Devastating Fire Forces Two Popular Restaurants To Close In Sea Isle City

For Summer Vacationers and South Jersey Locals, one of the popular spots in Sea Isle City is Fish Alley. The section from JFK Boulevard to 44 Street on Park Road has several popular restaurants and seafood markets within walking distance of many people's homes.

But two of the Restaurants on Park Road will be closed till further notice after a devastating fire took hold of the property at the corner of 42nd Place and Park Road. According to Sea Isle City Public Information Officer Katherine Custer, the fire started around 5 pm on Wednesday, August 14th, and was contained within an hour by the Sea Isle City Fire Department.

The two businesses impacted by this fire are Casa Taco Bayfront Taqueria and Casino Pizza. The two restaurants share the property with an open parking lot facing the street right on the bay.

Since opening in 2020, Casa Taco has become a popular restaurant in Sea Isle City, in part because of the quality food but also for the location on the bay. Restaurant Owner Victor Loaeza released the following state through Hiyt Development:

"To Our Casa Taco Community:
We’re heartbroken to share that Casa Taco was engulfed in flames, and the roof collapsed in. Sometimes, life takes an unexpected turn, and this time it’s ours to face.
The most important thing is that everyone is safe. We can’t thank our fire departments and emergency personnel enough for their quick response and bravery. Your support means more to us than we can express.
We’ll keep you updated as we move forward. Thank you for standing by us during this difficult time."

Formerly known as Casino Steaks and Pizzeria, the eatery used to be located for decades at the corner of 40th Street and Landis Avenue. But after the old LaCosta Property was sold and converted into The Ludlam, Casino Pizza would be moved to 42nd Place and Park Road to re-open in 2022.

There is no timetable yet for when the two restaurants can resume serving food to the public.  Sources tell Townsquare Media South Jersey that the severity of the fire damage and the roof collapse will take months to repair.  I would conjecture that both restaurants will not be open again until 2025.

No one in Sea Isle City wants to see these restaurants closed permanently or disappear like some other famous businesses over the last 30 years. Do you remember these popular spots that used to be in the South Jersey Shore Town located off Garden State Parkway Exit 17: