Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the United States are frequently marked by restaurants and food brands offering special promotions, including discounted menu items, limited-time offers, and loyalty member exclusives. Based on aggregated promotional forecasts and historical deal patterns from 2025 and 2026, consumers can anticipate a variety of food-focused discounts and freebies. This article details predicted and confirmed offers for the May 5th holiday, focusing on access methods, eligibility requirements, and redemption processes. The information is derived exclusively from provided promotional forecasting sources and deal aggregators, prioritizing official brand announcements where available.
Many of the anticipated deals are structured around loyalty programs and app-based exclusives. Consumers seeking to maximize savings should prepare by downloading relevant brand applications and enrolling in rewards programs prior to the holiday. Offers often require a purchase to redeem a free item, such as a side, drink, or dessert. Some promotions are available only to new customers or through specific delivery platforms.
Restaurant and Fast-Casual Promotions
Numerous restaurant chains are predicted to offer Cinco de Mayo specials in 2026. These deals typically include discounted beverages, BOGO (buy-one-get-one) entrees, and free side items with purchase.
Chipotle is expected to have multiple offers. Predictions indicate a $0 delivery fee offer available through the Chipotle app and website using a promo code. Additionally, customers may receive free chips and queso blanco with the purchase of any regular-priced entrée, also requiring a promo code. In 2026, Chipotle is also forecasted to run a giveaway where participants can win a free entrée.
Taco Bell offers are anticipated to be app-exclusive. One predicted deal is a "5 tacos for $5" offer. Another forecast suggests a freebie with a delivery order placed through third-party services like Grubhub, DoorDash, or Uber Eats.
Moe's Southwest Grill is predicted to offer a free side of queso with any entrée purchase on May 5, 2026. There is also an unconfirmed report that they may give away a free T-shirt to the first 20 guests at participating locations on that day.
Qdoba is forecasted to offer free queso and guacamole with an entrée purchase on Cinco de Mayo.
Tijuana Flats is expected to bring back its annual $5 Cinco de Mayo menu, which includes margaritas, beers, chips & guacamole, and other items for dine-in, carryout, or delivery. A free delivery offer and a discount on meal kits are also anticipated.
California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) is predicted to have a CPK Rewards members exclusive Cinco de Mayo deal. For in-person customers in 2025, $5 margaritas were available in various flavors.
Chili's offers a $5 Tequila Trifecta specialty margarita on May 5, featuring a blend of three tequilas.
On The Border is predicted to have five days of Grande Marg deals in 2026.
Pancheros Rewards members could receive an in-app surprise reward, such as free chips and queso or BOGO entrees.
Taco John's Bigger Bolder Rewards members can expect a freebie with purchase.
Jack In The Box Jack Pack Rewards members may see a "freebie with purchase" deal in the Jack app.
Miller's Ale House is predicted to offer a deal on House Margaritas and, in some cases, free Tex-Mex Chicken Nachos with a minimum purchase.
El Pollo Loco loyalty members may see BOGOs, free delivery, and other exclusive rewards offers.
TGI Fridays deals on chips & queso and margaritas are anticipated.
Taco Cabana is predicted to offer a taco and drink deal in 2026.
The Brass Tap is forecasted to offer free chips and salsa with a purchase.
Velvet Taco is anticipated to give away a free souvenir cup with the purchase of a large Boozy Libation for dine-in customers in 2026.
Moe's Southwest Grill (as noted above) has a predicted free queso side.
Buffalo's Cafe is predicted to offer a discount on signature Canyonritas.
California Tortilla is expected to have five days of deals.
Chevys Fresh Mex is predicted to have several days of Cinco de Mayo deals in May 2026.
Chuy's is anticipated to offer discounts on cocktails and appetizers.
Chronic Tacos is predicted to offer rewards members a discount on in-app purchases.
RA Sushi Bar & Restaurant is forecasted to have discounted margaritas and Milagro shots all day in 2026.
Ruby Tuesday is predicted to have drink deals on margaritas and Dos Equis.
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf rewards members may have a chance to get a discount on a large beverage (excluding paid modifiers) from noon to 6 p.m. on May 5, 2026.
Tocaya is predicted to have an all-day happy hour with signature sides deals and drink specials, plus a potential freebie like a free 20-ounce guacamole with a catering order using an online promo code.
Hurricane Grill & Wings is forecasted to have $5 Native Ritas and $4 pints of Modelo Especial Draft on May 5.
Papa Murphy's is predicted to offer a 16-inch Taco Grande pizza (beef or chicken) for Cinco de Mayo in 2026.
Pita Pit loyalty members may receive a discount on online or in-app orders using a promo code at checkout.
Hooters HootClub Rewards members can look for a discount on appetizers like chips and queso, Texas-style quesadilla bites, or Tex-Mex nachos.
Fast Food and Snack Brand Offers
Beyond sit-down restaurants, fast food and snack brands also participate in Cinco de Mayo promotions.
Krispy Kreme is predicted to offer a 24-count Original Glazed Doughnut Dots for $5 or a 10-count for $3, with a limit of two redemptions online or in-store.
Cold Stone Creamery is expected to see the return of its Waffle Taco treat.
Blaze Pizza may offer pizza deals, sometimes including a free drink with the order, and occasionally free delivery on Cinco de Mayo.
Buffalo Wild Wings select restaurants may offer select margarita options.
Other Food and Beverage Discounts
Promotional sources also list broader food and beverage discounts that may be applicable for Cinco de Mayo celebrations.
- Tequila and Whiskey: Some deals offer 10% off select tequilas and whiskey.
- Party Essentials: Discounts of 20% off paper plates, meal prep items, and other party essentials are predicted.
- Alcohol Delivery: A $10 off offer for first purchases of $30 or more from Drizly is available with a promo code.
Access and Redemption Considerations
Accessing these deals typically requires specific actions from the consumer. The primary methods are:
- Loyalty Program Membership: Many exclusive freebies and discounts are only available to members of a brand's rewards program (e.g., Chipotle Rewards, Taco Bell Rewards, HootClub Rewards). Enrollment is usually free and can be done via the brand's website or mobile app.
- Mobile App Utilization: App-exclusive offers are common. Consumers should ensure they have the relevant brand's app installed and are logged in to receive push notifications or see in-app banners for promotions.
- Promo Codes: Several deals require entering a specific promo code at checkout, either online or in the app. Codes mentioned in the source data include "DELIVER" and "CINCO25" for Chipotle, and "CINCO22" for a home cleaning service (though the latter is a separate category).
- Third-Party Delivery Platforms: Some freebies, like those predicted for Taco Bell, are contingent on ordering through services such as Grubhub, DoorDash, or Uber Eats.
- In-Store Visits: Certain offers, like the predicted T-shirt giveaway at Moe's Southwest Grill or the souvenir cup at Velvet Taco, require dining in at a physical location.
It is important to note that many of the offers listed are forecasts based on past years' promotions. While brands like Chipotle, Tijuana Flats, and Moe's Southwest Grill have consistent histories of Cinco de Mayo deals, the specific terms for 2026 should be confirmed directly with the brands closer to the date. Some sources mention "next year" or "in 2026," indicating these are predictions rather than confirmed 2025 offers.
Conclusion
Cinco de Mayo 2026 is poised to feature a wide array of food and beverage promotions from major restaurant chains and snack brands. The most valuable deals will likely be accessible through loyalty programs and mobile apps, often requiring a purchase to unlock a free item or discount. Consumers interested in maximizing savings should proactively enroll in rewards programs and download brand apps. As the holiday approaches, checking official brand channels for confirmed terms, promo codes, and participating locations will be essential for successful redemption.