Ocean

I was scared to try Surf Taco’s “fusion of fresh food & surf culture,” afraid of getting a watered-down, fast food version of a taco. My fears were misplaced. The tacos we tried at the Point Pleasant Beach restaurant were very good, with fresh toppings and homemade salsas, and some are authentic enough to give Mexican-owned taquerias a run for their money. The menu of tacos, burritos, smoothies and more is extensive. There are some strange Cali-influenced combinations – a Teriyaki Chicken Taco? – but scan the menu and specials board and you will find more traditional options. The Baja Surf Taco (tempura-battered cod with cabbage, chipotle mayo and avocado sauce on a double corn tortilla) is an excellent fish taco. The Mojo Pork Taco with shredded pork in two corn tortillas is another winner.

Surf Taco has nine surfing-themed locations in Monmouth and Ocean Counties.