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Ot Cinco Decor - El Jefe, Denver, CO

El Jefe

4.8
4.8
680 Reviews
$30 and under
Mexican

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 5 times today
  • Great for creative cocktails
  • Great for brunch
  • Charming
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
  • Neighbourhood
    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

Menu

To Start

  • 3 SalsasUS$6.00

    Choose 3: guajillo, xni pec, verde, arbol, habanera

    • GuacamoleUS$8.00

      hand mashed to order

      • Winter QuesadillaUS$8.00

        roasted poblano, grilled scallion, butternut squash, asadero cheese, salsa arbol

        • Crab NachosUS$12.00

          guajillo & dijon mojo, asadero cheese, xni pec, blue crab

          • Pulpo*US$13.00

            grilled octopus, Sikil Pak, spiced pineapple, olives, farm greens, cilantro

            • ChicharronesUS$4.00

              fried pig skin, pequin

              • QuesoUS$8.00

                asadero, queso fresco, cheddar, cotija, pepitas

                • Shrimp Ceviche*US$9.00

                  pineapple, radish, farm cucumber, lime, cilantro

                  • Brussel SproutsUS$7.00

                    crispy brussels, peanut macha, cotija, lime

                    Main

                    • Winter RellenoUS$14.00

                      tortilla crusted with sweet potato, cheddar, Spanish rice, mole ancho, greens & plantains

                      • Chicken Tacos PlateUS$10.00

                        grilled chicken adobo, cucumber salsa, crema, house-made tortillas

                        • Slow Roasted Pork CarnitasUS$16.00

                          local pork, potatoes, salsas, lime, house-made tortillas, pickled onions and jalapenos

                          • Beef Barbacoa Tacos PlateUS$14.00

                            Adobo and avocado leaf slow roasted Colorado beef, pickled cabbage, cotija, salsa verde, house-made tortillas

                            • Mushroom Tacos PlateUS$13.00

                              Hazel Dell Farms organic mushrooms, pepita crema, walnuts, salsa arbol, house-made tortillas

                              • Pescado Tacos PlateUS$14.00

                                fried cod, citrus slaw, radish, chipotle lime aioli, house-made tortillas

                                • Mexican Pizza (Tlayuda)US$13.00

                                  crispy flour tortilla, pinto beans, Hazeldell mushroom, asadero, arugula, watermelon radish, pickled onions, salsa arbol

                                  • Butcher Steak FajitasUS$16.00

                                    8 oz with rajas, crema, salsa arbol, pickles, housemade tortillas

                                    • Al PastorUS$14.00

                                      Blessed Creek Farm pork belly, pickled pineapple, caramelized onion, plantains, house made tortillas

                                      • Chorizo Tacos PlateUS$12.00

                                        white onion, crema, salsa verde, cilantro, house-made tortillas

                                        • Mole EnchiladasUS$16.00

                                          grilled chicken adobo, queso fresco, pickled onions, house-made tortillas

                                          Salads & Sides

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

                                          • Farro SaladUS$12.00

                                            crispy brussels sprouts, cotija, pepitas, pickled raisin, roasted butternut squash, apple cider vinaigrette

                                            • Ensalada VerdeUS$6.00

                                              farm cucumber, radish, chives, arugula, cotija, cilantro vinaigrette

                                              • Fried PlantainsUS$5.00

                                                • Market VegetablesUS$6.00

                                                  cotija, pepitas

                                                  • Fingerling PotatoesUS$5.00

                                                    Pequin chili powder

                                                    Desserts

                                                    • Mexican Lime PieUS$7.00

                                                      chili lime curd, graham cracker crust, whipped cream

                                                      • Churro SandwichesUS$8.00

                                                        house made churros, vanilla ice cream, cinnamon, sugar, chocolate sauce, dulce de leche

                                                        • Dessert PlantainsUS$6.00

                                                          cinnamon, sugar, dulce de leche, chocolate sauce

                                                          • Vanilla FlanUS$5.00

                                                            citrus compote

                                                            • Pumpkin PieUS$7.00

                                                              ancho chili, Mexican chocolate, candied pepitas, dulce de leche whipped cream

                                                              Last updated: February 3, 2022

                                                              What 680 people are saying

                                                              Overall ratings and reviews

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

                                                              4.8
                                                              4.8 based on recent ratings
                                                              • 4.7Food
                                                              • 4.7Service
                                                              • 4.7Ambience
                                                              • 4.5Value

                                                              Noise • Moderate

                                                              Loved For

                                                              • Denver / Colorado

                                                                Lively

                                                              • Denver / Colorado

                                                                Mexican

                                                              • Denver

                                                                Lively

                                                              Review summary

                                                              AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                              El Jefe shines with its "amazing food and service," offering standout dishes like chorizo nachos, guacamole, and Al Pastor. Known as a "neighborhood gem," it boasts a friendly staff and a festive, relaxed atmosphere. Patrons rave about its brunch, margaritas, and authentic Mexican flavors.

                                                              680 Reviews

                                                              1. Sally

                                                                Denver

                                                                19 reviews

                                                                vip
                                                                5.0

                                                                19 reviews

                                                                Dined on October 20, 2024

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 4
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                Our ramales-making cooking group of 6 really enjoyed our reunion at Sunday brunch at El Jefe. We excited with the heat of the guacamole, and the new-to-us Xni Pec salsa. The dishes we ordered were colorful and satisfying with authentic succulent carnitas, outstanding potatoes, delicious hue is rancheros. The service was great—just the right amount of attention. We love the decor and the Sunnyside neighborhood. We’re already talking about when we can return to try the dinner menu with its great variety!

                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                              2. Megan

                                                                San Francisco

                                                                1 review

                                                                3.0

                                                                1 review

                                                                Dined on October 20, 2024

                                                                1. Overall 3
                                                                2. Food 2
                                                                3. Service 4
                                                                4. Ambience 4
                                                                Went for brunch on a Sunday. The staff was lovely, and atmosphere was festive and comfortable. The food was mid. Too much flavor all at once, super salty, horchata was like syrup it was so sweet. We loved the plantain stuffed french toast, but the chilaquiles and the chicharrones were both sub par.

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                                                              3. Vinny

                                                                Denver

                                                                1 review

                                                                3.0

                                                                1 review

                                                                Dined on September 29, 2024

                                                                1. Overall 3
                                                                2. Food 4
                                                                3. Service 3
                                                                4. Ambience 4
                                                                Great food, good value, nice environment, not so crowded.

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                                                              4. Short57

                                                                Washington DC

                                                                5 reviews

                                                                5.0

                                                                5 reviews

                                                                Dined on September 26, 2024

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                Great food and service. The mole enchiladas were wonderful.

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                                                              5. nancy

                                                                Denver

                                                                31 reviews

                                                                vip
                                                                5.0

                                                                31 reviews

                                                                Dined on September 22, 2024

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                Wonderful dinner with super fresh food-crab nachos, grilled octopus, mahi in an olive sauce. Yummy key lime pie! And great margaritas! We love El Jefe.

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                                                              6. Vanessa

                                                                Chicago

                                                                2 reviews

                                                                4.0

                                                                2 reviews

                                                                Dined on September 19, 2024

                                                                1. Overall 4
                                                                2. Food 4
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 3
                                                                The overhead lighting is so bright, it definitely impacted our experience. If you could not have the overhead lighting be so intense (it felt like dentist lighting) I think the experience would be so much better for people.

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                                                              7. Heber

                                                                San Francisco

                                                                1 review

                                                                5.0

                                                                1 review

                                                                Dined on August 25, 2024

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                One of the best I have been. The bar tender was really awesome. Feels like a family place. Everything was perfect.

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                                                              8. Gilbert

                                                                Denver

                                                                5 reviews

                                                                5.0

                                                                5 reviews

                                                                Dined on August 25, 2024

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                It was a great meal, we had chorizo nachos that were delicious. Their guacamole is very good. And we enjoyed this with a very delicious El Jefe margarita. Highly recommend the nachos!

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                                                              9. Alison

                                                                Denver

                                                                7 reviews

                                                                vip
                                                                5.0

                                                                7 reviews

                                                                Dined on August 17, 2024

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                Local neighborhood favorite!! Quesabirria and tortilla soup are some of our favorites.

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                                                              10. Matt

                                                                Greater Boston

                                                                1 review

                                                                5.0

                                                                1 review

                                                                Dined on August 10, 2024

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                Fantastic dinner - we shared multiple starters and mains and loved all of them. Highly recommend

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                                                              FAQs

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

                                                              El Jefe is rated 4.8 stars by 680 OpenTable diners.

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

                                                              Make a reservation

                                                              2 people
                                                              7:00 p.m.
                                                              Booked 5 times today

                                                              Order delivery or takeout

                                                              Google Map for El Jefe

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

                                                              Dining areas

                                                              Additional information

                                                              • Cross Street
                                                                Alcott & 44th
                                                              • Neighbourhood
                                                                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.
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