Taco Bell Cantina Proposal Goes To Alexandria City Council

After a deferral in February, the Planning Commission has allowed a proposed Taco Bell serving alcohol to move forward to the City Council. On Saturday, March 17, the council will consider the plans to open the Taco Bell Cantina at Tavern Square (417 King Street).

Taco Bell Cantina differs from regular locations by offering tapas-style, shareable appetizers along with traditional menu items, as well as alcoholic drinks like twisted freezes, beer and wine. Aside from the bar-style menu additions, the Cantina restaurants have open kitchens, digital menu boards and local artwork.Tailored toward urban and walkable communities, at least a dozen locations have opened in the U.S. Taco Bell hopes to open hundreds more in the coming years, according to Thrillist.

Under Taco Bell's proposal for Alexandria, there would be a patio addition facing King Street and interior renovations to add a new dining area, kitchen and bathrooms. In all 20 outdoor seats and 52 indoor seats are planned. Proposed hours are 7 a.m.-2 a.m. daily.

The Taco Bell Cantina faces some resident oppositions. Three community members expressed concerns about noise, the late night hours and parking to the Planning Commission. Plans for another Taco Bell at 4213 Duke Street fell flat last February due to resident backlash. Residents cited concerns such as, traffic, property values, loitering and noise during late hours. Today there is only one location in the City of Alexandria (231 South Van Dorn Street).

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CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 22: Beer and twisted Freezes are sold along with Mexican-inspired food at a Taco Bell Cantina restaurant on September 22, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. The restaurant is Taco Bell's first to serve alcohol. Along with the regular fast food menu guest can also order beer, wine, sangria and twisted Freezes which can be mixed with rum, tequila or vodka. (Photo Illustration by Scott Olson/Getty Images)