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\n \n <\/noscript><\/p><\/div>\n \nIt was a perfect sunny day when I visited Taco Bell Pacifica. \n <\/figcaption> \n Anneta Konstantinides\/Insider \n <\/span> \n <\/span> \n <\/figure>\nIt was a sunny day in Pacifica. This is a small community that lies just a few minutes from San Francisco, and shares its fogginess.\u00a0<\/p>\n
On Thanksgiving eve, the sky was brilliant blue and the surfboards were in full force at the restaurant. As soon as I got out the car, I could see the surfers in full force. I was also greeted by the salt-tinged smell and the sound of breaking waves. Ah, paradise.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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Before I went inside, I decided to get a closer look at the ocean view \u2014 which looked straight out of a California postcard.<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\n \n <\/noscript><\/p><\/div>\n \nThis is the view right behind Taco Bell Pacifica. \n <\/figcaption> \n Anneta Konstantinides\/Insider \n <\/span> \n <\/span> \n <\/figure>\nTaco Bell’s backyard was full of fellow Bay Area residents enjoying the sunshine and watching the surfers conquer the ocean. The view from the cliff was stunning and reminded me of Malibu.\u00a0<\/p>\n
For a split second, I forgot that I was in a fast-food place.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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My family was hungry after an hour-long drive. I finally decided to go inside and order. The interior was chic and modern.<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\n \n <\/noscript><\/p><\/div>\n \nThe counter at Taco Bell Pacifica. \n <\/figcaption> \n Anneta Konstantinides\/Insider \n <\/span> \n <\/span> \n <\/figure>\nTaco Bell Pacifica is characterized by a crisp white background and a beautiful turquoise color, which is used as the main counter.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Despite being on holiday, the location was packed for Wednesday lunch.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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Because this is a Cantina, I ordered all three special alcoholic beverages.<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\n \n <\/noscript><\/p><\/div>\n \nSangria, Mountain Dew Baja Breeze, and The Cantina Margarita. \n <\/figcaption> \n Anneta Konstantinides\/Insider \n <\/span> \n <\/span> \n <\/figure>\nI had the Mountain Dew Baja Blast with Cantina Margarita and Sangria. The Baja Blast and Margarita can be ordered with vodka or tequila. You can also specify whether you want the top-shelf or regular liquor.\u00a0<\/p>\n
And, in true \u200b\u200b”Live M\u00e1s”spirit, <\/strong>You can add more shots to your drink or use a large, Fat Tuesday-style reusable mug (more details in a bit).<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n
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My family and me snatched two tables at the edge the deck, and we started with Taco Bell cocktails.<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\n \n <\/noscript><\/p><\/div>\n \nTaco Bell Pacifica, my family’s table. \n <\/figcaption> \n Anneta Konstantinides\/Insider \n <\/span> \n <\/span> \n <\/figure>\nThe sangria was my favorite. It tasted a bit like fros\u00e9, with just a hint of sweetness. It was also my favorite drink, as I could actually taste the alcohol.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Baja Blast was another favorite, which I ordered with vodka. Although I didn’t know it was Mountain Dew-based, the drink was very refreshing and had a good balance of sweet and tart.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Cantina Margarita I ordered with Tequila had a bright green color, but it tasted artificial to me. It was the type of drink I would have enjoyed as a 20 year-old while partying in Cabo on Squid Roe during Spring Break.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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It was finally time to get some food.<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\n \n <\/noscript><\/p><\/div>\n \nThe Cantina Crispy-Melt taco \n <\/figcaption> \n Anneta Konstantinides\/Insider \n <\/span> \n <\/span> \n <\/figure>\nI haven’t been super impressed with the chain’s new tacos in the past \u2014 I always go for the burritos or a Crunchwrap \u2014 so I was shocked by how much I loved the Cantina Crispy Melt. The seasoned beef had tons of flavor, the veggies didn’t taste stale, and the taco was super juicy \u2014 even without any Taco Bell hot sauce. Each bite was a delight thanks to the crispy white-corn shell.\u00a0<\/p>\n
This taco was a hit with my sister and parents. They each ordered another.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n