Cinco de Mayo is coming up fast, falling on Tuesday, May 5, this year. Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day. The holiday celebrates the Mexican Army’s unlikely victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. It symbolizes unity and pride for the people of Puebla. Although the holiday is relatively minor in Mexico, in the United States, it evolved into a major celebration during the Chicano movement of the 1960s. Today, Cinco de Mayo is a widespread celebration of Mexican-American heritage, culture, and community, featuring parades, mariachi music, and traditional food.
To celebrate the holiday, a variety of Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurants are offering deals on food and drinks. Take a break from studying for your finals with discounts on chips and queso, tacos, and, of course, margaritas. Here are some of the best offers.
California Tortilla
This Cinco de Mayo, California Tortilla is going above and beyond, with a new deal each day of the week. On May 1, get free chips and queso with any purchase. On May 2, look for a free extra item through the Free Fresh Deal with any burrito or bowl purchase. On May 3, get $5 off a purchase of $20 or more. On May 4, get a free cookie with the purchase of any entree. And for May 5, get a coupon for a free taco with any future purchase. Additionally, Burrito Elito rewards members who make any purchase during the five days of deals will be automatically entered into a raffle to win theme park tickets and free burritos for a year.
Chipotle
The famous Mexican grill stop is offering a free order of chips and queso blanco or chips and guacamole with the purchase of any entree. Use promo code CINCO26 during checkout to secure this deal.
Chuy’s
This Austin-founded Tex-Mex spot is offering a variety of deals on drinks and appetizers. Get house margaritas for $6, and grande house margaritas for $9. Mexican beers are $1 off on Cinco de Mayo, and queso bowls are just $5.
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop
Fuzzy’s isn’t just doing deals: they’re bringing a whole new menu for Cinco de Mayo. Their Viva Los Tacos menu includes items like the Honey Chipotle Shrimp Tacos and Fiery Citrus Carnitas Tacos, bringing bold, sweet, and spicy flavors to the holiday. Their deals include $10 Half Yard Margs and tacos for just $2.50 on May 5. On May 6, recover from a night out with a free chips and queso with any purchase. And for those who do not drink, their new menu includes the Fuzzy’s Mangonada shake, made with frozen mango puree and spicy chamoy.
Moe’s Southwest Grill
On May 5, get a free side of queso with any entree purchase at Moe’s. For loyalty members, this deal lasts until May 10.
Qdoba
At this fast-casual Tex-Mex spot, rewards members get a free queso and guac with the purchase of any entree. Don’t miss it!