Congrats ProjectMaximus!
QuoteBy Karen Brune Mathis, Managing Editor
Chef Scott Schwartz, owner of 29 South Restaurant in Fernandina Beach, intends to open a new concept in Murray Hill.
Schwartz declined to provide details about the menu, pending a news release expected next week.
Public documents show the restaurant will be operated by El Jefe Jax LLC, led by Schwartz and Bradley Walters.
El Jefe is heading to 947 Edgewood Ave. S. in Murray Hill, a rejuvenating Westside neighborhood that blends vacant buildings, established businesses and trendy hangouts.
The proposed 158-seat full-service restaurant is planned in about 4,000 square feet facing Edgewood Avenue in the former Curry Thomas Hardware building, according to documents and the landlord.
Full article: http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=549408
This is a real game changer for the Theater Block.
Can't wait!
Danggg son!
I'm glad that i purchased my home about 4 years ago when there wasn't anything in the area. ha
Quote from: benfranklinbof on February 23, 2017, 12:04:42 PM
Danggg son!
I'm glad that i purchased my home about 4 years ago when there wasn't anything in the area. ha
Haha same!
This is a testament to the patience and persistence of those who see the potential of a neighborhood. Enough investors that feel the same way can have an impact that goes well beyond The Hill and we're seeing more and more evidence of this on an almost daily basis. Outstanding!
Congrats again, PM and all those involved. Best of luck to all of you. ;D
B Street Eats is going into the former Knead and Bold Bean slots in first block.
Thanks Ennis. I guess we'll be following up with you soon on the site plan.
Hope all goes well with the rezoning application. I'll post if we need community support. These are fairly pretty mild exceptions so should go smoothly *knock on wood*
Congrats Max! That sounds like a pretty awesome addition to the neighborhood.
Quote from: ProjectMaximus on February 23, 2017, 02:04:19 PM
Thanks Ennis. I guess we'll be following up with you soon on the site plan.
Hope all goes well with the rezoning application. I'll post if we need community support. These are fairly pretty mild exceptions so should go smoothly *knock on wood*
I just moved to walking distance and can't wait. That block is really becoming a gem.
MH is on fire right now. So many different projects!
This is exciting! I hope Springfield experiences the same investor enthusiasm in a few years. Hopefully the breweries will kick start it.
I look forward to trying El Jefe!
I hope it does well, but seems will be a lot to ask. 4k feet! Jax needs to kill the SRX license structure... How much better for the area to have 3 50 seat owner operated places side by side in that space... Look at Magnolias, place is dead almost all the time. No fun to be in a huge empty space...
Crowds are the lifeblood of restaurants... and a good price point. Bigger place makes it hard to have good price points. MH needs to pull from the MH community not get Friday Saturday people from Riverside and Avondale. MH folks do not have this kind of disposable income.
At least Jim Love and RAP will keep their talons out of it...
I understand what you're saying, but using Magnolia's is a bad example. I think there is way more wrong with that restaurant than square footage. Moon River next door seems to be doing well with a similar size.
Quote from: camarocane on February 24, 2017, 11:18:33 AM
I understand what you're saying, but using Magnolia's is a bad example. I think there is way more wrong with that restaurant than square footage. Moon River next door seems to be doing well with a similar size.
Magnolias should be 1/2 the size it is. and it would be without the SRX.
Quote from: Sentient on February 24, 2017, 11:12:26 AM
Look at Magnolias, place is dead almost all the time. No fun to be in a huge empty space...
That has more to do with the fact that Magnolia's is trash.
QuoteMH needs to pull from the MH community not get Friday Saturday people from Riverside and Avondale. MH folks do not have this kind of disposable income.
This seems like a gross generalization. I live in Murray Hill and the population skews way younger than that of Avondale and generally all these young people like to go out to eat/drink way more. At least in my experience.
I'm a young guy who loves to eat and drink all the time. I have disposable income LOL but sadly I have to go to riverside because there's nothing in Murray hill. I'm talking about late night options.
El Jefe will be an affordable and casual Tex-Mex concept dedicated to celebrating the diverse cuisines of America's Southern borderlands. The menu will include classics like wood grilled skirt steak fajitas, cheese enchiladas with red chili gravy, San Antonio puffy tacos, Texas-style chili con queso, queso fundido with hot homemade flour tortillas, and traditional tamales. The restaurant will also have a full bar with a focus on traditional margaritas, tequila and mescal.
Everything will be made from scratch, from the tortillas to the margaritas and We plan on going through a lot of limes! I want this to be a place where people gather with family and friends to eat, hang out and have a great time.
I'm looking forward to being a part of the up and coming Murray Hill neighborhood and can't wait to feed you soon. Stay tuned!!!
Quote from: sschwartz2929 on March 06, 2017, 10:51:55 AM
El Jefe will be an affordable and casual Tex-Mex concept dedicated to celebrating the diverse cuisines of America's Southern borderlands. The menu will include classics like wood grilled skirt steak fajitas, cheese enchiladas with red chili gravy, San Antonio puffy tacos, Texas-style chili con queso, queso fundido with hot homemade flour tortillas, and traditional tamales. The restaurant will also have a full bar with a focus on traditional margaritas, tequila and mescal.
Everything will be made from scratch, from the tortillas to the margaritas and We plan on going through a lot of limes! I want this to be a place where people gather with family and friends to eat, hang out and have a great time.
I'm looking forward to being a part of the up and coming Murray Hill neighborhood and can't wait to feed you soon. Stay tuned!!!
I cannot wait!
Quote from: sschwartz2929 on March 06, 2017, 10:51:55 AM
El Jefe will be an affordable and casual Tex-Mex concept dedicated to celebrating the diverse cuisines of America's Southern borderlands. The menu will include classics like wood grilled skirt steak fajitas, cheese enchiladas with red chili gravy, San Antonio puffy tacos, Texas-style chili con queso, queso fundido with hot homemade flour tortillas, and traditional tamales. The restaurant will also have a full bar with a focus on traditional margaritas, tequila and mescal.
These are literally all my favorite things. I'll be here as often as possible. El Jefe can't open soon enough.
This sounds tight. Can't wait to try it.
Quote from: sschwartz2929 on March 06, 2017, 10:51:55 AM
El Jefe will be an affordable and casual Tex-Mex concept dedicated to celebrating the diverse cuisines of America's Southern borderlands. The menu will include classics like wood grilled skirt steak fajitas, cheese enchiladas with red chili gravy, San Antonio puffy tacos, Texas-style chili con queso, queso fundido with hot homemade flour tortillas, and traditional tamales. The restaurant will also have a full bar with a focus on traditional margaritas, tequila and mescal.
Everything will be made from scratch, from the tortillas to the margaritas and We plan on going through a lot of limes! I want this to be a place where people gather with family and friends to eat, hang out and have a great time.
I'm looking forward to being a part of the up and coming Murray Hill neighborhood and can't wait to feed you soon. Stay tuned!!!
I'm going to be that guy; will there be vegan options?
It's awesome that El Jefe will opening in Murray Hill :)
There will be vegan options Billy
I love you :)
Quote from: sschwartz2929 on March 06, 2017, 10:51:55 AM
El Jefe will be an affordable and casual Tex-Mex concept dedicated to celebrating the diverse cuisines of America's Southern borderlands. The menu will include classics like wood grilled skirt steak fajitas, cheese enchiladas with red chili gravy, San Antonio puffy tacos, Texas-style chili con queso, queso fundido with hot homemade flour tortillas, and traditional tamales. The restaurant will also have a full bar with a focus on traditional margaritas, tequila and mescal.
Everything will be made from scratch, from the tortillas to the margaritas and We plan on going through a lot of limes! I want this to be a place where people gather with family and friends to eat, hang out and have a great time.
I'm looking forward to being a part of the up and coming Murray Hill neighborhood and can't wait to feed you soon. Stay tuned!!!
Fantastic.
FYI: I like my chimichangas crispy.
Well, margaritas are vegan. What more selection do you really need?
Apparently rezoning hearing for French Pantry is coming up in a few weeks. Hope it's smooth sailing for them and for us! (Again, will keep y'all updated regarding this spot)
Well apparently the planning commission staff is recommending AGAINST granting the parking deviation. They believe the 7 on-street spaces in front of the restaurant as well as the 7 spaces off-street "dedicated" to the restaurant development are not enough, despite the availability of nearly 30 other spaces in the parking lot and plenty more on-street.
If anyone is able to and so inclined, please attend the next meeting of the Planning Commission to voice/show your support for the restaurant opening in Murray Hill. The commission is meeting this Thursday April 20, 2017, at 1:00 PM. City Hall St. James Building, 1st Floor – Council Chambers. 117 West Duval Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32202
If you are unable to make it (like me) then also consider sending letters to Commission Chair Daniel Blanchard at Daniel.blanchard@comcast.net and Secretary Patricia Sales at pmacer@coj.net. Please copy the attorney's office at CTrimmer@dmphlaw.com so they can take hard copies to the hearing. Sample letter below:
Daniel E. Blanchard, Chair
Planning Commission
214 North Hogan Street, Suite 300
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Re: Applications for 947 S. Edgewood Avenue AD-17-21, E-17-32, WLD-17-12
Dear Chairman Blanchard:
We support the proposed development of El Jefe restaurant at 947 S. Edgewood Avenue. We are particularly excited to welcome this family-friendly Tex-Mex establishment because it offers something the neighborhood is sorely lacking – a restaurant that is open seven days a week and includes dinner service.
We understand that there are concerns regarding the impact of parking on the neighborhood. While this is an understandable concern given the parking issues that have evolved in some neighborhoods, we do believe an administrative deviation should be granted to El Jefe. The 900 block of Edgewood Avenue offers on-street parking which is underutilized by the existing businesses. This is particularly true in the evening when El Jefe restaurant expects to have peak hours of operation. Additionally, there are more than thirty spaces available behind the shopping center in a shared lot that is underutilized throughout the day. Considering the local demands and the parking that is available, we do not believe the surrounding businesses or residential neighborhoods would suffer as a result of El Jefe's addition to the neighborhood.
We encourage the Planning Commission to approve Applications AD-17-21, E-17-32, and WLD-17-12 so that residents and business owners may begin enjoying El Jefe's positive impact on the Murray Hill area.
Is there any opportunity to strike a deal with MHT or whomever owns the lot across the street to include that as ancillary (if not primary) parking for the restaurant and other stores on the east side of Edgewood?
I sent an email in support of El Jefe. The city better not deprive me of delicious tacos and margs!!
Email sent
Quote from: ProjectMaximus on April 18, 2017, 12:11:25 AM
Well apparently the planning commission staff is recommending AGAINST granting the parking deviation. They believe the 7 on-street spaces in front of the restaurant as well as the 7 spaces off-street "dedicated" to the restaurant development are not enough, despite the availability of nearly 30 other spaces in the parking lot and plenty more on-street.
If anyone is able to and so inclined, please attend the next meeting of the Planning Commission to voice/show your support for the restaurant opening in Murray Hill. The commission is meeting this Thursday April 20, 2017, at 1:00 PM. City Hall St. James Building, 1st Floor – Council Chambers. 117 West Duval Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32202
If you are unable to make it (like me) then also consider sending letters to Commission Chair Daniel Blanchard at Daniel.blanchard@comcast.net and Secretary Patricia Sales at pmacer@coj.net. Please copy the attorney's office at CTrimmer@dmphlaw.com so they can take hard copies to the hearing. Sample letter below:
Daniel E. Blanchard, Chair
Planning Commission
214 North Hogan Street, Suite 300
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Re: Applications for 947 S. Edgewood Avenue AD-17-21, E-17-32, WLD-17-12
Dear Chairman Blanchard:
We support the proposed development of El Jefe restaurant at 947 S. Edgewood Avenue. We are particularly excited to welcome this family-friendly Tex-Mex establishment because it offers something the neighborhood is sorely lacking – a restaurant that is open seven days a week and includes dinner service.
We understand that there are concerns regarding the impact of parking on the neighborhood. While this is an understandable concern given the parking issues that have evolved in some neighborhoods, we do believe an administrative deviation should be granted to El Jefe. The 900 block of Edgewood Avenue offers on-street parking which is underutilized by the existing businesses. This is particularly true in the evening when El Jefe restaurant expects to have peak hours of operation. Additionally, there are more than thirty spaces available behind the shopping center in a shared lot that is underutilized throughout the day. Considering the local demands and the parking that is available, we do not believe the surrounding businesses or residential neighborhoods would suffer as a result of El Jefe's addition to the neighborhood.
We encourage the Planning Commission to approve Applications AD-17-21, E-17-32, and WLD-17-12 so that residents and business owners may begin enjoying El Jefe's positive impact on the Murray Hill area.
A few observations:
1. Some of this is semantics. You have three contiguous parcels making up a single retail development. Yet, your application only counts the seven off-street parking spaces located on the same parcel occupying the Curry Thomas space. Have you ever considered replatting your strip center as a single parcel? Doing so means you'd have 35 off-street and 16 on-street parking spaces on Edgewood and Melba at your disposal. So really, your overall site has 51 total existing spaces to play with before figuring out what your proper reduction request should be.
2. I don't get the "Murray Hill is not a character area that allows for outdoor cafe style seating". The context lends itself well to it, so who's actually deciding what and what isn't a character area and where is that defined within the zoning code? On the other hand, I'd argue that it certainly isn't a character area where general CCG-1 zoning conditions should apply. It's a neighborhood that would certainly benefit from COJ revising it's outdated and inconsistent zoning ordinance to better fit neighborhoods of different physical traits and densities across the city. Currently, CCG-1 works more like one size fits all. Unfortunately, you're being hit over the head with faulty policy. Nevertheless, that won't help much today. So if they don't allow you outdoor seating, as a design alternative, you can treat window openings like Tradewinds next door or Hawkers in Five Points.
3. I assume the request for +150 seats is because that's the minimum size for a restaurant to be licensed to serve liquor? Could the Florida Legislature local bill J-2 being considered for Murray Hill and Springfield, which reduces the 150 to 100 help? In other words, does El Jefe's numbers work at 100 seats while also being able to serve liquor? If so, you may want to find out the status of that bill and chances of it passing. It could be a gamechanger because it would certainly reduce your amount of parking needed.
4. Although there are other businesses using the +30 space off-street lot, how many are open at night? Do Tradewinds and A Tavern currently fill that lot at night and the on-street spaces on Melba Street at night? If not, could you dedicate an additional 10 to 14 spaces to El Jefe? Doing so would give El Jefe close to 28 dedicated parking spaces, which would put you in the same range as Larry's AD request (AD-17-14). Larry's, which is right down the street, wants to go from 46 to 12. However, they are claiming they are working with an adjacent retail center to use their parking at night, which increases their dedicated number to 28. Staff recommends approval with conditions on that project, so that's probably the range you need to be in to argue precedence.
5. You probably can squeeze in some additional spaces to your existing off-street parking area. For example, looking at the existing site plan submitted, if you cut off the "access" to Jasmine Place, you could gain 2 or 3 more spaces. In reality, unless there's an easement through there, there's nothing from stopping the adjacent property owner from putting up a wall and turning the pavement behind their building into off-street parking for their own tenants. Despite needing to extend the length of those spaces behind Tradewinds, you could probably get a few more spaces around the Kirby's building too. Another option is restripping as a one way in (via Post) one way out (via Melba) with diagonal parking. That would reduce the width dedicated to the parking lot's access lanes, possibly freeing up some existing pavement for additional parking stalls. In the end, you won't meet the suburban off-street parking requirements you're being hit over the head with but even something as little as 10 additional spots may help since staff obviously believes going from 45 to 14 is too extreme.
6. Have you talked with Jim Love about your situation? If not, you should. He seems to have a good handle on the issues involving Edgewood Avenue and he desires to see it become the "character area" that staff currently mentions it isn't.
Anyway, IMO, you have quit a few options you can take to attempt to get the recommended denial changed. However, I do believe you will need to go above and beyond having residents submit letters of support. Ultimately, your application needs an answer/solution to how you're going to deal with vehicles headed to the restaurant, once those 14 spaces identified in the application are filled. At quick glance, Larry's (AD-17-14) in the same Planning Commission Agenda packet provides you with the perfect answer.
http://www.coj.net/departments/planning-and-development/docs/current-planning-division/planning-commission-docs/2017/pc-book/pc-book-04-20-2017.aspx
Quote from: Non-RedNeck Westsider on April 18, 2017, 12:35:54 AM
Is there any opportunity to strike a deal with MHT or whomever owns the lot across the street to include that as ancillary (if not primary) parking for the restaurant and other stores on the east side of Edgewood?
Good question. I think this is something we might explore, although Tony already allows the businesses in his buildings to use that parking.
Quote from: Captain Zissou on April 18, 2017, 09:59:26 AM
I sent an email in support of El Jefe. The city better not deprive me of delicious tacos and margs!!
Quote from: JaxAvondale on April 18, 2017, 11:10:47 AM
Email sent
Thanks!
Quote from: thelakelander on April 18, 2017, 01:06:02 PM
A few observations:
Thank you as always for your helpful suggestions, Lake. Right now I'm just following Mr. Diebenow's recommendations. We are cautiously optimistic that things will work out this week, and if not you are correct there are a number of compromises available. Re: Jasmine Pl...I see no reason why we can't block it off and add a few spaces, as it was blocked off not too many years ago. And was the character area for outdoor seating comment from the report? I did not see it but yes, that is absurd if so.
Yes, it's on page 193 of the linked agenda packet:
http://www.coj.net/departments/planning-and-development/docs/current-planning-division/planning-commission-docs/2017/pc-book/pc-book-04-20-2017.aspx
QuoteMurray Hill is not a character area that allows for outside café style seating. Therefore in the application for request for outdoor seating with the retail sales and service of all alcoholic beverages the Planning & Development Department recommends approval with a condition of no outdoor seating. This would lower the seating count of the restaurant by eight (8) seats thus reducing the parking count to a requirement of 43 parking spots.
Edgewood is 100' wide. It also doesn't need to be four lanes through Murray Hill. It seems like the community desires it to be a character area that would allow and embrace outside cafe style seating and there's more than enough room to work with. It's time to make it happen.
Thanks for drawing attention to that, Lake. It's ridiculous. If not now, when?
Quote from: thelakelander on April 19, 2017, 05:30:45 AM
Yes, it's on page 193 of the linked agenda packet:
http://www.coj.net/departments/planning-and-development/docs/current-planning-division/planning-commission-docs/2017/pc-book/pc-book-04-20-2017.aspx
QuoteMurray Hill is not a character area that allows for outside café style seating. Therefore in the application for request for outdoor seating with the retail sales and service of all alcoholic beverages the Planning & Development Department recommends approval with a condition of no outdoor seating. This would lower the seating count of the restaurant by eight (8) seats thus reducing the parking count to a requirement of 43 parking spots.
Edgewood is 100' wide. It also doesn't need to be four lanes through Murray Hill. It seems like the community desires it to be a character area that would allow and embrace outside cafe style seating and there's more than enough room to work with. It's time to make it happen.
That makes no sense. I could understand if it were in the back towards homes but they should be encouraging outdoor seating on the street. Looks like some antiquated rules that need changing now that restaurants actually want to be in Murray Hill.
Zoning Commission approved the parking deviation (and the alcohol sales). We're good to go. Thanks for all your support folks. I wasn't there but was told Chairman Blanchard expressed annoyance (jokingly I'll presume) at all the letters he received in support, so thanks again.
Super Congrats. So great to hear.
We were given everything we wanted including outside seating with one condition. I have to build a bike rack. Actually that was already in the plan. Thanks for all your support. Puffy Tacos and Margaritas coming soon!
Quote from: sschwartz2929 on April 20, 2017, 03:11:14 PM
We were given everything we wanted including outside seating with one condition. I have to build a bike rack. Actually that was already in the plan. Thanks for all your support. Puffy Tacos and Margaritas coming soon!
Thank goodness! Congratulations!!
Nice!
Quote from: sschwartz2929 on April 20, 2017, 03:11:14 PM
We were given everything we wanted including outside seating with one condition. I have to build a bike rack. Actually that was already in the plan. Thanks for all your support. Puffy Tacos and Margaritas coming soon!
Interesting that the city is requiring you to build a bike rack when they have done nothing to make biking safe along Edgewood Ave. Although they easily could with a road diet.
Quote from: sschwartz2929 on April 20, 2017, 03:11:14 PM
We were given everything we wanted including outside seating with one condition. I have to build a bike rack. Actually that was already in the plan. Thanks for all your support. Puffy Tacos and Margaritas coming soon!
Oh yeah, the outside seating too. Awesome! 8)
Wooo another bike rack!
Congrats!
Congratulations! Keep us updated on the progress!
Congrats! 8)
Congrats Max
Quote947 Edgewood Ave. S., tenant buildout for El Jefe restaurant, $495,693, 4,016 square feet, Satilla Inc. The Tex-Mex restaurant, going into the former Curry Thomas Hardware space, is owned by Scotty Schwartz, owner of 29 South in Fernandina Beach.
http://jacksonville.com/business/business-notebook/real-estate/2017-12-02/sunday-notebook-more-apartments-gran-bay-and-what
The past few times I've driven by, there have been signs of construction/renovation starting to ramp up. Can't wait until it's finished!
I walked by this weekend, and it looked like they were having a soft opening. It looks nice inside, and bigger than I expected.
I saw from a Friend on FB that apparently real opening is Wednesday. Not 100% sure if that's accurate or not.
Website with menu is up! https://www.eljefejax.com/
Quote from: Steve on May 21, 2018, 09:06:02 AM
I saw from a Friend on FB that apparently real opening is Wednesday. Not 100% sure if that's accurate or not.
I heard Wednesday as well. Can't wait to check it out.
Unfortunately there is a giant wall in the middle of the menu.......
I'm so excited about this. I'm hoping this can be my new go to spot now that Burrito Gallery has completely sold out.
There's always Nacho Taco....
Just had lunch there... nice place... food is very good... cannot wait to try Happy Hour as the bar looks... inviting.... Was informed that menudo will be available on weekends. Now THATs authentic... 8)
Quote from: MusicMan on May 23, 2018, 12:13:09 PM
There's always Nacho Taco....
Not the same. Nacho Taco falls more into the Baymeadows La Nop & Pepes mexican realm. Then there's the middle ground of San Marco La Nop, Mr Taco, Taco Libre, Cantina Louie, Salsas. Upper tier is Taco Lu and Flying Iguana. I'm hoping this is above and beyond upper tier for my taco fix.
BG is off the list now that they charge $9 for a margarita and serve the tacos on 2" tortillas. Lolas is also a no go.
Quote from: BridgeTroll on May 23, 2018, 12:33:29 PM
Just had lunch there... nice place... food is very good... cannot wait to try Happy Hour as the bar looks... inviting.... Was informed that menudo will be available on weekends. Now THATs authentic... 8)
I was there also. The food was really good and the restaurant was running smoothly for a place that just opened.
My only concern is that the price points for lunch - $11 (no drink) may be a tad high for the immediate neighborhood since we don't really have any mid-tier office workers around. I would think most of the traffic through here at lunch time is not the type that's looking for a $15 lunch. Hopefully they can pull enough from outside the area to keep it going.
And to clarify, for what you get - an app and an entree w/ sides - isn't a bad deal, but I'd personally like to see a menu selection w/ smaller portions and a lower price point.
Quote from: Non-RedNeck Westsider on May 23, 2018, 02:50:26 PM
Quote from: BridgeTroll on May 23, 2018, 12:33:29 PM
Just had lunch there... nice place... food is very good... cannot wait to try Happy Hour as the bar looks... inviting.... Was informed that menudo will be available on weekends. Now THATs authentic... 8)
I was there also. The food was really good and the restaurant was running smoothly for a place that just opened.
My only concern is that the price points for lunch - $11 (no drink) may be a tad high for the immediate neighborhood since we don't really have any mid-tier office workers around. I would think most of the traffic through here at lunch time is not the type that's looking for a $15 lunch. Hopefully they can pull enough from outside the area to keep it going.
And to clarify, for what you get - an app and an entree w/ sides - isn't a bad deal, but I'd personally like to see a menu selection w/ smaller portions and a lower price point.
I agree with the price point issue... but I can certainly see myself sitting at the bar...
I like Hola in Springfield too. Fast and cheap....
Pretty sure NT has a $7.00 lunch special.... IIRC
Quote from: BridgeTroll on May 23, 2018, 12:33:29 PM
Was informed that menudo will be available on weekends.
Nice! Hope enough people buy it to make it a regular thing! Love it.
http://www.jacksonville.com/news/20180522/owner-chef-scott-schwartz-bringing-new-tex-mex-restaurant-to-murray-hill-this-week
Ate there Wednesday night. Certainly not cheap but the food was very good. I like the decor no day of the dead type stuff. I would say the California cool type colors and a bit minimalist. Love the bar. I can see myself gravitating to El Jefe regularly. For me a nice value add was that with the free starter chips and salsa that lots of places do they also had a nice creamy Avocado dip.
Pro tip:The Chimichanga was very good nicely crispy fried. However like every other American place it will be soggy if you don't order the sauce on the side.(Good Sauce)
Went this past Tuesday around 7pm, and they had a waitlist. El Jefe is killing it in Murray Hill.
I went last night at 6:45 and got a table, but it was certainly busy. Everything was delicious and the service was great. They even threw in some chips and salsa to go!
They are doing waaaaay better than their projections and supposedly better than all of their peer establishments since opening.
I've been twice. I did enjoy it both times. However my puffy tacos were soggy as they sat on the plate next to some slaw or salad ( I can't remember).
So I actually would present them on a smaller separate plate so they stay crunchy, which I believe is the intention.
Quote from: MusicMan on August 17, 2018, 09:45:23 AM
I've been twice. I did enjoy it both times. However my puffy tacos were soggy as they sat on the plate next to some slaw or salad ( I can't remember).
So I actually would present them on a smaller separate plate so they stay crunchy, which I believe is the intention.
Funny I had a similar "problem" with my San Antonio puffy tacos being a bit soggy but that was because it was well-stuffed with ground beef that I guess it was inevitable. Anyway the rest of the shell was airy and crisp so together they melded perfectly.
Really loved what they did to the place. Pleased to see they utilized the entire footprint of the old Curry Thomas and it was totally buzzing. Was a first time visit for not just me but all my friends and we all totally enjoyed it. And Welcome Back, Silver Cow!
March 2019 update?