With a Dash of Corona: Loteria in Asbury Park

Lotería
Asbury Park
632 Mattison Avenue
732-455-3610

Open: Dinner, daily; lunch, Sat-Sun

Price: $

Style: Colorful piñatas, cloth napkins and plates, and Corona bottles repurposed as salt and pepper shakers give this taqueria a lively vibe.

The Scoop: Named for a bingo-like Mexican board game, Lotería is part of the Complex, which houses Bond Street Bar, Capitoline (an Italian eatery) and a basement entertainment hall. All are owned by Pat Fasano, Anna Fasano and Charlie Interrante, who opened Lotería in April 2016. The menu was developed with assistance from Asbury Park’s venerable Plaza Tapatia Mexican restaurant.

The Menu: Each of the eight types of tacos is generously packed and served in a fluffy, house-made corn tortilla. The El Jefe (pictured) brings you chopped chorizo with salsa verde, sour cream, guacamole, crispy potatoes and raw onions. The vegetarian quesadillas are loaded with queso Oaxaca (similar to Monterey Jack) and veggies such as grilled nopales (pads of a Mexican cactus), mushrooms and corn. The “chef selection” enchiladas make a satisfying entrée. They boast tender, spicy meat balanced by cool, refreshing salsa. Rice and beans come on the side. The food goes well with sangria, a margarita or Mexican soda.

Heads Up: Check Facebook for a list of game nights, which include trivia, karaoke and (you can’t make this stuff up) sex-toy bingo.