National Queso Day Deals on September 20th
National Queso Day falls on Sunday, September 20, 2026. It is a fun excuse to dip chips in a favorite queso, try a new variety, or add a cheesy drizzle to an entrée. 🧀
At Mexican restaurants, queso and chips are often the appetizer I look forward to. The easiest holiday plan is to check the date and ordering steps for a deal, then choose a place whose queso you actually want to eat.
Below are confirmed 2026 offers, followed by national and local restaurants worth watching, contests, and other ways to celebrate. More promotions may appear before Sunday, so check the restaurant’s terms and your preferred location before heading out.
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What Is National Queso Day?
National Queso Day is celebrated every September 20. Queso may be a dip served with chips, a side added to a meal, or a queso drip poured over another appetizer or entrée. Restaurant promotions can include free queso, discounted sides, rewards points, or contests.
What is National Queso Day?
National Queso Day 2026 at a Glance
Want the short version before making plans? The holiday is Sunday this year, and the easiest offer so far can be claimed without buying an entrée. 🎉
Some restaurants celebrate for only one day; others extend a promotion through the week or all of September. Use the dates beside each offer to decide when to visit.
Best 2026 Queso Deals in One Glance
If you only have time to check a few deals, start with these. They each fit a different kind of outing, so you can choose based on what you were already planning to order.
Confirmed National Queso Day 2026 Offers
These listings have official 2026 announcements. Each line gives you the dates, benefit, and main step to claim it. 🧀 In addition to all of the National Queso Day offer, many of the same places are also celebrating National Guac Day on September 16th.
- Abuelo’s
- get FREE delivery on the website or app w/$10 orders
- get Happy Hour items (including Chile con Queso and Queso Diablo) for $5 from Monday – Friday from 3-6 pm
- Bubbakoo’s Burritos
- Get free chips and guac w/ entree purchase for National Guac Day on 9/16/2026
- Get 2 tacos for $5.99 on Taco Tuesdays (ongoing offer)
- California Tortilla: Get free side chips and guac w/ entree purchase in-store for National Guac Day on 9/16/2026
- Carlos O’Kelly’s: dine-in guests get queso and chips for 5¢ on September 5
- Chuy’s: enjoy happy hour pricing from 3-6 on weekdays and get Chips ‘n’ Queso for $5
- Condado Tacos and Tequila: rewards members receive a FREE half-size queso reward in the app from 9/16 – 9/20
- Dillas Quesadillas: Dillas Diehards will receive a FREE Gorilla Fries reward of perfectly seasoned fries and fresh-hot queso (must be a Dillas Diehard by 11:59 PM 9/19/2026)
- El Pollo Loco
- Guests ages 60+ receive a 10% senior discount up to $1 (ongoing offer)
- Guests who serve the community receive a 15% service discount up to $1.50; this includes police officers, firefighters, EMTs, federal LEAs, and military personnel (ongoing offer)
- Fuzzy’s Taco Shop
- Enjoy Taco TuesYAY and purchase $2.50 classic tacos and $3.50 premium tacos on Tuesdays (limited time offer)
- Watch for offer on National Guac Day on 9/16/2026
- Jack in the Box
- Jack App users get a Sourdough Jack for $5.99 from 9/14-9/20/2026
- Jack App users get Buy one Double Jack®, get one 50% off for National Double Cheeseburger Day (on 9/15/2026)
- Jack App users get FREE Jr. Cheeseburger w/ $1 order for National Cheeseburger Day (on 9/18/2026)
- Melting Pot: Kids under 12 eat free every Sunday w/ purchase of adult entree at select locations
- Moe’s Southwest Grill
- September 1–30: Buy $15 in Moe’s gift cards online to receive an emailed code for a FREE Dipper
- September 16: FREE cup of guac w/ purchase of an entree for everyone in-store (mention the offer to redeem)
- September 17–19: Double Dip Days for Moe Rewards Members get a FREE cup of queso and a FREE cup of guac w/ entree purchase.
- September 20: FREE cup of queso for everyone in store w/ mention of the offer (no purchase required)
- Pancheros Mexican Grill
- Throughout September (ends September 30): Order queso four times in the Pancheros app to unlock a half-off entrée reward
- Enter your mobile number and sign up for texts to unlock a free Chips and Queso with Entree Purchase
- QDOBA
- September 1-6: guests get $2 off of Queso Fundido w/ promo code FUNDIDO on digital orders on the QDOBA website or app
- September 16: guests get a FREE regular 4-ounce chips and guac w/ a regular-size entrée purchase and code GUACDAY (valid on QDOBA.com or in person at a participating location)
- September 20: guests get a FREE regular 4-ounce chips and queso w/ a regular-size entrée purchase and code QUESODAY (valid on QDOBA.com or in person at a participating location)
- Tijuana Flats: a portion of every queso purchase in September benefits Runway to Hope
- Torchy’s Tacos: September 20: Rewards members who enroll before Sep 20 get a FREE Full Queso and Chips w/$1 purchase
National Restaurants We’re Watching
These restaurants were in the 2025 roundup or have appeared in earlier queso coverage. Keep the links handy for official updates.
- Chevy’s Fresh Mex
- Gringo’s Tex-Mex
- Juanita’s Tex Mex Cantina
- Pelóns Tex-Mex Restaurant
- Tijuana Flats
Local Queso Deals for National Queso Day
Join local celebrations and find fun ways to celebrate queso!
- Alamo Cafe (TX)
- Celebrate National Queso Day with in-store promotions at both locations on 9/20/2026
- Find a golden chip in your chip basket and win FREE QUESO FOR A YEAR
- Order queso and be entered into prize drawings
- Get FREE squishy toys for kids (while supplies last)
- Get FREE Queso Day stickers (while supplies last)
- Enjoy Happy Hour prices all day
National Queso Day 2026 | September 20
Local deals frequently appear on official social accounts in the days leading up to the event. The links below keep last year’s restaurants easy to check (italicized 2025 terms are historical, not current 2026 deals).
- Big Easy Saloon (TX): 2025: free nachos and $3 margaritas. Alcohol offers are for eligible adults.
- Burrachos (WI): 2025: a loyalty-member special was mentioned, but the published article did not specify the benefit.
- Fiesta Mexicana Restaurant (SC): 2025: queso for $4 or queso fundido for $7.
- Hacienda Real – Fulshear (TX): 2025: free queso with the dine-in purchase of Fajitas for Two.
- Las Palmas Rowlett (TX): 2025: mention the Instagram offer for 10% off queso.
- The Sunrise House (TX): 2025: queso for $5.
Your local Mexican or Tex-Mex restaurant may have a better offer than a chain. Ask about a queso dip, side, or drip, and call your location to confirm the promotion before heading over. 📞
Queso Contests and Other Fun Promotions
- Condado Tacos and Tequila: win a 15-person Condado Tacos Tailgate via Instagram contest (winner announced 9/30)
- Pancheros is teasing 2026 Queso Royalty and additional September 20 surprises on its official page and social media. Keep an eye on the website for the mechanics and prize details.👑
- QDOBA’s Diptember celebration runs September 1–November 2 and features limited-time Queso Fundido with seasoned beef, picante ranch, and cilantro
The original roundup included these imaginative contests. They are worth watching again, but the italicized details belong to 2025:
- Abuelo’s: 2025 Queso Ball contest offered a chance to win free queso, September 15–21.
- Burrachos (WI and MN): 2025 contest offered a chance to win 100 sides of queso.
- Tacos N’ Tortas (IA): 2025 Instagram contest offered rewards members a chance to win free tacos for a year.
Always read the official rules for eligibility, entry dates, and how winners are contacted.
More Ways to Celebrate National Queso Day
A new favorite queso can be a better discovery than a coupon. Try one of these simple ways to enjoy the day:
- 🧀 Order a different queso: Compare classic queso, queso blanco, spicy queso, or queso fundido at a restaurant you already like. I especially enjoy Twisted Taco’s spicy queso, which arrives at the table in a small, hot skillet. 🔥
- 🥣 Try another dipper: Use pretzels, vegetables, fries, or the usual tortilla chips.
- 🍽️ Make it an entrée topping: Ask if your restaurant serves a queso drip over tacos, nachos, or another favorite.
- 🎲 Share a queso tasting: Invite friends to bring different toppings or dippers and keep the gathering easy.
- 🌶️ Choose your heat: I like a little green El Yucateco Habanero Sauce with queso and chips for a spicy kick. Look for it at grocery stores or on Amazon; the link opens a selection, so check for the green variety.
Frequently Asked Questions About National Queso Day
Planning a cheesy celebration? 🧀 These answers cover the date, what counts as queso, and the offer details that matter at checkout.
National Queso Day Basics
- When is National Queso Day? September 20 every year. In 2026, it falls on Sunday.
- What is queso? Here, queso means a warm cheese dip or sauce, sometimes made with peppers, tomatoes, or other additions.
- Is queso always served with chips? No. It may be a separate dip or added to an entrée, nachos, fries, or tacos.
- What is a queso drip? Queso poured over another appetizer or entrée, rather than served as a separate cup.
- Is queso always spicy? No. Heat varies by recipe, and hot sauce can give one serving an extra kick. 🌶️
When National Queso Day
Claiming National Queso Day Offers
- Do I need a rewards account? Some offers require one. Moe’s offers a free cup in-store to everyone; Torchy’s requires advance enrollment.
- Do free queso offers require a purchase? Some do. QDOBA requires a regular-size entrée; Moe’s in-store September 20 offer does not.
- Can I stack a queso offer with points or a coupon? Sometimes. When terms allow, combining an offer with loyalty points or an eligible coupon can add value. Check the official rules before ordering.
- Will every location participate? Not necessarily. Check the location or contact the restaurant before making a special trip.
- Why check again on the holiday? App rewards, terms, inventory, and participation may change as September 20 approaches.
Thank you for saving and sharing this article!
More Money-Saving Food Deals
Keep enjoying food holidays and restaurant savings with these related articles:
- 🎂 Free Birthday Meals, Desserts, and Dining Offers
- ☕ National Coffee Day Deals on September 29
- 🍥 National Cinnamon Roll Day Promotions on October 4
- 🌮 National Taco Day Specials on Tuesday, October 6, 2026
What is your favorite queso, and where should other fans try it? Share a restaurant recommendation or a new official deal in the comments! 💬
I must admit that this is the first time that I have heard of Queso or even Queso day. Is queso a certain type of dip or does the term refer to any dip?
I take it that this is a Mexican tradition?
There are certainly a lot of great deals available on the 20th, and I am going to look around here to see if our local Mexican Restaurants are also coming to the party.
Hi, Michel! Queso usually refers to a warm, creamy melted-cheese dip, often served with tortilla chips or poured over tacos, burritos, and other Tex-Mex favorites. It has Mexican and Tex-Mex roots, and checking local Mexican restaurants is a smart move since many smaller spots add their own National Queso Day specials. Enjoy!
Yes!! This article got me so excited!! National Queso Day 2022 was a memorable event, and queso enthusiasts always anticipate this fun holiday coming up on September 20th! 🧀 This special day is an irresistible excuse to satisfy cheesy cravings.
Whether dunking crispy tortilla chips into a velvety queso dip or generously drizzling it over your favorite dish, National Queso Day is a golden opportunity to indulge in a side, drip, drizzle, cup, or bowl. I’ll take them all!
It’s neat that the fun doesn’t end there! Many popular restaurant chains join the celebration by offering tempting queso treats and exciting queso-themed promotions. It’s a cheese lover’s dream come true!
As you mark your calendar for National Queso Day 2023 on September 20th, remember that some places may extend their offers for an entire week, giving you more time to savor the cheesy goodness.
So, cheese aficionados, prepare to celebrate National Queso Day in style! Dive into your preferred queso dishes and explore the cheesy deals and contests available both nationally and locally. It’s a celebration that brings joy to taste buds everywhere! 🎉🧀 #NationalQuesoDay #CheesyDelights #QuesoLoversUnite
What is your favorite restaurant to try for this? I can’t decide where to go!!
Hello, Debby! I’m so glad you are here to get prepped for the best National Queso Day 2023 deals! I’ve enjoyed the queso at each of the places I’ve tried on the above list, so if you see a place with a location near you, it might be nice to take advantage of being close to great queso deals! Bon appétit!
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