Dining Under A 300-Year-Old Cottonwood Tree At El Rey
- Aug 1, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 18
UPDATE 2-18-2026: El Rey Mexican restaurant is permanently closed. Emilio's On Main, an upscale Puebla-inspired restaurant popular with the locals, has taken over the location at 1006 Main Street, Belmar, New Jersey. Read more about Emilio's Kitchen. Highly recommended by the Belmar Beachcomber Blog!
A favorite setting for outdoor dining in Belmar, New Jersey, is the cozy courtyard at El Rey Mexican restaurant at 1006 Main Street. The showpiece of the courtyard is a majestic cottonwood tree that is believed to be over 300 years old, according to the building owner.
At nighttime, the courtyard's eye-catching array of string lights and summer flowers provides a lovely ambiance for outdoor dining. Whether you are planning a friends' night out, a family celebration, or a dinner date with someone special, you will enjoy a delicious dining experience with freshly prepared Mexican cuisine at El Rey restaurant in Belmar.
I have dined numerous times at the BYOB El Rey since it opened in March 2022, each time starting with the creamy guacamole and chips. My go-to entrees here include the chicken chimichanga, chicken enchilada, or shrimp fajitas. People also rave about the birria tacos at El Rey.
The house-made desserts are absolutely amazing, especially the silky flan and the tres leches cake (sponge cake soaked in evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream).
El Rey Mexican Restaurant Permanently Closed, Replaced By Emilio's On Main in 2025
1006 Main Street
Belmar, New Jersey 07719
Story and photos © Christine Cardellino, Belmar Beachcomber Blog, and www.VacationInBelmar.com, 2017 to present. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material, including photography, without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. If you wish to use a photograph from this site, full and clear credit must be given to Belmar Beachcomber Blog and www.VacationInBelmar.com/belmar-beachcomber-blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Live Like A Local: Rent A Belmar Beach House
Day trips down the shore are fun, but it's even better to rent a beach house for the week to experience everything wonderful about the Belmar area. For couples, solo adults and small families, the two-bedroom Blue Hydrangea Cottage rental in Belmar, New Jersey, is the perfect getaway place. The home sleeps up to four people and is consistently rated five stars for cleanliness, amenities and location. Learn more at www.vacationinbelmar.com.
Comments