Working professionals everywhere know the struggle of putting in a hard day’s work, then still having to figure out food. It can be the straw that breaks the camel’s back—but, thankfully, versatile meal options like the quesadilla have a long history of solving this conundrum.
Today (Friday, September 25, 2026) is National Quesadilla Day, which is the perfect occasion to celebrate and learn about this cheesy delight.
We will even let you in on the best deals to satisfy your well-earned hunger.
A brief history of the tortilla
At its core, traditional quesadillas are made of a folded tortilla and melted cheese prepared by heating on a griddle. Tortillas date all the way back to Mesoamerican times around 10,000 BC and were a staple food in the diets of the Aztecs and Mayans.
When the Spanish, under Hernan Cortés, conquered what would become Mexico City in the 1500s, the conquistadors were exposed to the corn-based “tlaxcalli.”
They decided to change the moniker to tortillas because the round shape resembled the egg dish popular in Spain. This new name comes from the Spanish word torta, which means cake. Beyond name changes, the Spanish also introduced dairy.
A brief history of the quesadilla
These days, many Americans make quesadillas with cheddar cheese in the microwave, which might make the ancient Aztecs a little sad.
The quesadilla, like many culinary delights, evolved borrowing aspects of both the Spanish and ancient mesoamerican cultures.
It soon spread throughout Mexico, with each region adding its own flair to the dish.
In the 19th century, it reached the United States. Flour tortillas even got in on the action. Quesadillas today can have chicken, steak, salsa, or whatever makes stomachs happy.
National Quesadilla Day deals
Now that we know the history behind this versatile food, let’s check out where you can score some great deals.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Chipotle Mexican Grill loves National Quesadilla Day so much it is celebrating for two days.
On both Thursday, September 24, and the big day, Friday, September 25, you can get a free quesadilla with a $20 digital purchase. Just use promo code NQD2026.
Del Taco
Continuing the multi-day celebration trend, Del Yeah! Rewards members have all the fun at Del Taco. There’s a BOGO going on from September 25 to the 27: Buy one cheddar quesadilla, get the second one free.
Dillas Quesadillas
At all Dillas Quesadillas locations, Dillas Diehards members are eligible to purchase a $5 Double Dilla through a special offer on their accounts.
This features double chicken, double cheese, and is topped with a queso drizzle.
Beyond the quesadilla deal, members are also entered to win free Dillas for a year. If you aren’t a member yet, join by 11:59 p.m. on September 25.
If you miss the mark, never fear, you can still get the deal through a promo code to be shared on its social media pages.
Moe’s Southwest Grill
It’s time to become a Moe Rewards Member at Moe’s Southwest Grill. This way you can take advantage of quesadilla BOGO of course. This is available on the app or online only.
Wherever you chow down and whatever fillings you choose, we hope it’s the easiest and most delicious decision you make all day.