Jackson Surf Taco Closing Its Doors Forever Later This Month

JIMMY STEAL

Such sad news that apparently economic challenges and a changing demographic are forcing the closure of a beloved area bar and restaurant. Surf Taco Jackson at 21 Hope Chapel Road will be closing its doors for good in a couple of weeks.

A heartfelt post on Surf Taco Jackson's Facebook page, from owner Rob Nagel read in part "Thank you for 17 years! Our doors will close at our Surf Taco Jackson location Sunday, April 23rd. We want to thank our customers, staff, & musicians for 17 years of tacos, margaritas, music, and fond memories."

Interestingly, the doors to the first Surf Taco with a bar opened in April of 2006 to much fanfare. A go-to destination in the area for not just the classic Surf Taco food everyone loves, but a great bar scene. The upstairs private room was great for parties, fantasy drafts, and poker tourneys.

Downstairs at the bar, there were fantastic drinks being made by awesome bartenders. UFC Fight Nights, NFL Sundays, Monday Night Trivia, and of course some amazing live local music every week.

Furthermore, Surf Taco Jackson really became part of the community. With their epic Surf Taco Harvest Fests, hosting packed Halloween costume parties, and of course, the best Cinco De Mayo parties around.

Meanwhile, Nagel, who cofounded Surf Taco over 20 years ago, invited patrons for one last cheer on Sunday, April 23rd. Local star Billy Simmons will be hosting a final open mic beginning at 2 pm, with a final toast to follow.

Lastly, we at the Rat have done more than our share of bar gigs at the Surf Taco of Jackson. I hosted Monday Night Trivia there from 2012 through 2019. Obviously, it holds a special place in our hearts. From the bartenders to the managers to the customers, Surf Taco was more than just a place to grab a drink and eeeeeeeeeat taaaaaacoooos! Thanks for the memories.

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Jimmy StealWriter

Believe it or not, Jimmy’s first job was overnights at a Christian Radio Station. He claims he got into radio because like Rocky Balboa once said, “cause I can’t sing or dance.” Jimmy loves to write about all local happenings, especially around his town of Toms River. Favorite Pastime (other than masturbation, of course): Cheering for the Yankees, and crying for the J-E-T-S!!! Favorite Food: Hot Sauce…I collect ’em! Favorite Drink: PRUNO…look it up, if you dare! Favorite Movies: The Exorcist, Planet of The Apes (the original), To Kill a Mockingbird, Annie Hall, and of course GF 1 & GF 2…I heard that’s how the real fans refer to them. Favorite Movie Line: easy…Murry-Caddyshack-“big hitter, the Lama”…f#$*in’ riot! Best Rat Rock Bands: STP, VH, ZEP, PEARL JAM, FOOS, PEPPERS,AC/DC Favorite New Bands: Glorious Sons, Rival Sons, Dirty Honey Most Embarrassing Moment: the moment my mother reads this shit! Best Day: I know a lot of folks say this, but it’s true: the day my little girl Jynell and my boy Big D were born! Next to that, it would have to be the day I was baked on earth day in Central Park and met Keefer Sutherland…baked too, I believe.