Ready to do some time traveling? Taco Bell is taking us through the decades with everything retro—from their menu and special deals to their 60s-themed Taco Bell restaurant!
Back in the summer of ’69, do you have any idea what your parents or grandparents were doing? I’d like to think mine’s having the tostada or green sauce burrito over at Taco Bell (if ever these two items were around that time). Although the brand already shared that their OG tostada was one of the first menu items when they opened back in 1962. And guess what? Taco Bell is bringing it back, along with four other nostalgic menu items. The restaurant’s ‘Decades Menu’ will have us taking a trip down memory lane, and it’s going to be filled with good food. Are you ready? Let’s go!
Taco Bell is all set to revive five of the most popular menu items during their first five decades in the fast food scene. These greatest hits include the Tostada from the 60s, Green Sauce Burrito from the 70s, Meximelt from the 80s, Gordita from the 90s, and Caramel Apple Empanada from the 2000s. These fan-favorites are part of what the brand calls ‘Decades Menu,’ available for a limited time only. The items from 60s through 90s can be ordered starting October 31, 2024, while the Caramel Apple Empanada will be available starting November 21, 2024. The cool thing is that each item from this nostalgic menu costs under $3.
According to Taco Bell, they’re rolling out the Decades Menu to celebrate the rich and flavorful history of the brand. This should also unite different generations, including those having their Meximelt for the first time and those reliving their Taco Bell memories with the classic Tostada. Simply put, Taco Bell is opening its doors to new and long-time fans, allowing them to create (and recreate) memorable dining experiences.
Taco Bell’s Chief Marketing Officer, Taylor Montgomery, said that the Decades Menu and the merchandise they’re creating serve as a love letter to fans and an ode to the brand’s history. Yup, you read that right. Taco Bell is also releasing a limited-time merchandise collection, and we’ll get into the details later.
A Closer Look at Taco Bell’s Decades Menu
Maybe you’re familiar with some of the items from Taco Bell’s Decades Menu, or perhaps you’re new to it all. Regardless, we could all use a quick refresher. Here’s what to expect from the restaurants iconic items, including additional details on the prices and other exciting offers!
- Tostada ($2.19) – Released in 1962, this item was a hit at Taco Bell’s first walkup location in Southern California. It features a corn tostada shell that’s perfectly crispy and layered with lettuce, shredded cheese, tangy red sauce, and refried beans.
- Green Sauce Burrito ($2.49) – This burrito is an “edgy” item from the 70s, filled with refried beans, onions, and shredded cheddar cheese. It has a green sauce made with tomatillos, jalapenos, green chili, and spices.
- Meximelt ($2.99) – This returning item from the 80s features a tortilla with fresh pico de gallo and a three-blend cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella) melted with seasoned beef.
- Gordita Supreme ($2.99) – Kids from the 90s know why the Gordita Supreme is well loved. When you take a bite of the warm flatbread, you get explosive flavors from the savory seasoned beef, lettuce, a blend of three cheese types, diced tomatoes, and reduced-fat sour cream.
- Caramel Apple Empanada ($2.99) – This Y2K star is crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. It’s filled with apple pieces that blend so well with the caramel filling.
As a value-focused brand, Taco Bell is also offering a Luxe Cravings Box available for a limited time at $7. It includes the 90s favorite, Gordita Supreme, with Double Stacked Taco, Beefy 5-Layer Burrito, chips, nacho cheese sauce, and a medium-sized fountain drink. The value offerings don’t stop here, though! Via the Taco Bell app, you can get the Caramel Apple Empanada for only $1 if you order the rest of Decades Menu items. This promo runs from November 1 through November 20, but you can get the $1 empanada from November 21 to December 18, or presumably until supplies lasts.
In partnership with Uber Eats, Taco Bell will also drop the following deals:
- November 22 to 24: With a $20+ order, you’ll get 1 free Caramel Apple Empanada
- November 29 to December 1: With a minimum order of $20.90, you’ll receive 1 free Beef Gordita Supreme
- December 6 to December 8: With a $20.80+ order, you’ll get 1 free Meximelt
- December 13 to December 15: With a $20.70+ order, you’ll receive 1 free Green Sauce Burrito
- December 16 to December 18: With a minimum order of $20.60, you’ll get 1 free Tostada
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Surprises from Taco Bell: Merch and More
Besides the mouth-watering Decades Menu items and special deals, Taco Bell is thrilled to offer its limited-edition Stainless-Steel Decades Cups and Decades Hoodies, available in designs inspired by each decade. Starting October 29, 2024 at 2PM PT, Rewards Members will be the first to access the merch that represents their favorite Taco Bell decade.
There’s also a weekly in-app Decades Quiz that Rewards Members can participate in for a chance to win a stainless-steel cup or hoodie! Each week, you can take the quiz to find out your “Taco Bell Archetype” by answering specific questions related to the decades. After the five-week quiz experience, five lucky winners will take home the Decades merch. Additionally, fans can get the plastic versions of the limited-edition Decades cups in-store nationwide. A medium-sized drink will be provided in the plastic cup.
Ready to complete the retro Taco Bell experience? Drop by their Scottsdale, Arizona location, where you can revisit the 60s era. Staff will be rocking their retro-themed uniforms and you can take in the 60s decor and be one of the first to order the entire Decades menu, one day before its official release. In addition, the first 100 guests to arrive starting 11AM PST will get a random Decades Hoodie and Stainless Cup Kit. Be there at 7847 E McDowell Rd, Scottsdale on October 30, and join the retro fun!
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From The Club
Finally, I will no longer be nostalgic for the Caramel Apple Empanada, lol! Thanks, Taco Bell for bringing this back as well as the other items from the last five decades (which I’m sure are also crave-worthy). Honestly, there’s a lot to take in regarding Taco Bell’s Decades Menu and other deals and retro-themed activities, but I love how connected everything is. It’s definitely an experience you wouldn’t want to miss!