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    El Jefe

    4.2 (336 reviews)
    ModerateMexican
    Closed 4:00 pm - 9:00 PM
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Order El Jefe Takeout or Delivery

    El Jefe Photos

    EL JEFE ATMOSPHERE

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

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    Recommended Reviews - El Jefe

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    Joy Q.

    High quality ingredients- awesome spot for brunch without wait! Loved the chips, mole, and carnita. Pretty light and healthy too. The service was kind and attentive, and didn't rush us even when the restaurant was getting full. Highly recommend this spot for brunch !!

    Happy hour carnitas taco
    Noah K.

    Tacos were great, the pinto bean carne asada was a combination I didn't know I needed. Service was friendly and the patio is the vibe for a sunny day. Value for Happy hour was okay, $9 house margaritas and $4 tacos, $8 Chips and salsa trio.

    chorizo taco and birria tacos
    Kirsten C.

    best Mexican food in town!! farm to table, always fresh and the best, friendly service!!

    Breakfast Burrito
    Marley U.

    The staff here are so nice! I just didn't love the breakfast burrito unfortunately. For me, the menu was limited and there isn't anything else I would've ordered. But the staff!

    Beef Barbacoa Tacos Plate
    Bernadette B.

    This was a solid place to get some dinner! This place threads the needle between authentic and modern fusion, and I think it does it reasonably well. I was ECSTATIC to see fried plantains on the menu since very few Mexican restaurants offer it, and it tasted a little like home. We were disappointed that they were out the Al Pastor, but our waitress explained that their chef only sources high quality ingredients, and if they can't get enough, they're just simply out for the day. That seems like a good a reason as any to explain why you'd run out of a menu item. I ordered the Birria Ramen, and it was... interesting. I won't say that I'd get it again, but it was an interesting experience. It wasn't bad. It just wasn't great and didn't make my heart and stomach sing. I'd be open to trying some of their other offerings in the future though. A great place to go. Friendly serving staff. Fun environment. Solid food.

    Mahi Mahi
    Michelle G.

    Ambiance was fine. We ended up in a corner booth that was suppose to be nice and cozy, it was freezing. Ordered: Guacamole Chicharrones Brussel sprouts Mole (they were out on a Friday night) subbed with Mahi Fish tacos 3 margaritas Guac was good. Chuxharrones were pork rinds that tasted like mission ones from a bag. Brussel sprouts would have been good but were really salty. Mahi was flavorless but my husband liked the tacos. We're charged extra for salsa Bill was $145 Isn't somewhere I would come back to. Quality not worth the cost.

    Happy hour
    Jewells B.

    Bartender was amazing food was amazing!! Beef barbacoa tacos. Sangria and Bloody Mary!

    Burnt orange
    Charisse Q.

    We went here for my birthday and it was pretty delicious. It was a weekday and was not busy at all so the service was great and quick. I do not have anything bad to say about it! It wasn't the best food but still pretty good. The decor is cute! I believe it's farm to table so we love that!

    Taco Tuesday! House margrita, salsa trio, and 3 tacos (farmer, chorizo, and beef)
    Emilie G.

    This has been our go-to neighborhood spot for tacos and margaritas. The service is great, we usually sit at the bar since the bartenders/management are really nice. It's a fun atmosphere. We really enjoy the quesabirria tacos, chips and queso (add chorizo!), guacamole, and mole enchiladas. The churros are also a must! Best churros I've had in Denver so far. Highly recommend going for brunch (bottomless mimosas/margs) and taco Tuesday. They serve great food and drinks at a great price!

    3 happy hour tacos (carnitas & chorizo) and Chicken & Plantain Quesadilla
    Court N.

    We love El Jefe. It's a chill vibe and the food is great. We love their happy hour and always also order the plantain chicken quesadilla. The staff was very attentive and constantly checking on us. We got great service. One of our more favorite spots.

    QUESABIRRIA Time!!!
    Jeff D.

    Mo and I did a dine in for dinner last night and yes make a reservation in advance as El Jefe isn't super big. Appetizer wise we ordered the Guac w Cojita Cheese ($2 extra) along with the Salsa Trio which was Salsa roja, xni-pec and salsa verde.The chips were def made in house and had the right amount of salt. All salsas were tasty! Then I ordered the QUESABIRRIA which was their Slow cooked marinated beef in 3 folded corn tortillas with melted asadero cheese. Avocado salsa on top. Served with a side of consomé with onions and cilantro (au jus) for dipping. This alone was worth coming here because this was the least greasiest Quesabirria I've ever had! It was so good I ate all 3! On Tuesdays, they have select Tacos @ $2 a piece which is a fair deal. For dessert we did their MEX-KEY LIME PIE which was made with a Graham cracker crust, Mexican key lime custard, caramelized pumpkin seeds + whipped cream. It was great but I would get it next time without the seeds. No need for that. They get one less star because the 2 types of Tequila I asked for they didn't have. So I settled for one that was mediocre and so much that I didn't finish my drink. The service was good and the food came out quickly. It's a nice date or friends night out spot!

    Chilaquiles Brunch Plate
    Stacy M.

    We stumbled across this gem looking for a Sunday brunch and it did not disappoint. We started with bottomless mimosas (sangria and bloody Mary's were an option as well) and the MOST amazing guacamole I've ever had (and I go to Mexico every year). The food was outstanding..spicy but delicious. The serve and atmosphere were wonderful. A must if you are in the area

    Fernando G.

    El Jefe has delicious menu choices with an unique flair to Mexican cuisine. The atmosphere was inviting and service extremely friendly. Our first visit was upon arrival to our first ever trip to Colorado. Even though it was nearing closing time, we were treated to great drinks, tasty dishes, and superb customer service. Our waitress even treated us to a couple desserts to put as on an encouraging mood after an stressful day experience with our car rental agency. For dinner my wife ordered a mushroom taco plate accompanied by mix greens salad and I had chicken and plantains quesadilla. Both plates were extraordinary and the La Casa margaritas soothed our spirits. For dessert, we were treated to the flakiest of churros served with caramel and vanilla bean ice cream. The second dessert plate was a key lime pie on graham cracker crust with toasted pumpkin seeds drizzled with caramel and wiped cream. We made sure to stop again before leaving Denver, but already have cravings. Although San Diego is known for good Mexican cuisine, Denver has shown it is up to the challenge. Great job and kudos to the El Jefe crew.

    Cod tacos with a side of plaintains

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    9 years ago

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    9 years ago

    The margaritas are really spot on. The food is very good! Happy hour prices are helpful and the ambience is nice. I'm definitely a fan!!!

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    9 years ago

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    9 years ago

    Great atmosphere! Rachel the bartender was amazing and was so helpful! Top notch place and people, highly recommended :)

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    10 years ago

    Great brunch. Good addition to the neighborhood.

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    10 years ago

    Fresh as can get and there attention to detail hits the spot. Food is very tasty and the service was impeccable. I'll be back!

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    Page 9 of 9

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    Adelitas Cocina Y Cantina - Enchiladas

    Adelitas Cocina Y Cantina

    4.2(1.1k reviews)
    6.0 miSouthwest
    $$

    Excellent place. Great value, prices and portion size. Ambiance is freshly inviting. Service is…read moreflawless and friendly. All staff were professional and quick. Overall an excellent experience and I will be back.

    Sometimes you don't need culinary fireworks. Sometimes you need a place that feels like someone is…read moregenuinely happy you walked through the door. Adelitas is that place. I grabbed a seat at the bar where the bartender was friendly and engaging. On a recent Wednesday at 7:15, the restaurant was packed. When I left around 8:30, it was still busy. That's usually the best review a restaurant can get. Loyal customers don't keep coming back out of habit. They come back because it feels like home. The all-day happy hour margarita for $9 certainly doesn't hurt. The second one arrives before you've had time to argue yourself out of it. I ordered the enchiladas with carne asada and their house mole. If you're expecting one of those intensely complex moles with enough ingredients to fill a pantry, this isn't that. Adelitas' version is comforting, approachable, and deeply homey. It tastes less like a culinary experiment and more like something your abuela has been making for decades. The carne asada was tender, the rice and beans were exactly what they should be, and every bite reminded me why comfort food never goes out of style. Before leaving, I made the smartest decision of the evening. Tres leches to go. I devoured it later at home while Netflix asked if I was still watching. The cake somehow manages to be light while completely satisfying. Don't skip it. Better yet, don't pretend you're saving it for tomorrow. Adelitas isn't trying to impress you. It's trying to feed you well, welcome you warmly, and send you home happier than when you arrived. Whether your abuela was Mexican...or Greek...you'll understand exactly what they're serving here.

    Photos
    Adelitas Cocina Y Cantina - Inside

    Inside

    Adelitas Cocina Y Cantina - Tres Leches Cake

    Tres Leches Cake

    Adelitas Cocina Y Cantina - Outside

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    Outside

    D'Corazon - Shredded Beef tacos with beans and rice

    D'Corazon

    4.3(825 reviews)
    2.0 miLodo, Northwest
    $$

    I have long held the impression that truly exceptional Mexican cuisine is a rarity in Denver, but…read moremy visit to D'Corazon on the LoDo side today completely shattered that notion! Seeing their prominent signage out front, one immediately senses the high reputation of this establishment, and it delivers in every single respect. Stepping inside, the venue presents a splendidly authentic Mexican aesthetic, adorned with vibrant cultural accents while maintaining an environment that is pristine and spotlessly clean. Both the exterior presentation and interior arrangement radiate genuine charm and elegance, creating an inviting, lively setting for a weekend meal. The hospitality was top-tier from the moment I crossed the threshold gracious, spirited, and delightfully warm. To begin, I ordered a Spicy Margarita, which was an absolute masterpiece! Mixed to sheer perfection, it offered a brilliant, fiery kick that served as the ultimate weekend refreshment. For my main course, I selected the Fajita Burrito, generously smothered in their signature Green Chili sauce. When it arrived, it proved to be a magnificent culinary triumph rich, deeply flavorful, and executed with superb, authentic skill. Between the immaculate cleanliness, lively decor, impeccable service, and unforgettable flavors, D'Corazon earns absolute full marks from me. A sensational discovery I shall most certainly be returning

    Great Food and Service laid back,good Ambiance. Best…read moreEnchiladas, love there queso Cant wait to scatch up enough cash for another trip there

    Photos
    D'Corazon - Host desk

    Host desk

    D'Corazon - Grilled steak especial tacos

    Grilled steak especial tacos

    D'Corazon - Mango frozen Rita and House Rita.

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    Mango frozen Rita and House Rita.

    Tamayo by Chef Richard Sandoval - Tamayo dining room

    Tamayo by Chef Richard Sandoval

    3.8(1.4k reviews)
    2.2 miLodo, Northwest
    $$$

    9/1/26: surprisingly good! i don't have high hopes for…read moredenver food because the trends i see are steakhouses, healthy food, and beer. salsa trio & chips were delicious. three sauces came with the chips, all distinct in flavor. salsa verde wasn't spicy but had an amazing sour zing to it. my favorite was the charred pepita habanero salsa. this had the perfect consistency (not as liquidy as regular salsa) and had a bit of spice. the third sauce was interesting. i actually don't know what it was but it wasn't bad, also wasn't good. also orders the bonito which was bomb. tuna was so fresh and paired so well with the guac and WONTON chips. such an amazing crunch on these chips, i had to start dipping them with the salsas. skirt steak was so juicy. fajita veggies were decent, just a tad oily but i guess you can't really escape that when you get a sizzling plate. tortillas came in a little woven pig's ass (so fun)! nothing notable about the tortillas though, just plain flour. this place definitely shocked me, and i would come back again. highly recommend! eats- - salsa trio & chips - bonito - skirt steak fajitas

    Our group of 4 had a reservation for a Saturday night to celebrate a special occasion. It was…read moresurprisingly not busy at 7 pm which was kind of nice and so the restaurant was a bit quieter than expected. We ordered the chips and salsa trio to start, quesabirria, chicken and steak fajitas with corn equites and rice/beans as a side, and lastly the carnitas. Personally I got the carnitas and was shocked at the portion! The presentation was beautiful and overall it was quite tasty. The hard part with this meal was that the black bean puree was underneath all the meat and au jus so it was a bit challenging to scoop up and put in the tacos. Everyone enjoyed their meals and we were pretty stuffed that we couldn't make it to dessert.

    Photos
    Tamayo by Chef Richard Sandoval
    Tamayo by Chef Richard Sandoval
    Tamayo by Chef Richard Sandoval

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    El Jefe - mexican - Updated September 2026

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