The sign out front says "Best Grilled Chicken in Town" and that's not wrong! What a find, right here on 99 in Tigard. El Jefe Grill (Spanish for "the boss") isn't just another Mexican place for you to ignore, this is the real deal for street tacos and their signature fresh, mesquite grilled chicken. El Jefe opens at 8 am to tempt the breakfast crowd with giant burritos filled with bacon, sausage or chorizo. Come back for lunch and try the Taqueria side of the menu, all house made with fresh, quality ingredients, diverse fillings (birria, chicken, lengua, carnitas, al pastor (my personal fave) and even tripa). Along with flavorful salsas at the amazing salsa bar, El Jefe's preparation is simple and authentic. Our first visit we ordered the Whole Chicken Meal combo ($24): a whole perfectly seasoned and grilled chicken (cut up after grilling) with two sides and a pile of corn tortillas. We chose whole pinto beans & guacamole and chips. The chicken was fresh and we got one just off the grill. Juicy, tender, with perfectly charred skin. The whole beans were good but needed some seasoning, as did the guacamole. Plus we had enough for leftovers the next day. You order at the counter from the menu up on the wall. The place is small with a few tables inside but the outside seating area is covered and has heaters. I noted that the plastic panels can be removed for summertime when the weather is perfect for sitting outside. Everything is clean. Staff is knowledgeable and friendly. There's a small merch area where you can get an El Jefe T-shirt, travel mug or ball cap. Entrance is level, ADA accessible with no stairs or steps and your doggos are welcome in the outdoor area. Parking is easy and right outside the door. Definitely going to repeat a visit. read more

For the first time literally ever, we used sound judgement and ate before going to Costco (LOL) and we finally tried El Jefe for the first time. Service was so fast and very kind. Prices - super reasonable - I can rationalize this instead of eating at home any day (thank you!)! Food was good! My husband got a chicken burrito; but with no rice or pico de gallo (he has the cilantro glitch) he said it was a bit dry. But I think that's his situation, not a general rule. I got the chicken tacos - they have all the sides and salsas you could ask for. YUM!!!! Beans and rice as a side - great! A two taco plate with rice and beans for $8. I'll do that any day of the week! I'd pass on the chips and guacamole in the future. Not needed. Thanks for a great lunch! And - we had zero samples at Costco and bought zero items we don't need!! read more

I've always had consistently good food here at a great price, and today was no exception. The customer service was especially wonderful this time around -- they even gave me a free large cup of champurrado, which was absolutely perfect on such a cold day. I also noticed they recently expanded their outdoor seating by adding a covered area with heat lamps and clear plastic panels to block out the cold wind. The panels can be removed in the summer, which is such a smart and thoughtful upgrade. Great food, great value, and genuinely kind service -- what an excellent improvement overall. I'll definitely keep coming back. read more

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El Jefe is an excellent restaurant with great food, wonderful service, and good vibes. The flavor for your $$$ is a very high rate here. They have one of the most abundant and delicious salsa bars I have seen in Portland. The quesabirra was delicious with the consomé and elevated by the salsas. The flautas were great too (you can see them roasting/grilling chicken out back). Food comes out quickly! If you are hungry and do not want to break your bank, come to El Jefe Grill on Pac Highway- you are in for a real treat! There is patio seating, indoor seating, and a parking lot. read more

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El Jefe in Tigard is an excellent option when you're looking for quick, satisfying food at a great price. It's very much a takeout-style spot, so the focus is on efficiency and the food rather than atmosphere. I ordered the 3 Taco Combo Plate, and the tacos were fantastic. I wasn't expecting much from the mac and cheese, but it ended up being a pleasant surprise and paired well with the meal. I forgot to add a chicken taco this time, but after smelling it while I was there--and knowing it's their specialty--it's at the top of my list for the next visit. At $10 for a three-taco combo with sides, the value is hard to beat, and it's more than enough food to leave you satisfied. Since I ordered takeout, service was minimal but smooth and efficient. There's a small parking lot, which makes pickup easy. Overall, El Jefe is a great spot for a quick, affordable meal with really solid tacos, and it's definitely a place I'll be coming back to. read more

EL Jefe Grill - 3 Taco Combo - Chicken Shop Near Me - Tigard, Oregon

Having nothing but good things to say about them! First, their food is just as good as the original food truck on Allen Blvd, especially their grilled chicken with their salsa! This brick and mortar location has a salsa bar with a huge variety of options to choose from! They also have an extended covered area to the side of the restaurant to dine in! I ordered last minute for a small party and they had no problem putting my order together! Very nice staff! I highly recommend this place if you're looking for a good quality Mexican food spot! read more

EL Jefe Grill - Chicken Shop Near Me - Tigard, Oregon

The carnitas tacos and the salsa bar were amazing!! Friendly and fast service as well. Definitely going back.

Pretty good tacos. Fast service too. Got 4 pork el pastor tacos this time and 4 chicken tacos. I wish I would have gotten the pork carnitas in stead of the el pastor. The pork carnitas were way beer and more meat. I did like how they put the pineapple on the el pastor tacos. The rice and beans are pretty good. The place is always clean too. If you want some good Mexican food this is a good place to go. Give it a try. I got 8 tacos, rice and beans for $30.00. read more

EL Jefe Grill - Chicken Shop Near Me - Tigard, Oregon

Top tier Mexican food. Fresh grilled chicken daily. Not much more to say. The avocado and habanero salsas are solid.

I speak very highly of El Jefe ., a west side gem that never gets talked about but the ones who know IYKYK the grilled chicken plate is to die for great quality and quantity for 13 bucks but even there 3 taco plate as mentioned in other reviews I can get 2 grilled cheesy chicken tacos and a quesobirrilla taco for 11 bucks or 10 cash price ., also they have a fat selection of freshly made frescas I always go for the melon one ., they all hit tho .; 32 oz sip for 5.50 ( worth the squeeze my folks ) . Drive by but stop sleeping on these guys they is something to talk about read more

EL Jefe Grill - Chicken Shop Near Me - Tigard, Oregon

This place is great, reminds me of back home ( Southern California) Awesome, perfectly flavored & grilled including the sides. Service was really nice very polite great positive interaction. Love this place read more

This chicken based Mexican grill cooks some good food that definitely packs a punch! The amount of food you get for the price point is fairly well as I was able to share a combo dinner meal with 3 people in my group. We got the chicken which comes with 2-3 sides depending on the size of the chicken meal you select. The choice of sauces was awesome and the chicken itself tasted very potent. The staff was prompt with our order and knew what they were doing. The inside has 2 separate seating areas, one inside and one outside but covered and with heat lamps to keep guests warm during cooler seasons. Overall, I would definitely recommend this spot if you are looking for different Mexican locale, chicken, or just a new spot to try out in general. Great place to get together with friends as well! read more

This place is the truth and I am SO happy it has come to Tigard!!! You can't go wrong with literally update I come here almost daily, as much as I can. I have had some AMAZING and memorable experiences with the food and service here! Elma especially stands out. read more

We were randomly in the area on a Saturday afternoon so tried out El Jefe Mexican Grill. Their original location is in Beaverton. Order at the counter, salsa bar is help yourself. - Jamaica ($4.12 USD for 24oz) - refreshing, good hibiscus flavour - 2 piece pollo ranchero ($11.34 USD) - Spanish rice and guacamole & chips. Chicken was a mixed bag; dry, not much flavour - Tacos street style ($2.75 USD) - lengua ($3.25 USD), asada, carnitas, chorizo, al pastor and birria. Good portions of meat. Favourites were the lengua and birria. Asada a touch overcooked read more

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Huge baby leg sized burrito that my 7 year old will easily devour by himself. Great tasting food and is happily the go to place for dinner for we need something filling and yummy in a pinch! 12/10 recommend! read more

This maybe my new fave for Mexican food on the west side. The place is not large but has ample seating in the extended covered patio area. The service is fast and friendly and delivers dishes better than any of the more well known names. The pricing is fair for the quality of food you get. I will definitely be back. read more

EL Jefe Grill - Interior menu - Chicken Shop Near Me - Tigard, Oregon

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So far we've loved the food every time going. We used to drive to Gresham for good Mexican food but the quality is no longer worth the drive, so we've been looking in the area and I think we found it. The little salsa, carrot, pico bar is very tasty and free with dine in - along with free coffee! The prices for modern 2025 aren't bad, and the portions, quality is great! My boyfriend (who was born and raised in San Diego so he's picky about his Mexican food) and I can easily share a breakfast burrito and a quesabirria and be very full! So far we've eaten the birria tacos (to go style), the bacon breakfast burrito, and the quesabirria taco. We are looking forward to trying more of their menu. read more

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Kinda tricky to find the driveway for this Mexican place off 99, but you'll be glad you did. It's a pretty small setup inside --- the kitchen takes up most of the space but that's not a bad thing. There are tables outside too, and an entire covered/ enclosed/heated patio just outside the main door. Now for the food -- 10/10 all around for our basic but super tasty taco plates. They come with two tacos and your choice of two sides in very generous portions; I got the Pollo Asado plate since they're known for their chicken. The tacos weren't huge but came stuffed with lots of perfectly marinated meat, and my side of whole beans was just massive. All this for under $10. Even better is their salsa bar, where you can rummage through like a dozen kinds of sauces and condiments, and really jack up the flavor on your meal. The counter service is efficient and friendly, and the food is all fresh and made to order. I'll be back. read more

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Great food enjoy good price my family had a blast as they had a variety of Mexican food

If you want fast food that tastes homemade then this restaurant is for you! All the dishes that I've had so far have been excellent. The chicken is moist, tender and tastes like it came right off the barby. I highly recommend the half or whole chicken meal. So far I've had the ques- birria taco, enchilada combo, half chicken meal, beans,rice and deserts and home made chips. The beans tasted so good I will order them as a side from now on. All of the food tastes fresh and wholesome.... I hope they never change El Jefe if you read this I would love to some grilled corn on the menu read more

The food is amazing. Very traditional and incredibly flavorful. Had a lingua taco pollo and barrier "sp" taco. Husband had chicken enchiladas and everything was absolutely amazing. Staff was very friendly and incredibly accommodating. Atmosphere was comfortable and relaxing. We will definitely be back. Always support small businesses. read more

EL Jefe Grill - Chicken enchiladas - Chicken Shop Near Me - Tigard, Oregon

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I got their whole chicken combo and it was everything ive been craving: smoked and grilled whole chicken to perfection, beans, rice, salsa, and tortillas. My boyfriend and I couldn't finish it. It could easily feed three people and the price is very reasonable in this economy!! Truly a healthy comfort food that you can't find anywhere else. I can't wait to try other menu but I will definitely be ordering more chicken from here. read more

EL Jefe Grill - Chicken Shop Near Me - Tigard, Oregon

Hands down the best Birria I've had outside of Mexico...maybe even better. Their Quesabirria tacos were cheesy and crunchy and the consome was perfect. read more

EL Jefe Grill - Quesabirria plate with consome and chips/salsa from their salsa bar - Chicken Shop Near Me - Tigard, Oregon

Very good Mexican style food for Oregon. Big portions and tasty food. Salsas are very good and they provide many options. Menu is extensive with chicken dominating as the star of the show. We are spoiled with so many outstanding choices for Mexican food in Southern California. We would not hesitate to return and try some other items on the menu. Easily one of the better options in the Pacific Northwest. read more

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Authentic Mexican dishes. I frequently see a couple or family splitting a delicious chicken dinner - everyone eating the chicken with their fingers until every morsel is gone. During the summer, there are large cups of fruit that can be sprinkled with Tajin. Staff is always pleasant and efficient. Fast, friendly, and fresh! A winner on Hwy 99 read more

AVOID AT ALL COSTS. I was looking for a place to kick it and have a bite while my son was taking driving lessons. This place was right across the street from the Tigard Park and Ride. I was excited about the fresh salsa bar, although one isn't allowed to take any if you get to go food. That was a bit of a red flag. I was there right after they opened, 10:15 on a Saturday morning, expecting fresh food. I asked what was good, and was told "Everything!" I ordered chicken enchiladas, with red sauce, accompanied by rice and beans. I was the only customer in the restaurant and it took around 20 minutes to receive my order. The rice and the beans, served in side containers, were actually really delicious, escpecially with some extra fresh salsa. SORRY, TO GO ORDERS! The four enchiladas were covered with...SALAD??? Like, seriously, there was a salad on top of the enchiladas! I scraped that off, and the salad was actually pretty good, fresh romaine, yummy mexican cheese, and some kind of white dressing that I certainly DID NOT want on my enchiladas. Then, oh, no. I took a bite of a chicken enchilada. Then I chewed, and chewed, and chewed, and chewed...and spit it out. I tried another bite from another enchilada, just to be sure this wasn't a fluke. NOPE. Chewed and chewed and chewed and chewed...spit it out. I was never asked how I was enjoying my meal. I left my leftover plate with almost four full enchiladas at the garbage area, in case someone wanted it. THEN: I picked up my son from his driving lesson and he said he needed to pee. I drove back to this restaurant and told him where the restroom is, knowing no one would notice a non customer coming in to use their restroom They didn't. When he came out, I asked if there was still a plate of food at the garbage and he said there was. My food had been sitting there for around 30 minutes. AGAIN: AVOID AT ALL COSTS. I was going to take a photo, because it actually LOOKED kind of yummy, but I didn't once I began eating it. I ate about two bucks worth of rice and beans and threw out four chicken enchiladas. read more

The charge for each individual item was odd, e.g., $4.18 for a homemade drink when the list price is $4. The explanation: "oh the machine is temporarily adding a fee." WTF? The Cheesy Taco with birria was very good, but unfortunately, very small. The Mulitas was weak, no crisp cheese on the edges. And for a place that rides its laurels on the chicken, it was somewhat unmemorable. The salsa selection is plenty. I wish I had a choice of drink size rather than the one-size towering monstrosity. The vibe felt chaotic: at least two customers questioned their order. It's Tigard so my expectations were low. One and done. read more

EL Jefe Grill - Small portions - Chicken Shop Near Me - Tigard, Oregon

I was so excited to see that their Tigard location finally opened. My son and I came on a Thursday around 12:45ish. It was so incredibly busy. I was not expecting that. There were so many people! Lol That's not a bad thing. We ordered online and were a little early. Our food came out later than expected... I think they forgot about us, but it's not that big of a deal. They have more options here than at the food cart. So my son tried the carne asada fries, and I got my usual asada torta. They were both excellent! Please do go support this local business. read more

EL Jefe Grill - Asada fries - Chicken Shop Near Me - Tigard, Oregon

I waited for my second time here to write a review as I got 2 different dishes. The first time I had 2 chicken street tacos which were really flavorful but I missed that they had a condiments bar so they were plain (totally my fault). This time I got the quesabirria tacos and they do not disappoint at all. They have several homemade drinks including horchata and strawberry lemonade which were delicious as well. Staff was friendly and helpful. This is a small place inside and there are only 3-4 tables but there is ample outside seating. Come enjoy the new location in Tigard! read more

I don't know what it is about Mexican grilled chicken, but it sure is tasty and now conveniently right down the street from me. El Jefe has been a food cart over in Beaverton and still is, but I guess it was time to open up a brick and mortar spot. It's right next door to Mike's Drive-in in Tigard. As of writing this review, this location hasn't even been open a full two days. So they are still working things out. The food was as expected, great. That chicken is so well seasoned. I used to live in Texas and there were a couple of places that had this type of grilled chicken and I missed it. I got beans and slaw for sides and it's served with the option of tortilla chips or hot tortillas in eith flour or corn. I'm sorry but hot flour tortillas can't be beat. They also give you grilled and pickled onions, sliced radishes and pico on some lettuce. You won't leave hungry. Since it's brand new, the place is pretty spotless and the service was attentive. You do have to wait for the food, but it's worth it and by the amount of people there trying El jefe out, I hope they are here for a while. Enjoy and support local! read more

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I ordered a veggie burrito and it was HUGE! Super filling the only thing would be that it was not wrapped up well but that's okay :)! The hot sauces they have are super yummy too. They were quick. read more

Small place, not a lot of seating but they do have some benches outside. The Quesabirria were hella good! I loved bits of cheese that oozed out and fried crisp. They also had cans of Pepsi and bottles of Coke. No issues with the cola wars here. #pepsi4life Was my first time here and I'm already looking forward to my next visit. read more

EL Jefe Grill - 3 Quesabirria y Consome sin cilantro - Chicken Shop Near Me - Tigard, Oregon

This is some good chicken. I wasn't ready to commit to a full plate so I just got the tacos. Very flavorful juicy and tender. Nice big hunks of chicken not tiny dried out ones that I'm used to getting. Didn't even need sauce. I'm sure this chicken is awesome in everything or by itself. It's a winner. The quesataco was ok. Decent enough price. Actually really good flavor on the birria too but nothing compared to the other nearby joints that specialize in it. The pastor was all right but here the chicken is the star. I also appreciate the cooked onions. I don't know what it is called but I always love when they are included so I don't have to look like a jackass attempting to ask for them. Doesn't smell as good as the food cart but they got a solid thing going. read more

EL Jefe Grill - Tacos and quesataco - Chicken Shop Near Me - Tigard, Oregon

I may need multiple visits to add or subtract a star. We were there an hour before close and approached the counter. Person behind the counter at first said we are closing looked at their watch and then said its okay. Meanwhile three more customers walked in over the next 15 minutes and all were given the same treatment. They all considered leaving but then we're told ok we can do one more. IDK were they low on food or trying to close early? It's cramped inside. I didn't see a bathroom so must be porta pot or something outside. They do have large outdoor seating area that looks like it would be fun on a warm night. Tonight was not that night. I don't know how they handle crowds because the right people that came in over 15 minutes seemed to overwhelm the staff. I guess it was because they were an hour from closing time and the kitchen was trying to close some of our food was clearly microwaved and had hot and cold space. It really seems like it was just thrown on the plate or sorry the small tray. The tray kind of gets in your way and is not big enough to serve as a plate. So you are looking for where to put it as you try to assemble your food. Music was so loud it made it hard to communicate with the staff and ask questions about the menu. My daughter liked her chicken quesadilla it was just nothing that made it special or something different than what you can do at home. Will have to go back two hours before closing to see if that makes a difference. read more

EL Jefe Grill - Your meal is ready - Chicken Shop Near Me - Tigard, Oregon

I remember traditional Mexican food back in Los Angeles cooked by my family. It was never heavy and always flavorful. This restaurant is the closest to home cooked traditional Mexican food I have ever had. The rice was especially reminiscent of my family's cooking. The staff are welcoming and have beautiful personalities as well. Thank you!!! read more

This place is so fucking good. I've only been here twice, but both times I was blown away by how good the food is. It's hard for me to find good Mexican restaurants, but this is by far the best place I've ever been. I got quesabirria y consomé MMMMMM the consomé was salty but the tacos dipped in it fuckkkk bro my mouth was creaming. I also got carne & al pastor tacos with rice and beans. It's the meat guys. That shit is so juicy and tender. Also always love Horchata. And they're bathrooms are super cute read more

El Jefe opened its doors, we have been dying to try them, they also have a food cart on Lombard and Allen. The employees are very friendly and they are bilingual. We really enjoyed our food. The tacos were full of meat, onions and cilantro, the green salsa and red salsa were very tasty! For those of you that enjoy jalapeños they give you plenty! The rice and beans are very authentic. I asked them to add some cheese to my tacos, that topped them off perfectly! The interior is well decorated and they have about 6-8 tables it's a small place. They do have a nice outdoor covered seating area. You can also pick up your favorite salsa in the grab and go fridge as well as sliced fruits!! I would recommend this place it has a nice variety of Mexican favorites. read more

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So good! Hubby had the chicken and rice burrito - huge . Love the salsa bar. We will definitely be back. read more

EL Jefe Grill - Chicken plate with refried beans, chips and guacamole. - Chicken Shop Near Me - Tigard, Oregon

This place - i had high expectations for this place; I was let down. The burrito i asked for no rice but they put so many beans instead. And the meat isnt very good. The guacamole does not taste good. Sad I wasted my sunday meal here read more

EL Jefe Grill - Steak burrito (4.5/10) and guacamole (1/10) - Chicken Shop Near Me - Tigard, Oregon

I've had their supreme burrito with chicken twice and it's good! Kind of on the salty side and they don't always get the ingredients mixed well so you might get halfway through with no guac but it's tasty and HUGE! They also have a nice outdoor area so I'd be inclined to go back and dine in during warm months. read more

EL Jefe Grill - Burrito (chapstick for scale) - Chicken Shop Near Me - Tigard, Oregon