Spicy Cantina
500 Boardwalk, Seaside Heights
732-793-4777, spicycantina.com
Hours: Mon-Thurs, 11 am-10:30 pm; Fri-Sun, 11 am-midnight.
Price: $/$$
Style: Bustling, open-air restaurant serving casual boardwalk fare with a Mexican-American twist and a full-service bar. Get a table toward the front for unmatched views of Seaside’s boardwalk, white sand, and a stretch of the Atlantic.
Don’t Miss: Guacamole made tableside is a must ($11.99). For starters, try the sherry-spiked lobster bisque served in a fried tortilla, or the fried, Cajun-crusted jalapeno ravioli served with a creamy salsa dip (both $6.99). If you’re leaning toward the Mexican side of the menu, sure bets are the fried-fish tacos stuffed with batter-fried cod, shredded lettuce, pico, cheese, and rancho mayonnaise, or the chiles rellenos, fire-roasted poblano peppers stuffed with mojo-marinated pork carnitas and cheese (both $15.99). In the mood for more American-style dishes? Spicy’s crab-cake sandwich platter comes on a country white bun from Brooklyn smeared with cucumber wasabi dressing and is served with yucca fries ($10.99). Whatever you choose, wash it down with a glass of fresh-roasted pineapple margarita, made with 100 percent agave nectar, Hornitos Reposado tequila, and house-roasted pineapple ($11).
Heads Up: A mariachi band provides dinnertime entertainment every Tuesday and Thursday through September 5. On Wednesdays, get a front-row seat to Seaside’s weekly fireworks displays. Other live entertainment spices up the cantina five nights a week.
The Scoop: This summer destination is only open from June through September, so make your way there soon.
What are Quick Bites? Short takes on casual, affordable dining.
Restaurant Details
- Cuisine Type:American
- Price Range:Inexpensive