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Welcome to El Jefe - Leña y Mar

Welcome to El Jefe - Leña y Mar, an exquisite blend of Mexican and seafood flavors nestled in Aurora, IL. Our story is one of passion and tradition, where wood-fired techniques meet the bounty of the sea. We invite you to savor our Coctel de Camaron and Vuelve a la Vida, crafted with fresh ingredients that evoke the vibrant essence of coastal Mexico. The lively ambiance, complemented by live music and a full bar, creates a casual yet upscale dining experience. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a night out, El Jefe promises delightful dishes and unforgettable memories. Join us and taste the tradition!

El Jefe - Leña y Mar: Reviews & Ratings

Raul M.
Raul M.

This place was impressive as soon as we walked in. We definitely enjoyed the ambiance, food and drinks! Our server Allen was on point, definitely doing his part to make sure we had a good time. We came to celebrate my sister's birthday with a party of 10 and enjoyed it. I did think their Ribeye steak dinner was a bit over priced for a 12 ounce steak ($50) picture below. I didn't like that they charge you a Rest Surcharge after paying premium prices for food and beverages. Hope to visit this place again when my daughter come back in town.

marcus b.
marcus b.

This restaurant definitely has a nice part vibe. It has a dj that plays good music, although loud so probably not a good spot for a first date. Food presentation is top notch and the food most importantly is good. The ambience is good with various spots in the restaurant to take pictures for social media.

Lourdes S.
Lourdes S.

Great service from Ramon !! Drinks were delicious and food was def worth the $$ we all shared the mix grill platter, so flavorful! The ambience is giving Tulum vibes -great lights n decor. We loved it and they played reggaeton with a live DJ. Sunday funday was a success. I'll be coming back for sure!

Kiara A.
Kiara A.

The experience I had here was interesting. I'll start with what I'm sure of.. The place in itself had a nice vibe to it. Not a boring place. Played upbeat music which was a span of different genres which I loved. The service was fine, no complaints. This is where it gets interesting (at least to me) the food was good. It really was. My drink was also very very good. Not watered down, perfect. (Why 4 stars then?) well.... it seemed like something was missing just a bit with my food. Like it came up short but just a little. I had their birrias. I think the meat in it could have been seasoned more and I've had better consommé.. but I would still recommend this place.

Cassie J.
Cassie J.

Absolutely loved this place! The atmosphere, the music, and the food!!! Everything we had was great! There were no complaints about anything. Definitely recommend

John M.
John M.

Went on a Saturday night. I made reservations for 545pm and were seated immediately by a very friendly staff. The interior is very colorful and you can feel the vibe . Live music on weekends. Their menu is huge. They cook most of their entrees on a wood burning grill which gives it that good smokey char flavor. We started with cocktails. They offer specialty cocktails,margaritas,tequila and beers. Modestly prices and delicious. Since there were 4 of us,we decided to share the A La Lena which included their woodfired chicken,carnitas,shrimp,chorizo and arrachera. Served with grilled vegetables and roasted potatoes. Everything was flavorful,not over cooked and enough for everyone. It comes with sides of white rice,beans,street corn and salsa. I wish they would have given bigger portions of the sides . Since we were celebrating a birthday,we ordered the birthday cake that was amazing. Fresh fruit and caramel sauce topped the homemade cake along with cotton candy and a sparkler. Definitely worth it! I would have given El Jefe 5 stars but the music was so loud,you could not have a conversation with the person sitting next to you. If you want 5 star food in a fun atmosphere but don't mind the loudusic,El Jefe is the place to go.

Location

Welcome to El Jefe - Leña y Mar, a vibrant culinary gem nestled at 1271 N Lake St, Aurora, IL. Specializing in Mexican seafood, this bar and restaurant effortlessly blends elegance with a lively, casual vibe, creating the perfect backdrop for a memorable dining experience.

As you step inside, you'll instantly recognize the energetic atmosphere, accentuated by live music and eclectic decor that evokes the spirited essence of Tulum. This place is not just about food; it's about the whole experience. The laughter of friends mingles with the beats of well-curated music, setting the stage for a night filled with fun.

  • Reservations and Service: El Jefe - Leña y Mar takes reservations, allowing you to secure your spot in advance. The staff is trained to ensure your experience is seamless, with attentive service complemented by a full bar offering refreshing cocktails and an extensive collection of spirits.
  • Outdoor Seating: For those who prefer dining al fresco, the restaurant features outdoor seating where you can enjoy your meal under the stars, making it an ideal spot for gatherings or celebrations.
  • Shared Plates and Culinary Highlights: One of the standout options on the menu is the Variedad del Pacífico—a sumptuous platter featuring grilled octopus, salmon, shrimp, and mussels. This dish exemplifies the restaurant’s commitment to fresh ingredients and bold flavors, providing a feast that’s perfect for sharing. The Pozole Verde, packed with tender pork and hominy, showcases traditional cooking methods that bring comfort to the palate.

The customer reviews reflect this authenticity and flair. Diners rave about the atmosphere, with one patron saying it “has a nice party vibe,” while another absolutely loved the “top-notch presentation” of the food. Even with some critiques regarding food seasoning, patrons generally leave satisfied, praising the lively environment and delicious drinks.

El Jefe - Leña y Mar is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion with a large group or enjoying a casual night out with friends, the ambiance, food, and vibrant entertainment promise a night to remember. Take a trip to this culinary oasis; you won't leave disappointed.

For reservations or inquiries, contact them at (630) 340-3328.