The Southwest meets the Jersey Shore at Pinto’s Porch in Manahawkin. This fast-casual spot serves their spin on classic dishes that showcase the styles and flavors of the region. In particular, the restaurant serves burgers, sandwiches, wraps/burritos, tacos, and more. A true garage start-up, the owner’s original idea is now a full-blown business.
The 1,300-square foot Pinto’s Porch has patrons order at the counter, before receiving their food at the table. “We refer to our vibe as a modern Southwest,” says Heidi Pinto, who owns the spot with her husband, John. For instance, the dining area features canvas pictures of popular southwest scenery, and decorations include chili peppers and cacti. The interior seats 42, in addition to a covered cover outdoor area – the porch – that seats 24.
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A Unique Take on Southern Cuisine
Pinto’s Porch places itself into its own unique cuisine category. “We refer to our food as southwest cuisine,” Heidi says. “Although that’s not a real category, we don’t like to place ourselves in any existing categories.”
“It’s like BBQ, Tex Mex, and Mexican had a baby. We’re unique,” Heidi adds. For example, she recommends the brisket poutine. “It’s something you’ll never see anywhere else,” she says. The dish consists of crispy fries topped with chopped smoked beef brisket, cheddar cheese curds, and BBQ brown gravy. Likewise, their burgers are a big hit, with options like the Santa Fe; an 8-ounce char-grilled angus burger with diced hatch green chile, red onion, and tomato on a brioche bun. “We searched high and low for a bread bakery with the perfect bun to complement our delicious burgers,” Heidi says.
Other favorites include the Holy Mole flat bread, with mole sauce, oaxaca and cheddar cheese, smoked pork, and pineapple. However, Heidi and John both love the grilled chicken fajita wrap; with black bean and corn salad, cheddar cheese, grilled peppers and onions, and chipotle mayo in a warm flour tortilla.
About the Owners
John is originally from the area, but grew up in Phoenix before moving back to NJ in his early 20s. Meanwhile, Heidi spent most of her life in Ocean County working in the restaurant industry for nearly 20 years. In fact, she met John while they worked together at a local restaurant. Heidi is fluent in American Sign Language, and welcomes the deaf community to visit Pinto’s Porch.
After moving into a new home together in Manahawkin, John wanted an outdoor cooking area to host guests. Without much of a yard, he repurposed his garage into a fully functioning kitchen with picnic table seating outside. Several parties later, his garage kitchen had a following, a name (Pinto’s Porch), and larger ambitions. So John and Heidi took the leap and opened their restaurant; which also sells Lumber Jack Pellets for grills.
Visit Pinto’s Porch at 657 East Bay Ave in Manahawkin. (Click here to see them on Google Maps.) To learn more: Click here to visit their website | Follow them on Facebook | Click here to give them a call.
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All Photos: © Pinto’s Porch