
WALDORF, Md. — California Tortilla has a special deal for hungry customers to redeem this spring. On April 15, diners can get free small chips and queso or salsa with any other purchase at the Maryland chain. To unlock this offer, customers should use the code “GOVCHEESE” in the California Tortilla app or through the restaurant’s online menu.
Alternatively, customers can use the secret passphrase “Government Cheese” inside the store to redeem the chips and queso offer. This limited-time deal falls on Tax Day, offering a special treat for Americans who have just finished submitting their taxes.
Founded in Bethesda in 1995, the Maryland chain has expanded into other states in the U.S., including New Jersey and South Carolina. Washingtonian Magazine has repeatedly named California Tortilla as serving the best Mexican food and best burritos throughout the past two decades.
In addition to chips, California Tortilla serves burritos, bowls, melts, tacos and salads, among other Mexican dishes, while kids meals are available for children. California Tortilla even has its own brand of signature hot sauce, so there’s a variety of different flavors to try.

Every California Tortilla Location In Maryland
California Tortilla has locations across Maryland, including in Annapolis and Waldorf. We’ve compiled every location, along with its address, so that customers can easily find a local restaurant to redeem their free chips on April 15.
Annapolis — 2002 Annapolis Mall Rd, Annapolis, MD 21401
Bethesda — 4871 Cordell Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814
Bowie — 3941 Evergreen Pkwy, Bowie, MD 20716
Columbia — 6250 Columbia Crossing Circle, Columbia, MD 21045
Frederick — 1700 Kingfisher Dr, Suite 15, Frederick, MD 21701
Mount Airy — 1311 South Main St, Mount Airy, MD 21771
Olney — 18101 Village Center Dr, Olney, MD 20832
Potomac — Cabin John — 7727 Tuckerman Ln, Potomac, MD 20854
St. Charles Towne Center — 11110 Mall Circle, Unit A12, Waldorf, MD 20603
Other Tax Day Deals In Southern Maryland
Southern Marylanders seeking a treat on Tax Day have a few options. From frozen ice to beverages, here are a couple of freebies and rewards you can score on April 15 to celebrate your recently completed taxes.

Kona Ice
Kona Ice is offering a free cup of shaved ice on April 15 to brighten up your Tax Day. Kona Ice operates mobile trucks in Anne Arundel County, Charles County, Prince George’s County and St. Mary’s County, serving up frozen treats just in time for spring.
Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck
A free frozen drink is available at Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck on April 15 at its traveling storefronts. These coffee trucks operate in Anne Arundel County and St. Mary’s County, though they move around.
Qdoba
Qdoba is introducing Tax Day Guac Relief this April. Between March 25 and April 15, customers can take a survey on TaxDayGuacRelief.com to earn a $5 reward that’s applicable to any full-sized entree at Qdoba restaurants. You can then redeem your reward on any date between April 20 and 26.
The survey requires customers to explain the last time they had to pay for an extra side of guacamole, as Qdoba offers a scoop free with each of its entrees. If you like burritos, then you won’t want to miss out on Tax Day Guac Relief in 2026!
Grubhub
Grubhub is a food delivery service that has a special promotion for Tax Day in 2026. Customers can file a Grubhub Fee Return application between April 6 and 15 by submitting a food delivery receipt from 2025 that includes extra fees. Anybody who enters has the chance to collect $20 in Grubhub credit, so don’t miss your chance if you love getting food delivered straight to your door.
Subway
If you like sandwiches, then you should join the Subway Sub Club via its mobile app or website. Until April 28, Sub Club members can get a free footlong sandwich with the purchase of any other footlong, and using the code FLBOGO on April 15 will offer you an additional chance to win a free footlong coupon. Only 1,040 diners will receive the free sandwich coupon straight to their Sub Club account, but it’s a fun way to get through the tax season, especially since footlongs are already buy-one-get-one-free this April.
Got a tip or photo? Text us at 888-871-NEWS (6397) or email news@thebaynet.com.
Join The BayNet Membership for exclusive perks and zero ads.
Don’t miss a story—sign up for our newsletter!

California Tortilla is mid, at best. As someone from California, Mexican food just isn’t that great outside of California (exceptions: Chicago, Colorado…Tex-Mex is not the same)