National Taco Day finally lands on Taco Tuesday—and restaurants are rolling out big deals

After decades of falling on random weekdays, National Taco Day falls on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, marking a historic shift that taco lovers have been craving for years. This isn't just a coincidence—it’s the result of a fascinating corporate campaign and legal battle that permanently moved the holiday to align with the beloved weekly tradition of Taco Tuesday.

For those who've been celebrating tacos longer than most restaurants have been around, this change represents more than just better timing.

It's a return to the holiday's community-focused roots and a chance to enjoy some of the year's best food deals on a day that actually makes sense.

A bit of delicious history

The idea began in 1960s San Antonio, Texas, where Roberto L. Gomez promoted a local "Taco Day" on May 3 to lead into Cinco de Mayo celebrations.

Gomez, who led the San Antonio Social Civic Organization, created the celebration as part of the broader Mexican American civil rights movement of the era.

The holiday eventually expanded into National Taco Week and even National Taco Month with official city proclamations.

The holiday faded over time until 2009, when various businesses rallied to establish October 4th as National Taco Day. But there was always something that felt off about the timing.

Also read: Big savings are on the menu this National Taco Day

The great Taco Tuesday liberation

For years, National Taco Day stubbornly remained fixed on October 4, regardless of which day of the week it happened to fall.

Some years it landed on a Wednesday, Thursday, or weekend—completely missing the cultural phenomenon of Taco Tuesday that restaurants had embraced for decades.

The solution required solving a legal puzzle first.

Taco John’s, a regional fast-food chain, held the registered trademark for the phrase "Taco Tuesday," creating complications for any business wanting to use the popular alliteration in their marketing materials.

Taco Bell actively campaigned to shift the date, recognizing an opportunity to merge two taco-centric occasions into one perfect celebration.

After a legal battle, Taco John’s voluntarily relinquished its trademark claim to Taco Tuesday in July 2023, opening the phrase for universal use by restaurants nationwide.

Also read: Crispy, golden, and here to stay: Taco Bell brings back a beloved bite

Today's spectacular deals lineup

The timing couldn't be better for your wallet. Here are the standout National Taco Day deals that offer genuine value:

Best overall value:

1. Condado Tacos: Half off all tacos (dine-in only)

estive taco spreads and colorful celebrations mark National Taco Day across the country. Image Source: Facebook / Condado Tacos.

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2. Moe's Southwest Grill: $2 tacos with three-taco limit

3. Twin Peaks: $2 tacos all day plus $6 house margaritas

Free taco opportunities:

1. Jack in the Box: Two free tacos with $1 minimum order (Jack Pack Rewards members)

2. Del Taco: Free Del Taco with $10 purchase (Del Yeah! Rewards app required)

3. Torchy's Tacos: Buy one taco, get one free (Torchy's Rewards members)

Premium experiences:

1. Chuy's: $1 taco with entrée purchase, plus free entrée if you dress like a taco

2. Abuelo's Mexican Restaurant: Add crispy taco to entrée for $1

Also read: Surprise favorite takes the top spot in new drive-thru rankings—did your go-to make the cut?

Navigating the app-based world

Many of the best deals require downloading restaurant apps or joining loyalty programs.

Don't let technology intimidate you—these programs are designed to reward regular customers, and the savings add up quickly.

Getting started with restaurant apps:

• Download the free app from your phone's app store
  
• Create an account with your email address
  
• Allow location services to find nearby restaurants
  
• Check the "offers" or "rewards" section regularly

Most programs are free to join and offer immediate signup bonuses. For example, Del Taco's Del Yeah! Rewards offers free delivery every weekend in October for members.

Making tacos work for your health goals

Traditional fast-food tacos don't have to derail healthy eating habits. Most restaurants offer customization options that can significantly improve the nutritional profile of your meal.

Healthier modifications to request:

• Soft corn tortillas instead of hard shells (easier to digest, more authentic)
  
• Grilled chicken or fish instead of ground beef
  
• Extra lettuce and tomatoes for fiber and nutrients
  
• Light cheese or skip it entirely
  
• Salsa instead of sour cream
  
• Black beans for added protein and fiber

Portion control strategies:

• Share a variety pack with friends or family
  
• Choose two tacos instead of three
  
• Pair with a side salad instead of chips
  
• Drink water or unsweetened iced tea

Also read: A historic fast-food spot is going dark—why this closure hits differently

Beyond the chains: community connections

While national chains grab headlines with their deals, don't overlook local Mexican restaurants in your community.

Many family-owned establishments offer their own National Taco Day specials, and you'll often find more authentic flavors and generous portions.

On this day, it is important to find the most authentic, genuinely Mexican establishment possible.

Preferably, this will be a locally owned and operated restaurant, hopefully with a cook who truly has some Mexican roots.

Supporting local businesses:

• Check social media accounts of neighborhood Mexican restaurants
  
• Ask about National Taco Day specials when you call ahead
  
• Consider ordering family-style portions for gatherings
  
• Many local spots offer senior discounts year-round

Sweet endings: dessert tacos worth trying

The taco concept has expanded beyond the traditional savory realm.

Taco Bell has teamed with ice cream company Salt & Straw to bring back the Tacolate, made with a waffle cone taco shell filled with cinnamon ancho chili ice cream, dipped in chocolate, and topped with toasted brown rice.

For those who enjoy cooking, Nestlé is giving away limited-edition Toll House Cookie Taco kits on National Taco Day, starting at 2 p.m. ET on Tuesday, October 7.

The kit includes cookie dough, chocolate morsels, a taco stand, and a $25 gift card for additional ingredients.

The social side of celebration

National Taco Day offers a perfect excuse to gather with friends, family, or neighbors for a casual meal.

Many restaurants report their busiest National Taco Day crowds during lunch and early dinner hours, so consider timing your visit accordingly.

The beauty of tacos lies in their shareability—you can order different varieties and sample flavors together.

This makes it an ideal celebration for groups, whether you're introducing grandchildren to authentic Mexican flavors or catching up with old friends over a familiar favorite.

Read next:

• Man’s $15 Taco Bell hack shows how to order the perfect haul
• Taco Bell surprises fans with two new menu items for just $3 each
• Unlock the secret menu: Taco Bell dish exposed online that might become your next favorite

Key Takeaways

• National Taco Day officially falls on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, aligning for the first time with Taco Tuesday after a long-standing date change led by Taco Bell’s campaign to lift Taco John’s trademark.
• The holiday’s roots trace back to 1960s San Antonio, where Roberto L. Gomez first created “Taco Day” as part of a community and cultural celebration tied to Mexican American pride.
• This year’s festivities include major deals from national chains like Condado Tacos, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Del Taco, and Chuy’s—alongside authentic celebrations from local, family-owned restaurants.
• Seniors and health-conscious diners can enjoy the day by exploring healthier taco options, supporting local establishments, and taking advantage of app-based or dine-in promotions.

What's your favorite taco memory, and where will you be celebrating this year's perfectly timed National Taco Day? Share your plans and favorite deals in the comments - we'd love to hear about your local hidden gems and family traditions!