Taco Bell With Booze Opens In Brookline Near Boston University

BROOKLINE, MA— Greater Boston's first Taco Bell Cantina, which serves alcoholic drinks, is open on Comm Avenue. It's the first of its kind in greater Boston, according to restaurant officials.

Earlier this year restaurant officials told the Brookline Select Board the opening would come after a million dollar renovation in the 3,000 square foot space formerly occupied by a 7-Eleven at 872 Commonwealth Ave.

The restaurant, with 44 seats, is very similar to a normal Taco Bell, but sells alcohol. Customers come in and order at a kiosk, and need to show ID. Staff are in place to ensure no one passes the alcohol to people who are underage, and to make sure customers don't try to take the drinks out of the restaurant.

The Cantina is across from Boston University and along the B line and down the street from other popular Mexican-style eateries like Chipotle and Sunset Cantina.

The restaurant has a menu similar to normal Taco Bells, but features shareable appetizers and serves alcohol like twisted freezes, beer and wine. Aside from the bar-style menu additions, the Cantina restaurants have open kitchens, digital menu boards and local artwork. At least a dozen locations have opened in the U.S. and Taco Bell is planning to open hundreds more in the coming years, according to Thrillist.

Jenna Fisher is a news reporter for Patch. Got a tip? She can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna). Have a something you'd like posted on the Patch? Here's how .