Greer's OC

Taco Bell just opened its newest concept, U.S. Taco Co. in Huntington Beach near the Shorebreak Hotel that puts a new spin on the taco—these are American-inspired tacos filled with comfort foods like fried chicken, southern gravy, smoked brisket, pulled pork and potatoes with a touch of Mexican flavor.

The cheerful, fast casual taco bar serves craft sodas, milkshakes, fries instead of tortilla chips, and ten American-inspired premium tacos, such as Winner Winner Chicken Dinner, with crispy chicken, jalapeno Southern gravy, roasted corn pico de gallo and jalpaeno cilantro; or the Literally Grilled Cheese with grilled manchego cheese, Molcajete salsa, grilled peppers and onions; and the 1%ER, a flatbread with lobster and garlic butter slaw.

What U.S. Tacos excels at are their steak-cut French fries, called Papa’s Fritas served with jalapeno ranch and ghost chili ketchup, and insanely delicious shakes such as the Friggin’ Fried Ice Cream shake with vanilla ice cream, drizzled with caramel and topped with Cinnamon Toast Crunch, or their Coco Loco with chocolate ice cream, Mexican Spiced Chocolate Sauce and topped with shaved chocolate flakes.

We loved the design, from a firm based in California and Mexico City, featuring a spin on traditional American red, white and blue with vibrant neon reds, whites and blues fused with décor that is definitively Mexican-inspired, with brightly colored subway tiles, oil rubbed bronze, stained woods and the Day of the Dead-inspired logo.

Feel good about eating your tacos and fries. U.S. Taco Co. Huntington Beach has partnered with the Best Day Foundation, an organization that helps kids with special needs build confidence and self-esteem through safe, fun- filled and adventurous activities, including surfing. A percentage of profits from U.S. Taco Co.’s Huntington Beach location will go to the Best Day Foundation.

Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

150 5th Street in Huntington Beach. 714.536.6728.

It's Week 2 of the Golden Dine Out

It’s time to vote for OC’s best restaurants for the upcoming 3rd annual Golden Foodie Awards celebrated on Sunday, Sept. 28 at the Fairmont Newport Beach.

The Golden Dine Out is a three-week opportunity through Saturday, Aug. 23 for Orange County restaurants to receive votes for awards in 23 delectable categories. Foodies can participate by dining out, sampling the restaurants’ dishes and voting for their favorites in each category.

During the second week going on now through Saturday, Aug. 16, the categories are Italian, Mediterranean, Wine, French, Steak, Sushi, Tacos, and Best Happy Hour.