Chains from coast to coast are marking Cinco de Mayo, which falls on a Tuesday this year, doubling as Taco Tuesday, with a wave of discounts, freebies, and limited-time promotions on food and drinks.
The holiday, celebrated annually on May 5, commemorates Mexico’s 1862 victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla — not Mexican Independence Day, which falls on Sept. 16. In the U.S., the date has become closely associated with Mexican-American culture and, increasingly, restaurant deal season.
Chipotle is offering one of the day’s most accessible freebies: digital customers who use promo code CINCO26 at checkout on the Chipotle app or Chipotle.com can receive a free side of chips and Queso Blanco or chips and guacamole with any entrée purchase. The deal is not available in-restaurant or through third-party delivery platforms and is valid only on Tuesday.
Taco Bell is partnering with delivery services for its Cinco de Mayo promotions. Grubhub+ members who spend $20 or more on a Taco Bell order through Sunday will receive a free Crunchwrap Supreme. New members can subscribe to Grubhub+ for 99 cents a month for six months, with the discounted rate available only in May. Separately, Taco Bell is offering 10% off orders of $20 or more placed through DoorDash on Tuesday, and a free Triple Double Crunchwrap for Uber Eats customers who meet the same minimum.
Moe’s Southwest Grill is giving in-store customers a free side of queso with any entrée purchase on Tuesday. Loyalty members have until Sunday to redeem the offer.
Chuy’s is running deals Monday and Tuesday, including $6 regular House ’Ritas and $9 Grande ’Ritas — the larger size served in a keepsake cup while supplies last — along with $5 queso bowls and $1 off Mexican beers.
Chili’s is selling a $5 Tequila Classic Marg and a $7 Patron Frozen Marg on Tuesday, with its Popping Boba Marg available for $6 for the rest of the month.
Convenience store chain 7-Eleven is joining in at participating Speedway and Stripes locations, offering buy-one-get-one-free burritos, a new $6 Walking Taco — a chip-bag dish filled with ground beef, queso, pico de gallo and Doritos — and $3 wine-based frozen margaritas in Classic Lime, Strawberry and Strawberry Lime Swirl flavors. Rewards members can receive $3 off select beers, including Modelo Especial, Coronita Extra and Pacifico Clara.
BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse is offering $6 Brewhouse Margaritas during happy hour from 3 to 7 p.m. and again from 9 p.m. to close.
On the Border is featuring $2 tacos and $5 margaritas all day.
El Pollo Loco is selling two chicken tacos for $5 in-store and online, with a $20 discount on catering orders of $100 or more.
Baja Fresh Club Baja members can save $5.55 on online orders of $20 or more using the promo code CINCO through Tuesday.
Del Taco rewards members can order an Epic Burrito for $5 through Friday via the Del Taco app or website.
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop is offering $10 Half Yard Margaritas and tacos starting at $2.50 on Tuesday, with a free chips-and-queso reward for loyalty members through May 19.
Customers are advised to confirm participation at their local restaurant, as offers, prices and availability may vary by location.
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