This year, National Taco Day, Oct. 4, falls on a Tuesday. That’s right — Taco Tuesday just got a big upgrade.
Though the roots of this popular dish stretch back to long before the Spanish arrived in Mexico, the modern taco emerged in the 18th century, when Mexican miners needed something inexpensive and portable to eat. Some historians believe the word “taco” originated as slang for the paper rolls filled with gunpowder that the miners used to blast the ore.
When Mexican workers migrated to California, they bought the taco with them. By 1989, Wyoming-based chain Taco John’s had actually trademarked “Taco Tuesday.”
On Oct. 4, National Taco Day, nationwide chains and local eateries across the country will be offering free tacos, discounts and other deals. Check out our growing list below and come back for frequent updates.
Chronic Tacos
Chronic Tacos is taking $1 off all tacos on National Taco Day. Plus, customers who download the Chronic Tacos app before Oct. 4 are automatically entered for a chance to win free tacos for a year.
Del Taco
Del is launching “Tacoberfest” on Oct. 1, a full 31 days of deals using the Del Yeah Rewards app.
For National Taco Day, members can partake in Tuesday taco night — three ground beef tacos for just $1.69 from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m — and earn double Del Yeah Rewards points to boot.
El Pollo Loco
Loco Rewards members get eight free tacos credited to their account when they spend at least $10 on National Taco Day. Plus, enjoy free delivery all day when you order online or with the Loco Rewards app.
El Torito
The California-based chain, which has more than 30 locations nationwide, is offering a $3 build-your-own taco bar, with handmade tortillas and your choice of chicken, steak, carnitas or al pastor tacos.
Running from 3 p.m. to close, El Torito‘s happy hour also includes $6 house and signature margaritas, $6 mini steaks and chorizo tacos.
Jack in the Box
On Oct. 4, Jack in the Box is resurrecting its Monster Taco, a larger version of its regular taco with two slices of American cheese, shredded lettuce and taco sauce.
Get two Monster Tacos for just $3 through Oct. 31, when the supersize menu item vanishes into the mists once more.
7-Eleven
On National Taco Day, 7Rewards members get 10 mini tacos — made with shredded beef, green chiles, jalapeno peppers and cilantro — for just $2.
“7-Eleven is here to shell out the good times and appreciate the little things in life — like miniature food items and National Taco Day,” Vareesha Shariff, the brand’s senior director of hot food, said in a statement.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell is celebrating National Taco Day with the one-day-only return of its taco subscription service, the Taco Lover’s Pass, on Oct. 4.
For a flat $10 fee, the pass allows you to order one of seven tacos — the Crunchy Taco, Crunchy Taco Supreme, Soft Taco, Soft Taco Supreme, Spicy Potato Soft Taco, Doritos Locos Tacos and the Doritos Locos Tacos Supreme — daily for 30 days.
The Taco Lover’s Pass will be available exclusively on the Taco Bell app. While you’re there, vote for the return of one of Taco Bell’s discontinued menu items, either the Double Decker Taco or the Enchirito.
Voting continues through Oct. 6, with the winner appearing on menus on Oct. 7.