Somerville May Get a Boozy Taco Bell Cantina

In summer 2015, Taco Bell starting talking about opening a new concept in Chicago that would serve alcohol, and Boston was a desired target for future expansion as well. Since then, a concept called Taco Bell Cantina has opened in a number of cities; take a look inside locations in Chicago, Las Vegas, and Austin, for example.

Now, local expansion may actually be in the works. Davis Square LiveJournal poster Ron Newman notes that at an “informal meeting with a few local residents” this week, Ward 6 Alderman Lance Davis mentioned that Taco Bell was eyeing 234 Elm St., formerly iYo Bistro, for a potential Taco Bell Cantina.

If Taco Bell Cantina does land in Somerville’s Davis Square, expect brightly colored boozy slushes (Twisted Freezes), some beers on tap, and a little bit of a funkier decor than a standard Taco Bell. According to Eater Vegas, Twisted Freezes come in flavors such as piña colada, lemonade, orange, Baja blast, and more, with tequila, rum, spiced rum, vodka, or whiskey mixed in.

Like Taco Bell, Taco Bell Cantina is counter-service, but the menu is a bit larger, with shareable small plates (nachos, chicken fingers, etc.) in addition to the usual selection of gorditas, burritos, etc.

Eater has reached out to Taco Bell; this article will be updated should more information become available. (Update: A rep for Taco Bell parent company Yum! Brands says that there isn’t “anything concrete” to share at this time about a potential Somerville location.)

•Will a Taco Bell Cantina Replace Iyo Cafe in Davis Square? [DSLJ]
•Taco Bell Cantina Eyeing Boston Expansion, May Be Looking at Somerville's Davis Square [BRT]
•Taco Bell's Greatest Idea Yet — Selling Booze — Is in Boston's Future [EBOS]