El Jefe

4.9

692 Reviews

$30 and under

Mexican

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 11, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 6 times today

Neighborhood gem
Good for groups
Great for happy hour

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.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Mexican, Farm-to-table, Contemporary Mexican
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat 10:00 am–3:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–2:30 pm Dinner Tue, Thu, Fri 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Sat 3:00 pm–9:00 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 & 44th
Parking details
Street Parking
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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 692 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

4.9Food
4.9Service
4.8Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Denver / Colorado
Neighborhood gem
Denver / Colorado
Mexican
Denver
Best Overall
Denver
Best Food
Denver
Best Service
Denver
Good for groups
Denver
Neighborhood gem
Denver
Mexican

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

El Jefe is a vibrant, neighborhood gem with "amazing food and service." Guests rave about the "authentic flavors" from Yucatán and Oaxaca, with standout dishes like mole enchiladas, birria ramen, and crab nachos. The festive atmosphere, "friendly staff," and "delicious cocktails" make it a favorite for brunch and dinner alike.

692 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner VIP
Denver1 review
5.0
Dined on February 22, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great brunch spot. Bottomless mimosas is always a plus.
Is this helpful?
K
Kevin
Denver37 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 16, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This was our third time at El Jefe for brunch and we were NOT disappointed. Quality food and excellent beverage options. Atmosphere is perfect for groups, small or large.
Is this helpful?
A
Alejandro VIP
Denver5 reviews
4.0
Dined on February 15, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
For Valentine’s Day I was delighted they didn’t have a prix fixed menu. Good food
Is this helpful?
f
fareed
Denver2 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 15, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
New & excellent experience for us, especially on Valentine’s Day
Is this helpful?
K
Kerry
Denver1 review
5.0
Dined on February 15, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food and amazing service! We were seated immediately and served so quickly.
Is this helpful?
G
Gina
San Francisco2 reviews
4.0
Dined on February 14, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Lowkey, nice vibe, food good… not extraordinary, but decent value and fine. Would go again.
Is this helpful?
M
Molly
Minneapolis3 reviews
5.0
Dined on January 26, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Consistently awesome with the best servers ever! Everything was perfect. This has become our go-to spot for casual Mexican in Denver.
Is this helpful?
L
Lucinda
Denver10 reviews
4.0
Dined on January 24, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delicious with friendly and great service. They were out of a few favorites on a Thursday night early, however.
Is this helpful?
V
Victoria
Denver5 reviews
5.0
Dined on January 22, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
great restaurant, easy to get a seat but super high end food. great service too, and awesome drinks! what a find!
Is this helpful?
K
Kristi
Salt Lake City3 reviews
5.0
Dined on January 12, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing food!! Some of the best Mexican I’ve had in CO. Love the mole!!
Is this helpful?

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 692 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 11, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 6 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Alcott & 44th
Neighborhood
Highlands
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat 10:00 am–3:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–2:30 pm Dinner Tue, Thu, Fri 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Sat 3:00 pm–9:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
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, 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

Dining areas

Additional information

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

Review summary

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

Dining areas

Additional information