Cancel

Open app

Search

El Jefe's Cafe Tostada

4.5 (80 reviews)
Closed • Closed
Updated a few days ago

Order El Jefe's Cafe Tostada Takeout or Delivery

El Jefe's Cafe Tostada Cafes Restaurant Photos

Business Info

EL JEFE'S CAFE TOSTADA ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Casual
Good for kids
Outdoor seating

You might also consider

More like El Jefe's Cafe Tostada

Recommended Reviews - El Jefe's Cafe Tostada

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Picadillo | Seasoned ground beef cooked with peppers and onions served with your choice of 3 sides.
Sharon M.

Cuban cravings = satisfied! If your taste buds are shouting for a Cuban sandwich, then El Jefe in Tampa has you covered. We visited during the Saturday lunch rush, and despite the crowd, we were seated, fed, and happily full in under an hour. The staff was in hustle mode taking orders, checking customers out, and despite all that, I still overheard our server greeting & hugging regulars by name just like in "Cheers," but with way better sandwiches. Our picks: the Cuban sandwich which had all the flavors you expect from the classic sandwich and picadillo with rice and beans (AKA my kinda comfort food). The restaurant is casual and cozy with a mix of booths and tables; we lucked out snagging a few of the last seats right before it was a full house. Parking is a breeze as it's located in the same strip mall as Planet Fitness and Global Golf (so you can justify that extra bite of picadillo), Whether you're grabbing it to-go or hanging out to dine in, El Jefe will satisfy your craving for Cuban food.

Marina L.

I've been coming here since I moved to the area and simply amazing! Starting with the food, the best Cubans ever are here, my usual is the media noche sandwich, that contrast with salty and sweet is my favorite! I also like de fried cheese, they put it with a guava jelly on the side, so good! The iced coffee is also great and very tasty. They have a little reward system, if you order 5 coffees they invite you the sixth. Melissa is so nice and attentive! She is always there! Shoutout to her! The place always looks cleans and tidy. They also have plenty of parking which is a great plus. If you have not come yet, you are missing out!

Brigitte L.

Came in for at the recommendation of a friend who had been here. Upon walking in, it was PACKED! And while dining you could tell there were a lot of regulars. Seating is open so you can sit anywhere you want. We were quickly greeted and drinks ordered. There are so many different options on the menu so it was such a hard decision. But I'm down to try the hash and eggs. Omgosh they came out perfect!! The crisp on the hash and the eggs were perfectly over easy. I got a peach tea (green) and it was quite delicious. The flavored tea is not refillable. I also got me a deviled crab to go which is made in house and was very tasty. Overall great experience and I left FULL!! I'll definitely be back and next time I'll get the guava green tea. This is definitely a neighborhood gem.

Caesar Salad with chicken
Jennifer J.

I ordered the 2 salads and a Turkey Cuban to go. I thought the extra chicken I added to my salads were prepared well and not overcooked but a bit salty. My sandwich, however, was pressed to perfection! Not overly dressed, not overly greasy... They clearly know what they are doing with the panini machine. I'd love to try their other pressed sandwiches. I'm sure they would be delicious.

Shawn L.

El Jefe instantly became one of our favorite places to eat when we moved to Carrolwood two years ago. The food and the service has always made us feel like family. Breakfast and lunch both great here. My favorite meal here quickly became their blackened fish which has always been the Friday lunch special. Until this visit the fish was bassi which I like but on this visit I saw the fish had been changed to cod which is one of my very favorites. What a great addition to the menu. No matter what you are after El Jefe will do it right.

Front counter
Charlie G.

I love Cuban food... and am lucky there are a couple Cuban restaurants very near to where I live. I decided to try a new one today, instead of my usual. El Jefe's did not disappoint! As I walked up to the restaurant at about 11:45am I could see it was busy. Several people waiting for takeout orders, and all the booths and tables were full. Always a good sign! Good service... I was helped as soon as I walked in, and Natalie was friendly and helpful. I ordered a Cuban sandwich and an order of Platanos Maduros to go. I received my order quickly, and it was "El Jefe" that handed it to me... also very friendly and helpful! Got home, and unpacked the food... and took pictures. Sandwich was gorgeous, and nicely pressed with some nice browning on the crust. Platanos looked perfect! Started eating, and the sandwich was delicious... crispy Cuban bread, succulent meat in nice portions, just the right amount of condiments. The best Cuban sandwich I have had in a good while! I really love Platanos Maduros... I will always order them with any meal I can. And these were some of the best I have had... so soft and flavorful with a little bit of crunch from the frying pan. Really, really tasty! I will be going back to try other dishes... and wish I had started going to El Jefe's much sooner!

Cafe con leche and breakfast sandwich - both excellent
Kristen W.

This is a great local diner. We came for breakfast while in the area. Our breakfast sandwiches were perfect. Eggs were not overcooked which I was SO happy about!!! I can't remember the last time I had a breakfast sandwich with properly cooked eggs!! Wow! The cafe con leche was delicious as well. The service was fast and friendly. We would definitely eat here again.

Inside of the restaurant
Mark V.

Café con leche! Legit Breakbowl! Legit Cuban toast! Legit (lightly buttered lite cheese) Very friendly staff good service I will coming back!

Outside

This used to be Reubens Cubans. Very clean place. Good place for sandwich and Cuban coffee. Their Cuban Sandwiches are great. They also have other Cuban food. Service is very friendly.

First peek!
Robin W.

I have had a lot of Cuban sandwiches in my life... This one was one of the best! Fresh ingredients, pressed and crunchy, the ham, The roast pork...this was truly tasty! If you pride yourself on knowing a good Cuban sandwich, go get to know one of these!

Loaded Loaded Cheesy Fries

I've been ordering on uber or DoorDash should I moved near the area. It's really good finally tried the lemonade with strawberry and guava it was AWESOME ! Haven't been to sit and enjoy YET

Menu

See all

Photo of Dee S.
122
228
1482

1 month ago

Coming in after the PLANET FITNESS workout - was amazing - the water was great the food was very good - thanks again

Helpful 3
Thanks 1
Love this 3
Oh no 0

15 days ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 days ago

Really enjoyed my visit! The atmosphere is cozy, the staff are friendly, and the breakfast options are excellent.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

4 months ago

I had the Cuban sandwich. It's the best one in the area, you won't be disappointed iykyk

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 month ago

Great food and service. The food was delicious and plentiful, waitress came by to check on us several times.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 months ago

A friend of mine from Alabama went crazy about their cafe con leche, in my case particularly I will recommend their Cuban and their burger.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 12
Thanks 5
Love this 11
Oh no 0
Photo of Jennifer J.
3
241
1621

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 9
Thanks 3
Love this 12
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 8
Thanks 3
Love this 7
Oh no 0

4 months ago

For what they charge, the portions were honestly disappointing. Paying that much for so little felt like a rip-off, definitely overpriced.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 8
Thanks 1
Love this 4
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of E P.
1
150
198

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 1
Love this 3
Oh no 0
Photo of Bre F.
433
355
3452

3 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

9 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Lucy F.
0
74
14

1 year ago

Great go to neighborhood Cuban eatery. Great service and generous portions. There's a variety of food, try the fish and grits.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 11
Thanks 0
Love this 12
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Fantastic food! Always a pleasure. I've been visiting El Jefe for many years all around Tampa.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

9 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 2
Love this 2
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

Page 1 of 2

Ask the Community - El Jefe's Cafe Tostada

You might also consider

The Grind Coffee Bar & Cafe at Westchase - Egg sandwich on Cuban bread

The Grind Coffee Bar & Cafe at Westchase

4.3(497 reviews)
3.7 mi
•$$

We love the grind! The coffee is far more affordable than most other coffee shops, and the size…read moreoptions are amazing - so you can get a pretty big bang for your buck (which feels rare right now). They have a lot of different syrup options, as well as alternative milks. The bakery items in the front case and the food items to order are SO good. Highly recommend their pancakes, grits bowl, and potato bowl - all really delicious and filling. All staff have always been really pleasant and patient (even when I've been undecided on what to order). It's an eclectic cozy space with a good amount of seating! There's also outdoor seating, making it dog friendly! You might not get front row parking, but there is extra parking in the back, so it's never been an issue.

May I suggest: So when I've looked at my previous updated…read morereview, it's so shocking to see how long ago it was. Even more shocking still is when the first review was--nearly 10 years ago! I'm happy to say, that ten years later, I'm still a fan and a regular. Staying power indeed! More than just a coffee house, they feature great breakfast and lunch items. My personal faves are still the low-carb scramble, when you don't feel like all that extra bread, and their French toast--when you want bread and then some! I'll say this about their French toast--as it's classic as you're going to get. Four golden slices of perfectly battered pieces of toast smothered in syrup. Nothing extra, no frills. Just that pure French toast as its finest--and as I often say if basic is done right it doesn't need to be messed with (unless you are feeling like something extra, then by all means!). They're also one of the only coffeehouses I know who does have Amaretto and Macadamia flavors on hand. My fave is the Amaretto latte (hot) or I go for White Chocolate Macadamia for something a little different. Staff here is great, always friendly and greeting me with a smile--some I've known for maybe those nine or ten years! A neighborhood fave for sure! Nowadays I only eat outside because Muffin is now a constant guest who comes along with me as part of the tradition. Luckily there's always plenty of outdoor seats!

Photos
The Grind Coffee Bar & Cafe at Westchase - Coffee bar

Coffee bar

The Grind Coffee Bar & Cafe at Westchase - Cinnamon French toast for weekend special

Cinnamon French toast for weekend special

The Grind Coffee Bar & Cafe at Westchase

See all

Isekai Sushi and Cafe - 13. Lemon Drop Roll and Spicy Tuna

Isekai Sushi and Cafe

4.7(167 reviews)
0.6 mi
•$$

It's so hard to find good sushi in Tampa Bay and this place exceeded my expectations! I drove all…read morethe way from downtown St Pete on a IG recommendation (that's how little good options you have in this area unfortunately) and I was not disappointed. The staff and owner were very friendly and personable and the food was even better! I ordered the gyoza (this is fried and the filling is an in-house recipe pork filling, might be different from your regular gyoza but still yummy and worth trying), and had the Nigiri Flight which was amazing! I'll let the picture speak for itself, but you need to come in and try it for yourself. The fish was fresh and each one was better than the other. I even loved the tamago (which they prepare in house) and I normally am not a fan of it. All the nigiri were well sized and super filling, I could have done without the dumplings and the salad, and still would have been more than satisfied. The place is also very well decorated and styled, I truly think they hit all the points with food, service, and ambience. You can tell the owner puts his heart and soul into this place and it shows in the food and your time there. It was a very pleasant experience and I am so happy to have found Isekai!

Fantastic lunch here on a recent visit to Tampa for business…read more As a Los Angeles resident who has spent 1/2 my time in Hawaii for work, I am an acclaimed sushi snob. I was excited by the great reviews on Yelp -- and was so happy that this place lived up to the hype! The fish was excellent -- fresh, well cut, super tasty. The toro was rich and delicious, the salmon and snapper fresh and pure, and as noted by others, the seasoned sushi rice with the accoutrements in the bowl (seaweed salad, thinly sliced pickled radish and carrot, and masago) made for an elevated lunch. I really appreciated the flexibility and options around my celiac disease (sushi can be tough because of the wheat in most soy sauce) -- including the kind note they attached saying the subbed some extra toro and masago for the Iburi which had been marinated in soy sauce. Lastly, I usually much prefer to eat-in for sushi (a sushi bar is my 2nd home), but really appreciate the details they put into the Uber Eats takeout package -- dressed it nice with shiso leaf and shaved radish AND have it all placed on little ice packs to keep the fish cold on their commute from the Chef's Knife to my belly. Great experience overall.

Photos
Isekai Sushi and Cafe - Inside the restaurant.

Inside the restaurant.

Isekai Sushi and Cafe - Lotus bun

Lotus bun

Isekai Sushi and Cafe - Bluefin Tuna Nigiri, Follow the Rainbow (top), and Internal Combustion

See all

Bluefin Tuna Nigiri, Follow the Rainbow (top), and Internal Combustion

El Jefe's Cafe Tostada - cafes - Updated May 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...