As if UT students don't consume enough tacos and alcohol, Taco Bell Cantina recently opened on Guadalupe between MLK and 21st. Featuring an upscale menu, completely redesigned interior, and the ability to order alcoholic drinks, Taco Bell Cantina offers you a new experience for Taco Tuesdays.

beer, wine, coffee
Elizabeth Dieterich

What is it?

This is the third Taco Bell of its kind, featuring an open kitchen and digital kiosks for ordering, but it's budget-friendly for college students — so basically, you get the best of both worlds. It is currently catering to the grab-and-go population, but they plan to expand soon by adding extra seats to make the ambiance more social. 

beer, coffee
Elizabeth Dieterich

Keep Austin local

Taco Bell decided to stay true to Austin and keep it local. If you wanted to try the "Twisted Freezes," which are your classic slushies mixed in with a shot of your choice between Treaty Oak Rum, Tequila 512, and of course, Tito's Vodka. You can also order beer from local distilleries like Live Oak Brewery and (512) Brewing Company.

nachos, guacamole, sauce, salsa, chili, tomato, cheese, vegetable
Elizabeth Dieterich

More than just tacos

To make Taco Bell Cantina more of a social eatery, they've added sharable items to the menu such as Jalapeño Dippers, 7-Layer Dip, Nachos, Spicy Bacon and Ranch Smothered Potatoes, and Chicken Tenders. The only catch? You can only get these items at Taco Bell Cantina locations. 

egg, burrito, bread
Elizabeth Dieterich

Your new college craving

Since Taco Bell Cantina is open late, add it to your list of places to get your post-6th fix or just a stop on the way home from the library.

Unfortunately, at this time there is no happy hour, unlike Thirsty Thursday and $1 margs at Fuzzy's on the other end of the Drag. Hopefully, this competition will inspire Taco Bell Cantina to attend to our happy hour needs. Until then, we're perfectly happy sipping on boozy Baja Blasts.