Taco Bell Is Releasing 5 Nostalgic Menu Items From Its 62-Year History

Everyone loves a throwback, whether it’s wearing a Y2K-inspired outfit, hearing a new cover of a classic song, or the return of some classic Taco Bell menu items. Starting on Thursday, August 15, the California-based fast food chain is bringing back five favorites from every decade from the early aughts all the way back to the 1960s. 

“Thanks to our rich history, we have a vault of craveable products our fans have become passionate about and we continuously explore ways to reintroduce the ones that deliver on the comfort and value they are looking for,” Taylor Montgomery, Taco Bell’s chief marketing officer, said in a statement provided to Food & Wine. “Now we’re thrilled to unite two groups of fans: those who fondly remember these menu items and those who have yet to experience the delight of a Caramel Apple Empanada or savor their first bite of a Meximelt with this menu.”

There is one massive caveat to this retro menu, though. 

Right now, it’s only available at three locations in Southern California. It will be at the Taco Bell in Fullerton, California (131 E Orangethorpe Avenue) from Thursday, August 15, through Monday, August 19. And from Thursday, August 15, through Wednesday, August 21, it will be served at the Taco Bells located in Irvine (2222 Barranca Parkway) and the one in Brea (303 West Imperial Highway). 

However, here’s the good news: Taco Bell is “looking into” making its nostalgic menu available nationwide later this year. Until then, we’ll just have to keep watching the chain’s YouTube commercials. But if you happen to find yourself in SoCal, here’s what you can expect:

1960s: Tostada ($2.19)

The Tostada debuted when the original Taco Bell opened its doors. This combo of crispy corn tostada shells, refried beans, a “tangy” red sauce, lettuce, and cheese was one of the items on Taco Bell’s menu when its first restaurant opened in 1962. These just-resurrected tostadas are slightly more than their original price of 19 cents. 

1970s: Green Burrito ($2.49)

The Green Burrito was a popular choice in the 1970s. It’s filled with refried beans, crunchy onions, and shredded cheddar — plus a green sauce made from green chiles, tomatillos, and jalapeños. 

1980s: Meximelt ($2.99)

The Meximelt dates back to the 1980s when Taco Bell was still using that classic “Run for the Border” slogan. If you didn’t have one of these back in the day, each Meximelt is a combination of melted cheddar, Monterey jack, and mozzarella — with ground beef and pico de gallo, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla. 

1990s: Beef Gordita Supreme ($2.99) 

We’re pretty sure that Taco Bell Chihuahua originally encouraged us to order a Beef Gordita Supreme back in the 1990s. (And if that makes zero sense to you, ask your parents). The dish is a flatbread filled with seasoned beef, a three-cheese blend, reduced-fat sour cream, lettuce, and diced tomatoes. 

2000s: Caramel Apple Empanada ($2.99)

And finally, the Caramel Apple Empanada is making its triumphant return. Each crispy one is filled with apple pieces and a creamy caramel-flavored filling.