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El Jefe Mexican Grill

4.8 (245 reviews)
Closed 10:00 am - 9:00 pm

Order El Jefe Mexican Grill Takeout or Delivery

El Jefe Mexican Grill Photos

EL JEFE MEXICAN GRILL ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Good for groups
Happy hour specials
Dogs allowed

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Recommended Reviews - El Jefe Mexican Grill

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Potato Taco
Danielle H.

I came here for Cinco de Mayo and got the Surf and Turf burrito, a potato Taco and the Pineapple drink. You get to pick and choose your ingredients and they are very generous about how much the put inside your burritos. Everything tasted freshly cooked and they had 4 kinds of hot sauce at the table to enhance the flavors. I was very happy with my food. I appreciate that someone came to check up on us while we were eating. El Jefe is a small joint that would probably fit less than 20 people. I did not see a public bathroom however they have two giant flat screens that were playing soccer.

Menu
Danielle B.

Our boss treated us to lunch and said this place was really good! We ordered food here but took it back to our office to eat. I ordered the 2 Taco special and got chicken tacos, rice, beans and a can soda ($11.25). The flavors of everything were good. I got my tortillas crunchy but they both broke after taking a bite or two. I know this place is known for their burritos so I definitely need to go back!

Fixins for your burrito.
Lawrence H.

Got the Boss Burrito with Asada. Once the protein has finished cooking, you will let them know what you want to accompany your burrito. I chose beans, guacamole, cheese, pico de gallo and cilantro. I enjoyed my burrito. The meat was flavorful. I really like the consistency of the refried beans. I got the mild green and red salsas. Both were equally good. They have 4 tables for dine-in. Decent amount of parking in the strip mall. Service was very helpful, friendly and prompt.

Al pastor small burrito
Norma S.

Came here on a Saturday around 10am no wait to order. Plenty of seating one tv. Sauces on tables. And canned and bottle drinks. No restroom from what I saw small parking lot. Ordered the small breakfast burrito it was good and eggs made there and then. The small al pastor burrito was good too. Its like a cafeteria style so you choose what sauces veggies and protein you want. Ordered the Jamaica agua fresca it was refreshing not too sweet. All in all for the price to taste worth it.

Kayla M.

Really decent place with great service and amazing portions! Wish they didn't charge extra for asada though.

Breakfast burrito
Taylor C.

This place hits every single time. Idk why the line isn't wrapped around the building. The staff is super nice, place is clean, unlimited toppings for free, and the flavor is everrythingggg. I got this LARGE burrito WITH GUAC for $14

Customized Nachos -- delish|5.5.23
Trish B.

Writing this review so proud of the owner of this establishment! Came in for some nachos because I was in the area and business is booming! There was a line... but it went smoothly... even a police officer was getting food! Inside it was airy and even though it's small it felt more spacious than before. Nicely painted. Cafeteria style. You can see all the fresh ingredients to choose from right in front of you. Cooks preparing meats cooked to order. I ordered customized chicken nachos and it was hooked up just as any other time I've ordered. Food is great. Vibes are great. Owner/workers are great. Being back here brought me so much joy because this business comes from humble beginnings! I saw where they were and to see them now... true blessing! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BUSINESS and will be back SOON!!!

Big Surf and Turf Burrito
Carlos V.

This place is delicious! The location is small and in a busy plaza. They have a pretty unique layout opposed to other Mexican places. They have a line where you choose what goes into your burrito. The staff is really chill, I actually had a good conversation with the cashier. I love the green salsa it has so much flavor and spice.

Small Burrito with carnitas, refried beans, grilled onions and guacamole! Insanely delicious! Sauces were bomb!
Hazel G.

What can I say...I have found one of the BEST burrito spots! Build your own, fresh and tasteful all around. I have been there a total of three times...here we go: Carnitas 5 stars Fried/Mashed beans 5 Grilled onions 5 Guacamole 5 Flour tortilla 5 Fried Shrimp tacos 5 Grilled Shrimp tacos 5 Salsas 5 Horchata (homemade) 5 Small venue with no table service...best for takeout and customer service is always on point. Walk, run, just GO! It will not disappoint!

California burrito w/al pastor+carnitas HOLY SHIT

Just an update to say after two years this place has only gotten BETTER. I consider myself extremely lucky to be able to eat at this establishment as often as I do, and you should not pass up the opportunity to do the same. The whole menu is incredible but the burritos are the kind of good that people start regional arguments about. They are said to be changing their name to el jefe but truth be told they've been el jefe all along. Do not skip this place. Viva el jefe/the boss!

Fish burrito
Corey P.

Easily--the best fish burrito I've had in CA. No exaggeration. Perfectly grilled, seasoned to perfection, and packed with flavor in every bite. What really sets Boss Burrito apart is the full customization. You can throw in exactly what you want without any fuss, and they do not skimp on portions--this thing was easily over a pound. The price? Super reasonable, especially for how loaded the burritos are. Honestly, it's a steal. The staff was just as great as the food--super friendly, patient, and helpful with recommendations. You can tell they actually care about what they're serving. Boss Burrito, if you're reading this: please open a location in L.A! Until then, I'll keep making the drive.

2 Taco plate
rhonda s.

I saw this establishment mentioned on the Nextdoor app and decided to give it a try. i went at lunch today 03/25/25. I was not excited about the people hanging out in the parking lot, however, the restaurant was very nice and clean. i was greeted by Esteban S, he answered all my questions and offered tasty suggestions. i really did not know what i wanted. I ended up ordering a 2 taco plate and it came with a can of soda. i requested one ground beef and one chicken hardshell tacos to go. My total cost was $12.40. The food was prepared quickly and the customer service was top tier. The food was delicious and flavorful. i will be back.

Menu Board   @ojbaylen

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1 month ago

I highly recommend this place. The food is delicious, and owners are extremely nice. It's a real find.

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Business owner information

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3 months ago

Coming from out of town decided to see this place in a whim. No regrets. Great service, great food. I'll definitely comeback!

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3 months ago

Best burritos in town, hands down! Service is easy and fast. Breaking burritos are also delicious. Must try!!

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Ask the Community - El Jefe Mexican Grill

What is the size difference between the burritos?

Hello Julia, I'm sorry it took me a while to answer like this, look, the big size would be a 13 size tortilla the small one would be 10, would be exactly the same, it's build your own rice, beans with many toppings have good night

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Recreational Coffee - Iced vanilla latte with oat milk

Recreational Coffee

4.3(859 reviews)
1.6 mi
$

My girlfriend and I were looking for a caffeine boost to get us through Sunday when we stumbled…read moreupon Recreational Coffee in Downtown Long Beach. A very welcoming vibe upon entry, we were greeted by a friendly couple who answered our questions about popular drink flavors. We decided to go with a Hot Cinnamon Dulce Latte and an Iced Blueberry Lavender Latte. While waiting, there were plenty of chairs, tables, a comfy couch and even a bar area to sit and relax. Tons of board games, books and wonderfully mellow music helps make the experience feel comforting and inviting. Our drinks were prepared quickly and shouted at the coffee bar for pickup. The presentation was great, but the flavors, out of this world! The Cinnamon Dulce Latte was OUTSTANDING. So good, in fact, that my girlfriend stole it from me! Not to worry, her Blueberry Lavender Latte was also top-notch, with a smooth, not-to-sweet flavor combination. Friendly staff (which comes with occasional karaoke renditions from the Bluetooth speakers), a chill vibe and outstanding drinks make this a top spot in the area for hardcore coffee lovers. Check them out!

Visited this place on a Saturday morning. I popped in and popped out with an okay drink. I…read morepreviewed the menu and the Sonora town Horchata latte called my name. Ordered and it didn't take long at all to get it. Did they even add espresso? Who knows because the latte was weak. It barely had any hint of coffee. I asked if the latte was sweet and they said it wasn't. After the first sip I could just taste all sweetness no espresso. Recreational coffee do you guys add espresso to the lattes? Maybe I should have ordered something else not sure.

Photos
Recreational Coffee - Drink good coffee

Drink good coffee

Recreational Coffee - Affogato was amazing. Perfect ice cream, not too sweet. Excellent espresso. Great service. Overall cool place.

Affogato was amazing. Perfect ice cream, not too sweet. Excellent espresso. Great service. Overall cool place.

Recreational Coffee - Honey Vanilla Lattesss

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Honey Vanilla Lattesss

The Ordinarie - Clam chowder cup

The Ordinarie

4.2(954 reviews)
1.6 mi
$$

My wife and I had an excellent Sunday brunch experience here. We sat in their shaded patio and…read morelistened to the duet jazz band sipping cocktails and eating delicious food. I started with a cup of their beef and barley soup. My wife and I both make this at home from scratch and we're both impressed by theirs. My wife took a taste of mine and instantly ordered her own. Very rich and flavorful. I kept looking at photos of their take on chicken and waffles and knew I had to try it. Seriously epic and was good as it looked. They coated the chicken in a chili rub that gave it a sweet and spicy flavor when paired with their maple syrup. Served on top of a waffle and topped with an egg. I loved it and would probably order again on my next visit. My wife had the American plate which was your classic eggs, bacon, potatoes, and sourdough toast combo. High quality ingredients elevated it beyond your typical diner food. Drinks were great too. I had their house made bloody mary which had a nice kick to it. My wife had their brunch version of a Corpse Reviver cocktail. After our meals were done we finished with an Irish coffee since everyone was ordering them. Perfect service, relaxing atmosphere, and delicious food will definitely have me returning very soon! Parking is free for 2 hours at the nearby garage on 3rd and is a very short walk. The closer garage on Broadway is not free. You can make restaurant reservations on their website but it wasn't needed when we went.

I am here to review The Miracle pop-up at The Ordinarie, that's how late my Yelp reviews are coming…read morein. Sorry!! TLDR; It's expensive, and not worth the routine visit, but worth the one-time stop in to experience the festivities. The Miracle pop-up at The Ordinarie is somehow even more decorated and extravagant than you'd expect from a seasonal pop-up. The line looks long outside, as there are no reservations, but it moves quickly since they hold everybody to a pretty strict 2-hour time limit. The drinks are good, the cups are cute, and everyone is festive. It's an all-around fun experience.  I think because of this, you do pay a premium price tag for food and drinks that are just good or okay. I think it's something that is worth the visit if you've never been and you enjoy getting into the Christmas spirit. I think that outside of the pop-up, The Ordinarie is a fun spot to check out in Long Beach. It't not a pillar of the food scene if you're a tourist, but it is a good, late night spot if you work in the industry nearby. They have a great late-night menu with a killer smash burger.

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The Ordinarie - Drink specific cocktail glass

Drink specific cocktail glass

The Ordinarie - Grilled Chicken Sandwich|ISM Beer

Grilled Chicken Sandwich|ISM Beer

The Ordinarie - Clear Cut

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Clear Cut

The Breakfast Bar - Lemon Cake Pancakes

The Breakfast Bar

4.2(4.4k reviews)
1.5 mi
$$

high-quality family establishment. Huge attention to detail and quality. Fantastic menu, Service…read morehit the Mark in a huge way. Friday morning, 630 arrival 730 breakfast with a colleague. No wait but moderately busy, restrooms immaculately clean. Menu descriptions are fantastic. perfect customization of a traditional breakfast menu... with traditional items available.. They pay attention to every little detail of your experience. This would be my "never go anywhere else" breakfast place if I lived close to Long Beach. Just go there.

A New Era for Breakfast Bar (And not necessarily a better one)…read moreI've been a long-time fan of Breakfast Bar, but it's important for locals to know: this isn't the 'old' spot we remember. The vibe has shifted toward a more minimalist coffee cafe aesthetic, and the menu has seen a significant overhaul. The Food & Value: I was disappointed to see the old favorites go. The Chicken & Waffles, previously a staple with three wings, has switched to dark meat only (thighs) with zero substitutions. As someone who isn't a fan of dark meat, that was a major letdown. I opted for the Lemon Pancakes ($21), and while the presentation was stunning, the taste was underwhelming and the portion size was surprisingly small--my son's kids' meal actually had more food than mine. The Silver Lining: The service is still the highlight here. Our server, Jorge, was absolutely fantastic--attentive, kind, and professional. The entire staff was very nice, but unfortunately, the price point doesn't quite match the current portion sizes or flavor profile. It's sad to say, but this will likely be our last visit but best wishes to them

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The Breakfast Bar - Uncle Marcee's Omelet Casserole

Uncle Marcee's Omelet Casserole

The Breakfast Bar - Eggs Noni

Eggs Noni

The Breakfast Bar - Hung Over (Breakfast Poutine)

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Hung Over (Breakfast Poutine)

Ubuntu Cafe

Ubuntu Cafe

4.4(67 reviews)
1.7 mi
$$

Lovely neighborhood breakfast cafe with so many options. So quaint and a very attentive, friendly…read morestaff. I chose a steamy hot cappuccino and their Portuguese sausage with chilaquiles; delish! Hubby had a simple breakfast sandwich with egg, avocado, bacon and cheese; fabulous and filling. Fresh orange juice was amazing. We will definitely will be back to check out their baked goods. Wonderful outdoor seating, blankets included. Waterfall with duckies for kids to play with. Refreshingly decorated!

Expected nothing less than a 5* experience and of course they delivered. I have visited the…read moreoriginal location numerous times, but this was my first time to the downtown location and my first time trying this spot for dinner. Located on the Promenade with both indoor and outdoor seating. Just like the original location, they have blankets out should you need a little extra coziness during dining. This was a mid-week visit and they weren't very busy, so solid service was to be expected. The starter of choice was the Brazilian Cheese Bread. This gluten free bread is so so so delicious! This was the first time, i've had it served pipping hot. It was even better than I remembered. I rarely order pizza at a place like this, but sitting inside, with the pizza oven in view, I just went with it. Overall, fabulous! I had pear (instead of figs) and prosciutto. Best part was the perfectly cooked crust. I paired this with a Farmers Salad which I also enjoyed. I'm glad we have this new location in downtown LB!

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Ubuntu Cafe - Oak milk lattes with extra shot. Amazing!

Oak milk lattes with extra shot. Amazing!

Ubuntu Cafe - Interior decor  with products from Spain and Portugal

Interior decor with products from Spain and Portugal

Ubuntu Cafe - Drip coffee

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Drip coffee

Zuzu’s Petals - Seasonal Sweet Potato Pancakes

Zuzu’s Petals

4.6(889 reviews)
1.2 mi
$$
Family-owned & operated
Outdoor seating

I've been wanting to try this spot for the longest time, and I'm so glad I finally did! I came by…read moreyesterday around 10:30am and placed my order around 10:50. The way it works is you order first, then wait for them to seat you once a table opens up. It was super busy, so there was a bit of standing around while waiting for a table. Personally, I'm not the biggest fan of that setup, but honestly...the food made it completely worth it. What we ordered: * Almond croissant * Ube cruffin * Lemon ricotta pancakes * Breakfast burrito with bacon * Side of potatoes * Strawberry pistachio matcha * Cinnagave shaken espresso Everything was absolutely incredible. I'm seriously craving it again while writing this The food was amazing, and the drinks were next-level good. The café itself is adorable, with both indoor and outdoor seating options. Also, shoutout to the sweet woman with the star clips in her hair! She was so friendly, and my niece loved that she complimented the Jigglypuff on her water bottle. I'll definitely be coming back. This place truly doesn't miss, and I highly recommend giving it a try!

Stopped by Zulu's Petals for Mother's Day, and I have to say....it was an amazing dining experience…read morefrom start to finish. First, a heads-up: parking in the area can be a bit of a challenge, so plan ahead and expect to look for street parking. That said, once you arrive, everything runs impressively smoothly. You'll stand in line to place your order at the register, and then they'll seat you. There are two seating options, an indoor patio and an outdoor patio; both with a really cute, inviting vibe. What really stood out was the thoughtful Mother's Day touch. While we were in line, they offered champagne and gave out roses, white for mothers who are no longer with us and red for those who are. Such a beautiful and meaningful gesture. Once seated, drinks came out quickly, and the food followed shortly after. I was genuinely impressed with how efficient and well-organized everything was, especially given how busy it was. For food, I ordered the Dutch Baby, and my companion had the Bailey's Breakfast, both were delicious and well-prepared. Between the great food, charming decor, and amazing service, this place really delivered. I'll definitely be back.

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Zuzu’s Petals
Zuzu’s Petals
Zuzu’s Petals

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The Attic - Avocado Toast

The Attic

4.2(7.9k reviews)
1.5 mi
$$

I came here with a friend after an afternoon study session for dinner. The attentive service stood…read moreout to us right from the beginning of our meal. Bristy, our server, thoroughly explained the details of certain dishes such as the Mac & Cheetos. She also checked in on our table throughout the meal and came around often to refill our water. As for the food itself, it was very delicious. My favorite dish was the artichokes. They had a somewhat smoky flavor and the outermost leaves were crunchy and a nice contrast to the soft inside of the artichokes. They were also served in a tangy sauce that complimented the vegetable well. My friend's favorite item was the macaroni and cheese. It was chewy and creamy, and the pasta, which Bristy informed us was made in-house, was what my friend thought elevated the dish because it was a nice texture. We additionally ordered the gumbo which was also tasty but not as yummy as the other two dishes that we ordered. It is not a spicy dish if one is concerned about spice level. As for the ambiance of the restaurant, we enjoyed how the atmosphere felt casual and almost like you were sitting in somebody's house (the wallpaper and interior design is pretty) while still maintaining an elegant aesthetic design. If I was in the area, I would return to The Attic for dinner. My friend and I had a very welcoming and positive experience in terms of the service and food respectively at this establishment.

We came on a weekday so getting a table quickly wasn't an issue. Points for the service. The…read morehostess and server were good. The restaurant has multiple parts. There is inside seating what looks like a converted house? There is outside seating at tables or at the bar. The menu was interesting which had a theme of shrimp; there was eggs Benedict with shrimp, but not an item to order a regular one without it? Sure maybe could have ordered and asked without shrimp but pay the same price? Pass. Ok when I called they mentioned they serve brunch until 3? 3:30 I can't remember. The server mentioned they serve the brunch all day? Either way when I got to ordering this month on the menu it highlighted the shrimp po boy. I tried to order and nope, out. How can you be out of the item highlighted as the special in the middle of the day? When the place is not packed? I tried to order the lobster roll and again, out. I was tempted to order their short rib poutine since in theory it sounded good, but at this point I tried something simple I would hope they have in the kitchen chicken and waffles. The plate came and it looks good. If you look at the picture at the bottom of the chicken you can see a dark something. As I lift my chicken I found a huge burnt piece of breading pictured next. On top of the chicken is green onion I think? Who eats that with chicken and waffles? If I am wrong, a garnish is totally unnecessary for this dish. The chicken was moist. There are spices in the flour breading I can see but hard to taste what it is. The waffle is a hard pass for me. The waffle was crispy which is good, but also thin and dry and I couldn't taste any sweetness until I put maple syrup on it. The syrup came out warm which was nice. It's clear watching the people at the bar this is a local hangout. The chicken and waffles were $19 which if I was in the bay I think it's about right, but I think a little high considering the level of food I got. Supposedly this place is packed specifically on Sundays. The server doesn't know why? I'm not interested to even try to come back for a second chance and just be told sold out of the menu.

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The Attic - Covered bar area.

Covered bar area.

The Attic - Mac & Cheetos

Mac & Cheetos

The Attic - Mac & Cheetos

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Mac & Cheetos

El Jefe Mexican Grill - mexican - Updated May 2026

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