Food-centered traditional holidays, like Thanksgiving, are great and all, but lately, unofficial food holidays are getting all the hype because so many restaurants mark these occasions by giving away free food.
Mere days after treating ourselves to free java on National Coffee Day, we're already making plans to indulge in tacos at lunch (and probably after work too) on Thursday, October 4 to celebrate National Taco Day.
There are dozens of eateries offering special promotions today, and you'll even get the chance to enjoy some tacos for free.
Here are all the places you'll get the best deals:
California Tortilla
The East coast chain is offering a Buy One, Get One Free deal all day long! There's a limit of five free tacos per customer, but that shouldn't be a problem because if you need more you can just make your way to the other restaurants on this list.
Chronic Tacos
Word on social media is that you can receive a free taco at Chronic Tacos Mexican Grill from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. if you know the code word. Hint: It's "Taco Life."
Cold Stone Creamery
Yes, it's an ice cream store, but tacos can be dessert, too. The ice cream chain has created a special Waffle Taco and it will only be available on the menu today.
Chuy's
If you made plans to go out for lunch or dinner, you may want to visit Chuy's for their taco and drink special. The Tex Mex chain is letting guests add a taco to any entree for only $1.
Feeling brave? Chuy's dares you to show up dressed as a taco and post the photo on social media with the hashtag #NationalTacoDay and you will get a meal on the house!
You can also get $1 off Modelo beers and add $1 Patron floaters on their margaritas.
Del Taco
Download the digital coupon from deltaco.com, then visit one of their multiple locations to get a free taco when you buy one Shredded Beef Soft Taco.
El Pollo Loco
This coupon is all you need to take advantage of El Pollo Loco's BOGO deal. It'll entitle you to a free Chicken Taco al Carbon when you purchase any regularly prices food or drink.
Plus, you can enter for a chance to win free tacos for an entire year!
Green Leaf's
Sign up online for a coupon that'll get you a free Baja Street Taco (smoked chicken, cabbage, mango, pico de gallo and chili lime sauce) at Green Leaf's. There is no purchase required at all.
Moe's Southwest Grill
Moe's is offering more than just a pre-Friday pick-me-up, they're celebrating National Taco Day all weekend long.
The chain is giving away an extra free taco for every two tacos that you buy as long as you're a Moe's Rockin' Rewards member. All you need to sign up is to be a "human being over the age of 13 with a smartphone."
On The Border
For just $8.99, you can eat to your heart's content during the Mexican grill and cantina's "endless" taco promotion.
Puesto
With a just a few clicks you'll be able to claim a free taco of the month at Puesto today. Just follow the company on Instagram (@eatpuesto) then mention the National Taco Day special to your server to get the freebie.
October's taco is a roasted squash with braised green in mojo de ajo, queso enchilado, warm squash salsa, pepitas and cilantro.
Rubio's Coastal Grill
Calling all seafood lovers! Rubio's is giving away their Original Fish Taco with any beverage purchase, and all you need to do is download this digital coupon.
Taco Bell
This list wouldn't be complete if "America's best Mexican restaurant" wasn't included. For today only, the popular franchise will be offering $5 National Taco Day Gift Sets, which include four of their signature hard shell tacos - classic crunchy, Fiery, Cool Ranch, and Nacho Cheese Doritos Locos tacos.
Taco John's
This restaurant is not just celebrating one day, they're extending it and handing out free tacos all week long!
Download the Taco John's Rewards App and get a free Crispy Beef Taco every day through Friday, October 5.
