brick walls, wooden furniture, and dim lighting.

The crowd here is diverse, from businesspeople discussing deals over a glass of bourbon to young couples on a date. The staff knows their stuff, both when it comes to meat and in pairing drinks with each dish.

The meat is cooked on a cast-iron grill, which gives the patties a characteristic crust on the outside and keeps them juicy on the inside. Each burger comes with a recommended whiskey that best complements the flavor of the meat.

The menu is headlined by the "Whiskey King Burger." It’s a true indulgence, made with a beef patty topped with maple-glazed onions, blue cheese, bacon, and foie gras. Another popular choice is "The Village," a classic burger with a signature sauce. You can also try the "Village Mac," a double smash-style burger. The fries with cheese and bacon are just as popular as the main dishes.

Causwells, located at 2346 Chestnut Street in the Marina district, has operated as an American bistro since 2014, with a daily schedule. The restaurant was created by Chef Adam Rosenblum with a "farm-to-fork" philosophy and a focus on local, seasonal ingredients, drawing influences from French, Spanish, and Italian cuisines. Causwells was a finalist in the "Best Burger in America" contest by Thrillist and has earned a reputation as one of San Francisco's top burger spots. The interior is decorated in an art-deco style with deep colors, geometric elements, and an outdoor patio.

The signature item is the smash-style Americana Cheeseburger with a double patty, American cheese, lettuce, pickles, onion, and a signature Causwells sauce. The menu also includes a Brunch Burger with a fried egg and bacon, a crispy chicken sandwich with roasted garlic sauce, and a crispy cilantro coleslaw. Dishes are served with crunchy onion strings—thinly sliced fried onions in a special batter. The restaurant is also known for its house-made ricotta with honey and rosemary, deviled eggs, and sticky toffee cake. Causwells operates as an all-day dining spot with a popular brunch on weekends.

Red Mill Burgers has been operating since 1994 in the Phinney Ridge neighborhood at 312 N 67th Street. The spot was created by siblings John and Babe Shepherd and has been named "Seattle's Best Burgers" for 10 years in a row. It has also gained national recognition, including an appearance on "Man vs. Food" with Adam Richman. This is a family-run, old-school fast-food joint with its own parking lot.

The signature dish is the Double Bacon Deluxe, which features two patties, bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion, and a signature Mill Sauce on a sesame seed bun. The popular Verde Burger is served with smoked Anaheim peppers, Jack cheese, and bacon. Another option is the Bleu Cheese N' Bacon Burger. The main attraction at Red Mill is the "gigantic, aromatic piles of fresh-fried bacon" on every burger. You also must try their signature Babe's Onion Rings, which are said to be some of the best in the country, and their old-fashioned milkshakes. The restaurant also serves fried fish and chicken sandwiches.

In addition to local restaurants, many national chains are also offering special promotions for National Cheeseburger Day. If you’re looking for great value, here are some of the top deals:

Free Cheeseburgers

Mooyah: Loyalty program members get a free cheeseburger with the purchase of a burger in the app.

Burger King: Free cheeseburger with any $1+ purchase for Royal Perks members.

Wendy’s: Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger for $0.01 with in-app purchase (Sept 18–22).

Dairy Queen: Free Double Original Cheeseburger Stackburger with $1 in-app purchase (Sept 15–19).

Discounted Burgers

McDonald’s: Double Cheeseburger for $0.50 in the app.

Smashburger: Any single burger for $4.99 with code BURGERDAY25.

Wayback Burgers: Classic burgers for $5.

Applebee’s: Burger and fries for $8.99.

Other Promotions

White Castle: Buy one, get one free on cheese sliders with code SAYCHEESE.

Next Level Burger: Buy one American Cheeseburger, get one free (in-store).