Finding great tacos in Atlantic City is a bit like searching for hidden treasure. There’s no map, but there are plenty of places serving up tortillas that know how to hold a crowd’s attention. Over the years, after more questionable salsa splatters and lime wedges than I care to admit, I’ve eaten my way through the city’s taco scene. Each restaurant tells its own story—crispy, soft, spicy, or earthy—making taco-hopping in Atlantic City a pastime I’d gladly repeat any day.
This guide pulls together the best taco spots in Atlantic City, NJ. Whether you crave zesty fish tacos near the Boardwalk or you gravitate toward classics piled with fresh toppings, you’ll find a spot that delivers. You’ll soon see where it’s worth ordering a second round and where the only thing better than the first bite is the second. Ready to see which spots nabbed a spot on the list?
Where to find the best tacos in Atlantic City, NJ
Here are some of the top spots to find the best tacos in Atlantic City, NJ:
- Chart House
- Broadway Burger Bar
- P.F. Chang’s
- McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks
- Back Bay Ale House
- Casa Taco & Tequila Bar
- Vagabond Kitchen & Tap House
- Kelsey’s
- Tony Boloney’s – Atlantic City
- Pancho’s Mexican Taqueria
1. Chart House
Chart House, nestled in the Golden Nugget Hotel, delivers more than memorable water views. This upscale spot offers an atmosphere where classic seafood feels fresh and inviting. Service is attentive but never overbearing, which makes settling in feel effortless.
I wandered in for dinner, skeptical that a seafood house would impress with tacos. One bite later, I was committed. The fish tacos—lightly battered and topped with tangy slaw—capture Chart House’s knack for balancing flavors. Each taco comes packed with flaky fish and fresh veggies, letting the quality of each ingredient shine.
If you’re in the mood for variety, try their shrimp tacos. They’re equally crisp and flavorful, providing a bright, citrusy kick that matches Chart House’s style.
2. Broadway Burger Bar
Broadway Burger Bar, inside Tropicana, brings a lively, relaxed energy to Atlantic City’s dining scene. Burgers get the spotlight, but don’t overlook their inventive tacos. With a menu as varied as their tap list, I stopped in one afternoon, not expecting much beyond burger basics.
The grilled fish tacos surprised me with their crisp slaw and a squeeze of lime that tied everything together. They manage to make tacos feel at home in a burger haven—fresh, bright, and generous with toppings.
For a lighter bite, the veggie tacos offer plenty of flavor without sacrificing satisfaction. Pair your plate with one of their local craft beers for the full Broadway experience.
3. P.F. Chang’s
+1 609-348-4600
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P.F. Chang’s in The Quarter at Tropicana brings modern Asian flair to a city known for its diverse food scene. Here, the fusion approach makes even familiar dishes feel new. I dropped in with friends, unsure what an Asian bistro might do with tacos—but curiosity paid off.
The standout here is the Asian-inspired lettuce “tacos.” Crisp lettuce serves as the shell, piled high with seasoned fillings and a savory sauce that keeps every bite lively. The vegetarian version is bright with crunch and perfectly seasoned veggies.
You won’t find traditional tortillas, but you’ll get clean flavors and a light, refreshing take that fits P.F. Chang’s signature style. These lettuce tacos make for a satisfying start to your meal or a main plate that won’t weigh you down.
4. McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks
McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks, located at Harrah’s, is all about polished service and a menu that puts seafood at center stage. The dining room buzzes with energy, yet keeps a relaxed air—perfect for a long lunch or a special dinner. My visit here started with high expectations and ended with me texting friends about what I’d found.
Fish tacos are the sleeper hit. They bring together grilled, flaky fish, crisp greens, and a bright citrus dressing. Unlike heavier options elsewhere, these tacos feel light but still filling—showcasing both the kitchen’s skill and the freshness of their ingredients.
Vegetarian guests can opt for a garden-fresh salad as a flavorful alternative, but for taco aficionados, the fish tacos are where McCormick & Schmick’s shows off its strengths.
5. Back Bay Ale House
Tucked away by the marina, Back Bay Ale House offers waterfront views that give any meal a relaxed, breezy feel. This is the place to unwind, especially when you want your taco with a side of sunset. My first visit was on a warm evening, and the energy on the deck set the tone for a memorable meal.
Their fish tacos steal the spotlight—grilled to perfection and layered with crisp slaw and fresh pico de gallo. You’ll find just enough spice to balance the flavor, never overwhelming the main ingredients.
Grab a table outside during golden hour. It’s the best way to enjoy both the tacos and the city’s changing light. Pair your meal with a house-made lemonade for that true Back Bay vibe.
6. Casa Taco & Tequila Bar
Casa Taco & Tequila Bar sits right on the Boardwalk, bringing colorful energy and vibrant flavors to Tropicana. If you’re hunting for a spot where tacos are the main event, this place makes it easy to focus your appetite. I dropped in during lunch and noticed the tables packed with locals trading recommendations as eagerly as bites.
The grilled fish tacos are a must-order—tucked into warm tortillas and topped with cool cabbage and house-made salsa. Each one packs balanced heat and freshness, reflecting the kitchen’s dedication to flavor. Vegetarian options also stand out with bright veggie fillings and a squeeze of lime.
If you can’t decide, order a taco sampler. It’s the best way to savor Casa Taco’s playful approach to classic recipes.
7. Vagabond Kitchen & Tap House
Vagabond Kitchen & Tap House blends laid-back charm with a creative menu, making it a favorite for both locals and visitors in Atlantic City. The atmosphere is buzzing but never rushed—great for kicking back with friends or a quick solo bite. My last visit had me eyeing everything coming out of the kitchen, but my decision was clear once I saw their tacos hit a nearby table.
Their blackened fish tacos deliver a satisfying mix of char, spice, and refreshing slaw. Each taco is thoughtfully assembled, showing the kitchen’s attention to detail. There’s a vegetarian taco option, packed with grilled veggies and just enough zest to keep each bite interesting.
Pair your tacos with a local beer from their rotating selection for the full Vagabond experience.
8. Kelsey’s
Kelsey’s brings the energy of a supper club to Atlantic City, pairing live music with plates that feel both soulful and inventive. The buzz of jazz and the aroma of fresh food hit you the moment you walk in. My night here felt like a celebration—good music, better food, and guests who never seemed in a rush to leave.
The shrimp tacos are the unexpected star—lightly seasoned, juicy, and finished with their special slaw for a southern twist. Each bite strikes a balance between comfort and creativity, echoing Kelsey’s broader menu.
If you prefer to skip the seafood, the veggie tacos don’t disappoint, keeping Kelsey’s flair for flavor at the forefront. This is the place for those who want their tacos with a side of live tunes.
9. Tony Boloney’s – Atlantic City
Tony Boloney’s is equal parts quirky and creative—a spot that never plays it safe with flavors or ideas. Bright murals and a playful vibe set the stage for some of the most inventive tacos in Atlantic City. The menu is always surprising, yet still packed with crowd-pleasers.
Their veggie tacos are a standout—loaded with roasted vegetables, tangy sauces, and fresh herbs for bite after bite of bold flavor. I tried them on a whim, and they made me rethink how exciting a veggie taco can be.
If you want tacos that are colorful and unapologetically unique, this is the place to go. Tony Boloney’s proves that fun and quality can go hand in hand.
10. Pancho’s Mexican Taqueria
Pancho’s Mexican Taqueria is a local favorite that brings the spirit of a true taqueria to Atlantic City. The atmosphere is homespun and lively, where the focus is firmly on fresh ingredients and no-nonsense flavor. My first meal here was an introduction to how good simple, well-executed tacos can be.
The grilled fish tacos are a must—fresh, flaky, and served with a bright squeeze of lime and house-made salsa. There’s also a delicious grilled veggie taco, perfect for those looking for lighter, plant-based options.
What sets Pancho’s apart is the honest, unpretentious approach to flavor. Each taco feels handcrafted, letting the ingredients take center stage without excess.
More Things to Try in Atlantic City, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find authentic tacos in Atlantic City?
Look for local spots like Pancho’s Mexican Taqueria and Casa Taco & Tequila Bar for tacos that keep things traditional with fresh ingredients and classic flavors.
Do any taco places in Atlantic City offer vegetarian or vegan options?
Yes, most places on the list—including Tony Boloney’s, Casa Taco, and Broadway Burger Bar—have bold veggie tacos. Vegan choices are available at select spots, just ask the server or check the menu.
What’s the best place for fish tacos in Atlantic City?
Try the grilled or blackened fish tacos at Chart House, Back Bay Ale House, and Vagabond Kitchen & Tap House. Each spot puts its own spin on this coastal favorite.
Are there gluten-free taco options?
Several restaurants, like Casa Taco & Tequila Bar and McCormick & Schmick’s, offer gluten-free alternatives. Just double-check with your server before you order.
Can I order tacos for takeout or delivery?
Absolutely. Many restaurants, including Pancho’s and Tony Boloney’s, offer takeout and delivery to make taco night an easy option, wherever you are in the city.
