The basics:

• National Taco Day aligns with Taco Tuesday Oct. 7
• NJ brands like Bubbakoo’s, Tacoria offer buy-one-get-one deals
• Taco Bell, Moe’s & Rosa Mexicano roll out limited-time promotions

For National Taco Day Oct. 7, many popular chains have announced deals and discounts so guests can celebrate the ultimate Taco Tuesday.

So far, several brands with a local presence have revealed freebies and specials, including Point Pleasant-born Bubbakoo’s Burritos and New Brunswick-founded Tacoria Mexican Street Kitchen.

In the past, On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina and Qdoba have offered freebies for National Taco Day. As of Oct. 6, neither has publicized any offers for 2025.

Something to taco ’bout

This year’s festivities come about two years after fast-food giant Taco Bell fought to free the “Taco Tuesday” trademark so all restaurants could use the phrase. Thanks to the efforts of the fast-food giant, National Day Calendar agreed to permanently move National Taco Day from Oct. 4 to the first Tuesday in October so it aligns with the beloved weekly tradition of Taco Tuesday.

In October 2023, Gregory’s Restaurant & Bar in Somers Point abandoned its decades-old claim to own the expression “Taco Tuesday” amid a challenge from Taco Bell.

Leading up to the decision, the eatery’s owner, Gregory Gregory, told NJBIZ he was uncertain how far he’d be able to take the fight due to the legal expenses. Three months before that, Midwestern-based chain Taco John’s handed over its rights to the trademark in 49 states.

Spicy deals

Bubbakoo’s Burritos

The fast casual’s National Taco Day promotion features a buy one, get one free taco entrée to customers who order online or in-app at its 50-plus restaurants in New Jersey.

Chevys Fresh Mex

The casual dining brand did not announce a deal for National Taco Day 2025 but offers an ongoing Taco Tuesday promotion. As part of the deal, guests can build their own taco for $3 per taco at the chain’s two New Jersey locations (Clifton and Linden).

Moe’s Southwest Grill

The chain is offering $2 tacos all day Oct. 7 for rewards members at its 20 New Jersey locations. The offer can be redeemed online or in the Moe’s app and applies to single tacos, with a limit of three per customer.

Nestle Toll House

Starting at 2 p.m. Oct. 7, the brand will have limited-edition cookie taco kits online, while supplies last.

Old El Paso

The General Mills supermarket brand is running a contest to win a two-night getaway at a cowboy ranch. Click here to enter. The company is also reimbursing any customer who submits receipts for Oct. 7 purchases of Old El Paso shells or tortillas via the free Fetch app.

Rosa Mexicano

The casual dining chain will continue its longtime Taco Tuesday promotion for National Taco Day. The offer allows guests who are dining in to enjoy half-price tacos all day. Rosa Mexicano’s nine restaurants include one in New Jersey at the Shops at Riverside in Hackensack.

Taco Bell

The most popular Mexican chain in the U.S. will offer $1 cantina chicken soft tacos during timed app-exclusive drops Oct. 7. Taco Bell will also select 100 winners to receive a year’s worth of Taco Tuesdays with a $160 gift card, as well as give $5 off Party Packs ordered via the app. There will also be a buy one, get one free taco promotion on orders placed via DoorDash.

Within New Jersey, the chain has more than 100 locations.

Tacoria Mexican Street Kitchen

The fast-casual Mexican concept started nearly a decade ago by four Rutgers alumni is running a buy one taco, get one free at the same price or lesser value at all 12 of its locations in New Jersey for National Taco Day. It will also offer exclusive perks for loyalty members.