Memorial Day Deals & Steals 2022: Restaurant Dining Guide For CA

CALIFORNIA — Memorial Day 2022 is Monday, May 30 — a federal holiday honoring men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.

And the preceding weekend now is celebrated as the unofficial kick-off to summer. And right in the holiday mix is National Hamburger Day, landing this year on Saturday, May 28.

For Californians, that adds up to military discounts, tasty takeout, restaurant specials, BOGO and burger deals.

Whether you're packing a picnic, grilling at home or dining out, restaurants throughout the Golden State are prepped and ready with to-go and dine-in deals. We've rounded up a few of the best.

If you know of other eateries in your neighborhood with Memorial Day weekend or National Hamburger Day offers, share with Patch readers in the comments section.

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APPLEBEE'S: Spend $25 or more in one transaction & score free movie ticket to "Top Gun: Maverick" in theaters May 27. Spend $50 or more in one transaction for two free tickets. Offer is good for dine-in or takeout. Details. The chain also added two new $5 summer sips: the "Sunset Mana Rita" and "Tipsy Shark ." Location finder here.

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ARBY'S: Celebrate National Hamburger Day with new, limited-time Wagyu Steakhouse Burger, on menus through July 31. The 6.4-ounce burger is blend of 52% American Wagyu & 48% ground beef, cooked Sous Vide-style, and includes cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, red onion & special sauce on brioche bun. Bacon & ranch optional. Prices start at $5.99, but may vary by location. Details. California locations listed here.

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BLACK ANGUS: Among new seasonal specials is the "Summer Grill," with choice of steak, plus ribs, shrimp, chicken, two sides & slice of watermelon. Prices from $25.99 to $39.99, depending on steak selection. See info here. Location finder.

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CHEVYS FRESH MEX: Cocktail deals on Memorial Day Monday, May 30: $3 house margaritas; and $5 Cadillac Margaritas (Lunazul Reposado, triple sec, sweet & sour with side shot of Cointreau Noir). Locations include: Elk Grove; Emeryville; Fairfield; Roseville; Sacramento; Santa Rosa; South San Francisco; Union City and Vallejo.

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CHILI'S: A National Burger Day special — only on Saturday, May 28 — features "3 for $10 - Big Mouth Bites." In short: four mini burgers with bacon, cheese, sauteed onions & house-made ranch, plus non-alcoholic beverage, starter & fries for $10. Starters include soup, salad or chips & salsa. Website & details here. Find locales here.

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CORNER BAKERY: From May 27-30, patrons can take $5 off Family Meals. Promo is offered online and in-store. Diners can mix & match up to four entrées, including paninis, pastas, salads, sandwiches & breakfast meals. E-club members will be sent reminders May 27. E-club sign-up. Locations listed here.

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DICKEY'S BARBECUE PIT: It's a Memorial Day weekend BOGO deal for Big Yellow Cup Rewards members: Buy one brisket sandwich, get one free May 28-31. Rewards members will receive one unique code by email to redeem online via app only. And in another special offered through May 29: Get a brisket sandwich, side & Big Yellow Cup for $8.99. Available online & via app only (no coupon code needed). Offer found on online and app menu under "Deals." Website. Locations listed here.

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EL POLLO LOCO: Take advantage of military service discounts — 15% off orders — offered (maximum value of $1.50) to military personnel, police officers, firefighters, EMTs & federal law enforcement agents. Ask cashier for discount prior to payment, and show badge if not in uniform. Also note "Senior Discounts," for ages 60 and up, are 10% off (with maximum value of $1). Details. Location finder here.

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EL TORITO: Memorial Day marg specials on Monday, May 30, feature $3 house margaritas and $5 Cadillac Margaritas (Lunazul Reposado, triple sec, sweet & sour with side shot of Cointreau Noir). Locations throughout Southern California and in Milpitas, Monterey, San Leandro and Stockton.

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FARMER BOYS: Graduating seniors, who post photos in their caps & gowns to their Instagram feeds and tag @farmerboysfood,will score free Big Cheese burger. Participants must join VIF (Very Important Farmers reward app), plus limited to one entry per grad & one offer per mobile device. Grads then receive code to unlock free burger deal in VIF app. Freebie runs through June 30. Locations listed here.

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FATBURGER: On Saturday, May 28 — National Hamburger Day — the chain will drop 500 limited- edition NFTs (non-fungible tokens) on first-come, first-served basis, that can be exchanged for a free Original Fatburger during June. "Minting" begins Saturday at 3pm PST. See details. Location finder here.

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FOGO DE CHAO: Active duty military & veterans are offered 50% off their meals Monday, May 30, plus up to three of their guests will get 10% discount for dine-in tabs. Participants must present military or DOD ID to receive discount, and alcoholic beverages, tax & gratuity not included. Locations in Beverly Hills, El Segundo, downtown Los Angeles, Irvine, San Diego, San Francisco and San Jose.

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GRACIAS MADRE: All veterans can enjoy 10% off brunch Monday, May 30. Among menu options: chilaquiles ($18); cinnamon oat pancakes ($17); avocado toast ($15); French toast ($17); breakfast burritos ($21); plus such signature cocktails as Gracias Madre’s Fresh Juice Mimosa or Rose Sangria. Book online on website here, or call WeHo 323-978-2170/NB 949-386-8100. At 8905 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, and at 1617 Westcliff Drive, Newport Beach.

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LONG JOHN SILVER'S: A 20% military discount is offered Memorial Day, Monday, May 30, to those with valid ID. On other days, 10% off orders is available as a thanks to those who served. Details here. And for two other deals running through May 31 at participating locales: take $2 off any variety platter; or take $5 off any family meal of 8 pieces or more. Required coupons found here, by scrolling to bottom of page. Location finder here.

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MARCO'S PIZZA: A Memorial Day Weekend pizza deal, running May 26-29, offers patrons 20% off any pizza when using code MEM20. The special is for orders via the chain's app or online, with such pizza pie options as All Meat, Deluxe, Garden, Hawaiian Chicken, Pepperoni Magnifico and White Cheezy. Find location near you.

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MCCORMICK & SCHMICK'S: Back by popular demand for Memorial Day weekend are "Seafood Boil Packs To-Go." Packs come with andouille sausage, corn & potatoes, plus instructions. Choose from Shrimp Boil ($29), Loboster & Shrimp Boil ($49) or Lobster Boil ($39). Pre-order by phone by May 26 to guarantee availability for May 28-30 pick-up. See ordering details here. Locations in Anaheim & San Francisco.

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MORTON'S THE STEAKHOUSE: Memorial Day prix-fixe menu will be served May 27-31. Includes starter, entree choice (filet mignon, pork chop, shrimp scampi, salmon, chicken or lobster ravioli) and dessert. $65 per person. "Chef's Table" grill kits also available for takeout. Details here. Locations in Anaheim, Burbank, downtown L.A., Palm Desert, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Ana & Woodland Hills.

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OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE: Military veterans & active duty, with valid ID, can enjoy a 10% "Heroes Discount" off their guest check. The offer runs every day, year-round, and also extends to nurses, doctors, medical staff, police, firefighters & first responders, with valid medical, state or federal service ID). Details. Find locations throughout California.

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PIEOLOGY PIZZERIA: Use promo code MEMORIALDAY — from May 28-30 — and get $5 off $25+ orders, both in-store and online. Participating locations in California include: Carlsbad; Carson; Chino; Dublin; Escondido; Fremont; Irvine - The Market Place; La Mirada; Roseville; San Leandro; Walnut; and Yuba City. Website here.

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RED LOBSTER: A BOGO deal to kick off summer is available to teachers, school faculty & staff, who show valid school ID. Diners buy one entree and get a second entree (maximum $20 value) free. The special, runs May 23-June 5, for dine-in only. Details. Location finder here.

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ROCK & BREWS: Celebrate National Burger Day — Saturday, May 28 — with a special deal. Diners who buy one entrée will get the fan-favorite "Oklahoma Smash Burger" for $5.28 (typically priced around $15.95). The burger is stacked with grilled onions, cheddar cheese, dill pickles & mustard sauce on brioche bun. The special is at locations in Buena Park, Corona, El Segundo, Redondo Beach & Tustin.

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7-ELEVEN: 7NOW customers can celebrate Memorial Day weekend with free pizza. First-time users of 7NOW delivery app can use code PIZZA to redeem one free pie with any delivery order. The special begins May 25. 7NOW delivery app can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play, or by visiting 7NOW.com or 7Rewards.com.

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SMASHBURGER: Celebrate National Hamburger Day with a $5 deal on the Double Classic Smash — two Angus beef patties, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, pickles, ketchup, toasted bun & "Smash Sauce." Promo is in-store & via the Smashburger’s website/app with coupon code: Hamburger. Website here. Golden State locales listed here.

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SUBWAY: Use promo code 15OFF and get 15% off foot-long sub sandwiches. At participating restaurants through July 11. Details here. Locations list here.

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THE HABIT BURGER GRILL: Here's a weekend freebie: Download & register for The Habit Mobile App to score a free Charburger with cheese with purchase of a regular drink. For first-time registrants only. Info here. Location finder here.

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THE BUNGALOW KITCHEN BY MICHAEL MINA: Dine out for prix-fixe brunch menu, complete with luxe add-ons and libations. Available Saturdays & Sundays, the two-course brunch menu offers choice of such starters & entrees as: Sweet Potato Pancakes with King Salmon gravlax; Crispy Liberty Duck Wings; salads; French toast and more. Raw bar selections also offered. Website & reservation info here. Located at 5 Main St., Tiburon and 6400 Pacific Coast Highway, Belmont Shore/Long Beach.

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WAYBACK BURGERS: On National Hamburger Day, May 28, get a BOGO (buy-one-get-one-free) deal on Classic Burgers. Available only via the app at participating locations. One per app account, and may not be combined with other offers. Info here. Weekly deals for Burger Month here. Find locations in Concord, Firebaugh, Folsom, Fresno, Milpitas, Roseville & Sacramento.

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