Taco Bell Cantina Cantina

A Boozy, Art Deco Taco Bell Just Opened in Tourist-Heavy Hollywood | Eater LA

"Housed at 6741 Hollywood Boulevard in the nearly century-old Pickwick bookstore, I found the new Cantina to be a neon-tinged, Art Deco-infused take on fast food: chandeliers, a light-up marquee over the bar and ordering counter, and ornate handicraft on the building give it a theatrical feel. It’s not upscale—just better lighting and some booze—serving alcohol-soaked slushies like the Baja Blasted in lurid colors and plastic cups. Customers order at digital kiosks and can sit at the bar, along the opposite wall under vintage framed photos, or by the window that looks onto Hollywood Boulevard; there’s even a DJ hookup that may or may not see much use. The menu is otherwise mostly the usual tacos, Crunchwraps, and Taco Bell staples. Operated by franchisee Brian Cox as the first Cantina in LA County, it will likely appeal to tourists wanting cheap drinks and food near Hollywood and Highland, though its location inside Hollywood’s contested “no vending” zone—currently the subject of a lawsuit—raises broader questions about the neighborhood’s dining scene." - Farley Elliott