Hey y’all!
Today I’ll be reviewing El Jefe’s Taqueria in downtown State College.
Last Friday, my friends and I were instructed to meet up at El Jefe’s before a party. Knowing we’d be hungry, we decided to go an hour early and see what this highly recommended place was all about. I had high expectations to see if it would meet the standard, and might I say, this place is quite literally a bombshell! The second I walked in, I new that I had found paradise. I looked all around the room and saw the most delicious-looking bowls, burritos, quesadillas, and nachos that I’ve seen in months at this point. Not only were my eyes stimulated, but that savory aroma of the meat cooking in the back was like sensory heaven. There’s nothing I love more than sensory heaven. As I walked up to look at the menu, I saw something else I love: simplicity. Basically, you could get tacos, burritos, bowls, fajita bowls, or quesadillas. There were a lot of choices of components and add-ons, but the basic selection was simple and easy. I knew from my analytical observations of the room that I absolutely had to try one of the bowls. They not only looked filling, but I knew I could have my choice of the exact flavor palate I wanted. In other words, I could get a little bit of everything. I got a fajita bowl because it gives you extra meat and it comes with flour tortillas. When I tell you I had enough food to make three tacos with my tortillas and still had a dinner’s worth left in the bowl, I hope you can imagine my satisfaction.
My friend got the same thing I did and had leftovers for the next day. My other friend got a chicken quesadilla and the one bite I had made the dining hall’s quesadillas look like dog food (and I liked those). I enjoyed the ambiance in the place as well. The metal stools and wood tables gave a comfortable casual-yet-chic aesthetic. Mind you, we were dressed like we were about to go to Beyonce’s Renaissance tour, so our vibe didn’t necessarily match the energy of the room. However, the guy at the register said he liked my cowboy hat, so maybe they should think about adding a dress code to the place. All in all, the portion sizes were excellent for the price. I think the bowl I got was $13, which, compared to the meal from Kondu for a bit more, I definitely got more food at El Jefe’s. This is currently my fav spot on campus, so I definitely recommend trying it if you haven’t already. They’re open really late, but be careful about going after midnight because they’re one of the only places open and the line is a million miles long.
Best of luck and farewell!
~Asim
I can relate to the amazing flavor that comes along with El Jefes. I have been to this establishment and I had a burrito which was loaded with savory food. I have to agree that this is one of my favorite spots on campus as well and this post has inspired me to return again to be reunited to their amazing food.
I’ve never had El Jefes, but it sounds like I should try it out after reading your blog. I’ve been dabbling with Hispanic food since I’ve been here since there are not a lot of solid spots near home. Chipotle has been a bit disappointing honestly so I might have to give this a shot. Your descriptions allowed me to get a clear vision of the scenery, smells, tastes, etc. If I go I’d get the bowl you mentioned as it sounds like a steal compared to the other places up here.
I’m yet to try El Jefes but this may have convinced me. I’m glad you had a good experience and I liked how you also made commentary about the overall vibe of the restaurant because personally, I feel that is just as important as the quality of the food. Cant wait to see what you try this week.
I actually have spent way too much money at el jefes this year. It is SOOOO good, and every time I walk past I feel inclined to walk in. I like how you noted how HUGE the portion sizes are- my roommates make fun of me all the time because I always bring them home and have multiple bowls sitting in the fridge. I am glad you got to try it and I enjoyed hearing about your encounter with the place- happy it was high on your list!!