Cinco de Mayo, celebrated annually on May 5th, commemorates the Mexican Army's victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. While the holiday holds historical significance, in the United States, it has evolved into a widespread celebration of Mexican culture, cuisine, and community. For consumers, this date also signals the arrival of numerous promotional offers, discounted menu items, and freebies from restaurants and food brands nationwide. Based on the provided documentation, the 2025 Cinco de Mayo landscape features a mix of confirmed deals, loyalty program incentives, and anticipated future offers across various dining establishments. This guide details the specific promotions, eligibility requirements, and participating locations to help consumers navigate the festivities.
Confirmed Deals for Cinco de Mayo 2025
Several major restaurant chains have verified specific promotions for May 5, 2025. These offers typically require specific actions, such as signing up for rewards programs, ordering through specific channels, or making qualifying purchases.
Moe’s Southwest Grill
Moe’s Southwest Grill is offering a prominent promotion for the holiday. On May 5, 2025, participating locations are giving away a free side of queso with the purchase of any entrée. This offer is available to all customers. Additionally, because Cinco de Mayo falls on a Monday in 2025, Moe Rewards members can stack this offer with the standard "Moe Monday" promotion, which provides discounted pricing on entrées. The first 20 guests to visit participating locations on May 5th will also receive a free Moe’s T-shirt, while supplies last.
Chipotle
Chipotle is participating in the Cinco de Mayo period with a digital-exclusive offer. From May 3 through May 5, 2025, customers can receive a free regular side of Chips and Queso Blanco with the purchase of at least one regular-priced entrée. This offer is valid only at participating locations and must be redeemed via digital orders placed through Chipotle’s website or mobile app. The free item must be specifically ordered as a single regular side of chips and queso; it cannot be split into individual side items.
Del Taco
Del Taco is offering a multi-day promotion for members of the "Del Yeah! Rewards" program. To access these deals, members must place orders through the Del Taco app or website (deltaco.com). The schedule of offers is as follows: * Through May 5: Free delivery on any purchase of at least $20. * Through May 5: A free burrito when spending at least $10. * May 5: Free regular fries with a $5 minimum purchase. * May 5: A free grilled chicken taco or The Del Taco with a purchase of at least $5. * May 5: $5 off a purchase of $25 or greater. * May 5: Free mini cinnamon churros when purchasing any El Big Box. Restrictions apply, including a limit of one deal per guest per day. Members must save and select the specific offer before placing their order.
Chuy’s
Chuy’s is offering a variety of drink and food specials on May 5, 2025. Participating locations will feature: * The regular house ‘Rita for $6. * A Grande House ‘Rita for $10, which includes a giveaway cup (while supplies last). * $1 floaters (an extra pour of tequila). * $5 chips ‘n’ dips all day, with choices including queso, queso compuesto, Lil’ Chuy Gooey, or the Boom-Bom Pow.
Broken English (Chicago)
In Chicago, Broken English (located at 75 E. Lake St.) is hosting a Cinco de Mayo celebration featuring $6 tequila shots and $3 cans of Modelo. The event includes a retro Camper/Kombi van pop-up serving as a photo opportunity and giveaway hub from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., along with a live DJ and giveaways throughout the day.
Velvet Taco
Velvet Taco is offering a free souvenir cup with the purchase of a large Boozy Libation when dining in at participating locations. This offer is available while supplies last. Furthermore, members of "The Velvet Room" rewards program will receive double points on all purchases made on May 5.
Cruz Blanca & Leña Brava (Chicago)
These two Chicago establishments (located at 900 W. Randolph St.) are collaborating to host an all-day fiesta on their shared patio. The venue will feature a colorful, traditional Mexican atmosphere and a live DJ playing Latin music.
Tala House (Chicago)
Tala House in Andersonville is offering a limited-time menu to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.
Chipotle (Clarification on Guacamole)
Source documentation indicates that Chipotle customers can receive free guacamole and chips with no minimum purchase necessary when they mention the offer to their server. However, this specific detail appears in conjunction with a link to a CPK locator, suggesting potential data confusion or a specific localized promotion not universally applicable to Chipotle. Consumers should verify this specific guacamole offer directly with Chipotle or via their app, as the primary digital offer (Chips and Queso Blanco) is explicitly detailed elsewhere.
Regional and Local Offers
Beyond national chains, various regional restaurants and local establishments are hosting Cinco de Mayo events and specials.
Houston, Texas
- Hungry’s: Offering $5 frozen Mango Margaritas all day on Monday, May 5. Kids eat free all day on Mondays with the purchase of an adult entrée. Locations include Rice Blvd., Memorial Dr., and Woodway Dr.
- Christian’s Tailgate: Hosting Pub Crawls at Heights and Midtown locations on Saturday, May 3rd, featuring $7 Hornitos Margaritas and $7 Hornitos Mexican Candy Shots. Crawfish will be served at Heights, Midtown, and Highway 6 locations on Cinco de Mayo.
- Little Taco Shop: Offering buy-one-get-one margaritas and $3 tacos all day on May 5. Menu options include carne asada, beef barbacoa, al pastor pork, chicken fajita, shrimp al pastor, or grilled veggies and cheese. They also offer to-go Family Packs ($46 for 3-4 people) and Party Packs ($156 for 8-10 people).
- The Savoy: Celebrating from 11:00 a.m. (specific deal details were cut off in the source material).
- Heights & Co.: Located at 1343 Yale St.
Charlotte, North Carolina
- Chuy’s: The Charlotte location (7314 Waverly Walk Avenue) is participating in the national Chuy’s promotion listed above.
San Diego, California
- Hasta Mañana Cantina: Located in the Gaslamp Quarter (two blocks from Petco Park), this venue is hosting a Cinco de Mayo party with $10 Patrón Margaritas and a live mariachi band.
- barleymash: Located at 600 Fifth Avenue, this spot is offering giveaways, Cazadores swag, and a special menu. Food items include the Enchilada Flatbread ($19) and the Holy Mole ($19). Drink specials include the Agua Caliente and Puebla Colada cocktails, with Cazadores shots priced at $8.
Chicago, Illinois
- Cruz Blanca & Leña Brava: All-day fiesta with live DJ.
- Broken English: $6 tequila shots, $3 Modelo cans, and giveaways.
- Velvet Taco: Free souvenir cup with large Boozy Libation purchase.
- Tala House: Limited-time menu.
Anticipated and Future Offers (2026)
Some source materials discuss anticipated deals for the following year, 2026. It is important to note that these are predictions based on past trends or unverified reports and should be treated as speculative rather than confirmed offers.
Predicted 2026 Promotions
- Cold Stone Creamery: Expected to bring back the Waffle Taco shell (while supplies last).
- Dickey's Barbecue Pit: Rewards members can look forward to a Cinco de Mayo discount.
- Dillas Quesadillas: Anticipated deal on regular Primo quesadillas and limeade jugs at locations in Texas and Louisiana.
- El Pollo Loco: Expected offer of two FREE chicken tacos with a purchase of $15 or more.
- Fuzzy's Taco Shop: Anticipated discount on House Margaritas and Sangria ‘Rita Swirls.
- Green Mill: Deals on pizzas, margs, and Corona beers.
- Guzman y Gomez: Predicted discounted breakfast burritos (served until 10 a.m.), regular burritos, cali burritos, bowls, and frozen margaritas.
- Hooters: Anticipated discount on Dos Equis drafts and Legendary Margaritas.
- The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: Rewards members may receive a discount on a large beverage (excludes paid modifiers) from noon - 6 p.m.
- Tijuana Flats: Expected to bring back the annual $5 Cinco de Mayo menu (margaritas, beers, chips & guac) available for dine-in, carryout, or delivery, plus free delivery offers and meal kit discounts.
- Tocaya: Expected all-day happy hour with signature sides deals and drink specials. A potential freebie includes a free 20-ounce guacamole with catering orders using a promo code online.
- Velvet Taco: Anticipated free souvenir cup with purchase of a large Boozy Libation.
Loyalty Programs and Digital Ordering
A recurring theme across the source data is the requirement to join loyalty programs or use specific digital platforms to access the best deals. For example, Del Taco requires app or website orders for their multi-day promotion, and Moe’s allows rewards members to stack offers. Consumers interested in maximizing value during Cinco de Mayo should consider downloading relevant restaurant apps and joining rewards programs in advance. Additionally, many offers are "while supplies last," suggesting that early arrival at participating locations may be necessary to secure specific items like T-shirts or souvenir cups.
Conclusion
Cinco de Mayo 2025 offers a diverse array of promotional opportunities for consumers, ranging from free queso and tacos to discounted beverages and merchandise. The most reliable offers are those confirmed for the current year, particularly those tied to loyalty programs and digital ordering channels. While regional celebrations in cities like Houston, San Diego, and Chicago provide unique local experiences, national chains such as Moe’s, Chipotle, and Del Taco offer accessible deals nationwide. Consumers should remain aware that offers vary by location and supplies, and that anticipated deals for 2026 remain speculative until officially announced.