And, critically, with the high volume they're able to keep supplies fresh and staff well-trained. Taco bell is still just salty, fatty fast-food, but that one is top-tier (locations right off major interstates in well-lot towns tend to have better food too). The vast majority of locations are worse -- bad burrito folding, sloppy ingredient measuring, stale tortillas, crusty beans, .... I think the public sentiment would be better if people hadn't experienced low-volume Taco Bells.

That one is okay, but I don't feel like it's much better than others in the Bay Area. Actually, I was surprised the menu isn't more different.

It's not the only one that serves alcohol - there's one in downtown SJ and probably some more around. I notice the website doesn't tell you which ones are Cantinas though.

We were there to watch the whales that have been hanging out last month and the amount of people there was mind blowing. Kind of a shame because we didn’t want to deal with such a crowd. But when I ate there in 2019 it was delicious. I can’t remember how much we paid.

I don’t think you understood their point. They were comparing that location to other Taco Bell locations. It wasn’t a comment about the chain.

yeah, I misread

Not sure why you’re downvoted but you’re right. Although none of the places you mentioned are technically “fast food” — they’re fresh made to order always which is counter to the concept of fast food and as a result are very good respectable food.

The OP is talking about the specific location, not the chain itself.

“Fast casual”

My wife and I go sometimes. They also serve beer.

There is also a pretty good Panda Express right there you can grab takeout from and Park in the beach parking lot.

There is another Taco Bell cantina right near our apartment near oracle park. They have really good prices for alcohol compared to the surrounding bars.

The only issue with that Cantina is it has a really crap crowd and the quality is mixed on their prep.

I'm curious what kind of crowd one looks for at a Taco Bell bar?

Taco Bell in SoMa and the one in Tenderloin tended to have a lot of strung out, mentally ill, or homeless persons. It was nice that they were allowed to take a seat and enjoy water or whatever food they purchased, but it also affects the cleanliness of the restaurant.

I once had someone while eating stand up and just take their pants off in the KFC/Taco Bell in Tenderloin...

When I get to a Taco Bell, I look for how clean the tables are, how well-arranged the sauce/napkin station is, and how clean the fountain drink area is. If any of those are actively a disaster, it tells me the food quality is probably going to be worse (yes yes, its already terrible)

Sounds like this is the one in SoMa in San Francisco. I used to work remotely for an office around the corner from there and would prefer to go to this TB for dinner (I'm a cheap traveler... My company doesn't have to worry about me expensing fancy meals). The issue with this one, if I remember correctly, is that there are a lot of homeless who hang out there. ("Un-housed"? "Vagrant"? I'm not sure what the proper term is, but I'm genuinely not trying to be offensive).

Taco Bell is my favorite fast food, but I'm on a boycott after an app-induced billing error that ate an entire gift card... Their customer support is atrocious so I'll just spend my money elsewhere.

I totally forgot about this Taco Bell. I used to go there with my dad in the late 80's/early 90's (I grew up in that area).

I don't recall them selling alcohol in those days (I was also much too young to drink then) but it was pretty cool even back then.

It is also occasionally a wedding venue.

For those who demand synchronous proof of low expectations to commit.

Nothing wrong with repurposing Taco Bells as wedding bells.

It really is quite a nice Taco Bell.

It’s still a Taco Bell with a few much better sit down places in the adjacent strip mall

I intentionally went there a few years ago when I was in the area to check it out because a few people at work were making a big deal about it.

It fine and all but it was still just a normal Taco Bell like you said, the only thing nicer about it is the decor.

Penn and Teller did a show 20 years ago where they served snooty people food from Taco Bell. Might be worth a watch.

Taco Bell by the Sea!

Maybe not the most expensive, but the most beautiful?

There used to be a Wendy’s overlooking Fredericksted harbor on St. Croix. Best deal going on the island with breath taking scenery.

Similarly, St. Thomas had a Taco Bell in Charlotte Amelia. It didn’t last long. The Hard Rock Cafe lasted a bit longer.

Forget the food, the views were incredible.