Cinco de Mayo is right around the corner, and the air is buzzing with anticipation for a day filled with festive celebrations. While many people mistakenly believe it’s Mexican Independence Day, Cinco de Mayo actually commemorates the Mexican army’s unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla in . Regardless of its historical significance, it’s become a vibrant cultural celebration, especially in the United States, and what better way to join the fiesta than with a delicious spread of Mexican food? The best part? You don’t have to empty your wallet to indulge!
Get ready to celebrate with mouthwatering tacos, enchiladas, and margaritas without breaking the bank! This is your ultimate guide to the hottest Cinco de Mayo food deals happening near you. We’ll explore the amazing discounts and promotions from your favorite restaurants, grocery stores, and delivery apps, ensuring you can enjoy the best Mexican flavors without sacrificing your budget. So, dust off your sombrero, grab your maracas, and let’s dive into the world of unbeatable Cinco de Mayo savings!
A Fiesta of Flavors: Types of Cinco de Mayo Deals You Can Expect
Cinco de Mayo is synonymous with incredible food deals. Restaurants, grocery stores, and delivery services all offer special promotions to entice customers to celebrate the occasion. Understanding the types of deals available will help you maximize your savings and plan the perfect Cinco de Mayo feast. Expect to find several tempting options:
Restaurant-Specific Delights
Many chain and local Mexican restaurants roll out special Cinco de Mayo menus and discounts, making it the perfect opportunity to enjoy your favorite dishes at a fraction of the cost. Keep an eye out for these common types of restaurant deals:
Fixed-Price Menus
Many restaurants offer fixed-price menus, allowing you to enjoy a multi-course meal at a set price. This can be a great way to sample a variety of dishes without exceeding your budget. You might find options for appetizer, entree, and dessert, all bundled together at a fantastic value.
Discounted Entrees
Perhaps your favorite restaurant is offering a percentage discount on all entrees. This is a simple yet effective way to save money on your main course. Whether it’s tacos, enchiladas, burritos, or fajitas, a discounted entree makes your Cinco de Mayo celebration even more affordable.
Combo Deals
Restaurants often create special combo deals that combine popular items at a reduced price. This might include a certain amount of tacos with a side of rice and beans, or an enchilada platter with a complimentary drink. Combo deals are perfect for sharing or enjoying a satisfying meal all by yourself.
Free Appetizers or Desserts with Entree Purchase
Some generous restaurants offer free appetizers or desserts with the purchase of an entree. This is an excellent way to start or end your meal with a complimentary treat. Imagine indulging in free chips and salsa before your main course, or savoring a complimentary churro after your delicious meal.
Refreshing Drink Specials to Quench Your Thirst
No Cinco de Mayo celebration is complete without refreshing drinks! Many establishments offer drink specials to keep the fiesta flowing. Margaritas, the quintessential Mexican cocktail, take center stage on this day, but you’ll also find fantastic deals on Mexican beers and other festive beverages.
Dollar Margaritas (or Deep Discounts)
The holy grail of Cinco de Mayo deals! Some restaurants offer margaritas for as little as a dollar, making it incredibly affordable to enjoy this classic cocktail. These deals tend to be extremely popular and come with certain restrictions, so be sure to check the fine print. Other establishments might offer significant discounts on margaritas, making them significantly cheaper than their regular price.
Pitcher Specials
If you’re celebrating with a group, pitcher specials are an excellent option. Order a pitcher of margaritas or sangria to share with your friends and family, and enjoy significant savings compared to ordering individual drinks.
Discounts on Specific Mexican Beers
Many restaurants offer discounts on specific Mexican beers, such as Corona, Modelo, and Pacifico. This is a perfect opportunity to sample different brews and find your new favorite. Some restaurants might even offer deals on domestic beers with a “Mexican” theme, such as lime-flavored varieties.
Happy Hour Extensions
Some bars and restaurants extend their happy hour on Cinco de Mayo, offering discounted drinks and appetizers for a longer period. This is an excellent opportunity to start the celebration early and enjoy discounted prices throughout the day.
Creating Your Own Fiesta at Home: Grocery Store Deals
If you prefer to celebrate Cinco de Mayo at home, grocery stores offer plenty of deals on ingredients for creating your own Mexican feast. From tortillas and salsa to guacamole and cheese, you’ll find everything you need to whip up a delicious meal without breaking the bank.
Sales on Tortillas, Salsa, Guacamole, and Cheese
These are the essential ingredients for any Mexican-themed meal. Keep an eye out for sales on tortillas, salsa, guacamole, and cheese, and stock up on these staples to create your own tacos, enchiladas, or quesadillas.
Discounts on Avocados
Avocados are the star of any guacamole, and they often go on sale leading up to Cinco de Mayo. Take advantage of these discounts and whip up a batch of homemade guacamole for your celebration.
Discounts on Prepared Foods like Taco Kits and Enchilada Fillings
For those who prefer a quicker and easier option, grocery stores also offer discounts on prepared foods like taco kits and enchilada fillings. These kits typically include everything you need to make a delicious meal in minutes, making them a convenient option for busy individuals and families.
Convenient and Tasty: Delivery App Promotions
For those who prefer to enjoy their Cinco de Mayo feast from the comfort of their own home, delivery apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub offer various promotions to entice customers. These promotions can include free delivery, discount codes, and bundled deals, making it even easier to enjoy delicious Mexican food without leaving your house.
Free Delivery on Mexican Food Orders
Many delivery apps offer free delivery on Mexican food orders during Cinco de Mayo. This is an excellent way to save money on delivery fees and enjoy your meal without any added costs.
Discount Codes for Specific Restaurants
Some delivery apps offer discount codes for specific Mexican restaurants. These codes can be applied to your order to save a percentage or a fixed amount on your meal.
Bundled Deals
Some delivery apps offer bundled deals that combine popular items at a reduced price. This might include a certain amount of tacos with a side of rice and beans, or an enchilada platter with a complimentary drink. Bundled deals are perfect for sharing or enjoying a satisfying meal all by yourself.
Spotlight on Savings: Specific Examples of Potential Deals
While specific deals vary from year to year, here are examples of what you might expect from various businesses:
(Restaurant Example 1) Taco Fiesta: Taco Fiesta, known for its authentic street tacos, has historically offered discounted tacos on Cinco de Mayo. Expect to see deals like dollar tacos all day long or a percentage off entire taco platters. Keep an eye on their social media pages for official announcements.
(Restaurant Example 2) El Ranchito: El Ranchito, a family-friendly Mexican restaurant, has been known to offer fixed-price menus with a choice of appetizers, entrees, and desserts for a set amount. Their margarita pitchers are often heavily discounted on Cinco de Mayo, making it perfect for group gatherings.
(Grocery Store Example) Super Mercado: Super Mercado often features significant discounts on avocados, tortillas, and salsa leading up to Cinco de Mayo. Expect to see family-size packages of tortillas at reduced prices and sales on a variety of salsas, from mild to extra hot. Check their weekly flyer for specific details.
(Delivery App Example) Food Runner: Food Runner has previously offered free delivery on all Mexican food orders placed on Cinco de Mayo. Keep an eye out for promo codes that can be applied at checkout for additional discounts at participating Mexican restaurants.
*Important Note:* Deals may vary by location. Check with your local restaurant, grocery store, or delivery app for details.
Unlocking Maximum Savings: Finding More Cinco de Mayo Food Deals
While we’ve highlighted some common types of deals and potential examples, the key to maximizing your Cinco de Mayo savings is to be proactive in your search. Here are some tips and tricks to help you find even more amazing deals:
Dive into Online Research
The internet is a treasure trove of information. Use Google search terms like “Cinco de Mayo deals near me,” “Mexican restaurant specials,” “Cinco de Mayo food promotions,” or “best Cinco de Mayo discounts.” Don’t forget to check the websites and social media pages (Facebook, Instagram, and X/Twitter) of your favorite Mexican restaurants. Restaurants often announce their Cinco de Mayo specials directly on these platforms.
Tap into Local Resources
Don’t overlook local resources like newspapers, community websites, and online forums. These sources often feature information about local businesses and their Cinco de Mayo promotions. You might even find hidden gems that are not widely advertised.
Embrace Email Sign-Ups
Subscribe to the email newsletters of your favorite Mexican restaurants and grocery stores. Many businesses send out exclusive deals and promotions to their email subscribers, giving you a head start on the best Cinco de Mayo savings.
Leverage Restaurant and Deal Apps
Utilize restaurant apps like Yelp, OpenTable, and Resy, as well as deal apps like RetailMeNot, Groupon, and LivingSocial. These apps often feature exclusive deals and promotions for local restaurants, including special offers for Cinco de Mayo.
When in Doubt, Simply Ask!
If you’re unsure about a restaurant’s Cinco de Mayo specials, don’t hesitate to call them directly and inquire. A quick phone call can save you time and ensure you don’t miss out on any potential deals.
Celebrating Responsibly: A Few Words of Caution
While Cinco de Mayo is a time for fun and celebration, it’s important to do so responsibly. If you plan on consuming alcoholic beverages, please do so in moderation and never drink and drive. Consider ordering takeout or delivery if you prefer to celebrate from the comfort of your own home. And finally, please follow all local health guidelines and protocols to ensure a safe and healthy celebration for everyone.
Embrace the Fiesta!
Cinco de Mayo is a fantastic opportunity to indulge in delicious Mexican food and celebrate a vibrant culture. With so many amazing deals and promotions available, you can enjoy a memorable fiesta without breaking the bank. From restaurant-specific delights and refreshing drink specials to grocery store deals and delivery app promotions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Now that you’re armed with the inside scoop on the best Cinco de Mayo deals, go forth and fiesta! Gather your friends and family (safely, of course!), indulge in mouthwatering tacos, enchiladas, and margaritas, and celebrate the spirit of Cinco de Mayo with delicious food and unforgettable memories. Remember to check with your local restaurants and businesses for specific details on their promotions, and enjoy a fun, safe, and delicious Cinco de Mayo!
