Tacos are always a good decision! I love tacos. They’re arguably my favorite food. Most days.

This is another one of those amazing restaurants hidden outside of Milwaukee that needs far more recognition.

As soon as you walk in, almost all of your senses light up. The smell of the meat searing behind the counter. The bright, vibrant colors grasping your eyes. The sound of Mexican music blasting above.

The culture and atmosphere are strong and gripping. The menu is up on the board straight ahead as you walk in the door. As you come up and turn to place your order, you can pull a cold Jarritos out of an open cooler and pop the bottle open as you make your choices on which tacos.

Authentic Mexican Coke is in the cooler too.

And of course, Margaritas.

The menu has just enough to offer without being overbearing or underwhelming. A dozen or so tacos for various palates. A few other Mexican-American offerings. Rice, beans and some tasty specialty drinks and desserts.

My go-to here is the Carne Asada Taco.

This is, in my opinion, the best thing on their menu. The steak is always cooked to a perfect medium-well. The marinade is tangy, savory and something I wish I had a recipe for. Topped simply, with queso fresco, cilantro, finely diced onion and shredded cabbage. The harmonious ingredients rest comfortable on two soft corn tortillas.

I usually order two of the carne asada tacos and one I haven’t tried yet. They feature a weekly taco and also have seasonal specials up on the board.

One side I think is often made at places like this that pales in comparison to the main course is rice and beans. I don’t really know how they make theirs at El Jefe, but they’re probably my second favorite thing here.

The Spanish Rice & Ranchero Beans are simple and amazing. The beans are slightly seasoned and contrast well with the vibrantly flavorful rice. I squeeze of fresh lime and it brings this side to a whole new level.

It also doesn’t hurt that the rice and beans are free with any three tacos. I go out of my way to choose three tacos just to get the beans too.

Among other food I’ve tried here, the nacho fries. Yes. Nacho fries. Are super tasty and a meal in their own right.

You can order this mountain of deliciousness with El Jefe’s steak, ground beef or chicken. Since the carne asada is so good, I went for the steak. The perfectly crispy fries are smothered in the steak and topped with the same ranchero beans mentioned above. Taking it further, they pile on cheddar cheese, queso sauce, salsa roja, guacamole and pico de gallo. It took Meredith and I to attempt this dish and we might have finished it if we didn’t have tacos to battle.

A small menu with so much to flavor to offer. Head over to Taqueria El Jefe for an uplifting taco experience.

Taqueria El Jefe 
Rating: *** / Excellent
11200 W. Burleigh St., Wauwatosa, WI  53222
(414) 837-6295, Taqueria El Jefe

Atmosphere
One level with bar and stools overlooking the grills, front section is windowed with booths. Upbeat and inviting, bright, vibrant, modern.

Service
Kind and friendly staff, attentive. Food came quickly. Drinks available at the counter with self-serve bottle opener or cashier will open it for you.

Sound Level
Loud and fun. Energetic Mexican music in an open room.

Recommended
Steak Nacho Fries – $8.95
Carne Asada Taco – $4.95
Mexi Brisket Taco – $3.95
Spanish Rice & Ranchero Beans – $1.99 (Free with 3 tacos!)

Prices
Tacos – $3 to $5
Appetizers – $5 to $9
Sides – $1 to $7

Hours
Sunday through Thursday – 11am to 9pm
Friday & Saturday – 11am to 10pm

Reservations
N/A

Credit Cards
All major credit cards accepted.

WheelchairAccessibility
Front door.

The Stars
(None) Poor
* Good
** Very Good
*** Excellent
**** Exceptional

Ratings reflect the reviewer’s reaction to food, atmosphere and service. Menu listings and prices are subject to change.