I’ve quickly dismissed fast food offerings among my family and extended family members, and I’m known as a food snob. However, when you are part of a family that enjoys Taco Bell, sometimes, you have to go along for the ride. I recently did so when I joined my family for a trip to the newly opened Taco Bell Cantina in Hollywood.
On a road trip, my wife and daughter discovered the World’s Most Beautiful Taco Bell. Situated on Pacifica State Beach in California, this Taco Bell has become famous for its stylish interior and outdoor patio with stunning white-water ocean views. It even has a walk-up window for surfers. It is named “Cantina” because they feature alcoholic beverages.
The Hollywood location is in the city’s epicenter, just a block from the TCL (better known as Grauman’s Chinese Theater). Consistent with the Hollywood theme, the decor is garish art deco with black and gold colors, chandelier lighting, and modern Latino pop music. Customers can sit under vintage framed photos, or if you like people watching, by the window that looks out onto Hollywood Blvd.
Orders are placed at the digital kiosks by the entrance. Except for the chicken quesadilla (10% higher), prices are the same as a regular LA Taco Bell. The cantina concept features local beer, wine, and neon-colored frosty drinks made with premium spirits such as Don Julio. Unfortunately, the Hollywood location still needs its liquor license and has no ETA on when it will have it.
Usually, I am well versed in the food we are about to experience, but as a Taco Bell newb, I was clearly outclassed by my wife and daughter. My daughter said at a regular Taco Bell, it is “hit or miss when you customize your order.” With the Cantina concept, the food arrives precisely how you requested, much like an actual restaurant experience, even down to the number of hot sauce packets you receive.
Since my wife and daughter are experts, I relied on their Taco Bell acumen. My wife was thrilled that they brought back the Mexican Pizza, a cross between a quesadilla and a pizza. They enjoyed liberally squeezing hot sauce packets on top and nodded in agreement as they ate the pizza and the Nachos BellGrande. They both agreed that the chips were better. My daughter had two dipping sauces: sour cream mixed with diablo sauce and avocado ranch.
Is it worth visiting? I would wait until they obtain their liquor license. Otherwise, it is just another IG opportunity. Remember that this is the heart of tourist land, meaning finding a parking spot is tricky. If you take the Metro Red Line, it’s only a 2-minute walk.
Taco Bell Cantina, 6741 Hollywood Blvd. LA; tacobell.com
I LIKE THIS TACO BELL TOO. IT IS AMAZING AND WELL NEEDED IN THIS AREA!