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El Hefe - Chicago, Chicago, IL

El Hefe - Chicago

3.2
3.2
256 Reviews
$30 and under
Mexican
Top Tags:
El Hefe Super Macho Taqueria in Chicago is not your average taco joint. We serve up delicious little tortillas full of flavor, but we also boast the best Tortas and Beer-Garitas in Chicago. At El Hefe we dish up all kinds of tacos: Pork al Pastor, Braised Beef, Duck Carnitas, Chicken, Carne Asada and more! And they don’t stop there– add in an entrada (appetizer), Hefe Dog, Torta or finish off the meal with a dulce (dessert).

Are you more concerned with the beverage? El Hefe has some of the best Margaritas we’ve ever sipped. Grab one – or a beer-garita, frozen marg, beer, boxed wine (seriously!) – the list goes on and on!

How do you say “Cheers” in Spanish? At El Hefe we have earned it!

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 3 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Sat, Sun 12:00 pm–4:00 pm Dinner Thu–Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (312) 548-6841
  • Website
    http://www.elhefe.com/chicago-il/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Jesus Vargas
  • Catering
    Many Catering options are available, contact Tina Peterson for more info 928 710 8985
  • Private party facilities
    We welcome you to explore our Private Dining options, perfect for any occasion.
  • Private party contact
    our Private Event Coordinator: (312) 548-6841
  • Location
    15 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654
  • Neighborhood
    River North (Chicago)
  • Cross street
    State St & Hubbard St
  • Parking details
    Valet
  • Entertainment
    El Hefe has a variety of resident DJ's Wednesday - Sunday evenings for your enjoyment.
  • Additional
    Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Weekend Brunch

What 256 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

3.2
3.2 based on recent ratings
  • 3.2Food
  • 3.1Service
  • 3.2Ambience
  • 2.9Value

Noise • Moderate

256 Reviews

  1. CelesteS

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Waitress was great, and food and drink was excellent.

    Is this helpful?

  2. OpenTable Diner

    Houston

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great atmosphere. Equivalent service. Would absolutely return regardless of happy hour.

    Is this helpful?

  3. DanF

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    I made a dinner reservation a week before the day, when we arrived they told us that the kitchen was closed for the day but that we could stay for drinks only. We wanted to have dinner so it would have been nice to know that they closed the kitchen before we got there.

    1 person found this helpful

  4. KimberlyC

    Columbus

    3 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 16, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    I made a reservation for a large group and when we arrived, were told they closed for a private party and we would have to make other arrangements. Finding other dinner plans in Chicago for 10 people was impossible and completely ruined our evening. They offered us to come back two hours later for a free bottle but because it took us so long to find us a place to all eat together it was late and we were far away from the restaurant.

    1 person found this helpful

  5. David

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 30, 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience5
    Eight dollar happy hour margaritas were the size of dixie cups. The food was ok but wasn't worth the cost.

    1 person found this helpful

  6. AugustA

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 3, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Traveled from out of state to be turned away at door for a birthday celebration!!!! Make reservations anywhere but here

    1 person found this helpful

  7. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Great time! Easy menu and fun atmosphere. A definite must try!

    Is this helpful?

  8. Joshay

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    I scheduled an reservation at 4:30. When I got there they turned me away because their kitchen closed at 5 pm . I was there wayyyy before 5pm. Then the host laughed in my face when I showed frustration . It was Mother’s Day and part of my plans were ruined. I really don’t know that girl’s name but she was very nasty and rude.

    Is this helpful?

  9. DenisiaB

    Chicago

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 24, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Nice place for a quick bite good music strong cocktails and great customer service. Stopped by for a quick drink and I’ll definitely be back soon

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  10. KayshuanW

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was fun good drinks good and music from the Dj will be back again

    Is this helpful?

  11. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on January 14, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Great experience all together. Reservations were not necessary. We sat ourselves when we walked in. The inside was visually appealing and had a great energy to it. We were not expecting it to be a nightclub, but it ended up being a great night. Food was decent and the drinks were fantastic. The service was some of the best service I had ever received.

    Is this helpful?

  12. Smith

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall5food2service3ambience2
    I was recommended a watermelon Hennessy and Red Bull but I didn’t taste no Hennessy and got charged for all three ingredients and was charged a venue fee and the tip was $50 with a 30 dollar tax and the food wasn’t that good omg I could have made them tacos better than that and the corn dip was too sweet omg our bill total was all $350 for 4 guests with 2 take outs

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  13. YolandaD

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on December 17, 2022

    overall3food2service4ambience3
    Full disclaimer: I had high expectations for this place that I'd never eaten at, and our group was really hungry. We made reservations for 4 and when we arrived a half-naked lady behind the bar told us we could sit anywhere. That would have been ok, if the food made up for us not being properly greeted at the door and walked to a reserved table. We ordered chips and guacamole; we got chips, 1 guacamole and 3 other sauces in small jars -not what we asked for but ok...we are hungry! We requested more guacamole in a bigger bowl. They could not comply -waitress brought out 2 more small jars:(! We ordered taco trios (3 tacos) and burritos dinners. We got our plate and was wondering where the rest of the food was! The tacos and burritos were SO small! El Hefe should have the word Tapas Bar attached to its name so people who are expecting regular portions (especially Mexican Food) know what to expect! Looking at our $233 bill which included tip (no complaint on the tip) and saw that we were charged almost $20 for the extra guacamole and we all were still HUNGRY made this birthday dinner experience for my sister a huge disappointment. We also noted we were celebrating a birthday and no birthday courtesy was given. It seemed our fully dressed waitress was trying to get off her shift so the half-dressed waitresses could take over:( This was definitely a one and done experience for us.

    Is this helpful?

  14. DannyV

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 26, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    I showed up and never seated, was told because of the soccer game every table was taken and weren't taking reservations. As I showed them the reservation I was told was nothing they could do. Horrible experience

    El Hefe - ChicagoResponded on December 1, 2022

    Hi Danny, truly sorry to hear about your recent visit. Clearly not what we are known for and wanted you to have. Will you please reach out to us via our website, so we can can connect offline? Unfortunately, we can't provide any links or email in this reply. Thank you, Kevin

    Is this helpful?

  15. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    It was good.

    Is this helpful?

  16. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and customer service!

    Is this helpful?

  17. JimF

    Seattle

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 6, 2022

    overall2food3service2ambience3
    Understaffed. Wimpy Margaritas. Up charges galore. Non discretionary 20% gratuity on everything.

    1 person found this helpful

  18. Kimberly

    Chicago

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 25, 2022

    overall4food2service4ambience4
    The food was not what I expected. Our reservation was for 8:15 and the kitchen was suppose to close at 10pm but they closed it an hour early. So we had to rush and close out our bill before we even received all our food. The club aspect of it was fun. But the drinks are over priced after 10.

    Is this helpful?

  19. PorscheH

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2022

    overall4food3service5ambience4
    Came in for happy hour and the menu options were very limited versus the menu I saw online. Waitress was really friendly and drinks weren’t bad. The fries were good, the elite dip was too sweet, and the tacos were decent. I would comeback and maybe try different food options.

    Is this helpful?

  20. camic

    Chicago

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 22, 2022

    overall2food2service2ambience2
    None of the Happy Hour specials listed on their website were valid, which is why we went in the first place. It took 20 minutes to get a drink. Our waitress was great but she also had 8-10 other tables to tend to.

    Is this helpful?

  21. OpenTable Diner

    Alabama

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 8, 2022

    overall4food4service3ambience5
    Waitress was super nice and the food was good but it took a while for us to get taken care of. We did notice however that their was only one server for the whole restaurant so we didn’t hold it against her. The margaritas were good and a great deal!

    Is this helpful?

  22. BG23

    Indiana

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 2, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    Our bill was $320.00 now 100.00 of that was shots and drinks but 220.00 for 2 Macho Bowls, 1 appetizer and 4 single tacos is a little much. Then they added a venue charge on the bill no clue what this even is let alone why we would get charged for this at 230pm??? If it's cause they turn into a club???.

    1 person found this helpful

  23. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 2, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience2
    Awful food, awful service, do not recommend

    1 person found this helpful

  24. TheGrubGuy

    Omaha

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 24, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience2
    Might be one of the worst meals I’ve ever had in Chicago. Service was beyond awful. No attentiveness. Employees were behind and beer bar on their phones half the time or dancing to the loud music. No care was given to the patrons. Food was extremely bland. That shocked me. Everything needed salt. Usually flavor from this type of cuisine just “pops” off the plate. Not here. Will not be going back.

    1 person found this helpful

  25. TeresaH

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 24, 2022

    overall3food5service5ambience3
    Wow, surprisingly expensive. Automatic 17% gratuity included.

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  26. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 18, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Worst experience ever super rude manager and wait staff, never going back , I had to keep for asking for everything they didn’t even wait on us I unless I got up and asked them to come bc they where busy talking to each other

    Is this helpful?

  27. JacquelineC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best appetizer my husband and I have ever had. And the Margaritas are to die for. The service was top notch

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  28. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 4, 2022

    overall3food2service3ambience3
    I expected the food to be much better….tacos were a bit dry…music was loud but ok.

    Is this helpful?

  29. ElizabethM

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 29, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    Great food great drinks great service! Highly recommend

    Is this helpful?

  30. Angie

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food and great service. Had a great time.

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  31. OpenTable Diner

    Grand Rapids

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 22, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Booked on OpenTable for dinner. They had NO kitchen and a $30 cover. They only told of all this AFTER we paid the cover and refused to refund the $30 cover. So we didn’t get any food, drinks, and paid $30 for nothing.

    1 person found this helpful

  32. AnnaW

    Chicago

    7 reviews

    2.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2022

    overall2food3service1ambience3
    We have booked this reservation a month ahead of time. it took several minutes to get the table ready so we waited. Once sat at table, the table was still dirty. It took almost 20 min to finally get our waitress. Once we came over, she said she will get us waters and when she came back 10 min later, she never brought waters. We ordered everything we wanted. We had a party of 5 and 3 had something wrong with our order. We also ordered guac for the table which didn’t even come until we asked for our check at the end. We said we didn’t want it at that point and they removed it from the bill. It was very loud inside and expected on cinco de Mayo but we would literally watch our waitress stand at the bar on her phone instead of helping tables. Overall, it was very disappointing and I will not go back.

    Is this helpful?

  33. dave

    Chicago

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on April 23, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food great drinks

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  34. JailynP

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 1, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Do not recommend!! Service was bad, food was bad- had the cook come tell us that he cooked the food right when we returned the plate back to the kitchen. Waiter took forever to take care of us, came around once to ask if we were fine keep in mind we were in the restaurant for 2 hours.

    Is this helpful?

  35. VPVp

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 27, 2022

    overall2food2service1ambience5
    My drink came out so dirty and sticky. I asked for something to wipe. Nothing ever came. One of our orders came out almost 20 minutes after everyone else’s. I asked about it and they said oh they come out when they are done not at the same time. But once I told them all of sudden the food appeared. I think they forgot it ! One person on my party ordered a bowl but asked for a full potion of each meat chicken steak and shrimp. But he got on portion of meat mixed. If We’re getting charged full meat money we should get full meat ! And the worst part was we asked for silverware three times. We ended up eating our appetizers with our hands. They didn’t give us silver ware until a few min before our food showed. And had three plates for five people. So every one had dirty hands and trying to eat off the serving dish. This place was too expensive to be this horrible.

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  36. Anonymous

    San Francisco

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 12, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    They don’t honor reservations- would give 0 if possible

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  37. NadiaC

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 20, 2022

    overall2food1service1ambience3
    Service was super slow, they were very understaffed, drinks took 20 min. Food was OK, would not go back for it. Music was good and vibe was alright.

    Is this helpful?

  38. NicolasG

    Chicago

    21 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on February 19, 2022

    overall1food2service2ambience2
    Waited 20 min for someone to acknowledge I was waiting for a table so I just sat down with my family. Bathrooms disgusting and women's had no soap.

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  39. Jill

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 17, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    I made this reservation only to find the venue being closed for dinner. Very unprofessional, should have closed the ability to make reservations if they were planning to close dinner service.

    Is this helpful?

  40. Marcy

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 6, 2022

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    Everything we order was delicious. The service was very slow and they could not split our bill. But we enjoyed our time

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

El Hefe - Chicago is rated 3.2 stars by 256 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 3 times today
Google Map for El Hefe - Chicago

15 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654

Additional information

  • Cross street
    State St & Hubbard St
  • Neighborhood
    River North (Chicago)
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Sat, Sun 12:00 pm–4:00 pm Dinner Thu–Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Valet
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Jesus Vargas
  • Entertainment
    El Hefe has a variety of resident DJ's Wednesday - Sunday evenings for your enjoyment.
  • Additional
    Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Weekend Brunch
  • Website
    http://www.elhefe.com/chicago-il/
  • Phone number
    (312) 548-6841
  • Catering
    Many Catering options are available, contact Tina Peterson for more info 928 710 8985
  • Private party facilities
    We welcome you to explore our Private Dining options, perfect for any occasion.
  • Private party contact
    our Private Event Coordinator: (312) 548-6841
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