Brick’s Born And Raised Tacoholics Serve Up Award Winning Flavors

You don't have to read through the pages of WOBM.com very long to learn that I love food. Especially locally owned businesses who serve up food the way it's meant to be - with attention to detail, skill, and passion.

Word of mouth lead me to Brick's Tacoholics today, but their outstanding food will keep me going back!

I didn't have an appointment, I hadn't called or messaged anyone, I had to run home around lunch time today so I stopped in to the restaurant to see what everyone has been talking about.

Right on Lanes Mill Road at the new northbound Parkway entrance, Tacoholics takes over the former Video Time storefront and says goodbye to the days of "be kind, rewind" and hello to the days of "do you want mild, medium, or hot salsa?"

I chatted with Rob for a few minutes, one of the foursome of owners who are all 2010 graduates of Brick Memorial High School, and he told me about how they took the wave that started with a simple taco truck, which they pay tribute to right on the wall, and rode it into the Briarmill Pharmacy plaza last November.

I've discovered recently that asking a restaurant owner what they consider their signature dish to be is like asking a parent to pick a favorite kid. And my conversation with Rob was no different.

Instead of singling out just one dish, he told me about their dishes that others have chosen as favorites. In fact, some of the best in the state.

You see, at 2016's New Jersey Taco Festival, the Tacoholics gang took home not one but two honors - Best Seafood Taco for their coconut shrimp tacos, and Best Vegetarian Taco for their fried avocado tacos.

I wasn't leaving without sampling the goods, so I figured I'd trust the judges and ordered up a pair of coconut shrimp tacos.

And boy, was I glad I did!

Instead of an overwhelming seafood flavor, the crunch of the coconut crust gave the tacos a sweet bite, with their homemade salsa adding the right amount of tex-mex flavor, and their homemade sriracha ailoi adding just enough heat to drive the experience home.

I'll absolutely be a repeat customer of Tacoholics. Not just because the food is really good, but just as much because I love the story of a group of Ocean County high school friends turning a passion into an award winning business!

More from WOBM: