By Holly Martin
Ocean City is known for its beaches, boardwalk treats and classic seaside dining, but The Blue Cactus is bringing something a little different to the island. Serving up California-Mexican, or Cal-Mex, cuisine, the restaurant offers a fresh take on familiar Mexican favorites, along with a growing lineup of specialty coffee drinks.
Some may remember The Blue Cactus from its boardwalk location in 2017. In July of last year, the restaurant moved into a larger space on Haven Avenue, giving it room to expand its offerings and create a new dining experience.
Stepping inside, diners are transported from the familiar beach-town atmosphere into a colorful world of fresh food and creative flavors. One unexpected feature immediately catches the eye: a beautiful espresso machine displayed behind the order counter, hinting that there’s more to the menu than tacos and quesadillas.
Curiosity got the best of me. Even though I was there for dinner, I couldn’t resist sampling one of the restaurant’s specialty coffees. I ordered the Salty Surfer iced latte, a combination of espresso, oat milk, butterscotch syrup and a touch of salt.
I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first. But one sip was all it took to win me over. The drink was rich, smooth and surprisingly reminiscent of caramel popcorn from the boardwalk. The balance of sweet butterscotch and a hint of salt made for a deliciously unexpected combination.
Owner Ali Stokes is the creative force behind the restaurant, taking an active role in everything from preparing tacos to developing specialty coffee creations. Stokes says the coffee menu will continue to grow, blending traditional favorites with inventive, Mexican-inspired flavors.
“We will be introducing things like the Salty Surfer and different Mex-twisted coffees with some traditional stuff too,” says Stokes.
And coffee is just the beginning. The Blue Cactus has its sights set on breakfast, with plans to expand the menu next season.
“We want to completely lock into breakfast next season,” says Stokes. “But we may do a run of breakfast in November.”
The thought of breakfast offerings had me looking forward to a return visit, but there was still plenty to explore on the dinner menu.
I started with the shrimp tacos, served with tender shrimp, shredded cheese, lettuce and fresh salsa fresca. The salsa fresca was the standout, adding a bright, refreshing burst of flavor that complemented the other ingredients. Everything tasted fresh, and diners can choose their preferred taco shell. I opted for the crispy corn shell, which added a satisfying crunch to every bite.
Next up was the chicken quesadilla, a classic comfort-food favorite that delivered exactly what I was craving. Generous chunks of chicken were layered with melted cheese and tucked inside tortillas toasted to a golden, crispy finish. Simple, satisfying and packed with flavor, it was hard to go wrong with this choice.
Just when I thought I couldn’t eat another bite, there was one more dish I had to try: birria tacos.
Served in a set of two, these tacos quickly became the highlight of the meal. The tender, marinated meat was paired with gooey melted cheese and served alongside a rich, savory consommé for dipping. Every bite delivered a delicious combination of bold flavors and textures, making these tacos an absolute must-try for birria fans.
With its expanded location, creative coffee menu and flavorful take on Cal-Mex cuisine, The Blue Cactus offers something a little different for Ocean City diners. Whether stopping in for tacos, satisfying a quesadilla craving or trying one of its specialty lattes, the restaurant brings a fresh perspective to the island’s dining scene.
The Blue Cactus plans to extend its season, making operating decisions month by month. Those hoping to stop in should check the restaurant’s website and social media pages for the latest hours and updates, especially as the season winds down.
Holly Martin has been immersed in the media world since 2012, building a dynamic and versatile career that spans nearly every corner of the industry. She has also hosted as a DJ and created the blog SNJ Sober Party Girl. She enjoys sharing stories that inspire connection and community.
