WICKER PARK — The country's first boozy Taco Bell welcomed a happy crowd on its first Saturday night, as a bouncer stationed at the door wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with the phrase "When in Doubt Tacos" greeted patrons as they came and went.
The security guard, Timothy, who declined to share his last name, described the vibe in the half-full eatery around 10:45 p.m. Saturday as "a lot of pleasant people here, a good ambience."
Timothy said he was hired to work two, four-hour shifts on weekends to make sure patrons were not leaving with any mixed freezes or beer or wine.
Having a bouncer at the door was part of an agreement worked out between Taco Bell franchisee Neal Borkan, Ald. Joe Moreno (1st) and a Wicker Park community group as a compromise to allay fears of underage drinking and people walking out of the Taco Bell with alcohol.
According to Taco Bell Cantina's Plan of Operation — posted to the city's website — Borkan has agreed to employ a security guard from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. Thursday through Sunday and to stop selling alcohol at midnight on weekends and 10 p.m. during the week.
The location at 1439 N. Milwaukee Ave., about two blocks south of the Milwaukee, Damen and North avenues intersection, is called the "Taco Bell Cantina" because it serves alcoholic drinks, along with "shareable" foods.
On Saturday, many folks such as Dez Harper, a Wicker Park resident, were observed taking photos of their drinks and food.
Harper snaps a photo of her taco at the new Wicker Park Taco Bell. [DNAinfo/Alisa Hauser]
"We have been waiting every single day for this to open and live right across the street," said Harper, who was enjoying a meatless taco with beans and drinking a Cantina margarita, one of the menu's "twisted freeze options.
The Cantina's menu includes "twisted freezes," akin to slushies, with a choice of rum, tequila or vodka. Dos Equis beer, selected because it is a Mexican beer, and New Belgium seasonal beers are also on tap along with sangria and red and white wines.
"It's very unique; I'd definitely have to try this again," said Ryan Wilson, a photographer who was drinking a "Baja Blast" mixed freeze with tequila.
A Taco Bell spokeswoman said Monday that she spoke with Borkan and he shared that "this weekend went well and he is excited for the grand opening [Tuesday]."
Set for 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, the grand opening will include a chance for neighbors to meet the owner.
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