Cinco de Mayo (May 5) is upon us, which means there will be plenty of discounts and freebies at some of the most popular restaurant chains in the U.S. While anyone who is not Mexican should be using today to learn the history of this day and support small local Mexican-owned businesses (and no, that doesn’t include Chili’s), Mexican communities might want to take advantage of the deals being put out there from their favorite gringo restaurants — especially after all the cultural appropriation and misinformation that has come with the holiday. For those who aren’t familiar with Cinco de Mayo, it’s a celebration, also known as Battle of Puebla Day, that commemorates the anniversary of Mexico’s victory over the Franco-Mexican War in 1862. It’s important to remember that it’s not the Independence Day for Mexico.
For those within the Mexican community who want to claim up the deals they deserve, here are five popular restaurants where you can take advantage of the Cinco de Mayo specials.
Applebee’s
At Applebee’s, grab a $6 margarita or a Modelo Especial draft beer on Cino de Mayo. The frozen margarita is made with 1800 Reposado tequila.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Swing by Buffalo Wild Wings for its special happy hour that will get you great deals on food and drinks. The promotion includes $5 strawberry margaritas and $3 chips and salsa from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and $4 hatch chile queso and chips and guacamole from 9 p.m. to close.
Chipotle
Don’t feel like going out for lunch or dinner? Use the code CINCO23 on the Chipotle app or online and get your order delivered for free.
El Pollo Loco
Get a free Crunchy Birria Taco when you purchase any of the Shredded Beef Birria entrées on the menu. Two tacos for the price of one seems like a great lunch to us.
Taco Bell
Through the Taco Bell app, you can get 20 percent off any Taco Party Pack from May 5 to 7. Get a free Nachos Bell Grande when you order $20 or more in food on a delivery app like Uber Eats.