National Coffee Day Deals: Where To Get Them In Illinois

CHICAGO — As if Americans’ love affair with coffee wasn’t already brewing, three of the nation’s most popular caffeinated retailers are offering some free Joe to customers, albeit with a catch.

As the country celebrates National Coffee Day on Wednesday, Starbucks, Dunkin’ Doughnuts and Krispy Kreme are giving away free coffee to customers who are registered members of their respective members rewards program.

The notion of free coffee is music to the ears of the 6 in 10 Americans who consume the caffeinated beverage each day, according to statistics. National Coffee Day comes at a time when more Americans are drinking coffee at home because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Coffee Association reports that 85 percent of coffee-drinkers are having at least one cup of joe at home because of the pandemic.

But for those who are on the lookout away from your home coffee maker, here's what's on tap Wednesday.

Starbucks, which rarely gives anything away, is rewarding customers who bring a clean reusable cup into participating locations with a free Pike Place brew. The coffee giant is celebrating its 50th anniversary and to commemorate the occasion —along with National Coffee Day – is giving away free coffee or cold brew up to 20 ounces to those who bring their own cup.

The deal is, however, limited to Select Starbucks Reserve locations, including in Chicago.

Starbucks only recently allowed customers to bring personal reusable cups into their stores after restricting them until June thanks to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Dunkin’ locations will also reward its DD Perks members by offering up a free medium hot or iced coffee with the purchase of another item. The offer is also good for people who sign up for the perks program by using the Dunkin’ app or online at DDperks.com

Krispy Kreme is also giving away free coffee to customers, but unlike its caffeine competitors, isn’t requiring an additional purchase. But the retailer is requiring a membership in order to grab the free coffee and doughnut it is offering to members. Non-rewards club members can walk in and get a free small coffee just because of Wednesday’s Coffee Day celebration.

Krispy Kreme is also offering up a free glazed doughnut to anyone who shows proof of vaccination through Dec. 31.

For Chicago city-dwellers, Stan's Coffee and Donuts is also serving up some freebees as customers can get a medium free cold brew or house blend coffee with any purchase made through the Stan's mobile app.

McDonald’s isn’t playing along in the National Coffee Day promotion, but is offering a reduced price on hot or iced coffee through the end of the year by offering up a 99-cent special for its brand of joe.

The special price, which is good for any size coffee, can be used once a day. And don’t fret if coffee isn’t your thing, as Friday ushers in National Pumpkin Spice Day.