Clear your schedule and charge your phone—National Taco Day hits on Tuesday, October 7, as an ultimate Taco Tuesday, and chains are dropping deals left and right. To help you celebrate in style (and save some money), we tracked down the best National Taco Day deals at popular fast-food chains, where you’ll find everything from free tacos to major discounts.
What Is National Taco Day
The earliest version of an official Taco Day originated in San Antonio in the 1960s, according to L.A. Taco, when a city councilman named Roberto L. Gomez promoted a Taco Day as part of Mexican heritage celebrations — a community effort to recognize the cultural impact of tacos.
Over time, other cities adopted it, and eventually, big fast-food chains piggybacked on the idea and began using October 4 as the unofficial date. However, in 2024, Taco Bell partnered with National Day Calendar to officially move National Taco Day to the first Tuesday in October, aligning it with Taco Tuesday.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell is going all in this year, offering a day full of deals for taco lovers. App users can grab $1 Cantina Chicken Soft Tacos during timed drops throughout the day — specifically at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 5 p.m. (Pacific). Quantity is limited, and it’s one taco per drop. They’re also offering $5 off Party Packs through the app and running a giveaway that includes merch and Taco Tuesday gift cards.
El Pollo Loco
From October 3 to October 7, Loco Rewards members can get three à la carte chicken tacos for $5, once per day. It’s a mix-and-match between the Chicken Taco al Carbon, Chicken Avocado Taco, and Shredded Chicken Taco. The deal appears in the app daily during the promotional window.
Del Taco
Del Taco is running an app-exclusive deal for Del Yeah! Rewards members — get a free “The Del Taco” with any purchase of $10 or more on October 7. Deal must be activated through the app and may not be available at all locations.
Moe’s Southwest Grill
Moe’s is offering $2 tacos on October 7 for National Taco Day, with a limit of three per person. The deal is available in-store and online for Moe Rewards members. To redeem online, you must log in to your account before placing your order.
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Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant
Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant is offering $1 crispy taco add-ons for dine-in guests celebrating National Taco Day. With the purchase of any entrée, customers can add up to three seasoned beef or shredded chicken tacos for just $1 each. The offer is valid all day and is only applicable to dine-in orders.
Chuy’s
At Chuy’s, the price of a free entrée is your dignity. Dress like a taco — or close enough — and you’ll get one. If you’d rather not, there’s still a $1 taco add-on with any entrée, plus $1 floaters to help you forget the rest.
Jack in the Box
On October 7, Jack in the Box is offering two free tacos with any order of $1 or more. The deal is available exclusively to members of the Jack Pack Rewards program and must be redeemed through the app.
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Zaxby’s
Zax Rewardz members can grab a free Chicken Finger Taco with any $1+ purchase using code TACODAY. Only 10,000 codes available.
Tacoria
New Jersey-based Tacoria is running a buy-one, get-one-free taco deal on Oct. 7. Taco Love Club members get extra perks.
Bubbakoo’s Burritos
From Oct. 4–7, Bubbakoo’s Burritos is offering a buy-one, get-one taco entrée online or in the app.
Tocaya
Tocaya is offering $2–$4 tacos all day with Happy Hour specials — $2 chips & salsa, $6 margaritas, and more.
The Greene Turtle
On October 7, you can get tacos for half off at The Greene Turtle. The deal’s available all day, but only if you’re dining in.
Velvet Taco
Velvet Taco is hosting a Taco Week Challenge through October 11. Buy a taco during the promo period and you’ll get a free taco reward loaded to your account on October 13 (redeemable through October 17). They’re also doing a giveaway on Instagram from October 7–10, with 15 winners scoring a gift card toward a taco tattoo. At the Dallas Greenville Ave. location, the first person to get a Velvet Taco logo tattoo on October 7 will receive free tacos for a year.
More Taco Coverage From Cheapism
- The Only Fast-Food Tacos Worth Your Money — Which restaurants should you actually order tacos from? Should you go with corn or flour tortillas? It’s a lot to consider, so we narrowed it down for you.
- Best Hole-in-the-Wall Taco Joint in Every State — Skip the chains and check out these local favorites for some inexpensive yet delicious tacos.
- 25 Best Old-School Mexican Restaurants Across America — These classic spots deliver big on old-school Mexican flavors and atmosphere — from excellent table-side guacamole service to retro dining rooms and ice-cold margaritas.
