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Earlier this year, my pal, partner in crime, and unexpected fast food regular Matt Wild wrote about his favorite McDonald’s in the world. The article was fun, well-written, and identifiable. Except there was one thing that didn’t resonate with me. I don’t go to McDonald’s. Well, I don’t know, maybe I’ll get it once or twice a year.

No, this isn’t a holier than thou-type of thing on my behalf—though this is the point of the post where I stress that we LOVE local establishments, expend oodles of effort and resources on drawing attention to area restaurants, and hold independent Milwaukee restaurants above all others. I just so happen to favor Taco Bell.

In fact, I’d be inclined to say I love Taco Bell. It’s the only fast food restaurant I frequent. It’s my emergency meal between errands. My broke meal. My celebration splurge. My reward feast and my hangover salve. I’d say 95 percent of the time, if I’m not eating locally or eating a meal prepared at home, I’m at Taco Bell. And when I say I’m at Taco Bell, I’m usually at one specific Taco Bell.

You might recall that I went to EVERY Milwaukee Taco Bell at one point early in Milwaukee Record‘s history. Since that article was written, some of the city’s Taco Bell locations closed. Some new ones opened…including one very close to my home. Still, in spite of not being the nearest to me, one location has earned my business again and again (and again). Here’s a love letter to that particular restaurant.

How do I love the Taco Bell at 230 W. Layton Ave.? Let me count the ways.

1. It’s friggin’ beautiful!

Look at this nice treeline you encounter when approaching the drive thru.

Here too! Wait, does this technically count as a scenic drive through (or “drive thru”) nature?

2. The drive thru speaker area is pristine.

Get a glimpse of those lava rocks and notice just how well those bushes are trimmed.

3. The staff is extremely nice and professional.
There’s no photographic proof of this, but they’ve proven time and time again that they rule. Even when the line is long, it moves quickly. And everybody is friendly, upbeat, and altogether awesome. I’ve also eaten inside a number of times and found the restaurant to be clean, comfortable, and full of top-notch employees.

4. The food is good as hell (by fast food / Taco Bell standards).

These people on Layton hook. it. up. The burritos are always big and tasty. The “goop” inside of them flows liberally here. Science has shown the perfect number of Taco Bell items is 2.75, but when Layton is doing it, two things will usually do, meaning I typically leave full for under $5. Or if I’m especially hungry or hungover and want to go nuts (by my standards), under $8.

5. Sauces and napkins galore!

Maybe it’s become a Taco Bell stereotype at this point, but they are not conservative with the sauces. During my latest visit, I ordered two burritos on the app and requested two hot sauces. I got SIX. Plus 10 napkins. They don’t realize how many more meals this can impact. I’m not exaggerating when I tell you they’re changing lives on Layton.

6. The art.

Gorgeous!

7. The parking lot.

If you, like my pathetic ass 90 percent of the time, are opting to eat outside out of convenience or shame or some combination of the two, you’ll find more than 50 parking spots in the lot. Better yet, they’re split into, like, six or seven different areas so you don’t have to lock eyes with another person in your predicament while chowing down on a Chalupa or whatever.

Once parked, what a view?! Nature and vaguely Mexican-inspired food? Sign me up.

Hate on Taco Bell if you must (I get it) and judge an article talking up a heartless multi-national conglomerate if you’d like (I know), but if you’re in or near Milwaukee and you’re craving a run for the border, make your way to 230 W. Layton Ave. No matter where you’re coming from, it’s totally worth it.

About The Author

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Co-Founder and Editor

Before co-founding Milwaukee Record, Tyler Maas wrote for virtually every Milwaukee publication (except Wassup! Magazine). He lives in Bay View and enjoys both stuff and things.