National Burger Day is here — and if you love a good burger, May 28 is your day. Celebrated every year on the same date, this is the one day of the year where restaurants go all-out with freebies, discounts, and limited-time specials, all dedicated to one of America’s most beloved foods.
Whether you’re planning to hit your favorite chain, fire up the backyard grill, or just want to know what all the fuss is about, this guide covers everything you need.
What Is National Burger Day?
National Burger Day — also known as National Hamburger Day — is an annual food holiday celebrated on May 28 in the United States.
It falls at the very end of National Burger Month (which runs throughout all of May), making it the biggest single day of the year for burger lovers and restaurant deals alike.
The day is less about ceremony and more about celebration. It’s an excuse to eat a great burger, discover a new spot, try a new recipe, or simply take advantage of the impressive lineup of deals that restaurants roll out every year.
The History of the Hamburger
The burger is one of the most debated foods in culinary history. No one agrees on exactly who invented it — but here’s what we know.
Hamburg, Germany: Where It All Started
The hamburger is eponymously named for the town of Hamburg, Germany. People have been eating cooked meat on bread for centuries, but the association with Hamburg seems to stem from a 1758 recipe for a dish called the “Hamburg Sausage.”
The hamburger’s ancestry begins with the “Hamburg steak,” a dish of seasoned minced beef popular among German port workers and sailors in Hamburg during the 1700s and 1800s.
It Came to America
The burger’s rise to worldwide popularity began with the hamburger steak brought to the United States by German immigrants during the 19th century. Over time, cooks started serving the meat patty between slices of bread, creating the modern hamburger we recognize today.
The 1904 World’s Fair Changed Everything
Burgers became very popular in the United States during the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, with several newspapers writing about this new innovative dish. There were a number of small vendors selling their own version of the burger.
Who Actually Invented It?
Here’s where it gets messy. At least four different American individuals or families claim credit for inventing the hamburger sandwich between 1885 and 1904. The ongoing dispute has generated formal institutional recognition, including the Library of Congress acknowledging Louis’ Lunch in 2000, making the burger one of the most debated origin stories in food history.
Fast Food Takes It Global
White Castle helped make small hamburgers part of American fast-food culture after opening in 1921, and later chains, diners, drive-ins, and backyard cooks pushed the burger even further into everyday life.
Today, Americans eat an average of 50 billion burgers every year — making the hamburger one of the most consumed foods on the planet.
Why Is National Burger Day on May 28?
National Burger Day is celebrated on May 28 to get people prepared for summer BBQ season.
It lands right at the end of May — Memorial Day weekend territory — when people are already thinking about grilling outdoors, backyard cookouts, and summer food traditions. The timing makes the day feel natural, not forced.
National Hamburger Day falls on May 28, and it falls right at the end of National Burger Month — making it the biggest single day of the year for burger deals.
As for who started the holiday, the origins of National Burger Day are very unclear. It is not known who invented this day, but it was likely someone who was a big lover of the hamburger.
National Burger Day 2026 Deals
This year’s deals are some of the best yet. Here’s a roundup of what’s confirmed for May 28, 2026.
Burger King
Burger King Royal Perks members can score a free hamburger with any $3+ purchase through the Burger King app or website on May 28.
Shake Shack
Shake Shack will offer a free classic ShackBurger with any purchase above $10. Customers can grab their free burger via the Shack app, online, or in store. The restaurant chain is also running a contest through May 31 with two winners getting what’s billed as a year of free burgers.
Smashburger
National Burger Day 2026 is on Thursday, May 28th — and Smashburger is celebrating with $5.28 single burgers, all day long at participating locations. Use code 528SINGLE at checkout.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings is offering 50% off burgers ordered through Buffalo Wild Wings GO for takeout or delivery using promo code GOBURGER. Deal valid May 28 only.
Bobby’s Burgers
Bobby’s Burgers customers can order a Crunchburger for $5.28 on May 28 at participating locations.
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar is offering a BD’s All-American Burger with a classic side for $10 on May 28 only.
Jack in the Box
Jack in the Box customers who make a purchase of $1+ on May 28 can get a free Jr. Jumbo Jack.
Checkers & Rally’s
Checkers & Rally’s is offering a BOGO Classic Burger deal on May 27 and May 28 at participating locations.
Hard Rock Cafe
Hard Rock Cafe customers can take advantage of deals on Classic Smashed Burgers between 3 – 6 p.m. local time on May 28.
Tip: Most of these deals are app-exclusive. Download the apps beforehand and create a free account to make sure you can redeem offers without any friction.
How to Make a Perfect Burger at Home
Not going out? No problem. Here’s how to build a great burger from scratch.
Choose Your Meat
The best burgers start with the right fat ratio. An 80/20 blend (80% lean beef, 20% fat) gives you a juicy patty that holds its shape without drying out.
For something more premium, try:
- Chuck — rich, beefy flavor, great all-around choice
- Brisket blend — slightly smoky and deeply flavorful
- Short rib blend — luxurious, restaurant-quality texture
Smash vs. Grilled
There are two main burger schools of thought:
Smash burgers are cooked on a flat griddle or cast iron pan. You press the patty down hard within the first 30 seconds, maximizing the Maillard reaction — that crispy, caramelized crust that makes smash burgers so addictive. These are thin, crispy-edged, and usually served stacked.
Grilled burgers are thicker, cooked over direct heat, and have that classic char-grilled flavor. Better for backyard cookouts and patties that are a half-inch or more thick.
The Stack
A great burger is about balance. Here’s a classic build:
- Bottom bun (toasted)
- Special sauce or mayo
- Beef patty
- Cheese (melted on the patty, lid-on, last 60 seconds)
- Pickles
- Onion (raw, grilled, or caramelized)
- Lettuce and tomato
- Top bun
Don’t overcrowd. Two or three toppings done well beat eight toppings done badly.
Don’t Skip the Bun
A good bun matters more than most people realize. Brioche is the gold standard — slightly sweet, soft, and sturdy enough to hold everything without getting soggy. Potato buns are another great choice, especially for smash burgers.
Always toast your bun. It takes 30 seconds and makes a real difference in texture.
5 Burger Styles Worth Trying
If you’re looking to mix things up, here are five distinct styles to try:
1. Smash Burger — Thin, crispy-edged patties with American cheese. Simple and perfect.
2. Oklahoma Onion Burger — Onions pressed directly into the patty while it cooks. Deeply savory, regional classic.
3. Juicy Lucy — Cheese stuffed inside the patty, not on top. An invention from Minneapolis, Minnesota.
4. Steakhouse Burger — Thick patty, blue cheese or cheddar, caramelized onions, aioli. Rich and indulgent.
5. Smoked Brisket Burger — Ground beef patty topped with pulled smoked brisket, BBQ sauce, and pickled jalapeños. A Texas classic.
Fun Facts About Burgers
- The world’s largest hamburger was 2,566 lb 9 oz and achieved in Pilsting, Germany, on July 9, 2017.
- Americans eat roughly 50 billion burgers a year — that’s about three burgers per person per week on average.
- The hamburger got its name from Hamburg, Germany, not from the word “ham.” There’s no pork in a traditional hamburger.
- White Castle became one of the first major hamburger chains, marketing their square burgers as “sliders” after opening in 1921.
- The cheeseburger has its own holiday too — National Cheeseburger Day is celebrated on September 18.
FAQ
When is National Burger Day 2026? National Burger Day 2026 is on Thursday, May 28, 2026.
Is National Burger Day the same every year? Yes. National Burger Day (also called National Hamburger Day) is celebrated on May 28 every year, regardless of the day of the week.
Are the restaurant deals free? Many deals are free or deeply discounted, but most require downloading the restaurant’s app and creating a rewards account. Some also require a minimum purchase.
Is there a UK National Burger Day? Yes. The UK has its own National Burger Day, which is celebrated in August and was created by a company called Mr. Hyde. It’s a separate holiday from the American one.
What’s the difference between National Burger Day and National Cheeseburger Day? They’re two separate food holidays. National Burger Day is May 28. National Cheeseburger Day is September 18.
Can vegetarians celebrate National Burger Day? Absolutely. Plant-based burgers from brands like Beyond Meat and Impossible have become widely available, and many chains offer veggie or vegan options. Many restaurants include plant-based choices in their National Burger Day deals too.
Do National Burger Day deals work online and for delivery? Most major chains offer their deals both in-store and through their apps, with many extending to delivery orders as well. Check the specific terms for each restaurant before ordering.
Why is the hamburger called a hamburger if it has no ham? The name comes from Hamburg, Germany — not from the ingredient “ham.” German immigrants brought a dish called Hamburg steak to the US, which eventually evolved into the burger we know today.
Final Thoughts
National Burger Day is one of those food holidays that doesn’t need much justification. It’s a burger. It’s a deal. It’s a perfect excuse to eat something great and enjoy the unofficial start of summer.
Whether you’re hitting Shake Shack for a free ShackBurger, smashing patties at home on a cast iron, or grilling out in the backyard, May 28 is your day.
Go enjoy it.
