Taco Bell Cantina
Fast food restaurant · Pacifica
5200 CA-1, Pacifica, CA 94044
Highlights
Beachside Taco Bell Cantina serving spiked drinks with ocean views
Beachside Taco Bell Cantina serving spiked drinks with ocean views
"Unironically dubbed the world’s most beautiful Taco Bell, the Pacifica location offers a completely unobstructed ocean view and full sit-down bar. With vodka-spiked Baja Blast in hand, take a seat on the patio that’s just steps away from the sand and the half-naked surfers traipsing to the waves. Yes, it’s a Taco Bell, but you’d be lucky to get this view anywhere." - patrick wong, julia chen 1
"Crashing waves, surfers jogging by in half-zipped wetsuits, a frozen drink in hand—no, you’re not draining your PTO at an all-inclusive resort, it’s the Taco Bell Cantina in Pacifica. If you live in the Bay, you know the lore behind this place. What started as an A&W on Highway 1 in the 60s is now unironically dubbed the world’s most beautiful Taco Bell. And it’s true. video credit: Patrick Wong The back patio faces the Pacific, and there’s just a railing stopping you and your Baja Blast Freeze from tumbling onto the sand. During sunset and the lunch rush, hordes of all ages pack in daily, jostling for photos with their commemorative plastic cups. photo credit: Monica Lo photo credit: Monica Lo photo credit: Monica Lo photo credit: Monica Lo photo credit: Monica Lo Pause Unmute But this is still a Taco Bell. The food is exactly what you’d expect from the fast food chain, though you’d be lucky to eat this close to the water at any restaurant. Coming to the Cantina is a requirement for anyone who likes long walks on the beach and/or sacrificing their stomach lining to a few packets of Diablo Sauce. Here, you can stare out at the Pacific and get existential while inhaling a chalupa, or on the rare occasion, get married. Food Rundown You probably don’t need us to tell you what to order at Taco Bell, but we’re going to do it anyway. Crunchwrap Supreme If you’ve been to Taco Bell, you’ve had a Crunchwrap Supreme. It’s the same as it’s always been, but with a view of the Pacific, so it’s better. photo credit: Monica Lo Cheesy Gordita Crunch A classic. The best of both worlds—a little crunch from the hard shell, a little pillow for your teeth with the flatbread. Best drenched in Fire Sauce. photo credit: Monica Lo Crispy Chicken Nuggets These recently returned to the Taco Bell canonical universe, and we’re glad they’re back. Crispy, juicy, dunked in ranch. We’d get them again. photo credit: Monica Lo Spicy Potato Soft Taco The chipotle sauce adds a built-in kick, and there’s a generous helping of savory potato hunks. Baja Blast Freeze Get it in a yard cup (the swirly plastic vessel that’s over a foot tall) and spike with your choice of alcohol. Stare out at the waves, breathe it in. This is what it’s all about. photo credit: Monica Lo" - Julia Chen
"The beachside location reopened after a remodel (the dining room received a refreshed interior and bar seating) and added new boozy slushie options; the grand reopening party was on Friday, April 4." - Dianne de Guzman
"Described as the "most beautiful" cantina in Pacifica, this outpost underwent months of remodeling and is planning a big reopening party on Friday, April 4, with a live DJ, drink giveaways and free tacos, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Location operator James Aman told the paper his customers come from across the world to strike the place off their bucket list. The location closed for the facelift on January 5; a takeout window opened at the end of that month and now a second walk-up window joins it "to improve order efficiency," per a press release. For the first time at this outpost there will be a full, seated bar, and three new flavors of the Twisted Freeze boozy slushies join the menu. Renovations also include new tile and outdoor heaters for alfresco diners, so surfers and tourists alike can expect a warm welcome upon return." - Paolo Bicchieri
"This beachside fast-food outpost in Pacifica — often dubbed the “nicest” or “most beautiful” fast food spot due to its beachside location — was temporarily closed as of Sunday, January 5 for a two-week remodel. Company executive James Aman announced the news in a Facebook post, sharing a photo of a huge “Closed for remodel” sign over the doors to the restaurant. It's not entirely clear when, exactly, the restaurant will reopen or what work is being done; “let’s hope the walk-up window remains untouched.”" - Dianne de Guzman
