El Jefe

4.7 (753)

$30 and under

Mexican

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

Make a reservation

El Jefe

4.7

$30 and under

Mexican

Highlands

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 5, 2026

10:00 PM

Booked 4 times today

About this restaurant

Neighborhood gem
Great for brunch
Great for creative cocktails

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.

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

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

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

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at El Jefe.

4.7

(753)

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.3Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Denver / Colorado
Mexican
Denver
Mexican

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

El Jefe offers an inviting atmosphere with "amazing food" and "super fun" vibes. The service, particularly from Marco, is often highlighted as "excellent" and "attentive." The menu boasts "delicious" mole enchiladas, fresh guacamole, and unique margaritas, making it a "wonderful" spot for authentic Mexican cuisine.

753 Reviews

T
Tamra
Portland6 reviews
5.0
Dined on October 10, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Mole enchiladas were delicious as was the guacamole! Our waiter was very nice. We will be back!
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L
Lesley
Denver2 reviews
1.0
Dined on October 9, 2026
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
I tried the mole enchiladas since I have been to Mexico before and am Mexican and they were very bitter, it was is I was taking a bite off very dark chocolate. We went in for happy hour and thought we might get a deal for the margaritas but they felt extremely overpriced, $9 a cup. That’s a chipotle burrito right there.
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M
Matthew Gold
Denver23 reviews
5.0
Dined on October 8, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had a fantastic experience at El Jefe. Our waiter Marco was excellent and explained everything with detail and experience from his 9 years with the chef.the food was some of the best Mexican in Denver and we enjoyed every bite. Th guacamole was fresh and simple. The chips and salsa had flavors for anyone. The mole was classic and sweet with plenty of options for any diet. I will go back.
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L
Luke
Denver1 review
5.0
Dined on October 4, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Rad! Loved the service and the whole atmosphere, I’ll be back !!!😮‍💨🤌🏼
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S
Sara
New York City1 review
3.0
Dined on September 30, 2026
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
Slow service. Apps were good but main courses were a bit disappointing. Tough meat and not the best flavors. Would come back just to sit at the bar for drinks and apps.
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R
Rodney
Denver1 review
5.0
Dined on September 17, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Good food good drinks super fun place. The staff was amazing. Would highly recommend this place.
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A
Alfredo Gold
Denver9 reviews
5.0
Dined on September 13, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food there was amazing. I like the vibes. It was chill no pressure. Our waiter was very attentive and friendly. Had amazing recommendations.
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C
Christopher Gold
Denver108 reviews
5.0
Dined on August 22, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Came back again to try brunch. Again great. Food was well-prepared. We had the Huevos Revueltos (one with bacon, one with beef barbacoa) and the Huevos Rancheros. Eggs were freshly prepared and well spiced. Side salad with a nice vinaigrette. Of course, we added some plantains. Tried the red and white sangrias as well. Pretty good. Again, a highlight was the service by Marco. The man is conscientious and clearly takes pride in his work. Everyone is so friendly.
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K
Kevin Gold
Denver48 reviews
5.0
Dined on August 22, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We always enjoy El Jefe for brunch. Service and food still top notch.
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C
Christopher Gold
Denver108 reviews
5.0
Dined on August 15, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
First time in and El Jefe did not disappoint. A nice but casual joint, but don’t think this is just another high volume, mediocre quality tex-mex spot. The food and service here is wonderful - far outpacing first impressions. The salsas and sauces are freshly prepared along with the homemade tortilla chips. We had the salsa trio and they tasted great, maybe a little more heat would be good. But the habanero sauce kicked it up a peg. Good stuff! We had the chicken thigh and plantain quesadilla and the carnitas enchilada mole. This is not your typical quesadilla, amazing flavors. And the mole sauce was incredible, rich and flavorful. Kudos to the kitchen. We also had the margarita and Mexican Old Fashioned which were good. Margarita juices were good but needed a bit more tequila. Top it off, the service is incredible. Amazingly attentive - like a 5-star steak house. Marco was just great. Knowledgeable and treated us well. It was like having a cousin who worked there. And that margarita that was a little weak? He took care of it. I was willing to buy a shot of tequila to make the “adjustment”, but he took care of it. We are fans. Well done, El Jefe. We are already making plans to come back. Thanks for a fun evening.
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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

Featured in

April 23, 2019
Get into #DiningMode on Mother’s Day + Give Mom the Gift of Uninterrupted Conversation
Did you know your mom earned her pilot’s license at 17? Did you know she played mandolin in a bluegrass band in college? Maybe — but maybe not. And maybe it’s because, rather than making conversation when you’re dining out with her, you’re always on your phone. Fear not; you’re not alone. A recent OpenTable […]
Published by OpenTable

FAQs

El Jefe feels warm, inviting, and cozy with stylish, eclectic decor, reviewers praise its lively, friendly vibe, calling it a great spot for date night or a festive weekend brunch.

Yes, El Jefe is family-friendly: they offer a kids menu and servers routinely point out milder sauces, and guests praise the welcoming service for families with children.

El Jefe really shines at weekend brunch, Saturday (10:00 am–3:00 pm) or Sunday (10:00 am–2:30 pm), guests rave about the bottomless drinks, sunny patio and relaxed brunch service.

At El Jefe you can dine in the main dining room, pull up a seat at the bar, or enjoy the outdoor patio, reviews note ample seating and guests who’ve had the patio to themselves.

Weekends for brunch, El Jefe’s Saturday (10:00 am–3:00 pm) and Sunday (10:00 am–2:30 pm) brunches are guest favorites, with reviewers praising the bottomless options and dishes.

Yes, many guests recommend El Jefe for date night, praising its warm, inviting atmosphere and attentive staff and calling it a favorite spot for couples.

Casual dress, comfortable, informal clothing is appropriate; nothing formal is required.

How FAQ content is generated

Make a reservation

El Jefe

4.7

$30 and under

Mexican

Highlands

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 5, 2026

10:00 PM

Booked 4 times today

El Jefe

Make a reservation

El Jefe

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

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

Loved For

Review summary

Dining areas

Additional information

Get into #DiningMode on Mother’s Day + Give Mom the Gift of Uninterrupted Conversation

FAQs

What's the ambience/atmosphere like in this restaurant?

Is this restaurant kid-friendly?

When is the best time to go to El Jefe?

What seating arrangements/rooms does this restaurant have?

What is the best day to go to El Jefe?

Is this a good pick for date night?

What is the dress code for El Jefe?

Make a reservation

El Jefe

Make a reservation