El Jefe

4.9

586 Reviews

$30 and under

Mexican

Top Tags:

Our menu is inspired by the Mexican regions of Yucatán, Oaxaca, and Veracruz. We strive to respect the influences and traditions of these diverse cultures to bring you food that is uniquely El Jefe.

We believe in doing things the right way. Not because it’s trendy or cool, but because it’s right. We change our menu with the grow season, supporting our neighbors and the terroir of Colorado. We are not your average Mexican joint, rather a reflection of our environment and beliefs.

We hand make our tortillas every day. All of our pork comes from one whole hog. Our chefs breakdown the whole animal, for chorizo, appetizers, stocks, soups, and entrees. Nothing is wasted. We do this out of respect for the animal and for the people who raised them for us. Anything we can produce in our kitchen is done by us, with love. No frills, just good food.

We do an amazing brunch on the weekends, and by default or menu is nearly 100% gluten free.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Mar 23, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 6 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(720) 389-7615

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Mexican, Farm-to-table, Contemporary Mexican
Hours of operation
Dinner Tue, Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat 10:00 am–10:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–3:00 pm
Phone number
(720) 389-7615
Website
http://www.eljefedenver.com/
Payment options
AMEX, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Eusebio Silvario
Private party facilities
The Crown Room at El Jefe is great for holiday parties, cocktail parties, corporate team building events, movie nights, game-day parties, rehearsal dinners, family reunions bridal/baby showers and more.

Location
2450 W 44th Ave, Denver, CO 80211-1508
Neighborhood
Highlands
Cross street
Alcott
Parking details
Street Parking
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

3 Salsas$6.00
Choose 3: guajillo, xni pec, verde, arbol, habanera
Guacamole$8.00
hand mashed to order
Winter Quesadilla$8.00
roasted poblano, grilled scallion, butternut squash, asadero cheese, salsa arbol
Crab Nachos$12.00
guajillo & dijon mojo, asadero cheese, xni pec, blue crab
Pulpo*$13.00
grilled octopus, Sikil Pak, spiced pineapple, olives, farm greens, cilantro
Chicharrones$4.00
fried pig skin, pequin
Queso$8.00
asadero, queso fresco, cheddar, cotija, pepitas
Shrimp Ceviche*$9.00
pineapple, radish, farm cucumber, lime, cilantro
Brussel Sprouts$7.00
crispy brussels, peanut macha, cotija, lime

Main

Winter Relleno$14.00
tortilla crusted with sweet potato, cheddar, Spanish rice, mole ancho, greens & plantains
Chicken Tacos Plate$10.00
grilled chicken adobo, cucumber salsa, crema, house-made tortillas
Slow Roasted Pork Carnitas$16.00
local pork, potatoes, salsas, lime, house-made tortillas, pickled onions and jalapenos
Beef Barbacoa Tacos Plate$14.00
Adobo and avocado leaf slow roasted Colorado beef, pickled cabbage, cotija, salsa verde, house-made tortillas
Mushroom Tacos Plate$13.00
Hazel Dell Farms organic mushrooms, pepita crema, walnuts, salsa arbol, house-made tortillas
Pescado Tacos Plate$14.00
fried cod, citrus slaw, radish, chipotle lime aioli, house-made tortillas
Mexican Pizza (Tlayuda)$13.00
crispy flour tortilla, pinto beans, Hazeldell mushroom, asadero, arugula, watermelon radish, pickled onions, salsa arbol
Butcher Steak Fajitas$16.00
8 oz with rajas, crema, salsa arbol, pickles, housemade tortillas
Al Pastor$14.00
Blessed Creek Farm pork belly, pickled pineapple, caramelized onion, plantains, house made tortillas
Chorizo Tacos Plate$12.00
white onion, crema, salsa verde, cilantro, house-made tortillas
Mole Enchiladas$16.00
grilled chicken adobo, queso fresco, pickled onions, house-made tortillas

Salads & Sides

add chicken +$4, add beef barbacoa +$5

Farro Salad$12.00
crispy brussels sprouts, cotija, pepitas, pickled raisin, roasted butternut squash, apple cider vinaigrette
Ensalada Verde$6.00
farm cucumber, radish, chives, arugula, cotija, cilantro vinaigrette
Fried Plantains$5.00
Market Vegetables$6.00
cotija, pepitas
Fingerling Potatoes$5.00
Pequin chili powder

Desserts

Mexican Lime Pie$7.00
chili lime curd, graham cracker crust, whipped cream
Churro Sandwiches$8.00
house made churros, vanilla ice cream, cinnamon, sugar, chocolate sauce, dulce de leche
Dessert Plantains$6.00
cinnamon, sugar, dulce de leche, chocolate sauce
Vanilla Flan$5.00
citrus compote
Pumpkin Pie$7.00
ancho chili, Mexican chocolate, candied pepitas, dulce de leche whipped cream

What 586 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.9

4.9 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.8Service
4.8Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Denver / Colorado
Neighborhood gem
Denver / Colorado
Mexican
Denver
Best Overall
Denver
Best Value
Denver
Neighborhood gem

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c
cherylc
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 11, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Highly recommend this place. The service, food, drinks… everything was top notch.
TR
TamraR
Portland
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
The mole enchiladas were amazing and the churros were delicious! Best meal we have had at a restaurant in a long time. Our waiter was very attentive. We will be back soon!
N
Nick
Denver
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on March 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Taco Tuesday is the best.Staff is always on point.
JB
JulieB
Denver
22 reviews
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on February 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We took my Father-In-Law here for his birthday, and had a fabulous experience!! He loved everything about our brunch - our server was so great, and the food was excellent as always! Thanks for making a special day even better!!
KK
KathyK
Denver
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Brought visitors from Iceland and East Coast who were unfamiliar with Latin cuisines. The menu had nice variety of food for different palates and tolerances for spice levels. Seafood dishes (e.g., paella, lobster quesadilla and octopus) were hits. House marg excellent.
DS
DanS
Denver
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on February 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food, great service, great atmosphere! We’ll be back soon!
JS
JeremyS
Denver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 10, 2023
overall5food4service4ambience4
This is such a great place. The Birria Ramen was amazing!! The drinks were fresh and the service was excellent! I highly recommend you go.
KP
KristiP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 5, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Excellent mole special, great cocktail. Great location.
CD
CherylDenver
Denver
27 reviews
vip
5.0
27 reviews
Dined on February 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always delicious!
C
Charles
Denver
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on January 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great neighborhood joint!
S
Silverfish22
Denver
27 reviews
vip
5.0
27 reviews
Dined on January 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This place is our favorite neighborhood place to go. We are always warmly greeted and taken care of. The food is delicious and as pescatarians there are many options. We have crab nachos, grilled octopus and fish tacos. Margaritas are scratch made and perfectly prepared.
AB
AndyB
Denver
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We couldn't have been happier with our NYE dinner! The crab nachos and quesaburria were fantastic. Great margaritas too. We'll defintely return whem we visit Denver again.
HK
HollyK
Denver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved the farm fresh options, great happy service. Lovely experience for Sunday brunch.
M
Maureen
Denver
34 reviews
vip
5.0
34 reviews
Dined on December 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
This place has amazing food!! Try the birria, it is fabulous!!
L
Lilhom
Denver
20 reviews
vip
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on December 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Johnny the manager along with Maggie were awesome! They always remember when we come in no matter how long it’s been. Service was great as was the food. Glad we have this in the neighborhood!
JG
JoshyG
Denver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of my favorite brunches. The breakfast burrito is amazing, and they’re really great about not letting bottomless mimosas actually hit the bottom.
LM
LouisaM
Denver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love el Jefe!
S
Silverfish22
Denver
27 reviews
vip
5.0
27 reviews
Dined on October 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We love this place. Always delicious and the staff is so welcoming. Highly recommend any/all of the seafood. And the homemade sauces-so good. Don’t miss the best key lime pie in the city.
AJ
AlyssaJ
Detroit
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 21, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was absolutely amazing. Service was prompt, friendly, and knowledgeable. He recommended the house made chocolate pumpkin pie and it did not disappoint. Will be back soon!
PM
PM11
Denver
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on September 17, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience4
Food was great! Service goodl! It got noisy with the bartender throwing bottles away.
PS
PamelaS
Washington DC
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on September 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food and service were incredible. Everything was delicious. We ordered the ceviche, pulpo, corn, Al pastor, and quesabirria. Amazing white sangria as well. Sat outside in cute outdoor area.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was really great. The host and servers were lovely. Drinks were a little slow. But that’s been consistent both times I’ve been here. Overall love the spot, staff and food. ❤️❤️🥳
OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Authentic Mexican food, not Tex Mex covered in cheese and green chili sauce. Great service and a knowledgeable staff
1
1960ally
Denver
35 reviews
4.0
35 reviews
Dined on September 7, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience4
Went for taco tuesday & it was delicious. Can't beat $2 tacos that are unusual & tasty. Margaritas are some of the best in the city.
JG
JenG
Denver
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 21, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was absolutely delicious. So happy we found this place. Definitely a hidden gem in Denver.
RD
RobertD
Denver
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Good food, good service, fun time. We’ll be back soon.
s
siltmesa
Denver
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on August 6, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Went to El Jefe yesterday w a friend who goes there often. The food (breakfast burrito) was exceptional and the bottomless drinks did not run out. The service was incredible and we were treated to a truly memorable visit.
MK
MarkK
Denver
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 5, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience3
A little too noisy, food was overall Very good. My mushroom tacos were very okay but not amazing. Excellent wait staff.
L
Lins
St. Louis
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on July 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
The food was excellent! Everything we had was delicious. Highly recommend eating here!
KD
KimD
Denver
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on July 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lovely service staff. Loved the menu options. The food was delicious and served within a reasonable amount of time. Sat outside which was nice (not buggy).
JR
JanR
Denver
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great experience. Especially server Quinn - absolutely awesome! Food was great!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on June 28, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
The food is always fresh. & delicious! El Jefe never disappoints. Highly recommend this restaurant. It’s a hidden gem in Sunnyside neighborhood!
CL
CatLo
Denver
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We love this place ! It’s our favorite for date night!
F
Frosty
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on June 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Awesome experience at El Jefe! From the greeting upon our arrival through paying the check, service was impeccable, the food was amazing, and the ambiance was casual and comfortable with great music. My husband’s birthday was acknowledged by all with a special round of drinks. Can’t wait for our next visit!
SV
SashaV
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 27, 2022
overall5food4service4ambience4
great food and fun vibe! Would definitely go back.
r
rmsmilko
San Francisco
39 reviews
5.0
39 reviews
Dined on May 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and service were incredible here. This is a place we would go back to Denver for.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Mother’s Day
H
Harryl
Denver
77 reviews
vip
4.0
77 reviews
Dined on April 23, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience3
This farm-to-table restaurant serves excellent meals. Delicious. Creative.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on April 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
We kind of got stuck in a busy spot. Too bad on open table you cannot say -family stick us in a quiet corner. But we love the energy so we all just got loud too!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Favorite margaritas in town! We are obsessed with the plantains!

Safety precautions

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Diner temperature check required
- Staff temperature check required

FAQs

El Jefe offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (720) 389-7615.

El Jefe is rated 4.9 stars by 586 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Mar 23, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 6 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(720) 389-7615

2450 W 44th Ave, Denver, CO 80211-1508

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Alcott
Neighborhood
Highlands
Hours of operation
Dinner Tue, Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat 10:00 am–10:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–3:00 pm
Cuisines
Mexican, Farm-to-table, Contemporary Mexican
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Street Parking
Payment options
AMEX, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Eusebio Silvario
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.eljefedenver.com/
Phone number
(720) 389-7615
Private party facilities
The Crown Room at El Jefe is great for holiday parties, cocktail parties, corporate team building events, movie nights, game-day parties, rehearsal dinners, family reunions bridal/baby showers and more.

El Jefe

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Crab Nachos

Tacos Verde

Dessert Plantains

To Start

3 Salsas$6.00

Guacamole$8.00

Winter Quesadilla$8.00

Crab Nachos$12.00

Pulpo*$13.00

Chicharrones$4.00

Queso$8.00

Shrimp Ceviche*$9.00

Brussel Sprouts$7.00

Main

Winter Relleno$14.00

Chicken Tacos Plate$10.00

Slow Roasted Pork Carnitas$16.00

Beef Barbacoa Tacos Plate$14.00

Mushroom Tacos Plate$13.00

Pescado Tacos Plate$14.00

Mexican Pizza (Tlayuda)$13.00

Butcher Steak Fajitas$16.00

Al Pastor$14.00

Chorizo Tacos Plate$12.00

Mole Enchiladas$16.00

Salads & Sides

Farro Salad$12.00

Ensalada Verde$6.00

Fried Plantains$5.00

Market Vegetables$6.00

Fingerling Potatoes$5.00

Desserts

Mexican Lime Pie$7.00

Churro Sandwiches$8.00

Dessert Plantains$6.00

Vanilla Flan$5.00

Pumpkin Pie$7.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Sort by

Filters

Screening

FAQs

Does El Jefe offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is El Jefe restaurant rated?

Is El Jefe currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Dining areas

Additional information