Complete Guide To National Guacamole Day Freebies And Restaurant Deals

National Guacamole Day, celebrated annually on September 16, presents an opportunity for guacamole enthusiasts across the United States to enjoy their favorite avocado dip at no additional cost or with significant discounts. This food holiday, which honors the creamy, zesty goodness of guacamole, has become a major promotional event for Mexican-style restaurant chains and food brands. In 2025, National Guacamole Day falls on Tuesday, September 16, with several restaurant chains offering free guacamole and related deals to celebrate the occasion.

History and Significance of National Guacamole Day

National Guacamole Day is celebrated annually on September 16, coinciding with Mexican Independence Day celebrations. The day honors the beloved avocado dip whose name means "avocado sauce." The Aztecs first created guacamole between the 14th and 16th centuries, establishing a culinary tradition that has endured and evolved over centuries.

This food holiday has gained significant commercial importance, with numerous restaurant chains offering special promotions to attract customers. Unlike some food holidays that are purely for celebration, National Guacamole Day has become a strategic marketing opportunity for brands featuring avocados, particularly those serving Mexican-style cuisine. The day provides an occasion for both casual consumers and dedicated guacamole aficionados to enjoy their favorite dip while potentially saving money.

2025 National Guacamole Day Deals

For National Guacamole Day 2025, several restaurant chains have announced promotions offering free guacamole or discounted prices. These deals provide an excellent opportunity for consumers to enjoy their favorite dip without the usual additional cost.

California Tortilla

California Tortilla is offering one of the most extensive promotions for National Guacamole Day 2025. There appears to be a discrepancy in the reported dates for this promotion:

• According to one source, California Tortilla will offer a free side of Guacamole & Chips with any Entrée purchase from Monday, September 15 through Friday, September 19.
• Another source indicates the promotion will run from September 15-21, 2025.

The promotion is made possible through a partnership with Avocados From Mexico™. Guests can receive FREE Chips and Guac with any entree purchase at participating locations. The offer is available only while supplies last and cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions. Customers need to make any purchase from the menu of chef-inspired burritos, tacos, salads, and more to receive the free chips and guacamole.

California Tortilla encourages customers to join their Burrito Elito loyalty program by downloading the California Tortilla app (available through the App Store and Google Play) or signing up in-store and registering the account online. By joining the loyalty program, customers can earn points for every dollar spent, enjoy exclusive freebies, and stay updated on the latest news and offers.

Moe's Southwest Grill

Moe's Southwest Grill is participating in National Guacamole Day 2025 by offering free guacamole with any entrée purchase on September 16. The offer is valid at participating locations on that specific date.

To take advantage of this promotion, customers must purchase an entrée (Burritos, Bowls, Stacks, Nachos, Quesadillas, Three Tacos Entrée; excludes One Taco, Kids Meals and Meal Kits) to receive a Side of Guacamole at no additional cost. The offer excludes taxes and fees and is valid on one Side of Guacamole only, with no substitutions allowed. It is a single-use offer and cannot be combined with any other promotions.

The promotion is not valid for third-party delivery orders. Service fees apply to online and in-app orders, and other fees and taxes may apply, which can be viewed during checkout. As with most promotional offers, this one is void where prohibited by law.

QDOBA

QDOBA Mexican Eats is offering FREE Guacamole & Chips with any Entrée purchase on September 16, 2025. The promotion is available at participating locations on National Guacamole Day. Customers must purchase an entrée to receive the complimentary chips and guacamole.

Other Promotions

In addition to the major chains mentioned above, other establishments are offering guacamole-related deals for National Guacamole Day:

• Cocina 214 is offering $7 Guacamole ALL DAY LONG on National Guacamole Day, providing a discounted price on their guacamole offerings.

Expected Deals for 2026

Based on previous years' promotions and industry patterns, several restaurant chains are expected to offer guacamole-related deals for National Guacamole Day 2026, which falls on Wednesday, September 16:

Moe's Southwest Grill

For 2026, Moe's Southwest Grill is anticipated to offer FREE guacamole with any entree purchase on September 16. The expected terms include: - Valid with purchase of any entree (burritos, Three Tacos entree, bowls, stacks, nachos, and quesadillas) - Available at participating locations

Qdoba Mexican Eats

Qdoba Mexican Eats is expected to continue their tradition of offering free chips and guacamole with any entree purchase on National Guacamole Day 2026. The promotion would be available at participating locations.

Rubio's

Rubio's is expected to offer a FREE Fish Taco Especial with any purchase when using a promo code at checkout online or in-app on National Guacamole Day 2026.

Tijuana Flats

Tijuana Flats is anticipated to provide a discount on guacamole or queso with an online or in-app entree purchase when using a promo code at checkout during the 2026 celebration.

Tocaya Modern Mexican

For 2026, Tocaya Modern Mexican is expected to offer Rewards members free half-size chips & guacamole with a purchase on September 16. This benefit would be available to members of their rewards program.

Tips for Maximizing Guacamole Day Savings

To make the most of National Guacamole Day promotions, consider the following strategies:

1. Check Participation in Advance: Not all locations within a chain may participate in the promotions. It's advisable to call your local restaurant to confirm they're offering the deal before visiting.

2. Download Restaurant Apps: Many restaurant chains offer exclusive deals through their mobile applications. For example, Chipotle offers an order of free guac to app users and occasionally sends emails for free guacamole with a $5 purchase to members.

3. Join Loyalty Programs: Restaurant loyalty programs often provide additional benefits and exclusive offers. California Tortilla's Burrito Elito program, for instance, allows members to earn points for every dollar spent and receive exclusive freebies.

4. Consider Ordering In-Person: Some promotions have restrictions for third-party delivery services or online orders. For example, Moe's Southwest Grill's National Guacamole Day promotion is not valid for third-party delivery orders.

5. Combine with Other Offers: While many promotions cannot be combined with other offers, some restaurants may have separate promotions that can be layered for additional savings.

6. Plan Your Visit: Popular restaurants may experience higher traffic on National Guacamole Day. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid long wait times.

7. Follow Social Media: Many restaurants announce special promotions and additional deals through their social media channels. Following your favorite Mexican-style restaurants on platforms like Instagram and Twitter can provide advance notice of exclusive offers.

Conclusion

National Guacamole Day has evolved from a simple food holiday to a significant promotional event for restaurant chains and food brands. The annual celebration on September 16 offers consumers numerous opportunities to enjoy free guacamole or discounted prices at their favorite Mexican-style restaurants.

For 2025, several major chains including California Tortilla, Moe's Southwest Grill, and QDOBA are offering attractive promotions. While there are some discrepancies in the reported dates for California Tortilla's promotion, both sources confirm they will offer free chips and guacamole with any entree purchase during the week of September 15-19/21.

As we look ahead to 2026, consumers can expect similar promotions from these chains and potentially others like Rubio's, Tijuana Flats, and Tocaya Modern Mexican. By downloading restaurant apps, joining loyalty programs, and checking participation in advance, guacamole enthusiasts can maximize their savings and enjoy their favorite dip without additional cost.

Whether you're a casual guacamole lover or a dedicated aficionado, National Guacamole Day provides an excellent opportunity to indulge in this creamy, zesty delight while taking advantage of special offers from your favorite restaurants.

Sources

1. The Freebie Guy - National Guacamole Day Freebies & Deals
2. Restaurant News - California Tortilla Free Chips & Guac Week
3. The Krazy Coupon Lady - National Guacamole Day
4. Clark Deals - National Guacamole Day