Memorial Day Weekend Food Deals That Are 100% Worth the Drive-Thru Wait

Memorial Day Weekend has finally arrived. This glorious three-day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer festivities and serves as the prime kickoff for grilling season. The actual summer solstice occurs on June 21 for those who are curious, but we all know which holiday gets the most fanfare. 

If you’re eager to fire up the grill, you’re certainly not alone. Depending on where you are, we might even be able to guess what you’re craving most. A recent Instacart report revealed exactly what their customers order for Memorial Day weekend, and the barbecue sauce of choice varies greatly by region. On the other hand, if you couldn’t be bothered to pick up a bag of charcoal after a long week at work, we wouldn’t blame you. 

Whether you’re heading to the beach or taking some much-needed time to rest at home, there’s no shame in indulging in a few fast food cravings (and deals) along the way. And in the midst of the so-called “fast food value wars,” chains are competing to see which ones can offer the best deal. This hopefully means you’ll walk away with a couple of bucks leftover from your budget. We’ve rounded up all the deals that are worth your time waiting in the drive-thru. 

7-Eleven

On May 19, the chain introduced $2 deals on grab-and-go snacks like Clif Bars and Quest Protein Cookies. Loyalty members can also save on hot dogs, burgers, and pizza to stock up for their road trips. Forgot a few things for your cookout? On Monday, you can save $20 on any delivery order over $30 with the code MONDAY20. 

White Castle

If you’re feeding a crowd (or a very hungry family, post-beach), sliders are definitely the way to go. Stop by the White Castle drive-thru this weekend for $3 off a box of 20 sliders — this deal is available from May 24 through May 26 with a coupon. You can also enter the code CLUTCHDEAL in the mobile app to save a few extra dollars. 

Denny’s 

Craving a platter of crispy hash browns and scrambled eggs? From May 23 to May 25, visitors can enjoy $10 off a purchase of $30 on the Denny’s website using the code SUNFUN. 

Popeyes 

If you prefer chicken sandwiches over grilled burgers and hot dogs, this one’s for you. Take a non-traditional approach to Memorial Day fare with a discounted Popeyes meal. Visitors can snag two original chicken sandwiches for $8 by ordering through the website or the Popeyes app. 

Insomnia Cookies

Don’t neglect dessert: From now through early June, folks can receive three free cookies at Insomnia locations when they buy a pack of nine. That totals to 12 cookies — or just enough to keep your extended family satisfied.  

Grubhub’s Gold Days of Grubhub

From May 26 to June 1, Grubhub+ members can save at five major chains: Buffalo Wild Wings, Sonic, Arby’s, CVS, and Dunkin’. (The last of which is a next-day essential if your pool party gets a little too rowdy.) Deals vary — you can get 25% off orders over $20 at Sonic and BOGO wings at Buffalo Wild Wings. Additionally, members also enjoy $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees during the promotion. While these deals aren’t exclusive to Memorial Day, they do line up perfectly. 

Kroger 

If fast food isn’t part of your weekend plans, you can still snag an exclusive deal on your next Kroger trip. The national chain has just announced value grilling bundles for this upcoming weekend — which amount to about $3.50 per person. This value package provides enough food for 16 people, featuring quarter-pound burgers and hot dogs along with all the favorite side dishes. 

Wendy’s 

The Ohio-based chain is offering exclusive deals for veterans this weekend, according to its website. Wendy’s participates in the WeSalute program, a free veteran-founded initiative that verifies veterans’ status to unlock deals at national chains. They also offer deals for Flag Day, Independence Day, Patriot Day, and Veterans Day.

Shake Shack

Through June 1, Shake Shack is offering free burgers with every minimum order of $10. Additionally, from now until May 25, you can enjoy an Avocado Bacon Burger by using the code BURGERMONTH in the app, online, or at an in-store kiosk. Starting on Memorial Day and continuing through June 1, customers can apply the same code for a complimentary ShackBurger. 

Smashburger

Greasy, cheese-covered goodness awaits. For a limited time, you can earn $5 in Smash Cash — the chain’s quirky name for in-app rewards — when you buy a $25 gift card in-store.