A potentially boozy Taco Bell is opening in Rittenhouse Square later this year
Unfortunately for Taco Bell purists, it’s unclear if there will a boozy Mountain Dew Baja Blast Freeze.
The internet has long crowned Taco Bell as the late-night, post-party munching spot. Now, enthusiasts will possibly be able to mix boozy drinks with a Crunchwrap Supreme and Cheesy Gordita Crunch all in one place at a new Taco Bell in Rittenhouse Square.
The Philly area’s firstTaco Bell Cantina will open later this year at 1614 Chestnut St. in Center City. Cantina versions of Taco Bell offer an elevated fast-casual dining experience, typically featuring a custom menu, beer, wine, sangria, and alcoholic versions of Taco Bell’s classic “Freezes.”
However, according to the Philadelphia Business Journal, owners of the new Rittenhouse location haven’t yet decided whether the location will serve alcohol, telling the outlet that they “may serve beer and wine but that plans have not been finalized.”
This uncertainty might disappoint Taco Bell fans eager to try the chain’s exclusive Mountain Dew Baja Blast in a boozed-up form.
“Since opening in 2015, Cantinas have become a popular small-format store. Historically, Taco Bell’s urban Cantina restaurants are tailored for highly walkable areas that do not have the footprint to accommodate a drive-thru. These restaurants are designed to fit their local community. At this time, it’s too early to confirm any details or an opening date for Philadelphia but we will announce once it’s been set,” a Taco Bell Corp. representative said in a statement to The Inquirer.
Earlier this year, Taco Bell created a culinary ambassador program, inviting three U.S. chefs to recreate its celebrated Crunchwrap Supreme. Philly’s Reuben Asaram, known for his “Reuby” pop-ups bridging Mexican and pan-Asian flavors, is one of them. Last February, in a Q&A with The Inquirer, Asaram said that if given the chance to create a Philly Crunchwrap, he would call it the “Jeet Yet? Crunchwrap.”
The Taco Bell Cantina concept began over 10 years ago in Chicago and has since expanded to 50 locations across the U.S. Local owner Danny Patel is behind bringing the Cantina to Philly.