Massive waves pounded the Northern California coast on Saturday, sending seawater, rocks and kelp into the parking lot of a well-known oceanfront Taco Bell Cantina in Pacifica, located in San Mateo County.
The restaurant sits directly on the sand at Pacifica State Beach, and the surge was part of what was reported to be the largest wave event to hit the Bay Area in more than a decade. The National Weather Service had warned of breaking waves of 25 to 35 feet along exposed beaches, with waves potentially reaching 50 to 60 feet at Mavericks in nearby Half Moon Bay.
A relatively low tide during the peak of the surge spared the restaurant from major structural damage. Still, nearly a foot of floodwater covered parts of adjacent Highway 1, blocking cars from reaching the parking lot, and unpredictable sneaker waves swept across the lot and caught onlookers off guard. No injuries were reported.
San Francisco Chronicle investigative reporter Matthias Gafni posted what he called a “proof of life” video from the restaurant, showing diners sitting on the patio as waves rolled in nearby.
The scene drew heavy attention online, with fans of the restaurant posting a mix of alarm and gallows humor as footage circulated.
“We must protect historical landmarks like the Pacifica Taco Bell from 60 foot monster waves,” one social media user wrote.
“Can we please get the National Guard dispatched to the Pacifica Taco Bell?” another asked.
“If we lose the Pacifica Taco Bell Cantina, we riot,” a third wrote.
One person appealed directly to federal officials: “Pleading with @FEMA_Cam to declare a national emergency here, we can’t let the ocean take such a special place (and site of my wedding).” Another wrote that “If washed away, losing the Pacifica Taco Bell may be the most significant loss this El Nino season.”
Not everyone was worried. One commenter noted that “Vibes at the beachfront Pacifica Taco Bell Cantina remain high despite the waves closing nearby parking lots.”
A Pacifica landmark
The building has a long history on the Pacifica coastline. It opened as an A&W in 1972, became a Taco Bell in 1985, and was remodeled into its current Cantina format in 2019. The location is known for its ocean views, a walk-up surf window and alcoholic Baja Blast freezes, and has earned a reputation among fans as one of the most scenic Taco Bell locations anywhere.
As of Saturday, the restaurant remained standing despite the flooding, with diners continuing to visit the patio even as waves crashed nearby.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login