El Jefe Café is a fun and cozy Mexican restaurant that has outdoor seating when the weather permits which is always in San Clemente, California. The food is plentiful and the price is amazing! The homemade michelada is a must try here and the fish & chips will blow your mind. The best in San Clemente.
El Jefe is open every day from the morning through the late evening. Head to El Jefe for authentic Mexican food and an authentic experience!
Based on 292 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 4.3 stars. Price $
✔️ Dine-in ✔️ Takeout ✔️ No delivery
Address:
106 E Escalones, San Clemente, CA 92672
Phone: (949) 492-4010
Website: https://eljefe.website/
Social Profile: 
Hours
| Friday | 9 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM–8 PM |
| Monday
(Labor Day)
|
Closed |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–8 PM |
Menu
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Photo Gallery
Reviews
Kelly Dolezal
We were looking for a Mexican restaurant for my birthday. We found El Jefe Cafe, and I’m so glad we did. It’s one of those mom & pop places that has great service & atmosphere. We were greeted the moment we walked in, the staff was extremely kind & respectful. The food was absolutely delicious. Highly recommend their lemon margaritas, too. We will definitely be back.
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Sandra Chavez
I’m very disappointed at the quality of food! It was very bland! My shrimp was over cooked and no flavor at all. I ordered 7 different items and none were good. It really lacks flavor. It was an order to go. When we got to house we were missing items. Not happy at all!! And I was not told that I would be charge a fee for using my atm. If I would if known I would have
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Miguel Portillo
Very fresh and great portions……paid 14.50 for soft taco plate ….
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Michael Jenkins
Very happy with our experience. The breakfast machaca was good. Service was prompt and friendly. Prices were fair. Plenty of parking, too, which is always tough to find around most restaurants in San Clemente. We will be back.
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Abdullah Azizi
Nice family owned/run restaurant. Food is amazing. Some of the best Burritos I’ve had. Highly recommended
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Elizabeth Thorpe (Eliza Jayne)
By far…
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Heidi Wang
Authentic tacos freshly made to order. Lovely family run restaurant with a good atmosphere. Definitely recommend!
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RG Jennings II
We had the fish and scallops with chips (fries). The service was great, the food would compare to Long John Silvers with less atmosphere on the patio. Prices are not bad for the area. I would try El Jefes gain to check out their tacos the fish and scallops are a “no” for me in the future
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Anna Bigger
They skimp on certain ingredients and portion sizes. Burrito was pretty much just a potato burrito, asked for other things in it but it was mainly all potato. Not worth the money to eat here.
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Brock Penna
Was craving some home style mexican food and this hit the spot. Enchiladas were bomb and the hostess was so friendly 🙂
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