Had an absolutely wonderful dinner here at El Jefe last week. The food was very flavorful with some of the highlights being the Chorizo Nachos, the Al Pastor, and the Fish Tacos. I thought the Al Pastor was a very unique take on the dish with marinated chunks of Pork Belly. Very good. I also loved the creativity in dessert. Specifically the Plantain split, talk about creative and honestly genius. I am honestly surprised more people don't do this! Such a great idea! The drinks were good, and if I had one qualm it would be maybe just a tad too much lime in the margs. Though I am probably just getting sensitive to citrus and acidity in my old age haha Either way I will definitely be coming back, and really want to try their brunch! read more

See all

Wow. What an establishment! The servers were extremely kind and the food was delicious. I just moved to Denver, and was a part of the farm to table scene where I was before, so was super excited with everything they're doing here. Cant wait to come back for some birria ramen :) read more

Delicious, delicious, delicious!!!! If you get the queso you have to add the chorizo...yum!! The Al Pastor is the best I've ever had! Perfectly cooked pork belly in a scrumptious pastor marinade. It's served with tasty fried plantains and grilled pineapple . The carnitas bowl was also very yummy! Make sure you order the smoky margarita to top it all off. Next time we go we'll try to save room so we can try on of their desserts. They sound amazing! Our waitress was fabulous! She made great recommendations. We chose to sit outside side in their super cute patio. Can't wait to go back!!!! read more

See all

Second time here and my food was delicious (pictured)! The only thing that I don't recommend is the chicken quesadilla, someone at my table got it and we had to send it back. read more

El Jefe - Beef Barbacoa Tacos Plate with Fried Plantains - Mexican Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Had a great experience here on Sunday for brunch! The food was delicious and fresh - we had the shrimp ceviche and fish tacos and loved it. The service was above and beyond (shoutout to Oscar, he was the best!) when they say "bottomless mimosas" they're not kidding - he literally kept bringing the bottle of champagne over and topping us off! 10/10 would recommend and will be back read more

El Jefe - Shrimp ceviche - Mexican Near Me - Denver, Colorado

The drinks and appetizers here are the best! It's a cute restaurant in Sunnyside that doesn't get enough credit. This farm to table Mexican food will have you begging for more. You honestly can't go wrong with any of the margaritas. The smokey marg and horchata were two of my favorites. Salsa Trio - Great variety of salsas. Street Corn - It comms on the cobb but shave some off with a knife and add it onto the nachos and tacos for a delicious time! Chorizo Nachos - My favorite of the night! So cheesy and they give you so much food! Al Pastor - This pork belly was melt in your mouth delicious! It went perfectly with the plantains and local greens. Pescado Tacos - Crispy fish perfection! The chipotle lime aioli was a great smokey citrus flavor. Banana Split - A must try dessert! The crispy plantains made the dish even more amazing. read more

See all

I took a big chance coming here for Mother's Day. It's not a place we've been to and we were a bit skeptical when we walked it. I guess it was just opening but it was pretty empty, it seemed like it wasn't kid friendly, and the menu wasn't extensive. The waitress was really nice, hooked up the girls with milk. We found plantain pancakes for them, which were outstanding by the way. I had the carnitas and eggs, which was stellar. No question I'd do it again. My wife had the market omelette, which was my other choice, and it could have equally been my top choice. The food was really fantastic all the way around. By the time we left, the place had filled up with more than a handful of families coming through the door. I'm happy I took the leap of faith! read more

I got to experience this gem on National Margarita Day! I had their spicy margarita, which was perfection!! Not too spicy, just how I like it! Their chip and guac is some of my favorite!! I also had their fish tacos, which were yummy! The service was excellent and I can wait to go back because I want to try the ceviche and the chicken tortilla soup! The decor and ambience is super fun too!! read more

Need a legit Mexican spot in the Highlands? El Jefe is flat-out, damn good food. Enchiladas de Mole: 3 tortillas stuffed with slow-braised pork carnitas, smothered with mole poblano, topped with cotija cheese and seasonal veggies Street Corn: Charred corn, coated with chipotle aioli, and topped with cotija cheese and cilantro Salsa trio Ceviche AL PASTOR: Pork belly, grilled pineapple, pickled onion, plantains, and local greens. Served with corn tortillas CHORIZO NACHOS: Local Mexican chorizo, asadero cheese, topped with salsa verde, crema, onions and cilantro PESCADO TACOS PLATE: El Jefe beer-battered cod fish, chipotle-lime aioli + citrus slaw on corn tortillas PLANTAIN CHICKEN QUESADILLA: Grilled chicken, asadero cheese, plantains, crema + salsa roja on the side Mushtoom taco: Sautéed mushrooms topped with salsa maya, fresh mango and cucumber strips, pickled red serrano with corn tortilla Plantain Split: Fried plantains with cinnamon and sugar, vanilla ice cream, whip, dulce de leche. Churros: Fried dough pastry covered in cinnamon and sugar, dulce de leche, and vanilla ice cream P: @diningcolorado read more

See all

I came here with some friends for brunch and I was very impressed with this place!! The food was amazing and extremely flavorful. My husband got the breakfast burrito and had so many different flavors in each bite! It was a hearty burrito!! I got the breakfast nachos and it was delicious! My friend who is gluten free and dairy free could only find one thing on the menu item that she could eat. She tried to order it and they were unfortunately out. She completely understood and our waiter felt so bad that he had the kitchen wip something up for her free of charge! That was so sweet and so thoughtful of them! I would definitely go back!!!! read more

El Jefe - Delicious!! - Mexican Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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

Slow service, empty room and had to ask for a booth. She had to check reservations. LOL. No one in the restaurant. Food was just blah.

I hadn't actually known of this spot until I was searching open table for Mexican food and they recommended it. We were here on our 2nd date night since quarantine started and got so lucky to get the coziest tucked away little spot in a dark corner. We both automatically noticed the music and the dim lighting and many other couples on dates around us so this place definitely has the vibes for that. I would describe their menu as modern type Mexican food. The menu had a tons of extremely intriguing options but we opted for: the street brussel sprouts, the Queso, the beef barbacoa taco plate and the plantain chicken quesadilla. My favorite item was hands down the street Brussels. The barbacoa taco plate was delicious. The tacos are very very meaty and very filling. The quesadilla we assumed was going to be a quesadilla made out of plantains or something along those lines but it was a regular chicken quesadilla with plantains inside of it. The margaritas were absolutely delicious and although small in size they were very strong! And please do yourself a favor and save space for the churros dessert. read more

See all

Haven't been to El Jefe for awhile and I was craving Mexican! El Jefe really hit the spot. We stuck to their happy hour menu (weekdays 4-6 and weekends 3-6, I believe). They have several great food and drink options that you can really make a full meal. My husband and I both got a taco of the day (chorizo and bean with the fixings), and shared ceviche, crab nachos, and chips and queso. We definitely ordered more than enough food, especially with the large nachos that we really should have gotten the small because it was so big! The taco and chips and queso were the standout for both my husband and I. The only negative we really had was the chips were a little too thick. They had a great crunch and seasoned just right... just wish they had been a little lighter! We are moving a few blocks away soon so I bet El Jefe may turn into our new happy hour taco spot! read more

Farm to Table freshness done right! I have never had Mexican cuisine that has had such a fresh flavor to a of it's food. From the Crab nachos, to the mole sauce, the corn and the fish, everything I've tried here was next level. I have been here for taco Tuesday in the past and they have a great deal on select tacos every Tuesday. I highly recommend coming that night to get a good taste of what El jefe has to offer. I've also heard brunch is a must have as well. read more

See all

Amazing food & margaritas! Service was awesome! It was four of us, and we all ordered differently. Everyone was thoroughly pleased! read more

El Jefe - Mexican Near Me - Denver, Colorado

El Jefe is a locals favorite just located on the outskirts of the city of Denver in the Sunnyside neighborhood. We went here for dinner on the very first day we arrived and beyond the fact we were super hungry upon our arrival the food tasted divine. We got to sit in a little corner section to have our dinner date celebrating an anniversary and my husbands birthday. It was close to closing and Meg really stepped it up for us. And the bartender even delivered the drinks to us herself (not the norm btw) The La Casa is a really good Margarita! They let us linger longer while they did their close up shop routine. Such amazing and friendly service here. We appreciated the amazing food so we came back only a week later for round two of the exact dishes we previously had. And it didn't disappoint it was just as good as the first time. Seriously it's a place that will leave you craving for more. We had Quinn as our server on the second visit and we had a brief encounter with her in the neighborhood the week prior so we were pleasantly surprised when she was our server. The manager came and spoke with us and we were treated like we'd been long time customers already. Again it was an amazing experience for us here and looking forward to our next time here! Cheers to El Jefe! I'm definitely impressed with them and their Mexican food! So sooo good! read more

See all

El Jefe has been a staple in the Sunnyside community for many years! The food, atmosphere and service is bar none... If you are looking for farm to table fresh, then this is the spot! Everything is local and they truly understand the meaning of authentic. We love it so much that it is our "go to" every Friday. It is a local "love" in the neighborhood. If you are looking for plaintains that will promise an unbelievable flavor, happy hours tacos that always deliver, and seasonal specials that never fail... then El Jefe is the place! read more

We ( party of 4) loved everything about el jefe. Music, atmosphere , waitress , FOOD!, drinks. We will be back, and highly recommend !! The Mexican food here is fantastic (( .. it's not a rice beans and a relleno )) if you want that try diff place. read more

I came here for brunch on a Saturday afternoon - early afternoon. When we walked in the host seemed to be confused as to where to seat us and asked if outside was fine. When we said yes, he walked us to a table on the green area right next to the curb. A bit weird at first, but I got used to the space and thought I could benefit from the fresh air. To sum it up: - bottomless cocktails are a bit watery - the waiter was absolutely great and personable - the food was OK and it sucked that I got charged for mushrooms and onions for my vegetarian chilaquiles I was underwhelmed unfortunately. read more

See all

This was our first time at El Jefe and we went for brunch (we brunch hard) The plantain stuffed French toast was amazing! I could have done with about half of the mascarpone cream but even with all of it, it was mouth watering. The 4 is because the bloodys sucked. I am probably being harsh because I am a Bloody Mary snob. We asked for spicy ones and we didn't get that. We ended up switching it up to mimosas because we ordered the bottomless drinks. Killerrrrr!!!. Either way, we can't wait to go back! read more

This is a brunch review. We really like this place for food and drink. The food is solid. Their queso with all the salsas is always a go-to for us during the visit, and we rotate through the entrees. I had the Huevos Revueltos on my last visit, and it was good, and they let me sub in potatoes for the greens and beans. The food overall is a 4 for me, and hopefully they get some new recruits for dishes sometime soon. The reason I give it an overall 5 is because of the drink specials and staff. No matter who we get as a server or bartender, they bring obvious training with a great personality. They are all simply just fun, without losing focus on efficiency. Katie was our bartender last time, and she was fantastic. The other item is the drink special. It is one of those last remaining places with an affordable bottomless ($16) that also lets you rotate between Bloody Mary, Mimosas, and two types of Sangria. I hope they keep that special around...big selling point for wife and I. Highly recommend, and see you there. read more

Absolutely wow!! One of the best places I've eaten in Denver so far. The storefront is in a cute like area of neighborhood shops. The staff was super friendly and the inside was a nice low light, intimate vibe with lots of seating. I ordered the Al Pastor and had left overs to take home. Highly suggest the dish, and to round out your meal with the banana split read more

Loved this costal Mexican spot in Sunnyside. A good amount of both indoor and outdoor seating. They seem to have a great happy hour, I plan on going back for the drink and food specials. We really enjoyed the crab nachos and margaritas. I had the fish tacos and enjoyed them, didn't love the side salad though. I wish they had a bit larger menu but all the seafood options were great! read more

El Jefe - Fish Pescado Tacos Plate with side salad - Mexican Near Me - Denver, Colorado

See all

We came here for brunch today with my parents. We accidentally showed up a couple minutes late on our reservation which is our bad. They were super gracious about it. Our waitress was awesome. I started with a sangria which was a white sangria versus a red which isn't as much as my jam but still decent. We also saw crickets on the non brunch menu so got a little sample of them. Once I got over the heebee jeebee factor (this is a good protein source for millions around the world so get over it Heather!), they weren't bad. A little like sunflower seeds. My main was the chilaquilas with a side of fried plantains. Both were spot on with flavor and the plantains were the best I've had in the states. They are sweet with a hit of salt and spice and were nice and crispy around the edges. I tried a bite of the carnitas and fish tacos and both were delicious. The only miss was the churros. The chocolate sauce was not good at all and the churros seemed to have been cooked in too hot of oil as the outside was dark and the inside was a touch underdone. Otherwise everything was awesome. read more

See all

We visited on Saturday at 1p. The only menu served at this time is the brunch menu - brunch ends at 2:30p. While the brunch menu looked tasty, at 1p we were looking for something other than eggs. We asked the bartender if there is another Mexican spot close by that offered lunch, he didn't have another option. Google presented Patzcuaro's, about a mile away... which turned out to be amazing! (Oldest taqueria in Denver.) Margaritas were fine... chips and salsa was tasty - menu options were poor. Lastly, the front door is shattered. There is a board covering the outside, but watch your hands to the exposed shards of glass on your way out from the inside! read more

Super disappointing... it's been so great in the past, but the chick today with the long braid RUINED IT. Love when a server is more concerned about the cheap brut they serve for the bottomless mimosas, then taking care of us - also, you only get bottomless mimosas for an hour and a half...curious, where is that noted? Im still confused how the restaurant was empty, yet you couldn't be bothered to come grab our tab - we had to leave for your attention, CLASSY.... Took getting out to the car to get your attention in an empty restaurant hmmm... why? ... it's super disappointing, you truly FAILED. No one was waiting for our table, no one was looking out for some folks who would have stayed and drank and laughed... you just missed out on more than a tip - you missed out on great referrals and all the positive things! But instead we feel the same way about you that we do about the way your bathroom smells... - Why does your bathroom smell like something died?) Could have been a totally different experience, but hey, guess I thought I was having fun with my out of town friends, and we were! But then our first server left! You lady, that we were stuck with... you MESSED UP, but thanks for a stinky experience and being a rude server - hope that $4 brut tipped you like we would have. read more

It had been a while since I'd been to El Jefe, but it's just up the street, I was dying to get out of the house, and I knew I liked the drinks, so I popped by for Happy Hour. I'm really glad I gave it another shot! The scoop: the Happy Hour menu and prices was fantastic! Great drink options, a decent amount of food options, and good prices on both. Their outdoor seating options were awesome (and well shaded). One major update from my last review: I think they had new tortillas because not only were these no longer a negative for me, they were a huge plus! The service throughout the entire experience was excellent, and despite a number of drinks and plates for a party of three, the bill at the end was more than reasonable. I've been completely won back over and will DEFINITELY be back! read more

Victor makes the best drinks !! Old fashion was the bomb. Margaritas were good awesome happy hour. Food was excellent definitely will be back. read more

El Jefe - Old Fashion - Mexican Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Yummy!! I love this place. We had so much fun. The service was incredible and their margaritas are delicious. The octopus was the star of the show and it's a must try, best I have ever had. We ordered 3 orders. It was a gorgeous evening and we were seated outside on the patio. Cute hip neighborhood restaurant! Will be back! read more

See all

I stayed at a local Airbnb and we were given vouchers for free house margaritas at El Jefe. This was enough to get us in the door. We decided to sit at the bar and were enthusiastically greeted by Dylan. I'm pretty sure we were some of the first customers of the day. The house marg was made from scratch and was served in a nice rocks glass. Jacob and I struck up conversation with the bartender and decided to stick around for another drink. Prices were reasonable and the environment was pleasant. I loved the glass walk-in cooler that's visible from the dining area. It forces them to stay clean and tidy. I'd definitely visit this place at the very least for drinks in the future. read more

El Jefe - House margarita - Mexican Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Came here for brunch. I have to say that their brunch drink special is great. For $12, bottomless drinks and you can mix and match (Bloody Marys, Mimosas, and Sangria). The interior is pleasant - spacious, comfortable, and casual. I thought that the brunch menu was somewhat lacking, especially for someone on a vegan diet. I asked if there were any options and we only managed to come up with guacamole, a side of potatoes, and a side of beans. Better than going hungry but I had hoped that a Mexican restaurant could come up with something more (as is often the case). The beans were served to me with cheese on top but that was quickly rectified. I know that I didn't try too many items (just sides, really) but I thought the food left something to be desired. The beans had an odd taste, the guac was just alright, and the tortilla chips were a bit on the hard side and lacked flavor. The service was sloooooooooow. Took a while to get drinks, unfortunately. There was no excuse for it since the place wasn't busy and was mostly empty. They did make up for it by giving us some comp drinks though so that was cool and I appreciate that. read more

After the wait was over an hour at BSH for brunch we discovered this place and had a great time. The dining room was not too busy at all and we arrived around 11am on a Sunday. They have the option of bottomless mimosas/sangria which we did not indulge in, but it's good to know for future. The table ordered the breakfast burrito and the chorizo breakfast tacos. Everything tasted very fresh and was delicious. Our server was great and the food came out quickly. Would love to come back for a dinner sometime! read more

Stopped for an awesome burrito. Drive through is fast and easy. People working here always have a smile on there faces. Quick and easy. Best burritos around. Mild, Hot and Extra Hot. Extra Hot is really good. Highly recommended. read more

Excellent service, scrumptious food and tasty drinks at this beautiful neighborhood restaurant! Must try!

Quick bite. Shrimp taco hot & crispy. Shrimp ceviche with avocado base. Who knew?!? Killer was habanero marg! Could have drank a pitcher! Nice kick & salt rim. Mike our waiter was on it. Nice job read more

See all

Can't say enough good things about El Jefe!! What a gem to be a neighborhood restaurant. Every dish our party ordered was outstanding and we cleaned the plates. The margaritas were top notch, too. I highly recommend the crab nachos (beware they are filling!) and the mole enchiladas. The mole sauce was authentic and the perfect flavor. Grilled octopus was perfectly cooked and the salad that comes with it is really good as well. Everyone was happy with the great service and dishes they ordered. I'd be back in a heartbeat if I lived in Denver. read more

El Jefe - Crab nachos, Mole Enchiladas, Beef Barbacoa Tacos Plate - Mexican Near Me - Denver, Colorado

See all

Food Service Ambiance Music Brunch Interchangeable bottomless drinks The place is bright and airy yet cozy and hipster/ ethnic. Windows are everywhere, the bar is deep and the staff is always fun and welcoming. I almost hate to give this place away but it's needs to be praised. Pass up snooze, bacon social, little man ice cream, and all the places white, woke, hipsters think are worthy of waiting in line for over an hour for. Hit this joint. It's fabulous. You won't be disappointed. read more

I'll get straight to the point - I love this restaurant. The chef here has developed a vibrant vision of Mexican food that one feels came from an authentic desire to create unique, fun, and tasty flavor combinations. The ingredients are fresh and colorful and the dish components go well together. The salsa flight and guacamole bowl we had prior to our main dishes left me excited to try what came next and I was not disappointed. I highly recommend the carnitas plate and my wife loved the mole enchiladas. We each had a couple of margaritas and capped-off the dinner with an amazing vanilla flan with a kumquat compote. Yep, you read that right - a kumquat compote. Pure deliciousness. Our server, Elizabeth, was fantastic. She was very personable, informative, and enthusiastic about what the restaurant has to offer. The manager (maybe owner?) roams the restaurant and offers his services when the staff starts to get busy. Both of these people are an asset to the restaurant. One of my pet peeves is waiting forever to get the check, pay, sign the check, and leave. That did not happen here. The whole dinner went off without a hitch. What a pleasure! read more

See all

El Jefe is our favorite place to go in Sunnyside! The staff are like family, the the mami casa margarita is the best spicy marg in Denver. I fully recommend starting meal with the queso with pickled jalapeños. Next, treat yourself to the fish tacos and chicken quesadillas with plantains. Finish your meal with the key lime pie! You will leave happy and satisfied 11/10 recommend. read more