While freebies like plastic bags and extra sauce on the side are becoming a thing of the past, there's still one glorious exception: the complimentary chips and salsa at many restaurants.
While some places have given up on this delightful tradition, these restaurants still offer a basket of warm chips and fiery salsa to kick off your meal and keep more cash in your wallet.
Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account
Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!1 <p>See website for details.</p>
With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!
This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.
Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.
Apply for a Discover Cashback Checking account today
On the Border
/images/2024/04/17/on-the-border-restaurant.jpeg)
When you dine in, On the Border gives you free chips and salsa. If you just can't get enough, their chips are available in grocery stores. Even better, you can also get free chips and guacamole when you join their rewards program.
El Chico
/images/2024/04/17/homemade-salsa-and-tortilla-chips.jpeg)
This beloved Texas restaurant was founded in 1890 when the Cuellar family migrated to Texas from Mexico.
Since then, it has added several locations in Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Tennessee, all of which provide patrons with their delicious free chips and salsa.
El Torito
/images/2024/04/17/couple-eating-at-outdoor-mexican-restaurant.jpeg)
This upscale Mexican chain has restaurants up and down the California coastline. You can order food online, but to get your free chips and salsa, you'll have to dine in at one of their 25 locations.
Get a protection plan on all your appliances
Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.
Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.
For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.
Chevy's Fresh Mex
/images/2024/04/17/woman-eating-mexican-tacos-at-restaurant.jpeg)
Though several of its locations have closed, there are still 17 Chevy's Fresh Mex restaurants in California, South Dakota, Minnesota, Missouri, Virginia, and New Jersey — all ready to welcome you with fresh chips and salsa.
Casa Ole
/images/2024/04/17/chips-and-salsa-at-table.jpeg)
With 15 locations in Texas and one in Louisiana, Casa Ole offers not only free chips and salsa but also free dessert for joining the rewards program. You'll also receive a free gift on your birthday. ¡Feliz cumpleaños!
Trending Stories
El Charro Cafe
/images/2024/04/17/couple-dating-at-mexican-restaurant.jpeg)
As the oldest Mexican restaurant owned by one family, El Charro Cafe has four locations in Arizona, including one at the Tuscon airport.
On top of tasty free chips and salsa, Founder Monica Flin is credited as the inventor of the chimichanga, so you know it's got to be delicious.
Carlos O'Kelly's
/images/2024/04/17/salsa-dip-and-nachos-tortilla-chips.jpeg)
With "O'Kelly's" in the name, you might suspect that the term "Mexican" is applied loosely to this midwestern restaurant — and rightly so.
In addition to burritos and enchiladas (and free chips and salsa), they offer casseroles to-go, steak, chicken fingers, and mac 'n' cheese.
Abuelo's
/images/2024/04/17/red-tomato-spicy-salsa-with-chips.jpeg)
Unlike most of these chains, Abuelo's was started by three gringos — with the help of Chef Luis Sanchez.
And with locations across Texas, Arizona, Oklahoma, Florida, Arkansas, Kansas, South Carolina, and Tennessee, you're never too far from free chips and salsa at Abuelo's.
Cantina Laredo
/images/2024/04/17/bowl-of-salsa-with-tortillas.jpeg)
This chain spans six U.S. states, including Arkansas, Virginia, Florida, Texas, Missouri, and Minnesota. In addition to free salsa and chips, you can sign up for their e-Club and get a free appetizer. Reward members can also score a free dessert on their birthday.
Alert: Americans lost billions to identity theft and fraud
According to the FTC, Americans lost over $10 billion to fraud and identity theft in 2023. Before your next online purchase, safeguard your data with all-in-one identity theft protection services from Aura.
Starting at just $9 per month, access Aura's Dark Web monitoring that scours data breaches for your sensitive personal data including Social Security numbers (SSN), Medicare information, and phone numbers.
Save up to 68% when you sign up today.
Azteca
/images/2024/04/17/homemade-salsa-and-tortilla-chips.jpeg)
The origin of Azteca is a classic rags-to-riches story of Jose "Pepe" Ramos, who moved his family to the U.S. and worked multiple jobs to save enough to start a restaurant in Burien, Washington. The chain now has numerous locations across Washington State.
Gringos
/images/2024/04/17/friends-uniting-over-tasty-tacos.jpeg)
Gringos offers not one but two types of free salsa with your chips. When you dine in, you'll be treated to red and green salsa at any of their Texas locations.
El Rodeo
/images/2024/04/17/mexican-people-eating-taco-al-pastor.jpeg)
Each of the eight El Rodeo restaurants in Pennsylvania is family-owned and operated. If free chips and salsa when you dine in aren't enough, join their rewards program to get 10% off takeout orders placed online.
La Plaza
/images/2024/04/17/mexican-nacho-chips-and-salsa-dip.jpeg)
This chain has six locations across the Texas Panhandle and Oklahoma, and salsa tasty enough to make a meal on its own. Many of the towns that host La Plaza restaurants are remote, but they're worth the drive for the chips and salsa.
Tequila
/images/2024/04/17/tortilla-chips-on-plate-with-salsa.jpeg)
This restaurant has two Georgia locations. In addition to free chips and salsa and the standard Mexican fare, they have several vegetarian options. And you definitely won't want to miss their churros.
Margaritas
/images/2024/04/17/chef-giving-taco-to-man-outdoor.jpeg)
With over a dozen locations across the East Coast, Margaritas (understandably) has an extensive menu of cocktails. Check out their margarita of the month, along with your chips and salsa.
Bottom line
/images/2024/04/17/woman-eating-taco-at-food-court.jpeg)
Unlike many things these days, chips and salsa at sit-down Mexican restaurants continue to be a delightful perk.
Savor these complimentary bites while you explore the menu, and use your best rewards credit card to save even more on your delicious and affordable dining experience.
¡Buen provecho!
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Subscribe Today
Learn how to make an extra $200
Get vetted side hustles and proven ways to earn extra cash sent to your inbox.