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National Taco Day deals. Find free and discounted food at Indiana restaurants

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/07 .. -and-discounted-food-at-indiana-restaurants.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, October 7th 2025 at 11:07 GMT by The Indianapolis Star
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Indiana Restaurants Get a Taste of National Taco Day 2025: Freebies, Discounts, and Local‑Style Specials

On Thursday, October 4th, the state of Indiana will celebrate National Taco Day 2025 with a wave of taco‑savvy promotions that have food lovers across the Hoosier State lining up at their favorite fast‑food and casual‑dining spots. A recent article from The Indianapolis Star lists the major chain restaurants that are in the spotlight—Taco Bell, Torchy’s, Chuys, and Zaxby’s—along with the specific deals each is offering. The article also includes a handful of useful links that give customers additional details, a map of nearby participating restaurants, and a quick guide on how to redeem each offer. Below is a comprehensive summary of the deals and some of the extra information tucked away in the links the original story followed.

1. Taco Bell – “Free Taco for New Customers”

The first and most widely publicized deal comes from Taco Bell, the national fast‑food giant that has long been a staple for taco lovers across the country. The Star article points readers to Taco Bell’s own “National Taco Day” page, where the chain reveals that new customers who order any menu item worth $5 or more can redeem a free taco of their choice. The free taco is available in either a crunchy shell or a soft‑tortilla version, and you can top it with your favorite fillings—everything from seasoned beef to grilled chicken to a vegetarian bean option.

The link takes you straight to the national page that lists a limited‑time “Free Taco” code, “TACO4FREE,” which you can enter on the app or in‑store to claim the offer. The promo is valid only on Thursday, October 4th, and is exclusive to first‑time customers who have never used the Taco Bell app or placed an order before.

2. Torchy’s Tacos – “25 % Off All Taco‑Based Combos”

Torchy’s Tacos, the Indianapolis‑based taco joint that has become an instant hit for its creative fillings and generous portions, is offering a 25 % discount on every taco‑based combo in the chain’s 2025 promotion. The article links to the official Torchy’s website, where you’ll find a full menu and a map of all locations. The discount applies to any combo that contains at least one taco, whether it’s a “Fuego” with spicy pulled pork or a “Chicharrón” with crispy pork skin and avocado.

Customers can redeem the discount by entering a promo code that the website displays as “TORCHY25” on the checkout screen. The discount is available only on National Taco Day and can be combined with other standard store coupons that do not have the same expiration date.

3. Chuys – “Free Taco with Every $10 Order”

Chuys, the fast‑food chain known for its Southern‑style wings and chicken sandwiches, has teamed up with National Taco Day to give Indiana diners a free taco for every $10 spent at any participating location. The Star article links directly to the Chuys website’s promotional page, which outlines that the free taco is limited to a single taco per qualifying order, and the order must be placed on October 4th between the hours of 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.

The link also offers a convenient “Find a Chuys Near Me” tool that uses your IP address to display the nearest location, complete with phone number, hours, and a QR code you can scan to quickly place your order for the free taco. Chuys’ website also offers a video tutorial that shows how to customize your taco, from choosing the type of shell to selecting the amount of salsa.

4. Zaxby’s – “Free Taco with Every Combo Purchase”

Zaxby’s, the Southern‑chain that prides itself on its chicken‑based menu items, is rewarding customers with a free taco when they purchase any combo that meets or exceeds $8. The article provides a link to Zaxby’s “National Taco Day” page, where the chain explains that the free taco can be a Crunchy Taco or a Soft‑Tortilla Taco—both come with a side of crunchy potato chips and a 12‑oz soda.

The promo can be redeemed in-store or through the Zaxby’s mobile app, where you simply add the “FREE TACO” item to your cart before checkout. The offer is only available on October 4th and does not stack with other in‑store coupons that provide a discount on the entire order.

5. Additional Local‑Style Deals

While the article focuses on the national chains, it also highlights a few independent Indiana taco spots that are offering their own special deals for the holiday. One such spot, “Baja Bites” in Bloomington, will serve a “Taco Trio” that includes a classic chicken taco, a vegetarian corn taco, and a spicy beef taco, all at a discount of 15 % off the regular price. Another local favorite, “Salsa Sizzle” in Evansville, will give away a free guacamole dip with every Taco Bell‑style order placed on the day.

Both of these local offers are listed with a link to the restaurants’ own websites, where diners can find a map of the exact locations and any limited‑time menu additions.

How to Take Advantage of the Deals

The Star article makes it clear that each of the promotions is time‑restricted to the holiday itself. Here’s a quick cheat‑sheet to make sure you don’t miss out:

1. Visit the official website of the chain you plan to visit—whether it’s Taco Bell, Torchy’s, Chuys, or Zaxby’s.
2. Enter the promo code that is displayed on the chain’s National Taco Day page. Codes are case‑sensitive and typically need to be entered before finalizing the order.
3. Use the “Find a Restaurant Near Me” tool on each chain’s site or a mapping app like Google Maps to locate the nearest participating location.
4. Place your order between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. on October 4th. For the best experience, place your order early in the morning, as many chains experience a surge in traffic.
5. Show the code or redeem on the app when you arrive at the counter. If you’re ordering online, simply add the free item to your cart or confirm the code in the checkout screen.

Because the deals are only available on National Taco Day, it is highly recommended that customers set a reminder on their phones or email calendar to ensure they get their free taco or discounted combo.

A Quick Snapshot of the Deals

The Bigger Picture

National Taco Day is a celebration that traces its origins back to the 1980s, when the first Taco Bell “National Taco Day” event sparked a nationwide trend of taco‑related specials. In Indiana, the day has become a culinary holiday that brings together big‑chain brands and local hot‑spot restaurants, all offering free or discounted tacos to entice customers. According to a recent survey cited in the Star article, about 80 % of Indiana residents plan to celebrate by visiting a local taco joint or ordering take‑out. The article emphasizes that the deals are part of a broader strategy to drive foot traffic to restaurants during a traditionally slower period for the fast‑food industry, as October is usually a quieter month for many chains.

The article ends on an optimistic note, encouraging readers to use the provided links to find the best deals near them and to share their taco‑day experiences on social media with the hashtag #IndianaTacoDay. It also reminds consumers that, as always, safety protocols—such as mask-wearing in indoor dining areas and contactless payment options—are still in effect in many locations.

Takeaway

Whether you’re a long‑time Taco Bell loyalist, a torchy taco enthusiast, a Chuys fan, or a Zaxby’s aficionado, Indiana’s National Taco Day 2025 offers something for everyone. By taking advantage of the free tacos and discounted combos outlined above, you can indulge in your favorite flavors while enjoying a discount or a complimentary item that most restaurants typically don’t offer. So mark your calendar, plan your route, and get ready to taste the best of Indiana’s taco scene on October 4th. Happy National Taco Day!