Iconic Taco Bell items from previous decades returning to 3 Southern California stores

Taco Bell fans from all generations will have the opportunity to enjoy some gone-but-not-forgotten menu items at three Southern California restaurants.

Beginning Thursday, Taco Bell will roll out its “Nostalgic Menu” exclusively at three stores in Orange County, giving longtime fans the chance to experience some of the most beloved items from years past.

Five items, each representing the decade from which they debuted, will be added to menus Thursday for only a few short days at Taco Bell restaurants located in Brea, Fullerton and Irvine.

The returning items are part of a menu test, Taco Bell officials said, meant to celebrate some of the fast food company’s “most mouth-watering, iconic hits through the decades.”

The Nostalgic Menu includes the following items, representing their respective decades:

• Tostada (1960s): The Tostada is made with a crispy corn tostada shell, layered with refried beans, red sauce, lettuce and shredded cheese. The Tosta was one of Taco Bell’s original menu items and will be available for purchase at $2.19
• Green Burrito (1970s): The Green Burrito is filled with refried beans, onions, shredded cheddar and green sauce made with green chili, tomatillos, jalapeno peppers and spices. The Green Burrito was a popular ’70s menu item and can be had in 2024 for $2.49.
• Meximelt (1980s): The ’80s favorite is filled with pico de gallo, a blend of mozzarella, cheddar and monterey jack cheese melted with seasoned beef in a tortilla, priced at $2.99.
• Beef Gordita Supreme (1990s): The Gordita, an iconic Taco Bell item from the ’90s, is made using warm flatbread, seasoned beef, reduced-fat sour cream, lettuce, cheese blend and topped with diced tomatoes. The Gordita goes for $2.99
• Caramel Apple Empanada (2000s): The post-Y2K creation is a crispy dessert filled with apple pieces and a creamy filling with caramel notes, available for $2.99.

These Taco Bell fan-favorites are available only at the following stores for a limited time:

• Irvine: 2222 Barranca Pkwy, Aug. 15-21
• Brea: 303 W. Imperial Hwy, Aug. 15-21
• Fullerton: 31 E. Orangethorpe Ave., Aug. 15-21

Taylor Montgomery, chief marketing officer of Taco Bell, said the company has a “rich history” and a deep vault of products that fans love and clamor for, and said that the fast food chain is regularly exploring ways to reintroduce them to the public when it makes sense.

“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,” Montgomery said.

While only limited to these three stores in California for now, if the menu test goes swimmingly, Taco Bell says it may bring back these items nationwide later this year for a limited time.