Cinco De Mayo 2022: 11 Food & Drinks Specials In Inland Empire

INLAND EMPIRE, CA — Throughout the Inland Empire, 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 Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

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.

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 view the delectable dishes.

If you know other neighborhood places with Cinco-worthy offerings, share with Patch readers in the comments section.

Olé to the day!

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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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CHRONIC TACOS: Participating locations are featuring all-day, May 5-only, Cinco de Mayo deal: $5.55 for 2 Taco Plates with drink purchase. Available in-store, online or via app. One per customer; price may vary by site. Excludes fish, shrimp, steak & Beyond Beef. Info here. And on Saturday, May 7 in Menifee, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at 27559 Newport Road, new store's grand opening to include meet-and-greet with Jackass legend Wee Man, free tacos to first 50 in line, plus 15% off pricing all day & more. (Details in flyer included in photo slideshow at top of this post.) Locations throughout Inland Empire.

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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 the Inland Empire.

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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. Locations throughout Inland Empire.

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MIGUEL'S JR.: Bean, rice & cheese and bean & cheese burritos will be $1.99 all day on Cinco de Mayo. For an extra kick, try limited-time Fiery Habanero menu, featuring housemade Fiery Habanero Hot Sauce that adds more flavor—and heat. Website. Order for dine-in, take-out, drive-thru, online ordering or delivery. Find restaurants in Inland Empire.

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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. Location in Eastvale.

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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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SPOTLIGHT 29 CASINO: All day on May 5, diners can enoy prime rib tacos for $11.95 for Cinco De Mayo. Located at 46-200 Harrison Place, Coachella.

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TORTOISE ROCK CASINO: For Cinco de Mayo, the Oasis Grille to offer $5 special chorizo & egg burrito, plus street tacos. And at Shelly's Lounge, $3 drink specials include Coronas, margaritas, Chavelas & more. Details. At 73829 Baseline Road, Twentynine Palms.

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ALSO SEE: The 'Guactail' Cocktail: Toast Cinco De Mayo With, Wait ... Guac-What?

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FOR UPCOMING MOTHER'S DAY DINING: Mother's Day Brunch & Dinner 2022: Inland Empire Restaurant Specials