About This Spot

El Jefe Authentic Mexican Cuisine welcomes you with a vibrant yet relaxed spirit, perfectly capturing the warmth and color of a neighborhood gem. Step inside and you’ll find a lively atmosphere that hums with friendly chatter and the clinking of glasses, where the pace is unhurried and inviting. This is the kind of place where the buzz isn’t rushed—it’s the comforting soundtrack of people savoring meals thoughtfully prepared and shared.

The space balances casual comfort with touches of authentic charm, offering a backdrop that feels both familiar and festive. Whether you find a spot at a table bustling with conversation or settle in after a long day, there’s an ease here that encourages you to linger, try something new, and enjoy the company around you.

Dining at El Jefe is an experience layered with textures and flavors that reflect tradition and creativity. From the first bite, the generous servings whisper stories of home-style cooking, with just enough spice and zest to delight without overwhelming. The menu’s vibrant mix—the kind of flavors that invite everyone from seasoned diners to curious newcomers—provides an engaging culinary journey. Beyond just the food, the drinks add their own character, with inventive twists that rhythmically complement the meal and heighten the moment.

Here, the attentive staff quietly tend to your experience with genuine smiles, creating a sense of being cared for without interruption. The hum of satisfied patrons and the steady flow of plates from kitchen to table make it clear that this is a place woven into the fabric of the Ames community—a welcoming setting to not only taste good food but to feel a quietly shared joy in gathering.

What’s Available Here

  • IconDelivery
  • IconTakeaway
  • IconDine-in
  • IconFast service
  • IconGreat cocktails
  • IconGreat dessert
  • IconServes local specialty
  • IconBreakfast
  • IconLunch
  • IconDinner
  • IconSolo dining
  • IconWheelchair-accessible car park
  • IconWheelchair-accessible entrance
  • IconWheelchair-accessible seating
  • IconWheelchair-accessible toilet
  • IconAlcohol
  • IconBeer
  • IconCocktails
  • IconCoffee
  • IconComfort food
  • IconHappy-hour drinks
  • IconQuick bite
  • IconSmall plates
  • IconSpirits
  • IconWine
  • IconBreakfast
  • IconBrunch
  • IconLunch
  • IconDinner
  • IconDessert
  • IconSeating
  • IconTable service
  • IconBar on site
  • IconToilet
  • IconCasual
  • IconCosy
  • IconTrendy
  • IconFamily friendly
  • IconGroups
  • IconTourists
  • IconUniversity students
  • IconCredit cards
  • IconDebit cards
  • IconNFC mobile payments
  • IconGood for kids
  • IconHigh chairs
  • IconKids' menu
  • IconFree of charge street parking
  • IconFree parking lot
  • IconParking

Location & Hours

Monday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Guest Reviews

Angie Kyle 13 Dec 2025

Our first visit. The atmosphere is perfect. And the food was delicious. The servings are big so bring your appetite. We took home our left overs for lunch the next day. The employees are so nice and professional. I love seeing all the smiles.

Cali M 01 Dec 2025

All of the food was SO good!!! Everything was hot and fresh with very large portions. The prices are great as well, considering how much food you receive. The Texas dip is definitely a new found fav lol. Staff were wonderful! Everyone was so friendly and very quick. They made sure to check on you periodically so you are not ignored. All of the staff members were very efficient, knowledgeable, and polite. The overall decor of the interior is very vibrant and quite enjoyable. It's not too loud in there and it's pretty upbeat. There is quite a bit of room inside, so even when they're busy, you don't feel crowded while you're eating. They also do a really good job of keeping everything clean and organized. We can't wait to go back!!! 6•16•25

Colin Hirdman 23 Nov 2025

What a fun and tasty experience! Great drinks, a variety of meals to choose from for both adults and kids. Everything from the chips and salsa to the desserts was delicious!

Amy Bradley 04 Nov 2025

Food was delicious but our service was not so great. We sat there for about 10 minutes before he took our drink order and it looked like he was purposely ignoring us. And when we finally got our order in, it took a long time for them to serve it. Then we had to get his attention when we needed him. He walked by our table but made no eye contact. It took 5 tries just to flag him down. I even watched him stop in the middle of the floor and stand there with his back to us and his hands on his hips. The place didn't have many customers at the time. I'll probably still come back because the food was epic. Salsa was super delicious. So was the atmosphere . Your chef saved this from being a bad visit.

MC C 23 Sep 2025

This Mexican restaurant is the best we have eaten in Ames. It is not too alkaline or spicy, and the service is excellent. We ordered two lunch sets at noon today, which were delicious, especially the teppanyaki dishes. Our waiter was Dining.

Terence Rice 18 Sep 2025

A great place to eat!! Reasonable prices and great food portions. Staff are amazing!! Great place to take your kids out to eat as well.

Arun kumar I 18 Sep 2025

You can get some of the best Mexican food here — I’d definitely say this is one of the best restaurants in Ames.

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