El Jefe Tacos & Sushi — Restaurant in Phoenix

I walked into this place for the first time and immediately got smacked in the face by every Aztec and Mexican cliché known to man. Like I’d just stepped into the souvenir aisle of a border-town gas station. Posters, colors, patterns. It was giving “Instagram wants culture.”

When I arrived, the cook and cashier were mid-bite, chowing down like it was their breakroom, not a business. But I stayed chill, waiting to see how this played out. To my surprise and genuine respect, the guy serving my food actually washed his hands. Full-on soap and everything. That alone gets a gold star in my book because I was fully expecting the ol' “wipe and serve” method.

They reheated the food right in front of me like they were speedrunning a cooking show, and to be fair, the customer service was solid. Friendly, attentive, not fake.

Now, let’s talk vibes. The building is dim. Like “am I in a taquería or a vampire den?” kind of dim. The floors and tables? Giving tired. Someone please hit the refresh button.

But the food? Not bad. Actually good. If they gave the space a makeover, this place could shine. Until then, you’re here for the food, not the atmosphere.

Would I come back? Yeah, probably. But I might bring my own...

My husband an I ordered Birria tacos an they were so soggy by the time it arrived at our table. And it seemed as if they didn't know what we wanted. I wanted crunchy. This is the last time we'll eat here. I just wanted to try the Birrias an I'd keep going to the one on van Buren. They have THEE BEST Birrias there. They have won my love on that side. Unfortunately this place just doesn't have the love in the food I was looking for. You can taste when someone puts love in the food. This place wasn't it. The one on VAN BUREN puts LOVE in they're food. Right across CBI. Sorry EL JEFE but your food didn't hit the spot!!! DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS PLACE!!!!! BUT TRY IT...

A terrible disappointment. We drove 15 miles to go to Qdoba's expecting to get a superb steak bowl that we've gotten a few times, only to find that it had been bought by El Jefe. My wife and I decided to try it anyway since we'd already driven 15 miles. We both ordered a bowl with Asada beef. It did kind of looked dry, but when we got it home, more than 40% was inedible gristle. They couldn't print a receipt, but we spent $30 for the two bowls, a bottle of Coke plus chips and queso dip. Both of the bowls had to be tossed because the meat couldn't be chewed. At this rate, I don't expect this chain to last more than...