Cinco de Mayo freebies and deals 2026: List of food and drink specials to celebrate the Mexican holiday

Motivation can come in the form of a little treat to help you get through a long work day. Today (Tuesday, May 5, 2026) is Cinco de Mayo, meaning tacos, tequila, and guacamole are happy to help.

This Mexican holiday has found a strong foothold in American culture despite it being not as popular in its homeland. It’s a good excuse for a margarita at the company happy hour.

Before you indulge, let’s take a look at the history of this day so you can regale your coworkers. Impress them even more by knowing which deals will get you the most bang for your buck.

The history of Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo literally translates to “the fifth of May” and marks the day in 1862 that Mexico defeated the French in the Battle of Puebla. Many wrongly assume this is Mexico’s Independence Day, but it is just one battle in the larger Franco-Mexican War.

The war broke out the previous year. President Benito Juárez had inherited debt and was forced to suspend foreign loan payments. France, Britain, and Spain didn’t take that too well and sent their respective navies.

Britain and Spain cut a deal, but Napoleon III saw an opportunity to take over more land and his troops landed at Veracruz with that intention. Juárez was forced to relocate.

The French then set their eyes on Puebla de Los Angeles in central Mexico. It seemed almost certain that General Charles Latrille de Lorencez’s 6,000 men would defeat General Ignacio Zaragoza’s 4,000.

Instead, the short battle lasted only from daybreak to early evening and resulted in the deaths of around 500 Frenchmen and only about 100 Mexicans. The French retreated.

The Battle of Puebla wasn’t a turning point in the larger war, but the victory became symbolic for Mexicans while they continued to resist French invaders. The Franco-Mexican War ended in 1867, when the French withdrew completely.

Now that we know the history, let’s get to the eating and drinking part.

Cinco de Mayo deals

Alright, alright, alright, Matthew and Camila McConaughey want to make sure you have a great time at Punch Bowl Social.

From May 1-5, their tequila brand, Pantalones Organic Tequila, will be popping up at the festive, adult entertainment venue complete with bowling and arcade games.

You can order a Pantalones Margarita, complete with a complimentary 2oz extra tequila shot while supplies last. If that’s not your style there will also be $6 house and frozen margaritas to imbibe on.

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop wants to keep the party going. On the big day, you can wash down tacos starting at $2.50 with $10 Half Yard Margaritas. The following day rewards members can come back and get free chips and queso with purchase.

Speaking of queso, Moe’s Southwest Grill is also offering a free side of cheesiness with an entree purchase on Cinco de Mayo. This works if you order online, in-app, and in-store.

Chuy’s has multiple offerings, including $5 queso bowls. In case you need something to drink to go with the cheese there are $6 house margaritas, $9 grande house margaritas, or you can get $1 off Mexican beers.

At Chipotle Mexican Grill, your chips have dipping options. If you use the code CINCO26, you can get either free chips and queso or free chips and guacamole when you order an entree online or in the app.

Last but not least, Guzman y Gomez will feature $5 burritos and bowls that pair excellently with their $3 frozen margaritas.

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