NEW Taqueria El Azteca in Wildwood is Expanding

Big taco news out of Wildwood, NJ! One of Pacific Avenue’s most popular spots for authentic Mexican eats — Taqueria El Azteca — is expanding to a another location at 4020 Ocean Avenue.

If that address sounds familiar, it should. That’s the former home of The Wild Burrito, a beloved Wildwood staple that served up beachy burritos and vegan-friendly eats for 13 years.

Taqueria El Azteca has built a strong local following thanks to its big, flavorful menu and generous portions.

They really built up a cult-like following as anyone who drives by during a summer’s night could see, they are always packed.

Their quesabirria tacos are the stuff of late-night Wildwood legend, and they’ve been turning heads with creative takes like birria ramen, pizzabirria, and spicy seafood dishes like Camarones a la Diabla.

Now, they’re taking that winning formula closer to the beach — just steps from the boardwalk — at a location with some deep foodie roots.

The Wild Burrito officially closed its doors in September 2024 after more than a decade of serving burritos, avocado fries, and jackfruit tacos to hungry beachgoers.

Owner Joe Carpenter made the heartfelt announcement online, thanking customers for the memories and the support through the years.

While the closure left many fans feeling a bit shell-shocked, there’s comfort in knowing the building isn’t being left to collect sand and seagull feathers. Instead, it’s being reimagined by another local favorite.

Right now, the team behind Taqueria El Azteca is working on transforming the old burrito shack into their second home.

No word yet on an official grand opening date, but a new mural is already up at 4020 Ocean Avenue, and it looks like construction is well underway.

Crews have been there for several weeks now, demolishing the inside completely, removing windows, and painting.

A new mural was just completed which showcases, this image shows a vibrant mural featuring an Aztec warrior with a large, powerful eagle headdress and wings.

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The figure is very muscular, wearing traditional Aztec jewelry and armor, and holding a spear or staff. Behind the warrior, you can see ancient Mesoamerican pyramids — likely representing famous structures like Teotihuacan or Chichen Itza — set against colorful mountains and a bright sky with soaring eagles flying around.

Fans can expect many of the same items from the Pacific Avenue menu — which includes street tacos, mulitas, birria, fresh horchata, and Mexican sodas — but with the added bonus of being closer to the beach crowds.

Any time a beloved restaurant closes, especially one with the kind of loyal fanbase that The Wild Burrito had, there’s a hole left in the local food scene. But having a local, family-run business like Taqueria El Azteca come in to breathe new life into the building? That’s a win.

This is a story of Wildwood’s ever-evolving food landscape, where classic favorites pass the torch to new flavors — and the community continues to benefit.

Stay tuned for updates — we’ll be keeping a close eye on when you can snag your first taco at the new Ocean Avenue spot!