San Francisco is set to welcome an exciting new addition to its vibrant dining scene—the Taco Bell Cantina at Fisherman’s Wharf. This novel restaurant concept combines the familiar, beloved flavors of Taco Bell with a modern twist: an upscale lounge atmosphere that serves not only food but also alcoholic beverages, open late into the night. The Cantina is poised to open between late November and early December 2025, located in the Anchorage Square shopping center, taking over the space formerly occupied by Chipotle and Auntie Anne’s.

A New Experience Beyond the Traditional Taco Bell

Unlike your typical fast-food outlet, the Taco Bell Cantina concept is designed to be an experience. While it will still offer Taco Bell’s famous menu—crunchy tacos, burritos, chalupas, and signature items like the Crunchwrap Supreme—the Cantina will also serve a variety of alcoholic drinks. Visitors will be able to enjoy beer, wine, sangria, and exclusive “Twisted Freezes” — frozen cocktails that add a playful and refreshing element to the menu.

The ambiance differs markedly from standard Taco Bell locations. The Cantina features modern and stylish interiors, with comfortable seating, exposed brick walls, open kitchens, and amenities like phone charging stations. The design invites customers to not just grab food, but to linger, socialize, and enjoy an elevated fast-casual dining experience. This shift taps into a growing trend where fast-casual restaurants blend convenience with social, relaxed atmospheres.

Strategic Location at Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is one of San Francisco’s most iconic tourist destinations, known for its waterfront views, seafood eateries, souvenir shops, and lively street performances. Yet, this area has faced challenges, especially after the economic disruptions caused by the pandemic. Many businesses struggled, and the food scene at the Wharf has had limited late-night options until now.

Anchorage Square, a shopping center at 333 Jefferson Street where the new Cantina will be based, has seen a recent change in ownership. In 2023, Los Angeles-based BH Properties acquired the property and began investing in revitalizing the space with new restaurants, refreshed storefronts, improved signage, and upgrades to the central courtyard area. The Taco Bell Cantina fits perfectly into this revitalization effort, expected to attract both tourists and local San Franciscans by offering a fresh dining choice.

Enhancing the Nightlife with Late Hours

One key advantage the Taco Bell Cantina brings to Fisherman’s Wharf is its late-night hours. Most Wharf restaurants typically close by 9 or 10 PM, leaving few options for late-night dining. The Cantina plans to serve food until 3 AM and alcoholic drinks until 2 AM, aligning with California’s regulations. This will provide a new after-hours option, directly competing with the only current late-night fast-food choice in the area, In-N-Out Burger, which closes earlier on weekdays.

This extended service window makes the Cantina especially attractive to night owls, tourists, and locals looking for a casual spot to eat and drink late, whether after a day of sightseeing or during a night out in the city.

The Bay Area Taco Bell Cantina Presence

San Francisco is not new to the Cantina concept. There are already locations near Oracle Park, Berkeley, Pacifica, San Jose, Danville, and San Ramon. These locations blend the familiar Taco Bell food with specialty drinks and a modern vibe, each adapting to its neighborhood culture. The Fisherman’s Wharf Cantina will join this network, further establishing the Cantina brand as a popular choice for those who want quick but thoughtfully presented food and a social environment in the Bay Area.

The Pacifica location, particularly famous for its stunning oceanfront views and stylish design, has become something of a regional landmark. This sets a high standard for the new Wharf location, which brings the added advantage of a high-tourist-traffic site combined with improved amenities and contemporary design.

Economic and Social Impacts

This new opening represents more than just a restaurant launch. It is part of a broader effort to bring renewed vitality to Fisherman’s Wharf, a neighborhood critical to San Francisco’s tourism and local economy. Revitalizing Anchorage Square with new eateries and retail options helps draw visitors, encourages longer stays, and boosts overall business for the area.

For locals, this means more variety and convenience in dining options. Combining quick, affordable food with thoughtfully crafted drinks and a comfortable setting can create a welcoming hub for diverse customers—including families, young adults, and tourists looking for something different.

The creation of jobs with the new restaurant also contributes positively to the community, from kitchen staff to front-of-house employees and management. BH Properties’ investment and focus on improving the shopping center indicate confidence in the Wharf’s future as a vibrant urban destination.

Menu Highlights and Signature Drinks

While the core Taco Bell menu remains unchanged, Cantina locations like the new one at Fisherman’s Wharf expand the offering with:

• Twisted Freezes: Alcoholic frozen cocktails in flavors inspired by Taco Bell classics, such as Mountain Dew Baja Blast, modified with alcohol.

• Beer and Wine: Carefully selected beverages that complement the casual and fun atmosphere while appealing to a wide audience.

• Late-Night Favorites: Including tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and nachos designed for sharing or solo indulgence, available during extended late hours.

This blend of food and drink appeals widely—from families enjoying a meal early in the evening to groups of friends seeking a late-night hangout spot.

Community Reception and Anticipation

Early reports and local media highlight excitement among San Franciscans and visitors alike. The extension of late-night dining options fits well with the city’s energetic nightlife culture and offers a new choice for quick, tasty, affordable meals paired with specialty cocktails—a niche that few other fast-food chains target effectively.

While some may have concerns about alcohol being offered in a tourist-heavy area, the Cantina’s design and management emphasize responsible service, modern aesthetics, and a safer, lounge-like environment that contrasts with typical fast-food joints.