Mexican restaurant provides new menu items in Lynchburg
Historic downtown Lynchburg welcomes a new Mexican restaurant to the array of dining options.
El Jefe Taqueria Garaje opened in September 2015 and is located on 1214 Commerce Street.
Photo credit: Leah Seavers
The new restaurant has attracted college students, families and Lynchburg locals during the five month period it has been open.
“We get a fair amount of everybody,” front house manager Scott White said. “It’s a different pace from most of the Lynchburg restaurants. It’s been very well received.”
El Jefe, translated to “the boss,” is known for tacos and tequila, according to White.
“Everything is house-made here: guacamole, pico (de gallo), salsa; it’s all house made here,” White said.
El Jefe serves a variety of 10 different tacos, on either a 6-inch corn or flour tortilla. Tacos can be served gringo style with cheese, lettuce, lime sour cream and salsa or traditional style with cilantro, pico de gallo and lime.
The restaurant sticks to a minimalistic menu. While the tacos are the main focus, the restaurant also serves quesadillas, salads and nachos.
“We just like to use fresh ingredients,” White said. “Nothing’s really a secret. If you ask, we’ll tell.”
The restaurant is narrow with the main dining seating in the back. El Jefe also has patio seating during warmer weather. Without the patio seating, the restaurant can seat about 40 people.
El Jefe brings something new and a change of pace to Lynchburg, according to White.
“It’s quick,” White said. “It’s easy. It’s a little more of a relaxed atmosphere as opposed to a sit down casual dining restaurant.”
El Jefe is owned by Stephan Parry, of Stephan Parry Restaurants, and Roger Murphy, who is also the head chef.
The restaurant group currently owns 16 restaurants statewide including Shoemakers American Grille and Waterstone Pizza in Lynchburg.
The Stephan Parry Restaurants group also owns restaurants in Roanoke, Charlottesville, Richmond and Fairfax.
El Jefe is open Sunday to Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Thursday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.
SWEENEY is a feature reporter.