New Gluten-free Mexican Food on the Jersey Shore

Starting this summer, visitors to the Ocean City, N.J., Boardwalk will have a new gluten-free option for meals. Pure Tacos is a new Mexican-fusion fast-casual restaurant – and one that provides diverse menu options for gluten-restricted diets.



Located at 1138 Boardwalk in Ocean City, Pure Tacos' menu features premium tacos and nachos, and offers more authentic Mexican options, as well as new takes on classic favorites. Achiote grilled steak and tomato-chipotle salsa are just a couple of the authentic ingredients incorporated into Pure Tacos’ dishes.

As someone with celiac disease, owner Ted Schroeder understands very well the challenges those on a restricted diet face when they travel: "Pure Tacos in Ocean City was born partly from the fact that I had very little I could eat on the Boardwalk. I follow a gluten-free diet, and pizza doesn't work for me. Our whole menu is geared to provide Ocean City with flavors and foods that are not currently offered, and as an added bonus, everything on the menu is naturally gluten-free."

Pure Tacos offers a Mexican-inspired menu that uses fresh, simple ingredients in fusion fashion. The menu's foundation is authentic Mexican cuisine and street food flavors. From homemade chorizo tacos to fusion-inspired cheeseburger tacos and chicken, bacon and ranch nachos, Pure Tacos’ menu should be accessible to anyone gluten-free since nothing on the menu is off-limits. Schroeder notes, "Our gluten-free customers can rest assured that their needs will be met, and their expectations surpassed.”

Something else that's sure to appeal to the gluten-free customer: Pure Tacos also aims to be economically accessible; its founders believe that quality doesn't need to be cost-prohibitive. Schroeder explains, "Because of the economy, people don't want to pay $25 for a great meal anymore. Pure Tacos gives the flavors and textures of that type of meal, but at a much more approachable cost."

The restaurant offers a breakfast menu, including a bacon and egg taco or a sausage and egg taco, until 11:00 a.m.; the full menu is available for the rest of the day. Nachos run from $6 for a regular plate to $9 for a large order, while tacos are priced at $6 for two to $9 for three. Freshly made tortilla chips accompany all taco orders.

Pure Tacos opens May 15, and will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. until Labor Day. For more information, including the full menu, visit www.puretacos.com.