It's fitting that the first Taco Bell to serve alcohol in the U.S. would be in Chicago. But we didn't know it would actually happen.
When it was revealed that the new Taco Bell in Wicker Park was applying for a liquor license, whether it would go through was anyone's guess.
Well, everything appears to have gone according to plan. Taco Bell can and will get you drunk if you allow it.
The good news comes from Taco Bell officials who recently confirmed they would sell boozy wares at their future Wicker Park restaurant, located at 1439 N. Milwaukee Avenue. Patrons will be able to order beer, wine and alcoholic freezes. The only bad news is that you won't be able to take your party drinks off the Taco Bell premises. New cup designs will mark whether the drink has booze in it. Just how attentive the staff will be given the busy location is anyone's guess. The Taco Bell in my hometown actually had an overnight security guard.
According to Eater, the new Wicker Park location will add a few new items to their menu in effort to become less fast-foody and more "fast-casual." To the same end, the kitchen will be open, allowing customers to see their food being prepared. Items could be served in baskets.
Expect the dining experience to be much classier than the Taco Bells of your past. A rendering shows a wall of exposed brick and furniture essentially the same as the many Chipotles scattered across Chicago. Similar contemporary designs were introduced in Seoul, Tokyo and the U.K.
Here's to hoping they'll serve brunch cocktails. Cheers.