Taco Bell Cantina Opens In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Last month Taco Bell told Patch the Alexandria Taco Bell Cantina will be open by the end of 2018. Now it's set an official opening date: Friday, Dec. 21.

Washington Business Journal first reported the news, which Patch confirmed through a Taco Bell spokesperson. The restaurant will be located at Tavern Square, 417 King Street, the space formerly occupied by the Pendleton store.

It will be the first Taco Bell serving alcoholic beverages in Virginia and the DC region. The menu includes shareable appetizers, along with food items found at regular Taco Bell locations. beer, wine, sangria and twisted Freezes.

It's unclear if alcohol sales will be available on opening day. The restaurant has a temporary liquor license, according to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority's database.

It will have 52 indoor seats and 20 outdoor seats. The restaurant will be open from 7 a.m.-2 a.m., although outdoor dining must close by 11 p.m.

Alexandria City Council approved Taco Bell Cantina in March. The proposal drew opposition from some residents concerned about alcohol sales, late hours and potential litter. The complaints were reminiscent of the community response when Taco Bell tried to bring in a location at 4213 Duke Street in 2017. Taco Bell withdrew the application for that location.

Taco Bell Cantina has locations around the U.S. and is designed for urban, walkable areas.

CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 22: Guests enjoy twisted Freezes 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 by Scott Olson/Getty Images)