Hang 10: Surf Taco in Jackson

Surf Taco
Jackson
21 Hope Chapel Road
732-364-8226

Open: Lunch and dinner, daily

Price: $$

Style: Breezy spot embodying surfer culture in food and music.

The Scoop: Of Surf Taco’s 13 Jersey locations, Jackson is the only one with a liquor license. Inspired by the food of Southern California and Mexico, Toms River native Rob Nagel and partners opened the first in 2001. There is also a Florida Surf Taco.

The Menu: Seafood! Don’t miss the original Surf Taco (pictured), tempura-battered cod with shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, cilantro sauce and lime ($5.50). The Surf Burrito can be ordered with tempura-battered cod or blackened, grilled mahi-mahi ($9.25). Steak, chicken and vegetarian options are available. A bit lighter is the crisp Hawaiian Salad, featuring romaine, teriyaki chicken and pineapple. Also worth checking out are the fresh smoothies, such as the Aloha Glow (pineapple juice, strawberries, bananas, sherbert and ice). A visit wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the Almost Famous Salsa Bar, offering an array of tasty toppers.

Heads Up: The full bar has a number of craft beers on tap. The popular salsa can be bought in containers to go.—Maryrose Mullen