You got a story about Taco Bell on Pacific Ave?

My town, Santa Cruz, has changed in a generation. The working class shoved out, no one can afford to work and live here— you know the drill.

One totem of old-school Santa Cruz was the “Taco Bell” on the naughty, naughty corner of Pacific and Laurel. It was a drive-through fast food joint, as well as a walk-in. Unlike most Santa Cruz establishments, it was open ALL the time. After bar hours. After games. After the after.

And now it’s gone. Torn down this summer.

Everyone went to this Taco Bell, even if they didn’t want to. You wanted to score? Get in line. You had a car full of kids after Varsity practice? You know where you’re ending up. You showed up in town after 8 hours of driving in the fog? Taco Bell was there for you. It was the only place to go, when you HAD to go.

Some keen street historian decided to start a Reddit thread to run the highlight reel. End of an era, baby. People posted their stories.

They are so good, and so memorable, I had to republish the best of the best . …