Cinco De Mayo’s menu pricing varies by location, but the combination plates consistently offer the most economical way to sample multiple dishes. If you are looking for a full rundown of the Cinco De Mayo Menu with Prices, you have come to the right spot. This guide breaks down the typical costs, portion sizes, and the best value items so you know exactly what to expect before you sit down.
Most people assume that Mexican food is always cheap. That is not always true anymore. However, Cinco De Mayo restaurants usually keep their prices fair, especially for lunch. You can get a solid meal for under fifteen dollars in most states.
Let’s look at the standard menu categories and what you will likely pay at the register.
Appetizers And Starter Prices
You do not have to order a starter, but if you are with a group, sharing is the smart move. The appetizer section is usually split between classic dips and fried items.
- Tableside Guacamole: $12.99 – $15.99 (made fresh at your table)
- Queso Fundido: $9.99 – $12.49 (melted cheese with chorizo)
- Nachos Supreme: $11.99 – $14.99 (with beans, meat, and jalapeños)
- Chicken Taquitos: $10.49 – $13.99 (served with sour cream)
- Mexican Street Corn: $6.99 – $8.99 (elote style)
The nachos are big enough for two people. If you are eating alone, do not order them unless you plan to take half home. The guacamole is often the most expensive starter, but you pay for the show of making it tableside.
Cheese Dip And Salsa Costs
Most locations give you free salsa and chips when you sit down. But if you want the warm cheese dip, that is extra. A small cup of white queso usually runs about $3.99. A large bowl might be $6.49. Some locations charge for extra chips, so ask before you ask for a refill.
Lunch Specials And Combo Plates
Lunch is where you save the most money. If you go between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM on a weekday, you can find deals that are two to three dollars cheaper than dinner prices.
Here is the typical breakdown for the lunch menu:
- Two Item Combo: $9.99 (choose taco, enchilada, or burrito)
- Three Item Combo: $11.99 (add a chalupa or tamale)
- Chicken Fajita Bowl: $10.49
- Bean and Cheese Burrito: $7.99
- Lunch Quesadilla: $8.99 (smaller size)
The lunch combo is the best deal on the whole menu. You get rice and beans with it. You also get a small side salad. For under ten bucks, that is a lot of food.
Dinner Combination Plates
Dinner portions are bigger. The meat portions increase, and you get a larger side of rice. The prices jump up a bit, but the value is still there.
- Two Item Dinner Combo: $12.99 – $14.49
- Three Item Dinner Combo: $14.99 – $16.99
- Four Item Dinner Combo: $17.99 – $19.99 (only at some locations)
When you order a combo, you usually pick your meat. Ground beef is standard. Shredded chicken is often free. But if you want carne asada or grilled shrimp, there is an upcharge. That upcharge is usually around $2.50 to $3.00 per item.
Ala Carte Taco And Enchilada Prices
Sometimes you do not want a full plate. Maybe you just want two tacos and nothing else. Ala carte is the way to go, but it is rarely the cheapest option.
Here are the single item prices:
- Single Hard Shell Taco: $3.49
- Single Soft Taco: $3.99
- Single Enchilada: $4.49
- Single Burrito: $8.99
- Single Tostada: $4.99
If you order two tacos ala carte, you are paying about $8.00. But if you order the two-item combo at lunch, you pay $9.99 and get rice, beans, and a salad. The combo is always the better financial choice.
Specialty Tacos
Gourmet tacos cost more. These are the ones with pineapple, cilantro, and onion on top. They usually come on corn tortillas with lime wedges.
- Carne Asada Taco: $4.99
- Al Pastor Taco: $4.49
- Baja Fish Taco: $5.49
- Shrimp Taco: $5.99
These specialty tacos are smaller than the regular ones. You will likely need three of them to feel full. That makes the price tag closer to fifteen dollars.
Fajitas And Sizzling Platters
Fajitas are the most expensive regular entree on the menu. You pay for the sizzling skillet and the side tortillas. The presentation is part of the experience.
Standard fajita pricing looks like this:
- Chicken Fajitas: $15.99 – $17.99
- Steak Fajitas: $17.99 – $19.99
- Shrimp Fajitas: $18.99 – $21.99
- Mixed Fajitas (Chicken and Steak): $18.49 – $20.49
- Vegetable Fajitas: $13.99
Fajitas come with a side of warm flour tortillas. You also get sour cream, pico de gallo, and shredded cheese. Some locations charge extra for a second basket of tortillas. That extra basket is usually $1.99.
Fajita Add Ons
If you want to add extra meat to your fajita platter, it will cost you. A small side of extra chicken is $4.99. Extra steak is $6.49. Extra shrimp is $7.99. These are not cheap, so try to avoid them unless you are splitting the meal.
Seafood And Grilled Entrees
If you are not in the mood for traditional tacos, there are other options. The seafood section is usually separate from the standard menu.
- Grilled Tilapia: $15.49
- Camarones a la Diabla: $16.99 (spicy shrimp)
- Chile Relleno: $12.99 (cheese stuffed pepper)
- Pollo en Mole: $14.99 (chicken in chocolate sauce)
These dishes come with rice and beans. They are not combo plates, so you do not get a salad. The portions are generous, though.
Vegetarian Options
Vegetarian meals are usually a few dollars cheaper than meat dishes. You can swap beans for meat in any combo for free. Some locations offer a veggie fajita plate with zucchini and bell peppers.
- Bean Burrito: $8.49
- Cheese Enchiladas: $10.99
- Veggie Quesadilla: $10.49
Be careful with the rice. Many restaurants cook their rice in chicken broth. If you are strictly vegetarian, ask if the rice is cooked with stock.
Kids Menu Pricing
If you have children, the kids menu is very affordable. Most meals come with a small drink and a side of fruit or fries.
- Kid’s Taco: $5.99
- Kid’s Cheese Quesadilla: $5.49
- Kid’s Chicken Nuggets: $5.99 (not Mexican, but available)
- Kid’s Bean and Cheese Burrito: $4.99
The kids meals are sized for children under ten. If you have a teenager, they will need to order from the regular menu.
Dessert And Drink Prices
Desserts are not the main focus at Cinco De Mayo restaurants. But if you want something sweet, you have a few choices.
- Sopapillas: $4.99 (fried dough with honey)
- Flan: $5.49
- Fried Ice Cream: $5.99
- Churros: $4.49
Drinks are where the bill can climb quickly. Soft drinks are usually $3.49 with free refills. Mexican sodas in glass bottles are $3.99. Fresh limeade or horchata is around $4.49.
Alcoholic Beverage Costs
Margaritas are the star of the drink menu. Prices vary based on the size and the tequila quality.
- House Margarita (12oz): $7.99
- House Margarita (16oz): $10.99
- Top Shelf Margarita: $12.99 – $14.99
- Pitcher of House Margarita: $24.99 – $29.99
- Mexican Beer (Draft): $5.49
- Mexican Beer (Bottle): $6.49
Happy hour is the best time to go for drinks. Most locations offer two-for-one margaritas or half-priced appetizers between 3 PM and 6 PM on weekdays. That can save you a lot of money.
Cinco De Mayo Menu With Prices
To make this easier, here is a quick summary table of the most common items you will find. These prices are averages based on multiple locations across the country. Your local restaurant might be slightly higher or lower.
- Two Item Combo (Lunch): $9.99
- Three Item Combo (Dinner): $14.99
- Chicken Fajitas: $16.99
- Steak Fajitas: $18.99
- Single Taco (Ala Carte): $3.49
- Cheese Quesadilla: $10.49
- House Margarita: $7.99
- Flan: $5.49
If you are on a strict budget, stick to the lunch menu. If you are going for dinner, the three-item combo is the most filling for the price.
How To Save Money On Your Visit
You do not have to spend a fortune to eat well. Here are some practical tips to keep your bill low:
- Go during lunch hours on a weekday. The same food is cheaper.
- Skip the appetizers. The combo plates come with rice and beans, which is enough.
- Drink water instead of soda. You save three dollars per person.
- Ask for the “light” cheese option. Some places charge less if you do not want extra cheese on top.
- Share a fajita platter. The portion is big enough for two people.
- Check the online menu before you go. Some locations have digital coupons.
Also, do not be afraid to ask your server what the specials are. Many restaurants have a daily special that is not printed on the menu. This is often the cheapest protein option available that day.
Does The Price Include Chips And Salsa?
This is a common question. At most Cinco De Mayo restaurants, the chips and salsa are complimentary. You get them as soon as you sit down. However, if you ask for a second basket of chips, you might see a small charge on your bill. Some locations have started charging for the first basket too, but that is rare.
If you want to be sure, ask the host when you are seated. It is better to know upfront than to be surprised later.
Are There Hidden Fees?
Some locations add a mandatory gratuity for parties of six or more. That is usually 18% added to the total bill. Also, if you pay with a credit card, there is no extra fee. But if you split the bill many ways, some restaurants charge a dollar or two for the extra transaction work.
Watch out for the “tortilla charge.” If you order a burrito and ask for extra tortillas on the side, that is not free. You will pay about fifty cents per tortilla.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Cinco De Mayo menu cheaper for lunch than dinner?
A: Yes, lunch specials are usually two to three dollars cheaper than the same items at dinner. Lunch is served until 3 PM on weekdays.
Q: Do Cinco De Mayo restaurants offer a military or senior discount?
A: Many locations do offer a 10% discount for seniors over 65. Military discounts are less common but exist at franchise-owned locations. Always ask your server.
Q: Can I get the dinner portion size at lunch prices?
A: No, the lunch menu uses smaller portions. You get less meat and fewer sides. The price difference reflects the portion size.
Q: Are the prices on the online menu the same as in the restaurant?
A: Usually yes, but some locations update their online menu late. The price at the table is the one you pay. If there is a discrepancy, the restaurant price wins.
Q: What is the most expensive item on the Cinco De Mayo menu?
A: The seafood platters and the steak fajitas are the most expensive. The shrimp fajitas often top the list at around twenty dollars.
Now you have a clear picture of what you will spend. Next time you visit, you can order with confidence and skip the guesswork. Just remember to check the lunch specials first, and do not forget to ask about the daily special before you order from the regular menu. That is the best way to get a good meal without breaking the bank.