I've just eaten my last meal at Seaside Park Surf Taco after a thoroughly lazy and indifferent customer experience. I've eaten there several times each summer since at least 2014. The cost of my meals there has soared at least 250% - $32 bucks for two takeaway burritos?! Sure, everything costs more now, but the carelessly handled food and poor service last night was the breaking point. I ordered by phone--twice correcting the order-taker for getting my name wrong (it's only the single-most common male name since the US started keeping records...). When I arrived at the restaurant, which was empty (SSP Surf Taco is usually crowded at 7 PM) I was told the order wasn't ready... only it WAS ready, but the order-taker got my name wrong a 3d time and my meal was sitting there on the counter getting cold. So I waited in the restaurant. When a counterperson finally asked if I had ordered, I informed them I was waiting for an order I had called in. They checked the bags and informed me it was ready, but the name was wrong. When I argued that the order is now probably cold, the counterperson dismissively told me foil wrapping would keep it warm. It didn't. When I got my order home, both items were room-temperature. One item was wrong, and I discovered they no longer included tortilla chips with their meals (a minor inconvenience, but a big part of the experience, IMO.) All in all, this litany of minor inconveniences has sworn me off something I genuinely enjoyed as part the experience of being at the Shore for 13 summers. Never thought Surf Taco would take its customers for granted, but here we are. And there I go... read more

I don't come down to the shore as much I did when I was younger but every time I do come down I stop at surf taco, the food here is amazing, the staff are usually very nice, my only complaint is the price seems to have went up 22 bucks I believe for 3 chicken tacos and a dollar extra for chips seems a bit expensive but worth it in my opinion, but where the hell did the free stickers go? read more

Surf Taco - Tacos - Tex-Mex Near Me - Seaside Park, New Jersey

What once made me so happy, now just makes me sad. We used to drive down from college to hit up the Pt. location, and I remember being so excited this location was opening so close to home...but now it's more hype than worth. Sure, I'm not a "local" anymore, but when the menu stays generally the same, but the amount/quality/taste goes down, the spot loses its splendor. Unfortunately, this is what happened here. I've been back a good amount this summer, and after 3 times, you can't call it a fluke. Everything about the food has just gone downhill. $6 for a fish stick smaller than what you get in a frozen Gorton's box (which is so fried you can't even taste the fish), and then a sprinkle of shredded cabbage...it's not worth it. The chips are stale, not even their "almost famous" salsa bar can help. The rice and beans are not seasoned - at all - so be prepared to grab the salt and pepper. I was thoroughly disappointed by the guac as well. It tasted overly like lime and that weird powder season you can buy to make guac dip. My kid wasn't a fan of her quesadilla until I patted off the grease, and even then she said "I won't get this again". I don't think their soda machine has worked any time I've been there this year, so then you have to pay for a bottled beverage. Its just all more a hassle than it's worth. It's a great vibe and a great spot, but their food has just gone downhill, which makes me so disappointed. read more

Surf Taco - Small guac. - Tex-Mex Near Me - Seaside Park, New Jersey

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Haven't been to surf taco in quite some time! It was clearly a mistake! Surf taco's food....all of it...is fantastic! Been there twice this week and can't wait to go back. It's clean, the staff is friendly and helpful and great, and everything is delicious to top it off. read more

Used to be a pretty good place. Definitely have gone a bit downhill in terms of food quality. I enjoy Tacos in NYC for less money and waaaaaaay better. So I have a comparison point. Plus... I'm always sweating just sitting in there. They have to do something about their climate control. Just meh. read more

2 for service only employees were welcoming and kind. The Food is Not good I've given this place 2 chances. And that was the last time I'm donating my money. Surf tacos are NO BETTER than Taco Bell, they were out of crunchy tacos this time. (Not that it would have made a difference) tacos are extremely over priced. I ordered 12 tacos & got a bunch of chips lol and bad tacos. For $90 This is NOT a representation of Mexican,Latin or anything close to authentic tacos also guys please add some seasoning to your rice and beans you can do that I promise. read more

Surf Taco - Soft Beef Taco - Tex-Mex Near Me - Seaside Park, New Jersey

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I believe a brunette girl named julia or julianna rang me up and was very efficient at her job.....Buffalo soldier burrito was very good and I got my food prompt. A lot of rice. A lot of people but easy to navigate the establishment....Ambiance has pictures on the walls of surfers I enjoyed... very beach town..... some people were not wearing shoes?? read more

I feel like this place is super overrated and people hype it up way too much. I guess it is famous because it is located down the shore. I am a huge fan of Mexican Food and when I eat Mexican Food I expect a lot. I guess you can say I am a hard critic when it comes to it because i have had such amazing Mexican food before. Price: the prices are okay... they range from $5-$12. If you are not that hungry you can grab a taco and chips for around $5 but if you are super hungry you can grab a taco salad for about $11. When i went i decided to go with the taco salad and it wasn't as flavorful as i wished it was. It was just average for me. However, Surf Taco does have a pretty friendly staff. One of my favorite things about it is the salsa bar. You can grab any type of salsa you like with your meal. read more

Surf Taco - Taco Salad - Tex-Mex Near Me - Seaside Park, New Jersey

Flip flops, the beach and Surf Taco all kind of go together. The mindset is what it's all about. The Buffalo Soldier (Lightly breaded Chicken smothered in spicy buffalo sauce & creamy bleu cheese dressing wrapped together with rice, lettuce and pico de gallo) was tasty with a light bit of spice/heat..however it was also heavy on the rice. Mahi Taco (Grilled Mahi Mahi coated in blackening seasoning, topped with homemade avocado lime sauce, shredded cabbage, Pico de Gallo, a slice of fresh avocado, chopped pineapple & a squeeze of lime in a double corn tortilla) unfortunately the fish was a little overcooked, but again a refreshing lunch on a hot day. The free chips/tortilla's that come with every order have ZERO taste...no seasoning, not even any salt. Definitely recommend grabbing some salsa from the self service bar for these or they aren't worth eating. read more

This was not what I had hoped :/ the menu had some nice options and cool flavors choices (teriyaki tacos sounds yummy), but the ingredients were not very fresh. The cheese definitely came from a bag and didn't satisfy me. I would call this decent Tex-Mex at best. Cute decor! read more

Surf Taco - Nachos - Tex-Mex Near Me - Seaside Park, New Jersey

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Don't get me wrong; I am big Surf Taco fan, and I go to this and many other locations. For my reviews of the other locations, I always give 5 stars, and they deserve it. It's just that this is one of the busier locations in the summer, and they get very, very busy. They have a small counter and a small seating area, and they struggle to keep up with the crowds. I understand that space in Seaside Park is very expensive, but at some point they need to manage the line better or think about expanding. The food is still very good. I think that Surf Taco fills a need for higher quality fast-casual food with a fun seashore theme. I also think that this is one of the very few places to grab a decent meal quickly in the entire Seaside area that is not overpriced and poor quality. read more

Surf Taco - Surf taco signature - Tex-Mex Near Me - Seaside Park, New Jersey

Always yummy and quick service! Plus great choices of salsa and lots of chips. A go to at the shore.

Overall customer service was great. The place itself is an underwhelming rip off, they charge for one taco $7, something smaller than your hand and made with little to no ingredients. You want bland, small portions? This place is for you! read more

YAAASSSS surf taco season. My boyfriend has a beach house walking distance from this location so we've gone a couple of times. Amazing tacos- I got garlic shrimp and chicken! They come with chips and you choose the salsa you want. We got a side of waffle fries too! They were so crispy and hot. Just the way fries should be. I don't like Dasani water (Poland Spring all the way!) but that's all they have for water which is a bummer. They have fountain sodas and honest teas for other drinks though. But back to the tacos and burritos...amazing food, quick bite, super casual to go to after a day at the beach! read more

Surf Taco - Garlic Garlic Shrimp Taco and Chicken Taco with a side of Waffle Fries - Tex-Mex Near Me - Seaside Park, New Jersey

Wasn't for us, really. Saturday night down the shore, a few beers in, and we wanted something tasty. I ordered a Maverick Burrito, and was underwhelmed. LOADED with rice. Fairly flavorless. A small scoop of chicken tucked into one corner. My friend had that chicken quesadilla, and it was also underwhelming. I picked our food up, and it was ready when they said it would be. The staff of younger kids (a Jersey shore summer staple) was friendly and efficient. The restaurant itself was absolutely packed, so maybe it just wasn't my cup of tea...it gets raves all over social media. read more

After a long day of baking in the sun, Surf Taco completes your day! We spent most of our day on the beach tanning and drinking this Sunday, and we were extremely hungry! A cup of refreshing soft drink and something flavorful and spicy were what we yearned for. Coming here for the first time, I was impressed by their service and menu - it was kind of similar to Shaka. It wasn't like the usual tex mex type but more of a so-cal mex. Many of their tacos and burritos had fish like mahi mahi or fried cod. Of course, they also had the chicken, beef, and steak! I got the combo #4 which has one fried cod taco, a burrito, a soft drink and chips! Honestly, I definitely had better tacos before, but it was very satisfying meal at the moment. Once we ordered, it was immediately delivered to our table! It took them less than 5 min! The food was bland but they had 4 different hot sauces to spice up the food. read more

Surf Taco - Combo 4 - Tex-Mex Near Me - Seaside Park, New Jersey

It's not the best Mexican food ever but that is not the point. It's tacos and chips and salsa that are inherently fun to eat at the beach. I think the food items I've enjoyed most are the mahi taco and the chicken taco. The fajitas were big and filling but nothing to write home about. The best thing to get here is the chips and salsa. When there isn't a pandemic, there's an enjoyable salsa station where you fill up as many little containers as you want. The only salsa I don't love is the orange-y one (might be the medium?). The others, and the chips, are really good. Hubs usually gets a chicken quesadilla, which is reliable. It's a smile-inducing tradition to come here for lunch to bring to the beach. read more

I go to Surf Taco frequently, and usually go to the Pt Pleasant and Seaside locations. Went to the Seaside location on Saturday, June 12th at around 4:45 and ordered a chicken taco and a steak taco. Neither meat appeared to be grilled. The chicken was practically white, and in large chunks, with little flavor. Very unappetizing. The steak was the worst, and it had a very weird taste. Tasted nothing like steak. I'm not one to waste food, but it was so bad that I only took two bites. Brought it to the attention of one of the girls behind the counter, who didn't seem too concerned. She offered to give me another one, but at that point, food was the last thing I could thing about. She didn't offer to refund my money, only to bring the steak taco back to the kitchen. On the plus side, the pico was very fresh, and the salsa was great, as usual. The meat was just a total turnoff, and ruined my dinner. Hopefully, this is just a one-off situation. Maybe a manager should check how the food is being prepared, and ensure that the cook is not deviating from the normal preparation process. Also check that the meat is not expired. If the cut of meat has changed, please go back to the old one. I think I'll stay away for a while, or just go to the Pt Pleasant location. read more

The teenagers love Surf Taco. They pile in here with their bikinis on and sand on their feet to eat and be seen. There is no waitress service, so if you see a free table, have someone in your party save it while you wait on line to order. Then they bring the food to your table which is nice. Their salsa bar has 4-5 different options of differing levels of heat. The food is always fresh, so sometimes you have to wait a few minutes to get served, but it's worth it. The "Surf Tacos" are my favorite and the tortilla chips come with almost every order. read more

Surf Taco - Surf Taco - Tex-Mex Near Me - Seaside Park, New Jersey

I have been a fan of this place ever since they opened. It's a great place for both locals and tourists to grab a bite to eat. If your looking for truly authentic Mexican food, this is not the place to go. However, this place sure is a treat and the way they make their food here is very unique! My favorite meal here by far is the Nachos. They are perfect to share with a group of friends and are unbelievably tasty ! The roasted red pepper sauce they put on them is to die for! ( I would suggest you request for them to put extra on because they do not usually put enough) To make this meal complete (especially if your sharing) add both chicken and steak onto to . The beef tacos are also always very fresh and with their meals they also give complimentary tortilla chips. They allow refills on your soft drinks which is always a plus. The best part about this restaurant is their choice of salsas! Each and every one of them are beyond amazing! There is nice big sign on the right hand side showing what is in them and explaining if they are mild, medium, sweet, and spicy along with what is inside of all of them! I have yet to find a place that has great salsa like this one. There are also small containers next to them just I'm case you also want to take some to go. The atmosphere is both relaxing and fun! There is plenty to look at! It truly makes you feel like your at the beach. And there is also always plenty of parking in the area. The only problem with this place is that sometimes the tables are not always clean and the menu in general on the wall is a little confusing. This the main reason why I gave it only three stars. If your in the area stop in and enjoy your experience!m read more

Bottom line - I've been to a better Surf Taco. The one in Point Pleasant knocks this one out of the water. While their chips, salsa, pico de gallo, and guacamole are all good, their actual tacos fall short. I don't think the chef actually knows how to cook, as the meat is always rubbery and dry - and it's been this way for years. I actually had an epiphany when I went to the one in PP. This Surf Taco is acceptable when you're in the mood for fusion, fresh cuisine. If I really wanted to satisfy my taco cravings, I would drive out to Chipotle which is a few miles away. No joke, go talk to the people in Point Pleasant, get to know their secrets, and bring 'em back here. read more

I have had a home in Seaside Park for three years and finally got to try surf taco the other day. The staff were very friendly, my food came out very quickly, the vibe of the restaurant is very cool and relaxed, very clean and organized and professional. I had the Malibu veggie burrito it was very good my only criticism was it was a little bland other than that it was great I am definitely going to go back! read more

Fish Tacos and chicken taco - I come from Jersey city, these are the worst tacos I ever had....a chipotle or qdoba will beat this taco any day of the week. read more

Surf Taco has never impressed me with their food in the past 5 years. Today I thought I would give them a second chance. I waited on hold for 30 minutes and never spoke with anyone. I also tried to order in the app however the Seaside location doesn't accept orders from their app. In summary I wouldn't recommend wasting your time or money. read more

awful online menu not the same as what is available .how can a taco business not carry crispy tacos? the fish tacos were flavorless with one very small piece of rubbery lukewarm fish better tacos on the boardwalk our dinner was a waste of money read more

Why is this listed twice at the same address? Well, I'm gonna review both of them. Surf Taco never lets me down. It's not really supposed to be authentic Mexican, so don't go in expecting that. It's a surfer-themed Jersey beach joint with a TON of menu items -- something for everyone! I used to be a Malibu Veggie Burrito (with guacamole inside) loyalist, but have since branched out considerably. If you get the Costa Rican, get it with guac inside. In fact, all burritos are better with guac inside. Shrimp burrito? Guac inside. Beef? Guac inside. Teriyaki chicken? Guac inside. Nah, scratch that last one... too far. But seriously, their guacamole is amazing. My meat-a-holic dad enjoyed it so much he asked if there was bacon in it (there's not, I promise -- it does not taste like bacon, it's just very hearty). The only thing I wasn't crazy about was the one time I got a quesadilla with steak. The steak was kinda tough. That was it. I've loved every other thing. My recent favorite thing is to get two tacos instead of one burrito since my only problem with Surf Taco is wanting everything on the menu. The tacos are pretty small, and one is not enough. Current favorites are the Garlic Shrimp taco and the Teriyaki Chicken taco. Ugh, just writing about it makes me want to go there. :) read more

Good Food, Good People, Good Vibe is the motto of Surf Taco. Here the ingredients are fresh and tasty. And I don't have to feel like I just downed a pound of cold cuts to be satisfied. The afternoon summer rush sometimes gets this place packed. Most i've ever waited has been like 5 or 6 minutes to order. They bring you food to you at a table. Call ahead if your taking out. Perfect spot to grab a quick bite or a snack between the beach and dinner. read more

Food was good. Quick family meal at peak dinner hour. The place was packed when we walked in; people move through quickly. They handled gluten free with no issue via a Mahi Taco on corn tortilla. Overall it is a small shop, but great for a post beach meal. I am picky about food. The quality seemed fine to me. Place was clean and the staff was friendly. Not a five star restaurant or gourmet, but totally adequate for the situation. Price for four people was just south of $50. read more

I love the ambiance in all surf tacos. You are eating americanized mexican food on the beach...what are you really expecting? we don't know what real mexican food tastes like anyway! Surf taco serves jersey shore mexican food... with a surfer kid vibe. Sorry but I have to defend surf taco for a second because when i visited seaside and was looking for tacos i stumbled upon a surf taco in seaside (SCORE!) and a bad bad review that made me wanna scream "Benny go home!!!" PRETENTIOUS ANDREW? REALLY? They don't claim to have the best tacos in the world...I guess you don't like employees that are friendly and get to know their customers or vibrantly colored establishments? It's a themed restaurant! Or maybe you just don't like fun all together...boooo. Anyway...I recommend the hmmmm surf taco! its awesome. the chips are good but i think their salsa bar sucks...4 salsas but even the hot isnt that hot :( but they have chalula hot sauce :) problem solved. This location had the speediest service i have EVER seen in a surf taco...like they had wished the food into existence, but being from nj and a frequenter of surf taco i know that the belmar, manasquan, and jackson locations taste better... probably not pre-made...but it was still good stuff. anyone that comes to or lives in nj has to try surf taco, the beach isnt complete without a taco or slice of pizza. Oh and the one in jackson has a bar with $2 margaritas!! woohooo! read more

I stopped in here the other afternoon for a quick lunch to go before heading down to the beach. I got a maverick burrito with steak. It was delicious. The service was super quick, and my burrito was also yummy. The restaurant itself was also very clean. Hopefully I will have the opportunity to try many more things on the menu. read more

This Restaurant has been in Business for a number of Years now, haven't been in for over 4 years, We had a Little Family gathering, and placed an order at 3:00 pm for pickup at 5:45Pm Approximately 15 items from tacos to salads, The order was ready on time, food was cooked to all's satisfaction! The only negative was the home made chips. The worst! And they gave a individual bag for each order,? Overall good staff, good food just leave the Chips behind. read more

Being from NY I enjoy coming here when I'm on Vacation. The food in Seaside Heights is not very good but, I am a picky eater. I had my best meal here. I only eat the Vegetarian Taco salad and it was so delicious & freshly made. This place gets super crowded with tons of teenage girls so always call ahead to order. I came here twice this past week and it was so great both times. If you do take-out allow yourself enough time because it is usually a bit of a wait. So worth it though. Have to wait another whole year again:( read more

OK, I get the whole "fresh Mexican" thing...but Surf Taco's offerings are pretty consistently underseasoned. Come on, man. Gimme a taco bursting with flavor. A burrito that bites me back. An enchilada that makes me wanna holla. No, Surf Taco's stuff is safer than safe. Even the "hot" salsa leaves you wanting some more burn. Certainly won't be back when I'm looking for even a quick 'n dirty Mexican fix. A Taco Bell Baja Chicken Chalupa is a better solution, sad to say. read more

I look forward to Surf Taco every time I'm in town. I will literally make sure I eat it every day I spend there. The menu possibilities are endless, though I usually stick to the same few things. I'm not going to Surf taco for chicken or steak so I bounce around between the surf taco/mahi taco combo, the surf burrito or the garlic shrimp burrito which all come with chips and and salsa from the homemade salsa bar. I'm salivating thinking about the salsas. The "Baja" and "hot" varieties really have some heat. They of course also have a mild and a salsa verde if heat isn't your thing. This is a great place to stop in for lunch after some time at the beach or even to bring the kids to for dinner. I wouldn't miss Surf Taco read more

Great food! Great atmosphere! Try to get down here almost every weekend. Chips and cheese are delicious. Bean and cheese burrito is delicious. I always take some of the salsa home so I can enjoy it all week! Best place in seaside! read more

Perhaps it is the San Diegan blood that runs in my veins that made me look on this place and it's food with disdain every time I entered it's confines. It tries and fails to be so. . . so. . . (What can I say? "Cool?") that it comes off to anyone other than it's beloved Jersey Shore teenager crowd as what I can only describe as pretentious and even juvenile. Everything from the chintzy interior decorations fresh from the Oriental Trading Company to the high school cafeteria tables and chairs scream white middle American shore living. As so brilliantly described by Justin A.: "On the Shore, the key to success is to offer a cool environment in which kids can hang out (as they can't go to bars), and as a result of the vibe, guerrilla marketing techniques, and word of mouth over the years, the proprietors of Surf Taco should be commended for having the foresight to devise such a concept." As for the food, all I have to say is that its the Chevy's Kids Menu at twice the price. Small portions of poor ingredients equals lousy food. (Could it be that you are paying for an ambience? That you don't even like? Methinks so.) In summary, if you want to eat so-called Mexican food in a cafeteria surrounded by the trappings and denizens of New Jersey's shore culture. . . feel free to stop in and be cool at Surf Taco. read more

As a teen in the early 2000s, I thought Surf Taco was the greatest representation of Mexican food in the entire United States of America. However, now as a 30-something, I realize that Surf Taco is an overpriced and over-Americanized poor excuse for Mexican food. For example, while I love the freshness of their salsa bar, there is absolutely NO heat in any of these "salsas". Not even the one labeled "hot". Wth!?! Also, the prices are way out of whack. Maybe I'm spoiled by paying $5.50 for 3 HUGE tacos al pastor in Philly, but I paid $11 for two mediocre tacos and a scoop of bland black beans on top of bland rice. Wow. So why did I give it three stars if I just spent the last two paragraphs bashing them? Because I will say this- if you are a family with small kids or want something different than the usual boardwalk fare of pizza and sausage sandwiches, this is definitely a good option. The prices (while high) are no different than you'll pay elsewhere at the shore. And the food is very fresh and somewhat healthy. Also, they definitely brand themselves well by playing up the beach vibe and it is a fun place to eat. However, I would recommend going at an off-time. Lunch time on the weekend is bananas. read more

Love the freshness of the food and the staff is always pleasantly helpful! Surf Taco is a great, family friendly place to eat.

Wow! This was my first time eating at Surf Taco and I'll be a repeat customer. Things we loved: Very generous portions, fresh ingredients, extra chips with your order and fast friendly service. We placed our order over the phone and drove over to pick it up. Love that they have a separate line for the away orders. Things to know: If you like spicy, let them know; food is a bit on the mild side. Parking can be tricky, especially when the beech is crowded. Be prepared to park and walka bit. read more

The food was done immediately after we ordered which leads me to believe its not very fresh. I ordered the surf taco and it had one sliver of fish which was overwhelmingly bland. The taco itself was very small, looked like an appetizer. Extremely flavorless. The side of chips didn't come with cheese or any toppings. The sauce bar had the most flavor and it wasn't even that great to begin with. Rather eat Taco Bell. read more