Los Jefes — Restaurant in Saint Albans City

We waited a long time to try this place as locals. I had read SO many polarizing reviews since they opened, we just weren't in a hurry.

The space is still relatively new and they're clearly still working on some aspects, not an issue. Currently, it still feels very awkward and not very welcoming, I don't doubt this aesthetic might shift once they get further along from the shift in location.

Service was just...okay. A younger woman didn't greet us, just asked if we were two, and told us to sit anywhere. She barely looked at us and spoke so quietly I could hardly hear her when I asked a question about a menu item. Not rude, by any means, but not warm, welcoming, or what I would define as particularly friendly.

Most importantly, the food. I started with the horchata, which was exactly what I expected and very good. We tried the carnitas Huaraches to start. They were soft and well topped, but apart from the sour cream, there was no flavor but the beans, maybe. I tried a piece of the meat separately and it had absolutely no flavor, very bland. We got the quesabirria and my partner was very excited to try the pozole, one of his favorite dishes from when he lived in New Mexico. The quesabirria was, again, just okay. They were nice and schmelty, cheesy, but the meat and consume had almost no flavor until I added a solid amount of salt and the green salsa (which was delicious) to them. It tasted almost like they just stretched all the ingredients by watering them down. The pozole was a big disappointment. While the large portion was more than my partner could have eaten, he gave up after less than half. There was very little flavor, only a few fine shreds of meat and PILE of hominy - too much, undercooked hominy to meat ratio. He tried to add salt, but the broth also had a very strong, perfume taste. The toppings he received were also scant to say the least. One. Single. Slice of radish, a pinch of lettuce shreds and some chili powder dashed on the plate.

We both agreed we would try again, making totally different menu choices, because everyone deserves two chances. This first impression, however was pretty disappointing. For the value and the flavor, we both agreed we'd gladly drive the extra 20 minutes...

Lots of bad reviews I want to take apart real quick. Maybe I just got lucky or maybe they got unlucky, not sure, maybe they heard the complaints and changed.

My experience was great. I was seated immediately, slight language barrier but we got American style tacos, nachos and a margarita. The drink was awesome, slow to come out but that's because it was crafted and not thrown into a glass like every bar in st.albans does. The chips and salsa they gave us before ordering were fresh and not sure if it's homemade salsa but it was the best I've had in a while. My daughter said the tacos were good, I thought they looked a little too soft for me but she liked em her only complaint was it was too much. The nachos were awesome, the chicken on them was moist and seasoned very well. The complaints I saw said kids were running the place and I didn't see that either. There were some kids who were clearly related but they were well behaved and quiet. I saw complaints of music but all I heard was the kitchen crew playing games or something fun in the back while the only music I heard was Mexican music in the lobby. Jarritos flavors I didn't know existed.

If I had to complain about anything the fans were a little too much but not unbearable.

Again, maybe luck was involved, but my experience was great. It's an authentic Mexican restaurant with a family atmosphere. Maybe it's not for you, but I'll be back if it's like...

The most authentic Mexican food I've had in Vermont! Good Mexican food was seriously lacking in St. Albans and I'm so exited that we have this fantastic restaurant now. It's family owned and operated which is great to see, and the food is fantastic. My mom and I went for lunch on a Saturday around 1 and the restaurant was packed. There was thankfully one table available so we were able to grab that. While we were there, it looked like several people stopped in to pick up takeout as well. I had the choice of any 3 tacos and got the Birria, Pollo, and Al Pastor. All three were delicious. My mom had the Flautas which she said were amazing. We shared chips and salsa which is free if you dine in. The servings were generous and we were both full after our lunch. We will definitely be going back, this is already my top choice for lunch in St. Albans! The service was good as well, there was a bit of a wait because I don't think the wait staff knew we had been seated, but we weren't in a rush. As soon as someone noticed, we were helped. The only things I was left wanting from Los Jefes was queso! I know not all Mexican restaurants offer it but I would love to see it added to the menu as they get more established. I definitely recommend that anyone in the area stop in and try this fantastic...