For years, fans of Taco Bell have paired its tacos, nachos and burritos with local brewskis. But usually, fans of the taco, picked up their grub at a drive-thru, and then drove home to crack open whatever craft beer suited their craving.
But now, Taco Bell lovers, you can actually get the food with the local brewskis in Manhattan. And the brewski is only available at these three restaurants.
When Taco Bell opens up its three new Cantina restaurants in Manhattan before the end of this year, the company is partnering with New York’s Blue Point Brewing to launch Big City Bell Pilsner in these restaurants.
This comes on the heels of the success of Taco Bell launching its first local beer at its Newport Beach Cantina in California. This time the brand teamed up with Blue Point Brewing Company, of Long Island, NY to create Big City Bell Pilsner. This brand-new beer is brewed with a blend of hops that have a lime and citrus aroma. “It has a crisp and balanced body that pairs perfectly with Taco Bell's Mexican-inspired flavors,” says a company spokesperson.
And it’s a beer that’s only available at these three Cantinas, located at 800 8th St., 224 7th St., and 500 8th St. The beers will be available as soon as the restaurants open on Dec. 24.
“We're so excited to be part of the Cantina launch in our hometown," says Jenna Lally, president of Blue Point. “We're looking forward to New Yorkers relaxing and enjoying some tacos with the new Big City Bell Pilsner.”
The beers match the personality of the tech-heavy restaurants, which include mobile ordering, self-service kiosks and a delivery service. “The convenience we have introduced through our technology allows guests to spend less time waiting for their food and more time enjoying our new beer with their loved ones,” says Mike Grams, general manager of North America and global chief operating officer. “The research we’ve done in New York tells us that our fans want an experience that parallels their lifestyle: fast and at their fingertips.”
The local brewski isn’t the only alcoholic item on the menu – these Cantinas also boast some other brews and specialty freezes. “Everyone has their favorite Taco Bell item, and that is true across the world,” says a company spokesperson. “And while we still serve certain beers available anywhere in the country, we were excited to partner with a local favorite brewery in New York for the launch of our first three Cantinas in Manhattan.”
The local brewski might be the most exciting feature to folks who’ve been pairing Taco Bell burritos with craft beers for years on their own, but the restaurants themselves aren’t like the suburban drive-thrus that many people associate with the chain. “With urban concepts, we’re able to customize at a local level, whether that be restaurant design, menu options, freeze flavors or alcohol types,” says the spokesperson. “These aren’t your traditional Taco Bells. We’re creating restaurants that are properly ingrained into local, urban communities.”
And to be properly ingrained, you really need a local brew, which Taco Bell now has. Yo quiero Taco Brewski.
