Jefe Urban Cocina

Mexican restaurant · Marcy-Holmes

Jefe Urban Cocina

Mexican restaurant · Marcy-Holmes

3

219 SE Main St, Minneapolis, MN 55414

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Jefe Urban Cocina by @ExploreTock
Jefe Urban Cocina by Jefe/Facebook
Jefe Urban Cocina by null
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Jefe Urban Cocina by null
Jefe Urban Cocina by null
Jefe Urban Cocina by null
Jefe Urban Cocina by null
Jefe Urban Cocina by null
Jefe Urban Cocina by null
Jefe Urban Cocina by null
Jefe Urban Cocina by null
Jefe Urban Cocina by null
Jefe Urban Cocina by null
Jefe Urban Cocina by null
Jefe Urban Cocina by null
Jefe Urban Cocina by null
Jefe Urban Cocina by null
Jefe Urban Cocina by null
Jefe Urban Cocina by null
Jefe Urban Cocina by null
Jefe Urban Cocina by null
Jefe Urban Cocina by null
Jefe Urban Cocina by null
Jefe Urban Cocina by null
Jefe Urban Cocina by null
Jefe Urban Cocina by null
Jefe Urban Cocina by null
Jefe Urban Cocina by null
Jefe Urban Cocina by null
Jefe Urban Cocina by null
Jefe Urban Cocina by null
Jefe Urban Cocina by null
Jefe Urban Cocina by null
Jefe Urban Cocina by null
Jefe Urban Cocina by null
Jefe Urban Cocina by null
Jefe Urban Cocina by null
Jefe Urban Cocina by null
Jefe Urban Cocina by null
Jefe Urban Cocina by null
Jefe Urban Cocina by null
Jefe Urban Cocina by null

Highlights

Tequila, tacos & Mexican bar bites in a vintage-chic space  

Featured in Eater
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219 SE Main St, Minneapolis, MN 55414 Get directions

jefeminneapolis.com
@jefeminneapolis

$30–50 · Menu

Reserve

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219 SE Main St, Minneapolis, MN 55414 Get directions

+1 612 255 2000
jefeminneapolis.com
@jefeminneapolis

$30–50 · Menu

Reserve

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Last updated

Aug 9, 2025

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@eater

The Best Restaurant Patios in Minneapolis and St. Paul | Eater Twin Cities

"Jefe Urban Hacienda serves Mexican fare and punchy cocktails with a close-up view of the Mississippi River and downtown Minneapolis’s skyline." - Justine Jones

https://twincities.eater.com/maps/best-patios-restaurants-minneapolis-st-paul-twin-cities
View Postcard for Jefe Urban Cocina
@exploretock

MINNEAPOLIS CITY GUIDE

"From romantic dining, to cocktailing on the vintage banquette of the dragon lounge, Jefe has been carefully tailored to be your intimate escape from the bustling metropolis. Featuring Mexican street food, tacos, and especiales. Heavy Table said that the kitchen at Jefe “is committed to its vision and delivered a surprisingly serious experience.” Handcrafted cocktails lovingly built under the direction of our skilled bartenders, a deep collection of tequilas and mezcals, housemade sangrias, a selection of draft beers, and an expert wine list await you at the Urban Cocina."

https://www.exploretock.com/blog/city-guides/minneapolis-st-paul/
View Postcard for Jefe Urban Cocina
@eater

Minneapolis and Saint Paul’s Best Mezcal Lists | Eater Twin Cities

"Opened in 2016, Jefe brings latin flair to the St. Anthony Main waterfront. Along with the Mexican street food served, there is also a mezcal negroni and a smokey paloma featuring mezcal." - Cinnamon Janzer

https://twincities.eater.com/maps/where-to-find-mezcal-in-the-twin-cities-minneapolis-st-paul
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Jessica M

Google
Save your money and spare your taste buds when it comes to ordering food here. I ordered the chicken enchiladas and the tortilla was tough as a rock I had to spit it out. The flavor was anything but authentic … or tasty— at that. The patio seating was great and so was our server. I would recommend coming here solely for the cocktails and the patio.

Rachel Loeslie

Google
I celebrated my birthday here with 15 of my friends. They were able to accommodate our large group and provide excellent service and extra special treatment. Our food and beverages were awesome and the staff sang happy birthday with a delicious sorbet on the side. They really made it a fun night for us all.!

Jeannie Hill

Google
We enjoy going to the St Anthony area, experiencing this level of excellent service and food. The three salsas that come with chips and dip and a margarita are worth the whole trip. The chef understands authentic Mexican food; the flavors are a treat. We were seated by the front window, where the view of the bridge and downtown is fantastic.

myra wang

Google
I wish I had taken more time to capture on film the vibe of this place. I just loved the atmosphere. These definitely are not my best pics plus some didn't turn out because it was very dark. Lol, but I digress. Guacamole was on point, nachos were soooo good, chicken tinga tacos were yummy and the chips were delicious and perfectly salted. The Quesabirria was reported as delicious and the strawberry marg was delicious. I definitely want to come back to try more but I highly recommend this place. Great view, vibe and the staff were awesome!

Nasim Eshgarf

Google
This spot on Main Street has a truly special atmosphere, especially in the outdoor seating area, which adds a great vibe to the experience. The service was excellent, with friendly staff who made us feel right at home. The food was delicious and well-prepared, though I felt the prices were a bit on the higher side. Overall, it’s a lovely place to enjoy a meal and relax – highly recommend for a nice night out!

Mario Barrios

Google
My girlfriend and I came in and had the best experience. The host/manager was very friendly and enthusiastic. We regret not getting his name. Our server Ezra was amazing and attentive. We loved the bartender’s music, it definitely added to the atmosphere. All employees made us feel at home. The food was delicious. We definitely will be back.

Jeff Gallos

Google
Everything was good here! We enjoyed our margaritas, birria tacos, and enchiladas. None of the food blew us out of the water but it was all really solid. Service was a bit slow on a Thursday night with a full patio. I’d definitely recommend a visit for the great patio scenery and tasty tacos.

The K Green Show

Google
3.7 stars Jefe looks amazing inside, and the staff was very helpful and attentive. Typically, seating outside in summer has a wait but there are plenty of seats inside available for immediate seating. Menu is not expansive by any means. I got the fried tortillas that they use for chips and the three different salsas. The mango habanero changed my life and was by far the highlight of my entire meal. The shrimp tacos were underwhelming and very basic at $6 per taco. The plantains were hot and delicious. Overall, it was an okay meal with sprinkles of great here and there.
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Dom E.

Yelp
Came here for happy hour on Friday without reservations and requested to sit on the patio. Wait time was 2 mins. Great patio on a brick road and not a lot of traffic. The menu is small but still diverse. I wasn't very hungry and opted for the ceviche!
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Cheryl A.

Yelp
I have mixed opinions on Jeffe Urban Cocina. My first time going to this restaurant. We went on a recommendation. I absolutely love the area where the restaurant is located. It was a nice evening, so we headed down early to take a walk along the river front and felt totally safe. I ordered Enchiladas, they were very tasty, I loved the thin radish slices. My husband ordered the Barbacoa Tacos, and they were too spicy for him. He could only eat one of them. I can handle spicer food better than him, but also found it to be very spicy. Both entrée's had unique twists to them. The table ordered Guacamole con Tortillas Fritas, the Frita's were excellent. Fresh, crunchy- perfect. The guacamole was good, but nothing to write home about. We requested some salsa, and got the habanero-mango, it is a great flavor combination, but again all 4 of us thought it was too spicy. The ambiance is warm and cozy, dimmed lights, etc... Unfortunately the lights may have been too dim, we couldn't see the menu. We (and others around us) took out our phones to see the menu. We were seated next to a large group that were very loud, making it hard to hear one another. We were so happy when they left, but unfortunately another large table was quickly seated who were even louder. I am not sure if the acoustics are bad as it is an old building. If we go back, I will be sure to specify my wants when making the reservation.
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Kasey S.

Yelp
FOOD: We all got different tacos, and they were super yummy! However- they were definitely not the best tacos I've had. I think when it comes to Mexican food, more authentic places tend to be better. Still worth trying for the cool location/vibes, but will not be my go- to Mexican food spot. SERVICE: Our food came out SUPER fast, which was very impressive. The staff was friendly and seated us immediately. AMBIANCE: Both indoors and outdoors are super cool! The patio has fun lights and a GORGEOUS view of the city. The inside was beautifully decorated and had great ambiance. LOCATION: I love this area across the river in Northeast! Jefe is on a beautiful red road with trails and scenic views, alongside other restaurants. There is limited parking but won't be too hard to find.
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Dani G.

Yelp
Was in the area, and my friend introduced us to this place. Plenty of street parking (need to pay). And they have a cozy patio that must be beautiful during the warmer months. First impressions walking and it radiates just friendly and warm vibe. She really loved her tacos she got last time which were tinga tacos. This time she did get pork tacos which she stated were not as good. They do have two fully vegan items on the menu, which is really nice. I got the tacos and they were a lot more softer than expected (the filling). But the price of the items, were really high for the quality and amount. I got two tacos (happy hour) for $8. The chips and salsa were $5 (happy hour). 1 out the 3 salsas were flavorful. The red one was probably my favorite, the green I felt like didn't have any flavor and my friends tried the cheese (they didn't enjoy it). Definitely not authentic Mexican food if that's what you're looking for, definitely paying more for the ambience than the food. It was a fun place to visit for the first time but probably won't visit again.
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Erik P.

Yelp
I ate the Chicken Fajitas. The entrée was flavorful and filling. I split the sampler with my girlfriend. We could have split the entree, and it would have been enough with the sampler.
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Lucy N.

Yelp
I absolutely love the vibe of this place. I first stopped by on a summer night on the patio after a concert downtown and loved my experience. Since then I've met a friend at the bar and the inside was so dreamy. The margaritas are fantastic and the tacos are great as well. Everything has great flavor and the service is so lovely. I'd come here anytime!
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Crystal D.

Yelp
The sampler is a must when going here! It includes 6 different dips and you know that if you are from MN we love the dips. This was my first time trying sikil p'ak, which is a pumpkin seed dip that I didn't know I needed in my life. Will be going back for more in the future! The tomatillo and habanero-mango salsa were also a top contender. With the 6 dips, you can also trade something out that you don't enjoy for a second bowl of something you do, so this is still a great option for anyone that doesn't eat dairy! I was worried that I wouldn't be full after 2 birria tacos but 2 was the perfect amount! The beef was tender and flavorful with strong notes of cinnamon. The broth was a game changer for this and the best part of this plate! The Paloma was not on the menu but they had a similar (smoky Paloma) listed and were happy to make it not smoky! It is moody inside with dimmed lights and dark wood features. Perfect location near the stone arch bridge that makes it easy to explore the area before or after you eat! There is also a gorgeous patio that would be perfect for summer months.
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Rachael M.

Yelp
The restaurant definitely is a vibe, and features Mexican street food, tacos and various specials. They also have a large cocktail list with classics like Margarita's, as well as tasty craft cocktails, beer, wine & more! Enchiladas De Puerco - corn tortillas stuffed with shredded pork, pinto beans, avocado, salsa roja, pickled onions, radish, cotija, fresno crema, cilantro laid over saffron rice, salsa roja, pickled onions, radish, cotija, fresno crema, cilantro. This was my favorite thing we had! Jefe Sampler - Trio of salsas + guacamole, sikil p'ak, & crema agria. Served with tortillas fritas for dipping. I loved trying all the salsas! Mango Habanero was my fav! EsQuites Elote off the cob w/ Tapatio aioli, cotija, onion, guajillo, & cilantro. This was also really good! Mahi Mahi Tacos - Mahi Mahi, avocado, red cabbage slaw, mango salsa, on corn tortilla w/ Jefe hot sauce. Birria De Res - Three braised beef tacos w/ marinated fennel and onion, Oaxaca, & fresno crema w/ Consommé for dipping. Pina De Fuego - Plantation 5 Year Rum, Flor de Caña 4 Year Rum, Ancho Reyes Chili, honey syrup, house fire tincture, lime, & pineapple Coco Loco - Los Sundays Coconut Blanco, Lunazul Reposado, Velvet Falernum, passion fruit, pineapple, simple, & Angostura Bitters Empanadas Dulces - Guava, mango, & pineapple in an empanada w/ sprinkled w/ toasted coconut & served w/ vanilla ice cream. OBSESSED with this dessert! Pro-Tip when visiting park in the St. Anthony Ramp, go to the elevator and push T for tunnel. Follow the signs for Jefe and you have an indoor walk in this cold winter weather. That being said the ramp was $7.50 for evening visit, which to me is worth it to stay off slippery sidewalks & stay warmer in the winter. Is probably find cheaper in the summer or wak further.
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Jenny V.

Yelp
Nice vibes and food was good Salsa platter - mango salsa dip was the best out of the 3, wished it was chunky salsas but more of a puree here Service on the slower end Overall, great place to come with friends
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Richa V.

Yelp
The food at this place was average but the views are amazing. It's right by the river, where you are surrounded by luscious trees and the sound of water. They have some funky decor that adds to fun vibes. I thought my portion size was a little small and I wish my dish came with salsa. My friend got tacos and I got a grain bowl. Service was great because my friend has an allergy and they triple checked to make sure her food was safe for her. I personally like to walk around here so I would actually park a few blocks away and enjoy the river walk.
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Charlie P.

Yelp
Great taco spot! They have delicious margaritas and we love the shrimp tacos. They have indoor and outdoor seating with a beautiful patio right on the river. We really wish that dogs were allowed on the patio (hence the 4 instead of 5 stars)
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Eddie D.

Yelp
Great service, food, and drinks! As an appetizer, we ordered the chips and salsa plus some yucca fries. Both were great! I ordered the red snapper, while my table mates got an order of the birria tacos and an order of enchiladas. No complaints from anyone. The ambiance was pretty cozy, with dim lights in a warehouse-type setting.
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Tierra SheReviewz Z.

Yelp
I enjoyed this place after a nearby movie. Cute spot for a date night. The dimmed lights create a mood. I sat by the bar and the service was fast, bartenders were nice too! The drink was a bit on the sweeter side but good. I ordered the tinga tacos and they came out quick. Had a little kick to it but they were good. Apparently this place can get busy from what the bartender said. Also parking can be a bit tricky.
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Tiana D.

Yelp
Pros: - Food was delicious! We ordered the salsa trio, Tina tacos, and the adobo chicken wings. - Incredibly easy to get a table inside. - Decor is cool! Cons: - Parking can be tricky. - A bit of a bummer we couldn't make a reservation on the patio. - Service was a bit slow. - Drinks weren't super well-balanced. They were too sweet for our liking.
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Paula P.

Yelp
This is my second time at Jefe Urban Cocina and I'm so glad I went back. I ordered the same things as my first time: strawberry margarita and the jefe sampler. Both were delicious and I like the option to try all their available sauces (the mango habanero salsa is a . This time I tried the Carne Asada and it was spectacular. The meat was on point, the mashed potatoes full of flavor, creamy and chunky at the same time, the star was the chimichurri that complemented the dish perfectly. I was impressed with this dish and will be back for it. The restaurant has a very romantic and cozy atmosphere, the service is fast and exceptional.
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Yuri R.

Yelp
Jefe Urban Cocina has established itself as a vibrant gem in the culinary scene, offering an exceptional dining experience that fuses the spirit of Mexican cuisine with urban flair. From the moment I stepped through the doors, I was captivated by the lively ambiance, and the warm hospitality. The restaurant's modern and chic decor creates an inviting space where you can relax and enjoy your meal. Jefe also has a patio. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted by friendly faces. The server we had was kind and patient and willing to help with any questions we had. I got the chicken fajitas- loved it! It comes with rice and beans. I will say though that the beans had a little kick of spice in it. The vegetables on the chicken fajitas were more on the crunchy side of it but I enjoyed it. It has Oaxaca cheese in it as well which was tasty. My friends got the camarones con aceite de chile and he really liked it. The yuca fries with the sauce that it comes with were delicious! Definitely coming back!
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Jessica S.

Yelp
I can't wait to go back to this place! Located right off of the river with an outdoor patio. The interior was just as great a dimly lit interior with really neat wrought iron decor. But the best part... the food and drinks are over the top! I recommend starting out with the Jefe sampler which comes with round corn tortillas and 6 sauces. The tacos were also amazing and filing. There was an hour wait for a table but we were lucky and scored seats at the bar. Service was quick, friendly and food runner was very informative on our meal choices. Staff kept our dishes cleared and glasses full!
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Kaylie B.

Yelp
Jefe had a very romantic vibe (dim lighting and candle lit dinner). The food was good, but the portions were small in comparison to other Mexican restaurants. They also didn't give away free chips and dip like other restaurants. Overall the food wasn't too filling for the price, but if you are looking for a fancy Mexican restaurant this is a great location across from the Stone Arch bridge. The servers were also very friendly and professional and we received our drinks and food in a very timely manner!

Gabriela M.

Yelp
Food, cocktails and ambience are all on point! Service was also incredible. Great location to enjoy a night out!
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Ashley B.

Yelp
This rating is 3.5 stars Jefe has a great vibe! The building is beautiful, the views outside are great, and its a very lively street. I went on cinco de Mayo for a late dinner/margs with friends. When we arrived around 7:45pm there was an hour wait. We expected it to be super busy because of the day so waiting wasn't a big deal. I can't remember if we waited an entire hour but it seemed like we were sat fairly quickly. Our server was super busy so she was delayed getting to the table. A hostess came out and took our drink orders for her. We waited another 20 min for our server to come by and we ordered food. To start we had the chips and dips and guacamole. The mango habanero salsa is to die for! I wish it were a bit spicier, though. For dinner I ordered the birria tacos! Im always searching for the best place that sells them. Jefe makes some delicious birria tacos but I wouldn't consider them to be very authentic. The margaritas were tasty but definitely more on the pricy side. The yucca was fantastic! Jefe is not my favorite spot for Mexican food but I may go back every once in a while. It just didn't really blow me away which was what I was expecting.
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Danielle R.

Yelp
This restaurant is in such a quaint area of Minneapolis. St. Anthony Main is beautiful with cobblestone streets and a great view of the downtown Minneapolis and the Mississippi. My friends and I have gone to Jefe many many times and has become a reunion spot for us when we are all back in town. Their tacos are delicious and prepared well. We also enjoy their margaritas. The restaurant itself is beautiful and also has a patio for when the weather is nice. Highly recommend this place!!
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Tea B.

Yelp
Jefe is the ultimate Minnesota patio destination in summer. The margaritas are strong, there's little to no wait to get seated, and the food is incredible. We ordered elotes for an appetizer and it did not disappoint. Birria tacos were one of the best I've had in the Twin Cities area. Overall, a great place for a date night or a catch up with a friend over a happy hour.
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Shelby H.

Yelp
I really enjoyed going to jefe urban cocina in the Saint Anthony neighborhood of Minneapolis. It's in a quieter part of the neighborhood with plenty of street parking around. The spot features really cool ambience lighting, lots of unique decor, it's pretty spacious on the inside, and I believe in the summertime they have a nice patio. We ordered the guacamole, a variety of street tacos, the enchiladas, and a fabulous fruit flavored dessert. For drinks, we got margaritas, an Old fashion, and a few others. Overall the spot is really trendy, it's laid-back, and it's a great chill spot for tacos and margaritas.
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Kedar D.

Yelp
This is a swanky, nicely decorated Mexican bar-restaurant in an historic building in Northeast Minneapolis with views of the Mississippi and a great patio. They also have one labeled vegan taco and an interesting appetizer or two. We got the Jefe Sampler ($13) which they made vegan for us by omitting the crema option. The sampler comes with a red salsa, a tomatillo salsa, a mango-habanero salsa, guacamole and sikil pa'k (a Mayan pumpkin spread). The red salsa was terrible and weird-tasting, while the rest were just fine; but the sikil pa'k, which I'd never seen on a menu in the US before, was savory and nutty and tasty. I also really liked the "chips" which were more like freshly-made tostadas. The vegan chorizo taco ($10) sounded cool but didn't impress me much. The biggest issue was the chorizo, which had been pureed and made into a cat food-like mush. The service was friendly and the drinks were good. If Jefe added a couple more vegan options (how about a chicken tinga taco? and a flan?) I'd be back often for the views and the snacks.
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Gab T.

Yelp
Went with a large group - at least 15 of us. Great atmosphere. Great spicy margaritas. I had the ENCHILADAS DE PUERCO - Enchiladas stuffed with shredded pork, pinto beans & avocado - served with saffron rice, salsa roja, pickled onions, radish, cotija, fresno crema, cilantro. I would eat that again happily!
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Trina V.

Yelp
This is a fun spot for the vibes (especially with the beautiful patio overlooking the Mississippi River) and happy hour with discounted margs, apps and beers. The food itself is good, but a little expensive for what you get (each taco averages to $5+). The birria tacos are delicious, but not the same as what you might get from a taco shop or taco truck. The chips and salsa is pretty good though, especially since it comes with three salsas. Overall, if you are looking for a patio to hang out with friends with good food, I would recommend coming during happy hour. If you are looking for authenticity, I would skip for a different option.
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Amber J.

Yelp
A slightly disappointing experience. My friends and I went to celebrate my birthday, and well, the food was... okay. I ordered the pína de fuego cocktail, and this was pretty good! If you like spicy drinks, I would highly recommend this one. We then ordered yuca fries to share. They were crispy, and I loved the dipping sauce! I then ordered the birria de res for my dinner. This is what missed the mark for me. The meat itself of delicious, however, the taco shell was just a dry, hard taco shell, and there was a lot of it. The consomé was also weirdly thick and gelatinous. For this being their most popular dish (per our server), I was really disappointed. The service was great, and it felt very intimate inside, but I'm not sure if I'd come again.
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Leisa K.

Yelp
Jefe continues to be a favorite. Great margaritas and tacos. Love the mango salsa. Tonight we tried birria tacos--- wow. That should be a regular menu item.
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Avery M.

Yelp
I really enjoyed the cocktails and dessert. Their take on dessert empanadas was delightful. I'll pass on the sampler app but am looking forward to trying other items on the menu in the future. Also, you can't beat the view and general ambiance of this area!
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Richard R.

Yelp
So a party of six adults showed up for a birthday party. We were seated immediately and had drinks in hand in less then 5 minutes.The staff were amazingly good.The food was great too. I had the chicken fajitas there were the best I have had ever.The Deserts were outstanding and something new that I never eat.I can hardly wait to go back there.
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Olivia R.

Yelp
I'll start by saying it's a great atmosphere and they have a nice patio. The inside is really dark but cool vibes. I was really disappointed in the service. We waited over an hour just for our drinks (overpriced), then another 30 just for our appetizers. Waited a while for our main course too. We got the Barbacoa and Camarones tacos. Both were pretty good but wayyyy too small for the price we paid. Not worth it for 2 tiny tacos priced at $12 and $13 each. I would only recommend this place if you hit up their happy hour and if you want a patio vibe. Otherwise it's not worth it and you can get bigger portions, better food, and better service somewhere else.
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Sharon H.

Yelp
After a long day at the Stone Arch Art Festival (a bust, by the way) we stopped by Jefe. A line indicated either good food or others as tired as we. The host seated us at the last unreserved table with a caution that it was reserved in 2.5 hours. No problem for us as this was lunchtime and we knew we'd be quick. The menu is extensive and so many wonderful sounding choices! We decided on mahi mahi tacos, birria del res, and mushroom tostada for our friend. I still dream about the fish taco. A cube-cut rectangle of moist, crunchy-outside fish nestled in mango salsa with avocado and radish slices was the best I've ever eaten and I have eaten many. The birria, shredded beef with a slaw and dipping sauce was equally yummy. Bobby and I ate one of each and were happily satisfied. Our friend loved her tostada, flavorful, moist, and plentiful. Service was extraordinary. Prices are moderate although my Margarita Primo was over-priced at $17.00.
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Adam E.

Yelp
We went for desserts and drinks. Meh. Nothing to write home about. Atmosphere - 8/10 Drinks - 6/10 Food - 4/10 Service - 9/10
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Sarah B.

Yelp
Jefe is where it's at for a good margarita, meaning a really good margarita that you're willing to pay for. 3 stars for the price 4 stars for the food and 5 for the drinks. Pretty much everything on the menu on average is $14, be prepared to spend money when coming here. We last visited during Covid and it was $75 for two drinks, one order of tacos, and guacamole. We thought that was a little steep but we do agree they have some of the best margs in the Minneapolis area. Our suggestion is to come for a drink and a snack or come and know you're going to be spending a decent amount. Can't go wrong with anything in the menu! Staff is friendly, space is dark and smaller, noise level is quiet for an old building. Covid friendly and protocols in place, highly recommend to make a reservation ahead of time!
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Cathy P.

Yelp
Patio seating right by the river in St Anthony main. Great margaritas. The chips and salsa sampler were delicious. Extra salty and spicy. My veggie taco was so good. My tennis friends had the shrimp taco and raved. A hummus and cheese sampler was a hit too.

Paul S.

Yelp
Good drinks, good food. Enjoyed the birria tacos a lot and would recommend these. Docking stars for the 4% surprise service charge at the end of the meal. This is a bogus charge that does not go to the employees. And you can have it removed upon request. Increase your prices if needed, please stop it with the bogus surprise charge at the end of the meal.
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Kathy D.

Yelp
The best ever Mexican food. Not usually my favorite cuisine, mostly it can be mushy, one note and not very creative. You will find non of that at Jefe. Whomever is the creative behind these recipes, kudos. Nuanced, flavorful, fresh, delicious. I had the duck in Mole. Savory braised duck, served with cubed perfectly cooked squash, sweet and tender but still with tooth, next to a wedge of red cabbage in a wonderful mole sauce, the crunch of the perfectly cooked cabbage, the sauces and the lovely slightly charred squash and savory duck, what a combo, expertly prepared. Trio of salsas with deep fried round tortillas, fried tamales, fresh corn sauce. Amazing. Really stuffed but not the awful too heaven Mexican food stuffed. Just could not stop eating with amazing taste combo. Anyway, if this main course is that good, dessert?? Horchata panna cotta, omg, smooth and creamy with a cinnamon chocolate sauce, but not some Hershey's concoction, dulce de Leche, and toasted oepitas. Wish we lived closer. Chefs/line cooks, whomever demand this perfection , stellar job.
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Taylor K.

Yelp
This place is Amazing! Not only are the views great, the food, & drink are wonderful! If you're looking for a fun, unique place, this is it!

Debra M.

Yelp
Have eaten here several times. Beautiful romantic interior with dark wood, high ceilings, lots of candle light. Nice views of the river and downtown skyline. Very nice for a date night. Everything we've ordered has been really good. My husband loves the enchiladas. My favorite is the Mahi Mahi dinner. It is served very hot (temperature, not spice level) with a delicious charred corn "warm salad". It is soooooo good! The shrimp tacos are another favorite. Great margaritas too!
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Eric S.

Yelp
Really tasty authentic Mexican food. Very casual with a nice large patio. Excellent Margaritas and Mexican beer on tap. A nice way to spend a laidback evening in Minneapolis.

Brittney C.

Yelp
Went here for a friend's birthday and it was a blast! Call ahead to make reservations because they're closed until 4. They seated all 11 of us together and we had a great experience. I loved their Jefe Margarita with sugared rim, yum! Their elotes were delicious, as well as the barbacoa tacos. That poblano crema was so good!!! The staff was incredibly kind and took pictures for us. This place is beautiful, delicious, and fun.

Sam C.

Yelp
Drinks and food are great. Fun for large parties and small gatherings. The patio is beautiful with a view of the river and downtown Minneapolis
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Jim R.

Yelp
I must admit I haven't been to the old St Anthony main in quite a while and it was a bit Deja vu walking through its ghostly shell now peppered with trendy offices and small businesses to try this Mexican restaurant. The Jefe space has a great moody vibe and was perfect for the cool rainy fall day that a buddy and I stopped in for dinner. I made reservations online but on a Monday night it was totally unnecessary as there were only about 10 people in the large space. I started my odyssey with their premium ("primo") margarita made with fresh lime juice which was served in a short glass. Unfortunately both mine and my friends tasted very watery so we switched over to wine. The wine list is pretty limited and the tempranillo we ordered was just ok. As is our habit when we get together to catch up, we grazed through the menu trying and sharing a bunch of things starting with the Chips and salsa (choose 3 or 6 salsas). The chips are entire tostadas that you break up yourself and of the salsas we tried, i liked the smoky chipotle best although my friend really liked the unique peppitas. Next we tried the Chicken empanadas-delicious crispy crust with a spicy sauce (2 to an order) - hot and great. Probably my favorite item of the night. Next we had the Oxtail quesadilla- which came with a cheesy sauce. This was VERY meaty with a nice char on the outside. For our final course we shared the Chicken tings tacos (2 to an order) but a really ample portion of chicken piled high on the street taco shells - was enough meat for like 4 tacos. After resting for a bit, we had the chocolate empanadas for dessert - these took like 20 minutes to arrive which was disappointing. Bottom line, I really liked the atmosphere and while there are a few nice menu items that we tried, the watery drinks, so-so wine and uneven service makes this a 3-3.5 star place for me. Its god potential, so hopefully on our next visit it will seem more special.
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Michelle O.

Yelp
If you're looking for upscale Mexican food and great cocktails, food, service, and location, this is the place. If you're vegetation/vegan, you will have delicious choices here too. The patio is great for a lively evening by the river! I had the cauliflower and the mushroom enchiladas. I loved them both. Just enough heat without getting too spicy. My companion had the oxtail quesadilla and really enjoyed it. I had a margarita that was quite good. Most definitely made with fresh squeezed lime! My BF had some strawberry cocktail that also was very good.

Ben B.

Yelp
Love this go to place for drinks and tacos. Definitely one of the more underrated places for good Cocina food.
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Maggie A.

Yelp
Best tacos I've ever had. My friend brought me here for a birthday event and I just brought my family back a couple of days ago. They were all stunned with how delicious the tacos were. The mango salsa is so good!!
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Kay K.

Yelp
We came to Jefe for happy hour. Simply based on the menu, I'd say save your money and go elsewhere OR try their main menu. Neither my friend or I were that impressed with the HH tacos and extremely disappointed in the tortillas. I asked for a booth and was seated towards the back of the restaurant. BEWARE: it's very dark. Like so dark I could barely see my friend's face sitting across the table. Granted it was very bright outside so the shadows and light contrast didn't help. Service was the one bright spot that we experienced. She was friendly, prompt with water and getting refills, and knowledgeable about the menu. However, when it came to paying the bill, she mixed up totals and charged the wrong amounts on our credit cards. Wasn't worth pointing out to her as we were in a rush to get to our movie; otherwise I would've waited for her to correct the error. Food wise, we ordered $3 carnitas, picadillo (ground beef + potato), and wild mushroom tacos. None of them were that great - they were hindered by the lifeless and tasteless tortillas. We also tried the cauliflower al pastor, which was bright and flavorful (helped by the pineapple accents) but again dragged down by the lackluster tortillas. The fried onions on top didn't help - just greasy batter with hint of onion, in my opinion. We left feeling MEH about Jefe and wishing we had chosen another spot for happy hour specials. I can't speak for their main menu but this happy hour visit was disappointing.

Amy L.

Yelp
I've been going to this place since it opened. Best margaritas in the twin cities but the prices are absurd for the quality of food and service. The prices are what I expect of the top restaurants in Minneapolis. This is not one of the top restaurants. The menu is limited and right now nothing very appealing. Over the years the food has always been just ok. Ambience is great in the summer--Can't beat the patio. In the winter they dim the lights way too much. Can't see the people you are eating with. The service is hit or miss but for the price I would expect excellent service. I won't go back except for happy hour.

Gary M.

Yelp
The most inattentive service we've ever received. 2 visits to our table in almost 3 hours not including the tip, most noticeably during the happy hour period. Even in a pandemic some restaurants can't seem to do the simplest thing to retain customers. Skip.
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Gabriel S.

Yelp
Really great Hispanic food with a dark old west theme. The place is all wood with candelabras dripping wax all over the bar and tables. The drinks are served dirty and strong and the food can burn a hole through your stomach. These are all good things when looking for Mexican food. I enjoyed the whole experience from the atmosphere to the chips and guacamole and salsa. Very good ox tail apps and a mix of strange things you will not find many other places. In the summer the porch has a great view of the rivers. What a neat place in the heart of vibrant old world community. Check them out!