Santa Barbara’s Historic Taco Bell Fails to Secure Landmark Status

In a recent decision that has stirred both disappointment and nostalgia among Santa Barbara locals, the city’s Historic Landmarks Commission voted unanimously against recognizing the Taco Bell at 821 N. Milpas St. as a Structure of Merit or including it in the Historic Resources Inventory.

City staff concurred with the decision, leaving some community members wondering about the fate of what they consider a local cultural icon.

Opening its doors in 1965, the Milpas Street Taco Bell is among the oldest surviving examples of the fast-food chain that has become a staple across the United States. Founded by Glen Bell in Downey, California, in 1962, Taco Bell has grown into an iconic California franchise, with this particular location holding a special place in the hearts of Santa Barbara residents. Early memories of 19 cent tacos and Jingles the clown on opening day still resonate with those who have lived in the city for decades.

However, it’s not just nostalgia that makes the Milpas Street Taco Bell unique. The original structure featured three open air arches through which customers would walk to order, a design typical of Taco Bells of that era. Subsequent modifications, including the addition of a fourth arch to create more indoor seating, significantly altered the building’s original appearance. These changes, particularly the enclosure of the open-air counter and additional construction on the north side of the building, have played a pivotal role in the commission’s decision against historic designation.

Although the Taco Bell brand is known for its recognizable architecture, the Milpas Street location’s deviation from “programmatic architecture”—a design style where the structure mimics the product sold, such as a building shaped like a taco—was noted. The addition of a single arch in the 1990s, though seemingly minor, disqualified the building from achieving the historic merit that some believe it deserved.

Despite the lack of official historical recognition, the Taco Bell on Milpas Street remains a beloved landmark for many. It stands as a testament to the fast-food franchise’s early days in California, complete with the classic bell symbol still perched atop the building. While the decision may disappoint some, the location continues to serve up memories along with its menu, maintaining a connection to the community’s past amidst Santa Barbara’s evolving urban landscape.

As Taco Bell locations continue to operate in nearby Goleta, on the Mesa in Santa Barbara, and in Carpinteria, the story of the Milpas Street restaurant serves as a reminder of the city’s rich and quirky history, even as it looks to the future.