Photo: George Dolgikh (Shutterstock)
Is there anything not to love about a taco? The protein. The shredded cheese. The guacamole and sour cream. The choice of shell! It’s no wonder Americans ate more than 4.5 billion tacos last year. If we needed even more of an excuse to consume copious amounts of tacos, let it be the celebration of National Taco Day—coming up on Monday, Oct. 4—and all of the many deals to be found in its honor.
(Note: Some require signing up for the restaurant’s email list or downloading the app. Many are available on Sunday, Oct. 3, but check with your location as participation varies. Here, we focused on the largest chains in the U.S.)
Taco Bell
The largest Tex-Mex chain in the country is giving out 10,000 free tacos (while supplies last). You can also use their new “Taco Gifter” to “Gift a Taco” to a friend (a $2 eGift card redeemable via the Taco Bell website or app.) Get a free Doritos Locos Tacos for signing up for their loyalty program. We’ve also heard anyone who places a minimum $15 order on Grubhub can get $5 off, but haven’t been able to confirm this through Taco Bell or Grubhub.
Chipotle
The second-largest Mexican chain restaurant in the country celebrated National Burrito Day in April, but so far, has been silent about National Taco Day. Boo, Chipotle.
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Qdoba
Qdoba isn’t giving out free tacos on Taco Day—but they are giving out the chance to earn future free tacos more quickly. Rewards members (and new members who sign up that day) will receive double points for any purchase they make on Oct. 4.
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop
On Oct. 4 the popular Baja-style taco joint will offer select breakfast tacos and Baja tacos for $1.50 all day. Special discount pricing is valid for dine-in, takeout and online orders placed through the Fuzzy’s Taco Shop website and app.
On the Border
According to Retail Me Not, On the Border is offering seasoned ground beef or chicken tinga tacos for $2, and Southwest chicken or brisket tacos for $4 on National Taco Day. But when we checked On the Border’s Facebook page, the last post was about National Quesadilla Day. Proceed with caution.
Del Taco
National Taco Day isn’t just a day for Del Yeah! Rewards members—it’s a whole week. For the six days leading up to Oct. 4, Del Taco is offering its rewards members various deals centered around their Stuffed Quesadilla Taco, from free guacamole and $1 off to a gratis mini-shake and BOGO deal on Oct. 2. On National Taco Day itself, grab a free Stuffed Quesadilla Taco with any purchase.
Rubio’s Coastal Grill
Rubio’s is doing it right by giving away a free à la carte taco with any purchase made in California, Arizona, or Nevada on Oct. 4. (If ordering online, use coupon code TACO.) Also, Rubio’s Rewards members who place an order on National Taco Day will be entered to win $50 in free food.
Torchy’s Tacos
Place an order on Austin-based Torchys.com between Oct. 4 and Oct. 8 and enjoy free delivery and no service fee. Members of the Torchy’s Taco Junkies rewards club will also have access to special offers on National Taco Day.
Chuy’s Tex-Mex
Feel like dressing up for Halloween early? Here’s your chance. Now through Oct. 4, don a taco costume and post a photo with #ChuysTacoDay on social media for a chance to win a free, dine-in entrée of your choice (winners selected at random). If costumes aren’t your thing, simply add a crispy beef taco to any entrée for $1, partake of a $1 Tequila Floaters in your margarita, or down a shot of top-shelf tequila like 1800 Silver for only $5.
Taco John’s
Use the Taco John’s mobile app to place your order on Oct. 4 and receive a coupon for a free Fried Chicken Taco—a warm flour tortilla stuffed with crispy all-white meat chicken tenders and topped with jalapeño ranch or chipotle lime sauce. Yum.
Taco Cabana
Texas-based Taco Cabana is offering $1 tacos at all of its 166 locations. Whether you have a hankering for a classic bean and cheese, shredded chicken, or ground beef taco, all you’ll need is a single George Washington (plus tax). Word on the street is that they’re offering frozen margaritas for just $2. Meet you there?
7-Eleven
On Oct. 4 only, the world’s largest convenience retailer is offering its 7Rewards loyalty members 10 mini tacos for $1. Use the 7NOW app to purchase one order of mini tacos for delivery and get a second order free.
Hurricane Grill & Wings
Hey, if a wing chain wants to get in on the National Taco Day action and offer us free food, who are we to stop them? On Oct. 4, any online order via DoorDash will receive free delivery and a free Chicken BLT Taco (made with fried chicken, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and Cyclone sauce).
Lime Fresh Mexican Grill
In honor of National Taco Day, this Florida chain will have $2 chicken and beef tacos all day.
Bodega Taqueria y Tequila
On Oct. 4, all locations will have a $2 promo on their Clasico Tacos including a Carnitas (pulled pork) or Costillas de Res (braised short rib) option. Use the Bodega App to earn 2x points for every dollar spent.
So drive-thru, load up, and get enough for leftovers—just in time for Taco Tuesday.
