National Burrito Day | First Thursday of April

It’s hard to imagine American dining without burritos, and National Burrito Day, celebrated on the first Thursday in April, is the perfect excuse to indulge. Before the 1930s, however, this now-ubiquitous Mexican dish was virtually unknown in the U.S. Today, burritos exist in every form imaginable—stuffed with slow-cooked meats in Mexico, packed with rice and guacamole in California, and even transformed into deep-fried chimichangas across the Southwest. No matter how you enjoy them, National Burrito Day is a moment to savor their rich history and cultural significance.

How to Celebrate National Burrito Day

National Burrito Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in your favorite burrito (or two). Whether you’re looking to score a deal, try something new, or make your own at home, here are some fun ways to join the celebration:

1. Grab a Deal at Your Favorite Spot

Many popular chains, including Chipotle, Taco Bell, Moe’s Southwest Grill, and QDOBA, offer special discounts, BOGO deals, and exclusive promotions for Rewards members. Check your go-to burrito joint’s app or website to see what’s available near you.

2. Support Local Taquerias

While national chains dominate the headlines, many local Mexican restaurants also offer special National Burrito Day deals. Visiting a family-owned taqueria is a great way to enjoy an authentic burrito while supporting small businesses.

3. Get Creative in the Kitchen

Why not make your own burrito at home? Whether you go for a classic carne asada burrito, a breakfast burrito loaded with eggs and chorizo, or a vegetarian option packed with roasted veggies and guacamole, the possibilities are endless. Gather some friends and have a DIY burrito night!

4. Try a New Burrito Style

If you usually stick to your favorite order, National Burrito Day is the perfect opportunity to branch out. California-style burritos (stuffed with French fries), wet burritos (smothered in sauce), or even Korean BBQ burritos offer a delicious twist on the classic.

5. Share the Burrito Love

Make the day even better by treating a friend to a burrito! Many restaurants offer BOGO deals, making it easy to share the burrito joy. You can also spread the love online—snap a pic of your meal and post it with #NationalBurritoDay to join the foodie fun.

6. Pair Your Burrito with the Perfect Drink

A great burrito deserves an equally great drink. Whether it’s a classic margarita, a refreshing agua fresca, or an ice-cold Mexican beer, the right pairing can take your burrito experience to the next level.

The Origins of the Burrito: A Mexican Classic

The word “burrito” first appeared in the 1895 Dictionary of Mexicanisms, described as a tortilla rolled around meat or other fillings. While its exact origins are debated, historians believe burritos originated in Northern Mexico, where wheat flour tortillas are more common than corn. The name, meaning “little donkey” in Spanish, may reference the way burritos resemble the packs carried by donkeys. Unlike their American counterparts, traditional Mexican burritos are simple—typically filled with just meat and beans.

How Burritos Took Over the United States

The burrito made its way into American cuisine in the early 20th century, with California playing a pivotal role in its rise. The first known restaurant to serve burritos in the U.S. was Los Angeles’ El Cholo Spanish Café in the 1930s. By the 1960s, frozen burritos had entered grocery stores, making them even more accessible. Fast-food chains like Taco Bell and Chipotle later turned the burrito into a mainstream favorite, introducing oversized versions packed with an array of toppings.

The Great Debate: What Belongs in a Burrito?

Few foods spark as much debate as the burrito. Should it include rice, or does that dilute its flavor? Is a burrito still a burrito if it’s served “bowl style”? Purists argue that authentic burritos contain only meat and beans, while modern versions embrace everything from guacamole to french fries. The Mission-style burrito, popularized in San Francisco, is known for its massive size and diverse fillings, while Tex-Mex burritos tend to be smothered in cheese and sauce.

Breakfast Burritos: An American Invention

The breakfast burrito is a relatively recent addition to the burrito family. First introduced in 1975 by Tia Sophia’s in Santa Fe, New Mexico, it featured scrambled eggs, bacon, potatoes, and chili wrapped in a tortilla. The concept quickly spread, with fast-food chains like McDonald’s adding their own versions. Today, breakfast burritos are a staple in many American households and restaurants.

Where to Find the Best Burrito Deals on National Burrito Day

National Burrito Day isn’t just a celebration of this beloved Mexican dish—it’s also the perfect excuse to score some serious burrito deals. Many major chains and local restaurants mark the occasion with discounts, BOGO promotions, and even fun giveaways.

Big-name spots like Chipotle, QDOBA, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Taco Bell, and Del Taco are rolling out their biggest burrito promotions, offering everything from free burritos and digital games to loyalty rewards and exclusive discounts. Chipotle’s Burrito Vault game is back, giving lucky players a chance to win free burritos for a year, while Moe’s Southwest Grill is treating its Rewards members to BOGO burritos and bowls. Taco Bell is offering a $2 burrito deal with a minimum purchase for its Rewards members, and QDOBA is running its Burrito Insurance promo, where buying an entrée and a drink gets you a free burrito.

Smaller regional chains are also getting in on the action. Bubbakoo’s Burritos, California Tortilla, Baja Fresh, Chronic Tacos, and Freebirds World Burrito are just a few spots offering their own unique deals, ranging from discounted burritos to fun in-store promotions like basketball challenges for free meals.

If you’re looking to take advantage of these burrito steals, be sure to check with your favorite local Mexican eatery—many independently owned restaurants also join in with special one-day-only discounts. And don’t forget to read the fine print—some offers require loyalty memberships, promo codes, or in-app orders.

With so many ways to celebrate, National Burrito Day 2025 is shaping up to be a delicious (and budget-friendly) feast for burrito lovers everywhere!

Celebrating Burritos Around the World

While the burrito is deeply rooted in Mexican and American cuisine, variations exist worldwide. In Japan, sushi burritos have become a trendy fusion dish, wrapping sushi ingredients in seaweed instead of a tortilla. In the U.K., burritos are a popular fast-casual option, with chains like Tortilla and Barburrito serving Mission-style versions. And in Korea, kimchi burritos bring a spicy twist to the classic wrap. No matter where you are, there’s a burrito to suit your taste.

National Burrito Day Dates

National Burrito Day isn’t just about eating—it’s about appreciating the culinary journey of a dish that has crossed borders and generations. From its humble beginnings in Northern Mexico to its evolution into an American fast-food staple, the burrito remains a testament to the beauty of food fusion. As you indulge in your favorite burrito this year, take a moment to savor the flavors, history, and debate that surround this beloved dish. And if you’re looking for more food holidays to celebrate, keep an eye out for upcoming favorites like National Taco Day and International Guacamole Day.