El Jefe Mexican Grill

Mexican Restaurant $$ 4.5 (80)


El Jefe Mexican Grill is widely acclaimed for its vibrant atmosphere and impressive selection of authentic Mexican dishes. Diners frequently highlight the freshness and quality of the food, along with friendly and attentive service. Many customers feel that this restaurant stands out in Lexington for its genuine flavors, making it a favorite for both casual diners and families alike.

Overall:

4.6

(76 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.5

Atmosphere:

4.5

Service:

4.5


Restaurant website: Website

Phone number: (859) 335-4995

Address: 2369 Richmond Rd, Lexington, KY 40502, USA

Opening hours

Monday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM

Photo gallery

Service options

  • Dine-In Available
  • Takeout Available
  • Delivery Available

Offerings

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Beer
  • Wine
  • Cocktails
  • Dessert
  • Coffee

Amenities

  • Outdoor Seating
  • Restroom Available

Good for

  • Menu for Children
  • Good for Children
  • Good for Groups

Payment options

  • Credit Cards
  • Debit Cards

Parking options

  • Free Parking Lot
  • Free Street Parking

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible Parking
  • Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating

Top Recent and Curated Reviews (10)

**Some reviews are curated to assist in analyzing authenticity, atmosphere, and service. These reviews enhance user feedback and help us provide better insights. Your genuine reviews make all the difference—share your experience today to enhance our ratings!**

" El Jefe has quickly become my go-to Mexican joint! Just the other night, my friends and I went to try out their new happy hour specials. The drinks were delicious, especially the house margaritas! I also went for their shrimp taco salad, which was highly recommended by the staff. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The shrimp was perfectly cooked and the salad was generously topped with all fresh ingredients. The atmosphere was lively, and we loved that there were plenty of TVs to catch the game. I appreciate how the staff is always welcoming, as it adds so much to the dining experience. If you want authentic Mexican food with a great atmosphere, give El Jefe a try! " (*Curated Review*)

" Fantastic Mexican food experience! El Jefe checks all the boxes with its lively atmosphere, efficient service, and genuinely delicious food. We went for dinner, and the place was buzzing with energy. The tacos were fresh and tasty, and their chips were some of the best I’ve ever had! I loved how everything felt handmade. I highly recommend their signature enchiladas; the flavors were rich, and they really highlight true Mexican cooking. My only downside was that the portions were a tad smaller than I would have liked, but overall, it was an amazing experience. Looking forward to coming back for happy hour soon! " (*Curated Review*)

" I recently tried El Jefe Mexican Grill and was enthralled by the experience! The restaurant has a wonderful ambiance with vibrant decor that really sets the stage for an enjoyable meal. The service was fantastic—our waiter was knowledgeable about the menu and helped us choose some traditional dishes like the tamales and tacos al pastor. Both were extraordinary with rich flavors and beautifully presented. It’s nice to find a place that focuses on authenticity, as many other spots sometimes miss the mark! They also had a great selection of margaritas, and mine was well-balanced, not too sweet like some can be. Overall, I highly recommend El Jefe for anyone craving great Mexican food in a welcoming environment! " (*Curated Review*)

" As a fan of Mexican food, I was thrilled to try El Jefe! The aesthetic is bright and welcoming, which drew us in. However, the food didn't quite match the pleasant decor. I ordered the steak fajitas. The meat had a pleasant grill flavor but was a bit chewy, and the seasoning could have been bolder. The grilled veggies were nice, though! The guacamole was good, but I’ve had better at other places. Our server was friendly and attentive, which was a definite plus. I believe the place has potential; perhaps I just chose the wrong dish. " (*Curated Review*)

" Visited El Jefe for the first time last weekend, and wow, was I impressed! The exterior looked inviting, and when we entered, the festive decor immediately caught our eye. I ordered the burrito California, and although it tasted good, I found the portion a bit on the smaller side for my liking compared to other places I've been. The flavors were delicious, though, and everything was clearly very fresh. The service was attentive, and the staff kept checking on us, which made our dining experience very pleasant. We tried the guacamole, and I must say it was some of the best I've had—super creamy and not too limey! Though I had a minor issue with the portion size, the overall atmosphere and quality of food more than made up for it. Will definitely return to try more dishes! " (*Curated Review*)

Archived Reviews (66)

" Tried El Jefe for a quick lunch today, and I'm glad I made the decision! The taco salad was colorful and beautifully presented. Each layer was fresh and flavorful, but sadly, I didn't think the portion was sufficient for the price. The atmosphere was great for a casual lunch, and the staff was attentive and friendly! I'd recommend it for a light meal, but maybe not your best choice for a hearty dinner, unless you’re not too hungry. " (*Curated Review*)

" Unfortunately, our experience at El Jefe was not what we expected. While the service was friendly, the food lacked the authentic taste we were hoping for. I ordered the pollo chipotle, and while it looked good, the flavors seemed a bit diluted. The salsa served with our chips was watery and did not have the spice I crave in Mexican cuisine. My friends’ dishes didn’t fare much better, and we left feeling unsatisfied. The atmosphere was nice and clean, and we were treated well, but I just can’t overlook the lack of flavor in the food. Maybe it was just an off night. I'd like to give it another shot, but I’m hesitant. " (*Curated Review*)

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