SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA — Throughout the San Diego area, Mexican food is practically a daily staple for locals.
And for those looking to toast Cinco de Mayo, with steals, deals and specials, there are ample opportunities at eateries around the S.D. region.
Cinco de Mayo this year falls on Thursday, May 5 — an annual celebration commemorating Mexico’s 1862 victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla.
Find out what’s happening in San Diegowith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Check our annual dining guide to see what some Mexican restaurants near you are offering. Or scroll through the photo slideshow at the top of this post to check out the delectable dishes.
If you know other neighborhood places with Cinco-worthy offerings, share with Patch readers in the comments section.
Find out what’s happening in San Diegowith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Olé to the day!
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ALILA MAREA BEACH RESORT: On May 5, Alila Marea Beach Resort will launch its Agave Dinner Series, curated by certified Catador Chris Simmons, with five-course dinners & pairings exploring spirits from agave plant. For Cinco de Mayo dinner, third-generation master distiller Carlos Camarena will join with tequilas from La Alteña distillery in Jalisco, Mexico. Tickets: $179 for guests 21+ & include welcome cocktails, live music, dinner & tequila pairings. At 2100 N. Coast Highway 101, Encinitas. Ticket links here.
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APPLEBEE’S: Toast the day with $5 springtime sip special – the “Rock & Berry Rita,” a strawberry margarita featuring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s ultra-premium Teremana Blanco Tequila. Info. Location finder here.
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DEL TACO: A Cinco de Mayo, BOGO deal offered for rewards members. Buy one “Epic Burrito,” and get one free when ordering via app or at deltaco.com. Rewards members can choose from such “Epic” burrto options as Loaded Queso, Fresh Guacamole, Cali Bacon, Crispy Chicken & Guac or Beyond Fresh Guacamole. The deal is Thursday, May 5, for those with Del Yeah! Rewards registration. One offer per guest & not valid with other discounts, coupons or third-party delivery. And don’t miss latest “under $2 menu” & Poppers drinks back for a limited time in Purple Pear Lemonade Poppers & Purple Pear Sprite Poppers. Find nearest locale here throughout San Diego County.
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EL POLLO LOCO: The fire-grilled chicken chain teams up with Tapatío to ring in Cinco de Mayo. Diners on May 5 can score free, custom El Pollo Loco x Tapatío bottle with orders placed on restaurant app or website. (Offer is for digital orders only & not available ordering in restaurants.) Giveaways via El Pollo Loco Instagram to be given out every five minutes for five hours straight, beginning at 12 p.m. Also offered May 5: two premium tacos for $5. Register for Loco Rewards to participate. Locations listed here.
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EL TORITO: Specials usually reserved for Taco Tuesdays will be offered May 5, with $3 chicken, steak or carnitas tacos. Location in La Mesa.
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MAS VEGGIES: The vegan taqueria is hosting a Cinco de Mayo BOGO deal. Buy one burrito using code CINCO & get one free on May 5. Plant-based Mexican menu options include Chickin’ Tinga, Smokey Mushroom & Crispy Baja Fish. Offer is not valid through third-party delivery services & cannot be combined with other offers. Website here. Find locations Carlsbad & La Jolla
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ON THE BORDER MEXICAN GRILL & CANTINA: Toast May 5 with $3 draft beer specials and $5 bar bites — plus $5 Grande House Margaritas. Top off your marg with Grand Marnier Meltdowns® for 40 cents. Details here. Find locations in Escondido & Mira Mesa/San Diego.
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PEI WEI ASIAN KITCHEN: Ideally timed for your Cinco fests, Mongolian Chicken Nachos, a creation from celebrity Chef Jet Tila, are back for $6.95 through May 8. The dish combines Pei Wei’s Mongolian sauce, crispy wonton chips, chicken, Sriracha mayo, cilantro & scallions. Links here for ordering. Location in Mission Valley.
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QDOBA: The fast-casual, Mexican chain offers free, hand-crafted guac & signature three-cheese queso with every entrée — every day. So keep that in mind on Cinco de Mayo! There are catering options, too. Website. Find restaurants in Mission Valley & Valley Center.
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RUBIO’S: On Cinco de Mayo, take $15 off orders of $75+ using code LSM519 at checkout. Or hang on for National Shrimp Day fest, Monday & Tuesday, May 9-10, when all shrimp entrées are $6.99 with purchase of drink. Enter coupon code TASTY with order via app, online at Rubios.com, or scan the coupon here. Shrimp entrées include such faves as Chipotle Honey Argentinian Shrimp bowl, burrito or two-taco plate, grilled Red Argentinian Shrimp, Salsa Verde Shrimp two-taco plate, Shrimp & Bacon burrito, or Mexican Street Corn bowl with grilled shrimp. Location finder here.
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7-ELEVEN: Spice up your Cinco celebrations with the new, limited-time Mini Spicy Breakfast Empanadas, featuring sausage, egg, cheese, peppers & spices in flaky, buttery crust. Three empanadas & any-size coffee are $4 for 7Rewards members. Available at participating stores through May 24. Website here.
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THE PIE HOLE: Mexican Chocolate lovers can enjoy the bake shop’s Mexican Chocolate Pie, by the slice ($7.50), whole pie ($45) or “Pie Pint” (pint jar filled with classic ice-cream flavors, house made crumble & Mexican chocolate ganache, $15). Pies & pie pints available at all locations for in-store & online ordering, or nationwide delivery available via Goldbelly. Locations: Gelson’s in Del Mar, Pacific Beach.
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TOCAYA MODERN MEXICAN: Cinco De Mayo 2022 offers feature $5 margaritas, $3 bottled beers, and $7 Casamigos Blanco margaritas for dine-in guests only. Find locations in La Jolla & Del Mar.
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ALSO SEE: The ‘Guactail’ Cocktail: Toast Cinco De Mayo With, Wait … Guac-What?
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