Take a boat, hop a train, catch a plane.
America’s “most loved” Taco Bell has some of the most valuable real estate in the state of California — a prime oceanfront location in suburban San Francisco, so close to the beach that some customers even walk in barefoot after a morning of surfing.
Located in the town of Pacifica, the restaurant boasts a smart, nautical theme — think white walls, vaulted ceilings, walls of windows to take in the stunning view and a fireplace for chilly days.
There’s also a popular, beach-facing patio — the perfect spot for an affordable beer, which the restaurant, a “Cantina” location of the chain, serves, along with a range of boozy treats.
The otherwise business-as-usual location of the franchise has won over so many fans, it’s earned the title of best in the country, according to Fast Company, which crunch-wrapped review scores nationwide to determine the finest (and the most fearful) five branches of the chain.
Using Google Maps, researchers ranked thousands of locations, taking their average score and then weighting them to level the playing field, as some of the restaurants boast far more reviews than others.
The Pacifica ‘Bell came in caliente with an average score of 4.42 out of 5 and 3,400 Google reviews to take the ultimate prize.
“Officially the worlds most beautiful Taco Bell! A wonderful place to stop for people passing through,” one happy customer wrote on the site.
“I couldn’t believe the surrounding view. We sat on the balcony and were able to watch the surfers. Coolest Taco Bell ever,” another gushed.
Yelp ranks the restaurant much lower — 3.5 out of 5, with 690 reviews — but many of them are raves as well.
“It’s an honor just to stop by the world’s most beautiful Taco Bell…you really can’t beat this prime beach location nor its scenic views — especially with a taco and beer in hand,” said one local customer.
Out of the top five, three locations were located in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas — literally requiring fans to “Make a Run For The Border.” Minutes from Mexico, Taco Bells in Harlingen, Brownsville and McAllen earned some of the highest scores in the land.
And finally, the last to be admitted to the top five? A Taco Bell just over the Hudson River from NYC in Union City, NJ, according to Fast Company.
“It’s very nice to go to a place where you are treated with respect and the person shows hospitality towards others,” one burrito lover said of the service of the J.F.K. Boulevard store.
The article also called out the five worst Taco Bell locations in the country, according to the same metrics.
Hanover Park, IL, Cincinnati, OH and Deltona, Fla. were shamed, along with two Upstate New York branches; one in Buffalo and the other in Queensbury, just outside of Glens Falls.
Taco Bell was founded in 1962 in Downey, Calif. by Glen Bell, who found prior success selling his version of the crunchy tacos he enjoyed at a restaurant called Mitla Cafe in San Bernardino, Calif., which still exists.
The restaurant has recently been in the news for relaunching nostalgic menu items such as Meximelts from the ’80s, Gorditas from the ’90s and the Caramel Apple Empanada, an aughts-era favorite.
