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    El Jefe

    4.2 (334 reviews)
    ModerateMexican
    Closed Closed
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Order El Jefe Takeout or Delivery

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    EL JEFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Hipster
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Happy hour specials

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    Recommended Reviews - El Jefe

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    chorizo taco and birria tacos
    Kirsten C.

    best Mexican food in town!! farm to table, always fresh and the best, friendly service!!

    Happy hour carnitas taco
    Noah K.

    Tacos were great, the pinto bean carne asada was a combination I didn't know I needed. Service was friendly and the patio is the vibe for a sunny day. Value for Happy hour was okay, $9 house margaritas and $4 tacos, $8 Chips and salsa trio.

    Breakfast Burrito
    Marley U.

    The staff here are so nice! I just didn't love the breakfast burrito unfortunately. For me, the menu was limited and there isn't anything else I would've ordered. But the staff!

    Beef Barbacoa Tacos Plate
    Bernadette B.

    This was a solid place to get some dinner! This place threads the needle between authentic and modern fusion, and I think it does it reasonably well. I was ECSTATIC to see fried plantains on the menu since very few Mexican restaurants offer it, and it tasted a little like home. We were disappointed that they were out the Al Pastor, but our waitress explained that their chef only sources high quality ingredients, and if they can't get enough, they're just simply out for the day. That seems like a good a reason as any to explain why you'd run out of a menu item. I ordered the Birria Ramen, and it was... interesting. I won't say that I'd get it again, but it was an interesting experience. It wasn't bad. It just wasn't great and didn't make my heart and stomach sing. I'd be open to trying some of their other offerings in the future though. A great place to go. Friendly serving staff. Fun environment. Solid food.

    Mahi Mahi
    Michelle G.

    Ambiance was fine. We ended up in a corner booth that was suppose to be nice and cozy, it was freezing. Ordered: Guacamole Chicharrones Brussel sprouts Mole (they were out on a Friday night) subbed with Mahi Fish tacos 3 margaritas Guac was good. Chuxharrones were pork rinds that tasted like mission ones from a bag. Brussel sprouts would have been good but were really salty. Mahi was flavorless but my husband liked the tacos. We're charged extra for salsa Bill was $145 Isn't somewhere I would come back to. Quality not worth the cost.

    Happy hour
    Jewells B.

    Bartender was amazing food was amazing!! Beef barbacoa tacos. Sangria and Bloody Mary!

    Burnt orange
    Charisse Q.

    We went here for my birthday and it was pretty delicious. It was a weekday and was not busy at all so the service was great and quick. I do not have anything bad to say about it! It wasn't the best food but still pretty good. The decor is cute! I believe it's farm to table so we love that!

    3 happy hour tacos (carnitas & chorizo) and Chicken & Plantain Quesadilla
    Court N.

    We love El Jefe. It's a chill vibe and the food is great. We love their happy hour and always also order the plantain chicken quesadilla. The staff was very attentive and constantly checking on us. We got great service. One of our more favorite spots.

    Taco Tuesday! House margrita, salsa trio, and 3 tacos (farmer, chorizo, and beef)
    Emilie G.

    This has been our go-to neighborhood spot for tacos and margaritas. The service is great, we usually sit at the bar since the bartenders/management are really nice. It's a fun atmosphere. We really enjoy the quesabirria tacos, chips and queso (add chorizo!), guacamole, and mole enchiladas. The churros are also a must! Best churros I've had in Denver so far. Highly recommend going for brunch (bottomless mimosas/margs) and taco Tuesday. They serve great food and drinks at a great price!

    QUESABIRRIA Time!!!
    Jeff D.

    Mo and I did a dine in for dinner last night and yes make a reservation in advance as El Jefe isn't super big. Appetizer wise we ordered the Guac w Cojita Cheese ($2 extra) along with the Salsa Trio which was Salsa roja, xni-pec and salsa verde.The chips were def made in house and had the right amount of salt. All salsas were tasty! Then I ordered the QUESABIRRIA which was their Slow cooked marinated beef in 3 folded corn tortillas with melted asadero cheese. Avocado salsa on top. Served with a side of consomé with onions and cilantro (au jus) for dipping. This alone was worth coming here because this was the least greasiest Quesabirria I've ever had! It was so good I ate all 3! On Tuesdays, they have select Tacos @ $2 a piece which is a fair deal. For dessert we did their MEX-KEY LIME PIE which was made with a Graham cracker crust, Mexican key lime custard, caramelized pumpkin seeds + whipped cream. It was great but I would get it next time without the seeds. No need for that. They get one less star because the 2 types of Tequila I asked for they didn't have. So I settled for one that was mediocre and so much that I didn't finish my drink. The service was good and the food came out quickly. It's a nice date or friends night out spot!

    Chilaquiles Brunch Plate
    Stacy M.

    We stumbled across this gem looking for a Sunday brunch and it did not disappoint. We started with bottomless mimosas (sangria and bloody Mary's were an option as well) and the MOST amazing guacamole I've ever had (and I go to Mexico every year). The food was outstanding..spicy but delicious. The serve and atmosphere were wonderful. A must if you are in the area

    Cod tacos with a side of plaintains
    Ruth D.

    Highly recommend for the food! The staff was a little peculiar in their rhythm in attending to the host/ess stand and visiting the table. That's not a complaint. My part of two didn't go wanting and they were good folks. I do recommend peaking around the host/ess stand corner and locking eyes with someone if no one greets you when you walk in. The house margaritas are perfect and the food is filling and flavorful.

    Savanna B.

    I went in for happy hour the other night and boy was it good! My husband and I both had margaritas- just the right amount of salt, no or almost no sweet and sour...good enough that we both had a second even though we'd only intended to have one. I really liked their chips. They're thicker than the normal variety and taste house made. The guacamole was yummy and fresh, but we both really enjoyed the queso dip- seriously, I've been thinking about it all week. We also ordered the chicken fajita tacos- flavorful without being spicy (important when you e got a 2 year old in tow) and the veggie farm tacos, which were a little spicy, but were such a great combination of beans and veggies that I didn't mind the spice since it meant I didn't have to share!! We'll definitely be back for happy hour soon. I'd also really like to make it for brunch sometime as their brunch menu looks delicious!

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    6 months ago

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    6 months ago

    Michael was amazing! great suggestions and so wonderful !! Such great food! We will be back!!'

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    6 months ago

    Michael took amazing care of us and had great suggestions! The food was so fresh and delicious! I suggest it!

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

    Great spot always looking for authentic Mexican food in Denver and this place did not disappoint. Great margs and fresh food.

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    3 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Very delicious very yummy. Very good. Will come here again always the service was mid, but the ambience was good. The food was good.

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    Alma Fonda Fina

    Alma Fonda Fina

    4.8
    (289 reviews)
    1.3 mi

    OUR NEW FAVORITE SPOT! We've been trying to come here for months now and it's always booked. Ended…read moreup going on a Monday afternoon and were able to seat outside as it is first comes first in their patio area- the patio area is awesome and a good spot to people watch- you still get the same menu as inside. That being said, the food seems very basic on the menu but it is SO INCREDIBLE! Cannot recommend the sweet potato enough and ceviche (ask for chips). If this place wasn't always booked I would be going every week. We were there for a birthday celebration and they brought our mezcal shoes for us. We felt taken care of and loved every minute of it. They also have a happy hour to look out for!

    This was a delicious spot for Mexican food! I heard about Alma Fonda Fina months in advance of our…read moreDenver trip, which was thankfully enough time to snag a reservation. This place fills up 60 days in advance, without fail! When we arrived, we were able to get parking about a block away on the street. We were soon greeted and guided to our seats upon walking in. This is a very small restaurant - only a few tables, not many options for big groups, and some bar seating both inside and outside. I can see why the reservations are in such high demand! We were recommended to get 4-5 small plates, so we decided on the Guacamole Alma, Burrito de Frijoles Puerco, Apache en su Jugo, and Enmolada de Pato. We also shared the hibiscus margarita and Mex 75. The drinks came out first - the hibiscus margarita was so refreshing, light and delicious! We weren't as big fans of the Mex 75 - but if you like smoky drinks this is the one for you. The guacamole came out first - it was tangy and tasty. I will say that the other dishes were a lot more unique. The burrito was a standout - we absolutely loved the homemade sourdough tortilla, one of the best we've ever tasted. The chorizo filling was savory and tasty. The Apache en su Jugo was unique and had a lovely flavor - if you are a beef tartare fan this is a wonderful dish to try! The enmolado de pato came out last and we thoroughly enjoyed the mole and flavor. This is definitely worth checking out. I will say as a Houston native we have several restaurants with similar flavors and slightly lower price tags and wait times, so I am a bit spoiled in that regard. But all in all the service is wonderful, it's a pleasure to try so many different and unique dishes, and the joy of snagging a reservation is worth it!

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    Mexican clay mugs
    Sweet potato
    Sweet potato
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    Adelitas Cocina Y Cantina

    Adelitas Cocina Y Cantina

    4.2
    (1.1k reviews)
    6.0 mi
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    A friend recommended this spot, and I'm so glad! We went on…read moretaco Tuesday and had no problem getting bar seating (or there were a few tables available) around 5pm but I noticed after 6pm people were waiting for seating. The food was delicious! We got $2 chips and salsa off the happy hour menu and the queso con soyrizo (not on HH menu) which was served with warm tortillas. Honestly we probably didn't need all that because the tacos were so good I could've just filled up on more of the tacos, but still was a great meal! I ordered the lengua, pastor, and taco special (breaded shrimp). They were all so good. Think taco quality of a good street taco spot but with the ambiance of a cute tex mex bar. The bartender was great and made a solid marg ($8 on happy hour). You get a great deal on taco Tuesday but I'm sure you'd get great service and quality any day of the week!

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    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Tres Leches Cake
    Tres Leches Cake
    Outside

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    Outside
    Ni Tuyo

    Ni Tuyo

    4.6
    (192 reviews)
    6.0 mi
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    This is such a nice place to get drinks and dinner with friends. The vibe is warm and cozy…read more There is a small parking lot next to the restaurant but it can fill up but there is a good amount of street parking in the area. Happy hour is from 4-6 every day and the deals are great. The quesabirria and the camarones al aljillo were delicious. I have been here before for their molcajetes and those were excellent as well, and good for sharing. They do have a small covered patio area which is adjacent a busy street. Service is consistently good. One of my favorite places for a drink and a bite in the area!

    Not your generic Mexican restaurant. Ni tuyo is special. The space, the food, and the staff. Owner…read moreis frequently there, and the passion is so obvious. Inside it feels like community. Ni tuyo means not yours. Experience ni tuyo. Pork belly tacos were insanely good. Also the rib molcajete. Those two items stood out. They feature original cocktails, thoughtfully invented. Some of them blow my mind, some of them I didn't think worked very well for my preference, but all of them were unique. I value this uniqueness. Don't get for about mezcal Wednesdays. A great way to leave your comfort zone and try whatever they are featuring for a reduced price. Their variety of curated mezcal is a great way to start and make progress on your mezcal journey. There is such a variety of mezcal that I believe there is something for almost everyone. Put your trust in their bartenders to guide you on the different styles and flavors. And finally, they are a huge part of the Colorado agave collective. Monthly agave tasting. The best way to learn and appreciate.

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    Sitting area
    Sitting area
    Pollo mains
    Pollo mains
    Molcajete

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    Perdida - Mexican Kitchen

    4.1
    (421 reviews)
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    Perdida - Mexican Kitchen
    Perdida - Mexican Kitchen
    Special of the day: Steak tacos - excellent!

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    Special of the day: Steak tacos - excellent!

    El Jefe - mexican - Updated August 2026

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