El Jefe Mexican Bar and Grill

Shawano, 201 N, 201 Airport Rd, Shawano, WI 54166, United States | ★ 4.7 (136 Review)

📞 +1 715-201-0116

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 El Jefe Mexican Bar and Grill
 El Jefe Mexican Bar and Grill
 El Jefe Mexican Bar and Grill
 El Jefe Mexican Bar and Grill
 El Jefe Mexican Bar and Grill
 El Jefe Mexican Bar and Grill
 El Jefe Mexican Bar and Grill

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Reviews

Cyrena Johnson

★ 5

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Laura Pownell

★ 5

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Jackie Matuszak

★ 5

Food was good and the Tres Leches cake was fabulous.

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Michelle Morris

★ 5

Stopped here on a whim for lunch today when in Shawano and cannot wait to come back and recommend this place to absolutely everyone! The flavors of everything we ordered were fabulous. The salsa was so good to start off the meal, we knew it would be excellent! I had to take home the extra salsa, something about that-different flavors, so delicious!!

The server was super friendly and helpful. He recommended some dishes and the Pollo Adobado has such amazing depth of flavor! The Baja Shrimp Rice bowl sounds simple with the rice, corn, shrimp and chipotle aoli, but again, it was delicious and so flavorful. We will absolutely be back to try more dishes. Also, try the Elote Bites for a started, fantastic!!

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D E

★ 5

Great all the way around. Everyone loved their entrees! I had the El Jeffe fajita. Short ribs were insane! I can't wait to go back!

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Cindy Miller

★ 5

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Elizabeth De Baere

★ 5

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Kieran H

★ 5

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Alex Coto

★ 5

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Camryn Croake

★ 5

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Jim Black

★ 5

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Patrick Lara

★ 5

AMAZING SERVICE, GREAT FOOD, can't wait for more of the menu..

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marla mock

★ 5

I've driven past this restaurant for 3 years and finally stopped. The chips were awesome. The dinner was unique and the margarita was good. I'm sorry I had passed it up in the past. I'll go back and try another meal.

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Anita Ryan

★ 5

Excellent food, drinks, and service. Highly recommended!

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Julie Reif

★ 5

One of our favorite places to eat.

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Linda Koeller

★ 5

Excellent food, drinks and service. This is a more upscale Mexican restaurant but still family friendly. If your in the area check it out.

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Patrick Greenwell

★ 3

Good food, margarita was underwhelming, loaded Burrito was awesome

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Jay Wierschem

★ 5

Some of the best mexican food we've ever had.

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Michael Klein

★ 5

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Randy Van Goethem

★ 5

Best mexican food i had in a long time! Excellent service and great atmosphere. Martien~ was an awesome waiter. I can't wait until im hungary again to eat my leftovers!

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Amanda N.

★ 5

I ordered the rosemary chicken, and it was probably one of the best meals I've ever eaten at a restaurant. The staff was attentive and friendly. I would come here again if I am ever in the area.

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Jenna Palermo

★ 5

Excellent food and margaritas!!!!

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Sherly Rodriguez Lugo

★ 5

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Sherri Harriman

★ 5

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Travis Olson

★ 5

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Nikki Janke

★ 1

Almost no diners in the restaurant, still received wrong food (couldn’t eat it anyway, too tough). Hubby gave me his taco and even the chicken was awful. Hubby asked for another beverage but didn’t get it. Two wait staff at counter chatting but couldn’t be bothered to ask if we needed anything. First time in my life i didn’t leave a tip. Save yourself, choose a different restaurant.

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Lorree Goheen

★ 5

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Valzora Thomaston

★ 5

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Greg Falk

★ 5

Really good food and margaritas. Unassuming place with excellent fresh delicious food. The margaritas were very good with a great balance, not too sweet, not too tart. Services and staff were friendly and quick. We will be back soon.

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Allan MacIntyre

★ 5

Wow!!! The new Baja shrimp bowl is amazing. The flavors are spot on!

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Nolasco Hernández

★ 5

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Jesse Schedler

★ 5

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sabrie sherman

★ 5

We LOVE going here when we visit our family up north. The service is always on time, kind, and genuine. Their food is out of this world imo. Ingredients taste fresh, well sourced, and made with love. Their menu isn't like other mex. eateries. They have flavors & textures you won't get at your typical Mexican restaurant. I appreciate there daily/weekly specials. The esthetics of El Jefe feela like tropical nights with fake greenery intentionally decorating the place. Would come here on a date, with friends, by myself, or with family. Great place for all occasions. Lots of booth seating

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Bongo Bob Kurkiewicz

★ 5

Just has brunch items, not a brunch buffet. (Sunday) But we were not disappointed! The food was delicious, and the place is decorated amazingly!

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desiree lepri

★ 5

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Gwen Williams (GwennieWms)

★ 5

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Evan Wichman

★ 5

Everything was great! I got chimichanga and churro both were great! Great environment and service

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Amber 756

★ 4

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Saleda Chantel Byerly

★ 5

The food was so delicious an very nice portions for my money. The service was Great.
Definitely recommend this Restaurant to all my friends.

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jasper drengler

★ 5

Fast and friendly

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Nicole Crawford

★ 5

Our favorite go-to for a unique variety of lunch/dinner/brunch choices, specials, and new creative dishes. Staff are outstanding, ensure your experience is as expected, and make you feel like family. Locally owned and operated makes this restaurant something special and personalized. The venue is beautifully decorated, great for celebrations or large groups. The wine pairing events are a phenomenal evening to experience.

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Debra Norton

★ 5

Very welcoming staff made us feel like celebrities when we came in. Very reasonablely priced drinks and dinner. Very delicious. Service was friendly and fast.

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Cheyenne Margaret Lee

★ 5

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Aloukika Shrestha

★ 5

The food is sooo good! From the drinks to dessert, its on point! Absolutely loved the churros! The presentation of each dish is on point! Loved this place! 💯

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Utsav Shrestha

★ 5

The restaurant is next to the Four Seasons Shawano. I dined here for my girlfriend’s birthday and I was surprised by how good this place is. The Chicken Taco Al Pastor is amazing and the Churros are a must try. I’ve been to many Mexican restaurant and this place would certainly be in the top 10.

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Trinity Malone

★ 4

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Rachel Piering-Gomes

★ 5

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Nicole Malson

★ 4

We went on New Year’s Eve and it was extremely slow. Service was also slow but everyone was very nice. I feel like it was just a really slow night, period.
The inside is decorated beautifully but I feel like the layout makes the place feel massive when it’s slow.
The food was awesome. Shawano is my “second home” and this will be my go-to for dining.
Shawano really needed a place like this where it’s not a supper club or a bar. It’s great quality elevated Mexican food with a lot of style. Well done El Jefe! Hope you will be around for a long time!!

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George Guenther

★ 3

I had to wave to get the waitress's attention for another drink. Food was average my guest did not eat half of her chimichanga, refried beans were blah and looked unlike refried beans either of us were used to seeing. Waitress got the order wrong. Plenty of other restaurants in Shawano to try. Weren't sure we were at the right place do to the old sign saying Caeser's.

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Ted Corso

★ 5

Always great food. Friendly staff.

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Peter Lenss

★ 5

Fantastic

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James Pitsch

★ 4

We just visit the bar and our friends working there, we regularly visit their other restaurant El Tequilas. And it is Awesome!

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Nikki Helms

★ 4

Food was amazing as always. Unfortunately, our server was not on the ball. Ran out of drinks; he didn't ask until we were ready to leave if we wanted more. We had to ask for the bill. We were out of chips and salsa, never brought more. Rare occurrence for subpar service, but fantastic food and atmosphere.

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Greg Kallenberg

★ 3

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Theresa Miller

★ 5

El Jefe Mexican Bar and Grill: A Culinary Delight

Nestled in the heart of Shawano, El Jefe Mexican Bar and Grill delivers an unforgettable dining experience that tantalizes the taste buds and warms the soul. From the moment you step through the door, you're greeted with a welcoming atmosphere that beckons you to unwind and indulge.

The culinary offerings at El Jefe are nothing short of exceptional. Each dish bursts with vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, showcasing the rich tapestry of Mexican cuisine. Whether you're craving traditional favorites like sizzling fajitas or adventurous specialties, the menu caters to every palate.

But it's not just the food that steals the show at El Jefe. The ambiance exudes charm and coziness, with warm lighting and tasteful decor that sets the stage for an intimate dining experience. Whether you're catching up with friends over margaritas or enjoying a romantic dinner for two, El Jefe provides the perfect backdrop for any occasion.

However, what truly sets El Jefe apart is its unparalleled customer service. From the moment you're seated to the final bite, the staff goes above and beyond to ensure your experience is nothing short of extraordinary. Attentive and personable, they make you feel like part of the family from the moment you arrive.

In conclusion, El Jefe Mexican Bar and Grill is a hidden gem that deserves to be savored. With its excellent food, cozy ambiance, and wonderful customer service, it's a culinary destination that leaves a lasting impression. Whether you're a longtime aficionado of Mexican cuisine or a newcomer eager to explore, El Jefe is sure to delight your senses and leave you craving more.

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Doug Huck

★ 5

Service is outstanding, and food was great! Easily took care of our big group!

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Kayla J

★ 4

Food was good, but very uncomfortable Wicker type chairs, menu was very limited options to choose from.

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Mike

★ 5

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Shelley Lee

★ 5

Our server Baylie was the best! Super sweet and fast! Kept on checking on us even though they were very busy! Much appreciated! Customer service was amazing! Thank you! We will be back!

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Kimberly Walske

★ 5

Great margaritas! Carne asada was delicious.

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Norton

★ 5

The food was amazing. I've lived in shawano for over 10 years, and this is my new favorite. Carne Asada is phenomenal!!!!

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B Welk-Mendoza

★ 3

Would like to see more vegetarian entree options.

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George lenzner

★ 5

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Josh Dublin

★ 5

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C Bass

★ 5

This place is The Boss when it comes to Mexican cuisine! Service is excellent as well as the food/drinks and atmosphere. El Hefe is a great stop for Sunday brunch or dinner. Fly in and have lunch; there is a General Aviation Airport just across the road.

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Diane Mielke

★ 5

I invited a group of co-workers to El Jefe for a work wedding shower. We had an amazing time!! The staff went over and above expectations to make sure everyone was taken care of, the food was AMAZING and the atmosphere was perfect for our event!! Thank you SO MUCH for an excellent experience!! All of us will definitely be back 😊

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Nicholas Kaster

★ 1

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Caroline

★ 5

Love this place! Amazing food and service! Our waitress Alexis was wonderful. Will definitely be back when we’re in the area again!

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Big Danny Boy

★ 5

I have had dinner here twice with several people. Both times everyone's food and drinks were great! The food is prepared perfectly and the service has been exceptional. The value is outstanding.

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Claire

★ 5

AMAZING FOOD!! AMAZING ATMOSPHERE!! Lowkey one of the best restaurants in Shawano.
Lowkey fire 🔥🔥🔥

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grayce

★ 5

It’s so cute on the inside! The staff was super friendly and kind. Service was fast and staff also had great recommendations. The food was absolutely amazing but it was hard to choose what to eat after seeing so many great options on the menu. Can’t wait to go back and try everything!

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Shandell

★ 5

Absolutely wonderful place!!!

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Jennifer B

★ 4

Enjoyed the ambiance and the food!
Prices seems a little higher than the standard of the area, but would return again when I'm craving delicious mexican food! 🙂

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Apollo&BBQSauce

★ 5

Tenders were crispy yum yum

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Andy Packard

★ 5

Some of the best Mexican food I’ve had. Beats the majority of the places in Green Bay and Milwaukee. Close to Menominee casino. Our dishes were the Taquitos and carne asada. Both amazing. Great service and atmosphere.

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Kathy Frank

★ 5

The husband and I stopped in early one Friday evening because we had heard good things about the restaurant. It was a little difficult to find because it is attached to a hotel and the signs weren't clear once you pulled in the parking lot.
I had the charred grilled octopus and husband had the Mexican fish fry. Both were delicious. The octopus was tender and had a mild sauce. The fish fry had a very crunchy coating and Mexican coleslaw which tasted like there was cilantro in it. We like cilantro but for those of you that don't...
The service was very prompt and very friendly. Waitstaff were very patient in explaining the menu where we had questions.
We don't usually have dessert but could not pass up the churros with ice cream. Just fabulous!
We had arrived around 5:00 and the place was mostly empty but did fill up quickly by 6:00 p.m.

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Tom Bamke

★ 5

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C Speed

★ 5

Excellent food and service. Thank you, Alexis!

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Kat Nelson

★ 5

The ambiance of this place is just excellent. We tried the stuffed pork and the tequila pasta and both were SO good. Literally elevated Mexican cuisine and we can't wait to go back.

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Craig Weber

★ 5

Reasonable price

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Andrew Chipman

★ 5

We had a large party of 14 stop in on Saturday night. Everyone was impressed with the food (quantity and quality). Alexis was incredibly responsive and engaging. Desserts were great. We will definitely visit again!

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Suzanne Birch

★ 5

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Jennifer Steven

★ 5

Food was excellent, service kind and fast. The dinning room and bar can be a little loud. I would dine here again. We had a large group and they had a prefix menu that was very tasty and fast.

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Jennifer Green

★ 5

What a gem of a place. Great ambiance, killer 2for1 margs on Tuesdays at the bar, delicious food. Would highly recommend.

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Barbara Brown

★ 5

Pleasantly surprised at how wonderful this place was!! The food was delicious- they accommodated our group of 5 adults, 4 children. We mostly ordered different dishes to try each others- all amazing- and the churros at the end were phenomenal 😁

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Gracia Maynard

★ 5

A friend took me here and I loved it! The waitress was so friendly and the food was delicious 🤤

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Jacqueline Omarrah1

★ 2

Food was cold . Steak was well done not medium. Slow service .

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Michael McDermot

★ 5

Fantastic food and service. Another visit and another great meal. The fusion dishes are fantastic.

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Diego Maho

★ 5

Yum.

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Ian Bornemann

★ 5

Very good food.

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Darcie O`Kimosh

★ 5

Excellent restaurant, staff, and food! If you're looking for something different, I highly recommend the Octopus. If you're not as adventurous, the carne asada will satisfy any steak lover in your party! Do not forget to leave room for the key lime pie!

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Thomas Langel

★ 2

Poor service but food is pretty good. The menu is a bit bizarre. One of the items we ordered did not match the description at all but the food came so late we didn’t have the time to fix it. I would avoid this place if it is busy because they don’t know how to handle a full house. Waited over twenty minutes for a bottle of beer. Waited over an hour for the food.

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Phil Z

★ 5

Great food!!! Excellent waitstaff. Drinks are great!!! One of our favorites!!!

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Ralph Mcelroy

★ 4

Short wait was quite busy, invited to wait at the bar. Which works.

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Kevin Magee

★ 5

I had the puerco relleno.... Simply fantastic. Service was awesome as well.

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Ale

★ 5

Today I went to El Jefe and ordered the Mexican fried fish and I loved it, then I ordered a pay and it was delicious. My waitress was Baylie and she took care of me very well 🫶🏻

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Abby Decker

★ 5

BEST RESTAURANT IN SHAWANO! I’ve gone here numerous times and every experience I’ve had has been amazing! The service is friendly and fast. The menu is creative and very delicious. Highly highly recommend!

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holly hoffman

★ 4

Amazing atmosphere, just gorgeous. Service was great. My chicken salad was good but nothing extraordinary. Moms tacos were so salty she picked the chicken off and i gave her some of mine from my salad. We told the waitress to let the cook know but nothing else was said about that to us. Ambience makes this a must stop.

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S R

★ 5

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Heather Thorn

★ 5

Excellent food!!! Not your standard Mexican restaurant. We are hooked!!

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eri Rubio

★ 4

Definitely a new take on some traditional Mexican dishes but desserts drinks were delicious.

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Tyler Sobiesczyk

★ 5

Sergio and Perla have created an awesome restaurant and dining experience, best restaurant in town by far.

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Jose Arriaga

★ 5

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Cindy Rennicke

★ 5

We came up from Cedarburg to golf for a few days. We stayed at the hotel next door and decided to try El Jefe Restaurant that was attached. My husband had the rib eye steak, that was cooked to perfection, also had a sauce that was suppose to cover the steak which he decided to have on the side. When we were being seated the person in the table next to us had fajitas and not just any fajitas they were the El Jefe fajitas,she said they were fabulous so I had them too. It had steak, chicken, chorizo, shrimp and all the vegetables,rice and refried beans, sour cream, guacamole and came with either corn or flour tortillas. Whoa the very best I've ever had. You also recieved fresh chips and salsa when you sat down. Very very friendly staff. We will probably eat there again tomorrow night. Will be back and definitely spread the word to family and friends. Thank you for a wonderful very flavorful dinner.

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Brenda Rauschenberger

★ 4

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Joshua Davids

★ 5

So I have always thought I need to take certain things off of food and I have no clue why I thought I didn't like them. Had guacamole today and it was awesome as all their food was. Can't wait to go back.

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Molly

★ 5

Drove from Green Bay per a friend’s recommendation and already browsing our calendars on when we can make a return trip soon!

The atmosphere is cozy, creative and refreshing in the north woods of Wisconsin. We appreciated the menus variety and not “typical” options we often run into. On Fridays- I beg you to try the octopus. For market price you will not regret the decision- perfectly, and I mean, perfectly cooked with grilled lemon to squeeze on top just is mouth watering. A great option for Friday fish with a twist! Our party also enjoyed the burrito and surf and turf with steak so well prepared we all gushed on the way home.

All around- awesome dinner, atmosphere and service. Can’t wait for our next visit!

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kim warden

★ 5

Very delicious food and plenty of it. Great service also.

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Tim Sokoloski

★ 4

A wonderful place to eat. Better than the Mexican place in Clintonville

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Tracey Nelson

★ 3

I'll keep this cut and dry.
Food was okay, it wasn't bad but, I've had far better. Everything was very bland & the menu is insanely limited.
Service was also just okay. Our server was friendly but, she didn't check back on us in a timely manner.
The interior of the restaurant is a breath of fresh air, probably the coolest thing about the place.
It was alright for what it was but there was no wow factor that would make me return.

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T H

★ 5

Quick spring break get away had us stopping in Shawano to visit old friends. Sergio greeted so many of the customers, you knew people from the area eat there often. We ate a variety of appetizers and shared a main course. Everything was delicious. The servers were attentive despite the busy hour. Really loved the authentic family photos on the wall. Can’t wait until summer when we can get there again.

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Ilya

★ 5

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Shaun Trever

★ 5

My new favorite restaurant in Shawano. Love the atmosphere , Alexis was our server and she was excellent. The food was outstanding we had the stuffed pork tenderloin and the 5 meat fajitas.

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Thomas Bruce

★ 5

Awesome staff and really awesome food!! It was great. Will definitely go back and recommend to friends. Five star for sure!

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Patrick Kenote

★ 5

Went there for dinner with friends, my first time but the staff made it feel as if we were regulars immediately. The food was fantastic, the prickly pear margarita stole the show. The tres leches cake is something I would strongly recommend from this establishment. Our server Bailey paid great attention to detail and made the entire experience lovely. She even went out of her way to make me feel like a VIP after she found out it was my birthday dinner. Definitely coming back! Thank you all for the wonderful meal!

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Pat Wiese

★ 5

A great find in Shawano!! Authentic chefs with a very different flair! Delicious, reasonable with a wonderful wait staff!

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Olga Kirilchuk

★ 5

Great atmoshpere, unique ethentic cuisine.
Not our average mexican restaurant, this one is more upscale. Great service, as always.

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Heather Wedde

★ 5

Excellent food and service! Unique flavor combinations! Friendly staff!

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Kelly M

★ 5

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Karen Haley

★ 5

First visit to El Jefe. Our server, Alexis, was eager to answer questions as well as make suggestions. Do you know when the description on the menu is so good, but your order arrives and is so disappointing? Well, not here! Our food was amazing!
Atmosphere, service, food make us highly recommend El Jefe. Tell them Dave and Karen sent you!

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Grace Stonebrook

★ 5

Food is absolutely outstanding. My husband and I went last night and we were absolutely blown away.

I got the carne asada and the steak was gigantic. It was cooked to perfection. The black beans with a sprinkling of cotija cheese were perfect (and I usually hate beans!). Rice was great too. And of course the pico de gallo and guacamole were delicious as well.

My husband got the loaded burrito and loved it. It was as big as his head (and my husband has a big head, haha). It was stuffed with chicken, steak, rice and beans, then topped with chorizo cheese sauce and shrimp (he asked for no pineapple).

Lastly, we had to try a dessert. We decided on the churros and they were the best churros I’ve ever had in my entire life. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. I think they were stuffed with dulce de leche.

The other restaurants in shawano better stay on their A game, because this is, without a doubt, the best restaurant in town.

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MySync Account

★ 5

Great food! Amazing service with the most friendly and accommodating staff!

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Amber A.

★ 5

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Jared Krull

★ 5

This place offers a one of a kind menu not typical to the area. It’s super refreshing with appropriate portion sizes. I’ve never had a bad plate here. Compliments to the chef!

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Andy Weninger

★ 5

Good food!

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Richard Hanson

★ 5

The staff was very friendly. Food was good and a nice portion of salmon.

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Lela Schwitzer

★ 5

Nice to have another authentic dining option in our area! I had guacamole 🥑 and the ground beef chimichanga (well only a third of the chimi because it is super stuffed! Leftovers!) and hubby had the Fajitas El Jefe. Great atmosphere and the best servers! Lovely experience :)

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Michelle McHugh-Wiley

★ 5

I love, love, love El Jefe!!! The food is absolutely beautiful and tastes amazing!!!The Tres Leche cake is wonderful!!! And the Prickly Pear margaritas are scrumptious!!! A definite winner!!!

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Gerard Curti

★ 5

The food was well spiced and cooked. Not as bland as the typical Tex-Mex you get as most “Mexican” restaurants. We will be back again

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Emily Antinoja

★ 5

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Jennifer Verstoppen

★ 5

I had the Salmon special and it was amazing! I let everyone at our table of 9 try it and everyone else loved it too! Great service and great food!

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Rosa

★ 1

I have to agree with the other reviews about this place. Save your money and your time. Go somewhere else. I was excited for this place considering there are only two other “authentic” Mexican places in town and this place had a lot of hype before it even opened. Sad to say it was a complete let down and I don’t think I will give it another try. So sad cause I was excited to try!

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Sam Guerin

★ 5

Food is on point. It's more upscale than El Tequila. Vibe is pretty chill.

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Michael Wagner

★ 1

The worst food I have ever eaten in my 60 years on this earth.

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Dawn wianecki

★ 5

Ate here yesterday and really impressed on how wonderful our meals were. This is not your normal Mexican restaurant. The food was outstanding and will be back when that way. To top it all off, decided to share the Churros with ice cream. Best ever!

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Julia Christine

★ 5

Tried the new El Jefe tonight and was throughly impressed. I am not a big fan of ground beef taco meat but the stuffed poblano pepper I had for dinner was delicious. My husband also loved the chimichanga he order. Would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a new dinner recommendation.

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