Cinco de Mayo, which is Spanish for May 5, commemorates the Mexican victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla. One of the holiday’s biggest misconceptions is that it marks Mexican Independence Day. It does not; that holiday falls on Sept. 16 to celebrate the country’s independence from Spain, according to the Smithsonian Institution
In the United States, the day is recognized as a celebration of Mexican American heritage, and every year restaurants and chains nationwide offer deals on menu items to mark the holiday.
In 2026, Cinco de Mayo lines up with Taco Tuesday for a few extra promotions.
Here are some of the top food deals this year.
7-Eleven
The convenience store is offering its 7-Select Spicy Guacamole Tortilla Chips and two mantecadas or conchas for $3, according to the Krazy Coupon Lady.
Chipotle
Customers using the code “CINCO26” will receive their choice of free chips and guacamole or free chips and queso blanco on May 5.
Grubhub
From May 4 through May 10, Grubhub+ members can receive a free Crunchwrap Supreme with a Taco Bell order of $20 or more, according to USA Today.
Grubhub is also offering a 90% discount for Grubhub+ to those who sign up in May (99 cents per month for six months).
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Freddy’s rewards members can get two steakburger tacos for $5 May 5 through May 7.
The recently launched menu item features a flour tortilla filled with a steakburger patty, melted American cheese, lettuce and Freddy’s signature jalapeño fry sauce, according to Food Network.
Jack in the Box
Jack in the Box offers two tacos for 75 cents with a minimum $1 purchase on the first Tuesday of every month. The promotion lines up with Cinco de Mayo and Taco Tuesday this year, according to Food Network.
Papa Murphy’s
What is a Cinco de Mayo celebration without pizza? Papa Murphy’s is featuring a 16-inch Taco Grande pizza for the holiday.
The pie features refried beans, salsa, tomatoes, black olives, cheese and a choice of chicken or beef.
El Pollo Loco
El Pollo Loco is offering two chicken tacos for $5 on May 5 for both in-store and online customers. No rewards membership is required.
The chain will also offer a $20 discount for catering orders of $100 or more on May 5, according to AARP.
Taco Bell
At 2 p.m. PDT (3 p.m. MDT) on May 5, the first 30,000 rewards members to claim the offer in the Taco Bell app can get a five-piece Diablo Dusted Crispy Chicken Nuggets for $1, according to The Krazy Coupon Lady.
Taco John’s
The chain’s weekly deal lines up with the holiday, offering crispy beef tacos for $1.39 each, according to Food Network.
Del Taco
Del Yeah! rewards members can get an Epic Burrito for $5 from May 5 to May 8 when they order in the Del Taco app or online.
Moe’s Southwest Grill
Guests can get a free side of queso with any entree purchase when they order online, in-app and in-store. For in-store orders, customers should mention the deal at checkout, according to USA Today.