Taco Bell Opening Second Live Más Café In San Diego County

SAN DIEGO, CA — Taco Bell fans, rejoice! A second Live Más Café is coming to San Diego County.

The fast-food chain is opening the next two locations of the specialty drinks concept on Tuesday, Sept. 16, offering an expanded drink menu in an elevated café-style setting.

The San Diego location will open its doors at 11688 Carmel Mountain Road. Another location will open across the street from the University of California, Irvine.

"Consumers told us they wanted more from beverages, and Live Más Café is our distinctly Taco Bell way to answer that — by turning everyday drinks into craveable experiences," Liz Matthews, Taco Bell's global chief food innovation officer, told Patch. "From bold flavors to surprising formats, we're showing that drinks can be just as signature to Taco Bell as our food and are thrilled to bring the Café experience to even more fans across Southern California."

The expansion follows the launch of the first-ever Live Más Café in December 2024 in Chula Vista.

The restaurant at 1548 E. H Street served as a test model as part of the Irvine-based company's plan to break into the beverage industry. According to the company, Live Más Cafés are part of the brand's long-term strategy to drive $5 billion in beverage sales by 2030.

Live Más Café features more than 20 specialty drinks such as agua frescas, chillers and flavored coffees, as well as favorite Taco Bell menu items from classic tacos, burritos and quesadillas to newer favorites from the chain's Cravings Value Menu and Cantina Chicken Menu.

"Bellristas" create unique beverages like refreshing Refrescas and frozen Churro Chillers, as well as seasonal sips such as the new Caramel Apple Empanada Chiller. All drinks are made to-order.

Both locations will host grand opening celebrations Tuesday with a DJ, games, giveaways and more.

The Irvine event will take place from 1-4 p.m., featuring a ribbon cutting ceremony with Taco Bell CEO Sean Tresvant, a coffee cup sketch artist, and complimentary sips, while supplies last. The San Diego event will take place from 3-5 p.m.

The San Diego location will be open from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily at 11688 Carmel Mountain Road. The Irvine location will be open from 8 a.m. to 3 a.m. daily at 4101 Campus Drive.