It’s time to raise a glass to Cinco de Mayo once more.
So what are we celebrating, exactly? The May 5th holiday commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862 during the Franco-Mexican War. The Mexicans had been greatly outnumbered. So while this was not a key, strategic victory in the overall war, it was a huge win, symbolically, because it helped raise Mexican morale.
But contrary to some popular misconceptions, this is not Mexico’s independence day; that’s actually in September. Cinco de Mayo began as a day to honor this underdog victory in a larger war, which has often featured military parades, recreations of the Battle of Puebla, and other festivities.
It has grown to be widely interpreted as a day to celebrate Mexican culture and heritage — and it has also become an excuse to indulge in some traditional foods, like tacos, as well as Mexican beers and spirits.
Indeed, 40% of Americans plan to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, Numerator reports — particular millennials and Gen Z members — with 43% planning to go out for food and drinks.
So here are several restaurants and fast-food chains dishing drink and food specials for Cinco de Mayo, which can help you have a little money leftover for celebrating the Kentucky Derby (or maybe even King Charles III’s coronation) the next day.
Chipotle
The burrito chain is offering free delivery using the Chipotle
CMG,
app or website with the promo code CINCO23 through Friday, May 5.
Chipotle is also pushing a partnership with the Partiful events platform, where users who create an event and invite friends who have never tried Chipotle can enter to win buy-one, get-one free codes to sample the chain’s signature burritos, bowls and salads.
7-Eleven (and Speedway and Stripes)
Rewards members get 10 mini tacos for $2 at participating 7-Eleven, Speedway and Stripes stores through May 5, as 7-Eleven, Inc. owns the other two gas station and convenience store chains. Sign up for the 7Rewards or Speedy Rewards programs to dig in.
Taco Bell
The Yum Brands
YUM,
fast-food chain invites you to “Stake Your Claim” when you order a Steak Grilled Cheese Burrito through Sunday, May 7 on the Taco Bell app. Bagging one of these burritos nets a 10% off coupon that you can use throughout the month of May. Some caveats include: You must be a Taco Bell rewards member; the discount can only be redeemed once; and the 10% discount is capped at $10.
Applebee’s
The bar and grill chain is serving “$6 Cerveza & Sips” all spring. The special drink menu includes two margaritas — either the Strawberry Daq-a-Rita, which is basically a margarita spliced with a frozen strawberry daiquiri made with Patron Silver Tequila, Bacardi rum, strawberry and margarita mix; or the Tipsy Shark, which is a tropical margarita made with 800 Reposado Tequila, blue curacao, passion fruit, pineapple, cherry and lime that is garnished with a gummi shark.
Or if beer is more your thing, the $6 special also include a Modelo draft served in Applebee’s signature 20-ounce Brewtus glass.
Jack in the Box
This fast food chain is serving food specials for its rewards members through Sunday, May 7, including $3.50 breakfast burritos, $3 tiny tacos — plus, two tacos for 99 cents when you order online.
Moe’s Southwest Grill
While most places are giving discounts on food and drinks, Moe’s Southwest Grill is handing out free t-shirts for the first 50 guests who visit a Moe’s location on May 5. What’s more, Moe Rewards Members can also reap double reward points on anything they buy on Cinco de Mayo at participating stores, which can be put toward future freebies.
Tijuana Flats
This Southern Tex-Mex chain has a $5 menu for Cinco de Mayo, which includes: a margarita; two Mexican bottled beers; two Mexican sodas; a Tijuana Trio; Dueling Queso; Chips & Queso; or Chips & Guac. Plus, the restaurant is extending its hours Friday, and those who hang out in a Tijuana Flats from 8 p.m. to midnight local time will have the chance to score free tacos for the entire month.
And if you’re looking for some tequila to savor while spending a quiet night at home, check out our columnist’s five picks for tequilas and mezcals perfect for Cinco de Mayo.
