Celebrating Cinco de Mayo? See deals and freebies on food, drinks

In honor of Cinco de Mayo, restaurants are rolling out deals to help you celebrate. Cinco de Mayo falls on May 5 every year, and this year, it will fall on a Tuesday.

Cinco de Mayo, which is Spanish for May 5, has been used to celebrate Mexican-American heritage every year since the 1800s, according to National Day Calendar.

One of the biggest misconceptions about the annual celebration is that it is Mexican Independence Day, but it isn't. Mexican Independence Day actually falls on Sept. 16 and celebrates when the country gained its independence from Spain in 1810, according to National Today.

Instead, Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla, when the Mexican Army beat the Second French Empire, led by Napoleon III, on May 5, 1862, according to USA TODAY's previous reporting.

The holiday commemorates the victory, which was celebrated across Mexico and the U.S., which was then in the midst of the Civil War.

Over 150 years later, restaurants in the U.S. are offering deals to help everyone celebrate. Here are some you can take advantage of.

Cinco de Mayo 2026 deals: Free chips and queso or guac at Chipotle

Fans of Chipotle are in for a treat on Cinco de Mayo. Digital guests can get free chips and queso Blanco or chips and guacamole with an entrée purchase May 5 using code CINCO26 on the Chipotle app and Chipotle.com, according to a news release.

Cinco de Mayo 2026 deals: Free Crunchwrap Supreme at Taco Bell

Grubhub+ Members can receive a free Crunchwrap Supreme when they place an order with Taco Bell that's $20 or more, Monday, May 4 through Sunday, May 10, according to a news release.

People who do not have a membership can join for 99 cents a month for six months. The discount on Grubhub+ is only available in May.

Cinco de Mayo 2026 deals: Queso Bowl for $5 plus drink deals at Chuy's

The Tex-Mex restaurant is offering guests multiple deals for Cinco de Mayo.

The restaurant is offering the following deals from Monday, May 4 to Tuesday, May 5:

• House 'Ritas will be retail for $6 for a regular size, or $9 for a Grande. Grande 'Ritas come with a keepsake cup while supplies last.
• $1 off Mexican beers.
• Chuy’s signature recipe, Compuesto, Lil’ Chuy Gooey or the Boom-Boom Pow Queso bowls will be served all day for $5.

Cinco de Mayo 2026 deals: BOGO burritos at 7-Eleven

Participating 7-Eleven, Speedway and Stripes locations will offer the following deals on May 5:

• Buy one burrito, get one free
• Purchase a limited-time Walking Taco, which is served in a chip bag and contains ground beef, queso, pico de gallo and crunchy Doritos, for $6
• Purchase a $3, wine-based frozen margarita in Classic Lime, Strawberry or Strawberry Lime Swirl flavors. Larger sizes, including a $10 half-gallon serving, are also available.
• 7Rewards and Speedy Rewards members can receive $3 off Modelo Especial, Pacifico Clara, Coronita Extra and other select beers

Other Cinco de Mayo 2026 deals

• Moe’s Southwest Grill - On May 5, receive a free side of queso with the purchase of any entrée in-store. Loyalty members have an extended offer and can redeem the deal until Friday, May 10.
• BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse - On May 5, guests can purchase a Brewhouse Margarita featuring Lunazul Blanco Tequila from BJ's for $6 during happy hour from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., and during late-night happy hour, from 9 p.m. to close.
• Tocaya - On Cinco de Mayo, the restaurant is celebrating the holiday, which happens to fall on Taco Tuesday with tacos between $2.50 to $4.25, Chips and salsa from $2.50, Chips and guac and chips and queso from $3.50, $3 beer, $6 wine and margaritas starting at $6.
• On the Border - The Tex-Mex chain is offering $2 tacos and $5 margaritas on May 5.
• Checkers and Rally’s - On Cinco de Mayo, the fast-food restaurants are offering a $3 Sourdough Double Melt, classic Cheese Double and the Double Spicy Chicken. Guests can upgrade to a small combo, with fries and a drink, starting at $6.
• Gopuff - From Monday, May 4 to Friday, May 10, FAM members can receive 40% off favorites like Siete Tortilla Chips, Snak Club Tajin Mango Rings, Mega Chamoy Cotton Candy, Jose Cuervo Margarita Mix and more. The options may vary by location.
• El Pollo Loco - On May 5, guests will purchase two chicken tacos for $5 in-store and online. The restaurant is also offering $20 off catering orders that are $100 or more.

This story has been updated to add new information.

Julia Gomez is a Trending reporter for USA TODAY and covers popular toys, space phenomena, scientific studies, natural disasters, holidays and trending news. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at [email protected].