Win free tacos for a year and other National Taco Day freebies and deals on Oct. 4 in Dallas-Fort Worth

Update: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to include 2018 dates and deals.

Great news: National Taco Day falls on a Thursday this year, which means you can enjoy your regularly scheduled #TacoTuesday and feel reasonably justified in celebrating the lesser known #TacoThursday on Oct. 4. 

Just kidding. You don't need a hashtag's permission for that. But, let's spice it up with National Taco Day freebies, funnies and deals. Here's where to get 'em in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Chuy's

If you've ever felt buyer's remorse over that taco Halloween costume hanging in your closet (hey, those things can be pricey), here's your chance to get your money's worth: "Dress like a taco" at Chuy's Tex-Mex on Oct. 4 for a free entree of your choice, a statement says. (Your meal must be redeemed that day.)

Other deals: Add a crispy beef taco to your meal for $1 and add a Patron tequila floater to your (regular priced) margarita for $1. Modelo beers are $1 off. Any Chuy's T-shirt with a taco on it will be on special for $10. Find a Chuy's location near you.

Fuzzy's Taco Shop

Maybe it's just us, but there seems to be a Fuzzy's Taco Shop around every corner these days -- that could be because there are now more than 100 locations across the country -- so, most people won't have to go far to partake in the $1 tacos deal at Fort Worth-founded Fuzzy's.

The prolific chain's National Taco Day promotion is good all day on Oct. 4, and includes most of the shop's baja tacos, including breakfast tacos, but excludes the California Heat, shrimp and fajita tacos. To-go orders don't apply.

El Fenix 

This 100 year-old Dallas institution offers tacos for $1 on Oct. 4. Choices are beef or chicken with soft or crunchy shells, and the deal is limited to 3 per person. Find a location near you.

Vidorra

Vidorra made big waves when it opened recently in Deep Ellum. Known for a fantastic view of the Dallas skyline and bigger-than-you-would-believe margarita bowls, the spot is instantly popular -- and, has the lines to prove it.

That's why you should get there early on National Taco Day. Vidorra is offering $1 street tacos all day on Oct. 4. Choose from barbacoa, chicken tinga, trompo pork, trompo beef or carnitas. Or, don't choose. It's a good chance to try a variety at a buck a piece. 

If you can't make it early, there's still a good reason to take a look. There will be discounts on house margaritas after 7 p.m., according to a statement.

Fajita Pete's

Get a free chicken or beef fajita taco at Fajita Pete's all day on Oct. 4. There's no purchase necessary, but it's good for in-store dining only. There's a location in North Dallas. 

TNT Tacos and Tequila

Think you've got what it takes to take home the championship title at the second annual TNT Tacos and Tequila Taco Eating Contest? Yeah, you do.

True to its name, this Uptown joint will throw a National Taco Day party (with tequila!) on its patio from 4-9 p.m on Oct. 4.

Admission is $14 per person, and that gets you access to a street taco buffet, with all-you-can-eat tacos.

We're not talking just any tacos, though. This buffet features a variety with barbecue pulled pork, chicken verde and picadillo meats, plus mac-n-cheese, corn cakes and homemade tortillas.

But don't fill up on the buffet if taking home contest glory is your destiny. The contest begins at 7:30 p.m. on the rooftop patio, which overlooks Uptown. After a ceremonious countdown, contestants will race to be the first to finish 20 mini tacos. Tell 'em what they win, internet: Check out the prizes for first, second and third places.

To play: Call 469-518-7888.

Sidebar: Did you know that 50 cents of every Good Karma Guacamole goes to the Dallas Holocaust Museum?

Come back on #tacotuesday: TNT's all-you-can-eat street taco buffet is $10 per person on Tuesdays from 5-9 p.m. 

bartaco

Fort Worth may seem far from coastal, but the North Texas location of this national spot that showcases "upscale street food" might change your mind about Cowtown's landlocked status. Bartaco "evokes a visit to a stylish beach resort," the website claims, and its National Taco Day recipe seems perfectly aligned with that philosophy.

A new secret menu item will be released on Oct. 4, and here's the dish: the Miso Cod Taco features "spiel cod marinated in a blonde miso ... on a bed of sesame aioli and finished off with pickled cucumber and shoshito for a crisp crunch," according to a statement.

If you love the idea of being in-the-know about future #bartacosecret recipes, you can sign up for the newsletter list.

El Pollo Loco

Get a free chicken taco al carbon with any regularly priced food or beverage item on Oct. 4 with this coupon from El Pollo Loco. The deal is good for in-store purchases only.

Also, you can sign up to win free tacos for a year. One hundred folks will get this swank t-shirt, and whenever they wear it into a store during the following year, the tacos are on El Pollo Loco. Find a location in North Texas.

On the Border

You might want to move your cheat day to Thursday this week. On the Border is offering all-you-can-eat tacos for $8.99 on Oct. 4. 

The endless supply includes ground beef and chicken tinga meats, as well as crunchy and soft tortillas, and you can mix-and-match to your heart's desire. The price includes rice, refried beans and bottomless chips and salsa. The deal is available all day long at all On the Border locations, while supplies last.

Share the love: If you're looking for an option to impress coworkers or family, On the Border also offers 15 percent off of taco buffet catering orders totalling $200 or more through Oct. 7. Mention TACO18 when you order in stores or online.

Taco Bell

A lot is going on with Taco Bell -- in fact, the fast food chain wants to move away from the "fast-food" title altogether. In 2017, the company added weddings to the menu in Las Vegas; it integrated a "taco mode" into the Lyft app so late-night drivers would know what to expect; and the company is reportedly still rapidly expanding its cantina line (those are fancier shops that don't have drive-throughs, but do have alcoholic beverages).

The Bell is thirsty for that youth action, y'all.

And, when it comes to National Taco Day? Please. Last year, they kicked off "Taco Season" with an elaborate -- and we do mean elaborate -- holiday special, Glen and the Magic Taco, an animated short that tells the origins of Taco Day. 

So does Glen, or Santa, or somebody, bring us free tacos?! 

Not exactly. National Taco Day at Taco Bell involves a National Taco Day Gift Set including four Taco Bell tacos (Nacho Cheese, Cool Ranch, Fiery Doritos Locos and regular old crunchy) "gift-wrapped" in a special box for $5.50. The whimsical present is available but once a year, on Oct. 4.

New in 2018, the company will sell a digital gift card (replete with a personal note) so you can treat friends and family from afar.

Taco Bueno

We were devastated by recent news that Farmers Branch-based Taco Bueno has closed 9 restaurants in North Texas. Say it ain't, so!

Don't panic, just yet. The company says it's merely reallocated resources to its most successful locations. Bueno celebrates the most taco-y of days with a special deal featuring a new, limited-time-only menu item: Texas Street Tacos.

On Oct. 4, guests can try a free Texas Street Taco with any purchase. Available through Nov. 12, the they will normally cost $1.79 each, $5 for three or $20 for a box of twelve.

Find a Bueno near you.

El Rincon

El Rincon Mexican Kitchen and Tequila Bar in Carrollton will offer an $11 taco sampler on Oct. 4. It includes fresh tilapia, shrimp and brisket tacos.

Cold Stone Creamery

Because you'll need dessert after partaking in breakfast, lunch and dinner tacos, head to Cold Stone Creamery for a special ice cream taco wrapped in a crunchy waffle shell. It's available for one day only, on Oct. 4. Find a location in North Texas.

Know another great National Taco Day celebration or special in D-FW? 

Get at us: @GuideLive on social media.

Correction: This story originally stated incorrect hours for the Fajita Pete's deal -- the free tacos are available all day from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.