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Where to get free food, deals for National Drive-Thru Day 2025

Celebrate National Drive-Thru Day 2025 with Mouthwatering Deals from Your Favorite Chains

As the summer heat waves continue to sweep across the nation, there's no better way to beat the blaze than by cruising through your local drive-thru for some quick, delicious eats. July 24 marks National Drive-Thru Day 2025, a celebration dedicated to the convenience and joy of grabbing food on the go without ever leaving your car. This unofficial holiday pays homage to the innovation that revolutionized fast food back in the mid-20th century, starting with pioneers like In-N-Out Burger in 1948, which is often credited with popularizing the drive-thru concept. Today, it's a staple of American life, with billions of transactions happening annually through those speaker boxes and pickup windows. Whether you're a fan of burgers, tacos, coffee, or ice cream, restaurants across the country are rolling out special deals to make this day even more enticing. From freebies to deep discounts, here's an extensive roundup of the best offers available on National Drive-Thru Day 2025. Remember, many of these promotions are limited-time only, so plan your route accordingly and check with your local spots for participation.

Starting with the golden arches of McDonald's, the fast-food giant is pulling out all the stops for drive-thru enthusiasts. On July 24, customers can snag a free medium fries with any purchase of $1 or more through the McDonald's app. This deal is perfect for pairing with their classic Big Mac or a refreshing McFlurry. But that's not all—loyal app users who have accumulated enough points in the MyMcDonald's Rewards program might unlock additional perks, like a buy-one-get-one-free offer on select sandwiches. McDonald's has been a drive-thru powerhouse since introducing its first one in 1975, and this promotion underscores their commitment to convenience. If you're craving something breakfast-oriented, their all-day breakfast menu will be available with a special twist: a discounted McMuffin combo for just $3.99. With over 14,000 locations nationwide, it's easy to find a participating McDonald's, but be prepared for lines—National Drive-Thru Day tends to draw crowds eager for these savings.

Not to be outdone, Burger King is firing up the grills with flame-broiled deals that will have you rethinking your lunch plans. For National Drive-Thru Day, they're offering a free Whopper with any purchase over $5 when you order via the BK app or mention the code "DRIVETHRU25" at the speaker. This iconic burger, known for its char-grilled patty and fresh toppings, pairs perfectly with their crispy onion rings or a side of fries. Burger King, which debuted its drive-thru in the 1950s, is also extending a 2-for-$5 deal on Chicken Fries and their new plant-based Impossible Whopper, catering to both meat lovers and vegetarians. If you're a rewards member, you can earn double Crown points on all drive-thru orders, which can be redeemed for future free items. For families on the road, their value menu gets a boost with kids' meals at half price after 4 p.m., making it an ideal stop for an evening treat. With locations in every state, Burger King's promotions emphasize affordability and speed, ensuring you get back on the road with a full belly and a happy wallet.

Coffee aficionados, rejoice! Starbucks is brewing up some drive-thru magic with deals designed to perk up your day. On July 24, drive-thru customers can enjoy a buy-one-get-one-free offer on any grande or larger handcrafted beverage, including fan favorites like the Caramel Macchiato, Pumpkin Spice Latte (yes, it's making an early return for the season), or their refreshing Refreshers. To claim this, simply order through the Starbucks app and select drive-thru pickup. Starbucks, which has expanded its drive-thru presence massively in recent years, now boasts thousands of locations optimized for quick service. They're also throwing in a free reusable straw with every iced drink purchase as part of their sustainability push. For those who prefer something lighter, their food menu features discounted breakfast sandwiches and pastries when bundled with a drink. If you're a Starbucks Rewards member, you'll earn bonus stars on drive-thru orders, accelerating your path to free drinks. This promotion not only celebrates the drive-thru but also highlights Starbucks' evolution from a simple coffee shop to a mobile-friendly empire, where you can customize your order down to the last pump of syrup without stepping inside.

Taco Bell is turning up the heat with deals that bring the bold flavors of Mexican-inspired cuisine right to your car window. For National Drive-Thru Day 2025, they're offering a free Doritos Locos Taco with any purchase of $1 or more, redeemable through the app or by asking at the drive-thru. This crunchy, cheesy delight is a staple, but they're sweetening the pot with a $5 Cravings Box that includes a Chalupa Supreme, Beefy 5-Layer Burrito, chips and nacho cheese sauce, plus a medium drink—all tailored for on-the-go munching. Taco Bell, innovators in the late-night drive-thru scene since the 1960s, is also debuting a limited-time Baja Blast Freeze at half price to cool you down. Vegetarians aren't left out, with plant-based options like the Black Bean Crunchwrap Supreme available in combo deals. App users can stack rewards for even more savings, such as free items after a certain number of visits. With their "Live Más" ethos, Taco Bell's promotions encourage experimentation, like trying their new loaded nacho fries, making every drive-thru run an adventure.

If sweets are more your speed, Dairy Queen is dishing out frozen treats to make National Drive-Thru Day unforgettable. Score a free small Blizzard with any purchase over $3, featuring flavors like Oreo Cookie or Reese's Peanut Butter Cup. Dairy Queen, famous for its soft-serve since 1940 and drive-thrus in the decades following, is also offering $1 off any size Dilly Bar or Buster Bar for a quick handheld dessert. Their Grill & Chill locations will have combo meals discounted, such as a Cheeseburger Basket with fries, a drink, and a sundae for under $7. For health-conscious folks, their lighter options like salads get a buy-one-get-one-50%-off deal. Rewards program members can earn points toward free cones, enhancing the value. This chain's focus on community and fun aligns perfectly with the holiday's spirit, turning a simple drive-thru stop into a delightful experience.

Wendy's joins the fray with fresh, never-frozen beef deals that emphasize quality. On July 24, get a free Frosty with any sandwich purchase through the app—choose from classic chocolate or the seasonal vanilla. Wendy's, which prides itself on square patties and drive-thru efficiency since the 1970s, is also running a 4-for-$4 meal deal that includes nuggets, fries, a drink, and a Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger. Their salads, like the Apple Pecan Chicken, are half off when ordered via drive-thru, appealing to those seeking fresher fare. Mobile ordering gets you ahead of the line, and rewards points double for the day.

Other notable mentions include Chick-fil-A's free chicken sandwich with app orders, Sonic's half-price slushes all day, and Arby's 2-for-$6 roast beef sandwiches. KFC offers a $10 bucket deal, while Popeyes spices things up with free biscuits. Dunkin' has BOGO coffees, and Jack in the Box tempts with free tacos.

These deals highlight how drive-thrus have become more than just convenience—they're a cultural phenomenon. From reducing wait times with tech like AI ordering to eco-friendly packaging, the industry is evolving. So, on National Drive-Thru Day 2025, hit the road, enjoy the savings, and celebrate the simple pleasure of food delivered curbside. Just remember to drive safely and tip your drive-thru workers if you can—they're the real MVPs keeping the lines moving. Whether you're fueling a road trip or just grabbing a quick bite, these promotions make every order feel like a win. Happy driving and dining!

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Read the Full USA Today Article at:
[ https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/food/2025/07/23/national-drive-thru-day-2025-deals/85261318007/ ]