El Rey might be new to Asbury Park, but it hands down serves the area’s best Mexican food. Located on a residential street a few blocks north of the popular Cookman Avenue row of restaurants and bars, El Rey was recently opened by a local family originally from Oaxaca. The restaurant is BYO (although their cucumber aqua fresca is good enough to make you skip the cerveza) and has become popular for takeout and delivery. Upon entry, you’ll be drawn to the oversized pot of birria bubbling on the stove, but everything here - from choriqueso to carnitas to the quesadilla de maiz - is fantastic. Also worthy of your attention is their pollo rostizado, which sells out quickly each day. Outdoor dining is also too.