It's ok - easy place to visit on a weeknight with few expectations Happy we sat outside even with the evening sun as was a little warm inside. A few weeks later, I cannot recall so much what we ate, it was decent, but not memorable. read more

Cute outside and great greeting. Very friendly. Inside the music and talking was amplified by the smallness of the space. Large selection and definitely cooked to order. My chili rellano was great, the beans and rice also good. The taco was where it lost points. The small corn tortilla was placed right on the beans so very messy to pick up to eat. The beef in it was so tough and way too much cilantro. Hubs had the fish and chips. Lots of fish (4 pieces) in light great batter. Lots of fries. The malt vinegar had sediment that came out when sprinkled so it might have been sitting there a long time. That took another star. A nice spot for locals. read more

Service was nice, I ordered the nachos and honestly, it was the worse nachos I had, the meat was dry and tasteless, texture was off and the cheese tastes like krafts sandwhich cheese. I rarely leave reviews but I was very dissatisfied with it. I was charged $3.00 for a cup of water, consider that the tip. I would not come back. Unfortunately, this is not one of those bookmark kind of places. If you do go, try anything but the nachos, maybe it will be better. read more

I need to go again! I lost track of it but remember the burgers were delicious! I'm happy it's still going! It's set back so I haven't thought about it for a very long time. read more

I ordered a grilled fish taco to go and ended up with a deep fried one. Even that would have been ok if the fish had tasted fresh but the breading was chewy and the oil smelled old like they did not regularly exchange the deep fry fat. Sorry but only one star for me. read more

Very very disappointed in the service and food. 4 of us were visiting from the Los Angeles area .......ate there and asked for separate bills. Older lady waitress very rude when we questioned (4) charges that made no sense on our bill and how we had asked for separate bills. She was very rude and changed the subject when we questioned the (4) charges. We refused to pay for the unidentified charges and she ended up charging us separately but still tried to sneak in the unidentified charges. caution.... Check your receipts before paying. She tries to charge you extra for things that were NOT ordered. Food was not all that great. I left my menudo untouched it was smelly I don't think they cleaned the meat too well. read more

In the heart of San Clemente is El Jefe, a family run and operated business. They are mostly mexican food, with some staples that carried over from the previous owners which include a club sandwich and fish & chips. It may seem odd to enter a mexican restaurant for british style fish & chips, but it is what they are known for. They have taken the popularity of this dish forward by using the same fried fish that was a staple in this fishing town for the fish tacos too. Family members greet you at the door and can also be found in the kitchen and as servers. They have a light filled sunroom, a cozy dining room, and a bar to choose from for the seating options. read more

El Jefe Cafe - Wednesday Specials - Mexican Near Me - San Clemente, California

See all

The waitress with the braces was very confused and a bit rude, acted like I was dumb and my friend was dumb when we clearly knew what we asked for and she would get the complete wrong thing. Brought uncooked food, not the mention it was the wrong thing. I asked for a coke cherry, went to the restroom, came back, waited another 10 min and she had already came back with everyone else's drink way before this, so I asked if my coke cherry was coming soon and she looked at me like I was so dumb and she had no idea what I was talking about. The I asked for it again and she didn't know what I was talking about, when a cherry coke is on the menu. Same when ordering the food, like she had no idea what was on the menu. love this place but the waitress completely ruined the experience and I come often but genuinely makes me not want to go again... read more

On the way home from a conference in Los Angeles, I was hangry, tired, and needed a break. My car's display was on the fritz, so I randomly took the next freeway exit and just let fate take me somewhere - and I ended up at El Jefe! Immediately I was greeted when walking in the door, and was impressed by the adorable holiday decor that had been set up with a lot of love. I opted for a crispy beef taco, al pastor taco, rice, beans, guacamole, and chips. It was heaven! I love that the staff there are a father/daughter duo. The food was authentic and made with a lot of TLC. My next drive up and down the I-5 I know where I'm going to stop. See you again soon, El Jefe! XOXO read more

El Jefe Cafe - Mexican Near Me - San Clemente, California

Service was bad . Server got order wrong but immediately blamed it on me and the the wrong order wasn't even melted . They just slapped cheese on bread and even had the audacity to spilt it in half and only came with 8 fries . Also they don't give out free refills . Do not recommend this place ! read more

Food was horrible, had a dish we couldn't eat and when advised the manager he didn't make an effort to correct the situation or offer any compensation. Our drink glasses also tasted like soap. This was the second time we had a bad experience, we were giving them a second chance. They blew it, won't go back. We miss La Siesta read more

The staff is always nice and friendly. There is ample parking and they actually have a side enclosed patio that's light & bright & nice to sit in. They have a large menu with an array of different items to choose from. You can sit in the restaurant or get your order to go. We love their fish and chips! read more

Don't judge a book by its cover. Want a local SC spot that's not corporate-this is it! The fish 'n' chips are amazing! I also had the breakfast burrito with bacon. Again, Amazing. Just do it. It's worth your time. read more

Solid, traditional Mexican food and sleeper bar for a taco or margaritas. Always good service and the perfect place for a quick lunch taco or salad. Strongly under appreciated fish & Chips as well John's fish market quality without the headache of the harbor. I'd say it the best in SC, no joke. Sorry, no photos just praise. Close your eyes and think about really good Mexican in an extreme casual setting with the cold beverage of your liking and you got it read more

Most authentic original Mexican food in town, can't beat it for the price. Esthe fish and chips and taco Tuesday

Great service and good food. We both had el jefe pollo burrito. Huge and very good. We should have had it smothered because it needed some sauce. Had some beers which were a little $$ 7 bottle Dos xx. $28 could have had a case at home. It's our choice. I would definitely go again just order wiser. I would love for burrito places to learn from illegal Pete's CO. Make burrito, stir all the stuff so it's not just a bit of rice etc. read more

Had a great meal here! We were served quickly and our server was very nice! We got the chicken and beef tacos and the chicken flautas and they were all delicious. 10/10 recommend! read more

I really wish I could say I liked this place because it's so close to my house. I do like the salsa however, the rest of the food is mediocre at best. I ordered the bean and cheese burrito and the beans and cheese were good but the tortilla was terrible. Not to mention falling apart. My roommate ordered the carne asada nachos and wasn't impressed. I ordered a margarita and it tasted like a lemon lime otter pop. I now know that they only have their beer and wine license. I asked for a Cabernet and she said they didn't have that yet I looked at the menu after and they do have red wine which she did not mention. Her service was slow and the food is overpriced. read more

Seemed like the server was new couldn't answer simple questions. We ordered black beans and got pinto beans. We had a vegan in our party and it took 20 minutes to find out what kind of oil the beans were cooked in. One plate was the food was cold. The tv didn't work on the patio. Wanted to watch sports. The owner/manager came to our table twice and was very abrupt in her conversation. They didn't itemize the bill so it was hard to tell who owed what. Very disappointing visit read more

Most authentic Mexican food experience in San Clemente. Love the sort of indoor patio. Good selection of Mexican Beer. Laid back atmosphere, quiet, not crowded. BURRITOS - Add guac and maybe sour cream and lettuce or whatever else you want. Otherwise the burritos are kinda overly simple. EL JEFE BURRITO - It's a fork & knife kind of burrito. I recommend no onions--otherwise you get tons of them. read more

See all

Great service, friendly and kindly answered questions I had. I will return! Not a long wait for take out. Yes, check it out!!

Gooooood stuff easy and fast and super nice. Waiter was helpful, food was SUPER, and I am enjoying my time in this city read more

El Jefe Cafe - Jefe Lengua burrito - Mexican Near Me - San Clemente, California

this place is horrible!!! they're fries and what's worse is they're fried zucchini tastes like fish!! it was really gross!! I threw up after eating their nasty food. I don't know why they're not closed down. there's no way they can pass a Health inspection! That place is just plain disgusting! read more

This place is so legit! Such great food and friendly people. We came here for the very first time. They have outdoor seating. Even though it's very limited it was perfect!! This place is a gem... chips and salsa for free... and one drink refill. See you soon! read more

El Jefe Cafe - Mexican Near Me - San Clemente, California

See all

Outstanding and huge portions. Pastor was out of this world and the Cajun Fajitas will feed two or more. Service was excellent and friendly. My kids recommended and the under played how great this is. Will definitely return. read more

I came to El Jefe with my family on a Friday for lunch. We sat outside on the covered patio with our dog. Our waitress brought out chips and salsa quickly, but service was slow for the rest of the meal. Even my margarita took awhile! As for the food, I thought my beef flautas had little flavor. The salsa and guacamole were great though. My family members enjoyed the fish and chips special as well as a tostada. The "Friday special" on the fish and chips is that you can substitute the fries that come with the meal for zucchini, rice and beans, or salad which would normally cost $1.75. I do not recommend the blended margarita my mom and I had. It was more like shaved ice with a little bit of tequila thrown in. An on-the-rocks margarita would be a better choice and the drinks are quite reasonable! read more

El Jefe Cafe - Mexican Near Me - San Clemente, California

Such a great family owned spot! Everyone here is so nice and the food is awesome. Killer chips and salsa too! And it's so cute inside, especially the little patio area! Super good pricing too. Been living here for years, only wish I'd come sooner! read more

The picture would not have done it justice, El Jefe has the BEST chicken tortilla soup in town (maybe everywhere I've been in SoCal). I called in an order for take out because I was sick and the staff was very polite. They've recently re-done the inside of this "hole in the wall" appearance from the outside. I cannot wait to come back and dine in when I'm feeling better. Soup came with seasoned tortilla strips, onions and cilantro and a red chili sauce that opened my sinuses, tender generous chicken thigh meet (trimmed of all fat), tomato, peppers and onions. Absolutely delicious! read more

So as a first timer at this restaurant I was skeptical because there are so many Mexican places to try in Dan Clemente. Wow I was not disappointed . The family run 20 yr old business was outstanding. I ordered the Chile verde burrito with red sauce (Jefe burrito $10) hubby got same but with verde sauce. It was filled with moist pork beans rice and Huge! Delish ... the service was outstanding from the son working the tables to the wife/husband cooking I can't say enough as to promote this quant place ... a definite hidden gem in Dan Clemente give it a try u will not be diss appointed. read more

See all

I came here with some friends a couple months after covid started. They had less tables which helped with social distancing and the employees wore masks. We were seated at their outside patio area which was nice. They gave us some fresh chips and salsa to start which we all devoured. They had Mexican Coke so of course I got that to drink. It was cool and refreshing. As my entree I got their torta. It was so good and just stuffed with a bunch of delicious ingredients like shredded pork, ham, hot dog, cheese, avocado, jalapeno, tomato, lettuce and onion. It was a great lunch and I'd totally come back here. read more

El Jefe Cafe - Torta - Mexican Near Me - San Clemente, California

See all

Delicious, fast, good prices. We can walk here from our house so it's a love/hate because it's so good and convenient!

The food is delicious and portions were great. The value is perfect. Our favorite Mexican breakfast place.

Truly good fish & chips! My favorite is the Shrimp & chips. One day I should try something else, however the Fish & Shrimp is so good thatI just haven't yet read more

Food is no good had shrimp tacos n didn't even taste like n the sauce wasn't good eaither

I ordered a chorizo burrito. It tasted more like a bean & cheese burrito. There was very LITTLE chorizo. What a disappointment

My family and I are always looking for a good new restaurant to eat at and with word of mouth I was told that EL JEFE is the place to eat when I am wanting fish, I have eaten at many places that are seafood based that don't make fish and chips nearly as good as they do the fish is so light and fluffy not greasy at all, the fries are so tasty I haven't looked back this has been our spot for a while now, even my picky son who never really ate much past Mac n Cheese and Hotdogs since he was 2 yr old but even he loves the fish and chips and my girls are burger and fries fans. This little hidden off the block spot Rocks I completely recommend stopping in. read more

Not only have the prices skyrocketed, the food does not taste as good as it used to. The greed of this restaurant can't compete with the other amazing restaurants in San Clemente. Try Pedro's, South of Nicks, Nicks Del Mar, SolAgave, Beachfire, HH Cottons El Ranchito ALL have much better food for the price! read more

Food was so delicious. I recommend the carne asada anything. I had a the California burrito and the meat is cubed it was so goo with the guac. Please try it read more

Small place, but very tasty. You get what you would expect with a range of proteins; including a nice seafood selection. Totally reminds me of being in Baja, friendly derive and cold beer. Keeper read more

El Jefe Fish and chips Food is very good great service & generous portions , consistently good since opening over 20 years ago ! Pets welcomed patio seating ! Always friendly service ! Will not disappoint! Ambiance galore ! read more