Él jefe sports cantina may be the name of the sports bar a few doors down, this is a nail salon. Prices are reasonable, service is quick, good massage chairs.
Temeika Beasley Spruiells
If I were to give El Jefe a rating on drinks only, it would be a five out of five. This place has the vibe, the service, and the goods that transport you right off of Dyckman to a chill Latino and R&B spot to soothe the soul.
We arrived around 3PM and Happy Hour was in full effect. There weren’t many people there—us and an interesting man with a slick back do. This is significant because the guy, usually someone that most would have ignored, received exceptional attention from the bartender. When you show up and chill at the bar, let’s face it, the bartender is more than a sever, this is an underpaid therapist. Let it be noted, she served in this capacity for at least an hour with him and others for the evening. There—the culture is right.
The drinks are a treat in this little corner on the block. I would have never guessed, but they were delicious and beautiful.
I’m glad I wandered in this time but I will be intentional and see this spot next around!
China Linda
This experience left a terrible impression. We paid $20 each to get in. We sat at an open table up front and were told we had to order food to sit there. We ordered wings and drinks to start, planning to order more. Moments later, the hostess questioned our server right in front of us, then came over and said, “No, no! One app and one drink isn’t enough to sit here!” It felt rude and unnecessary.
Trying to smooth things over, we ordered more— another appetizer and additional drinks. But things only got worse. While using the restroom upstairs, our server followed us and asked how we planned to pay. We asked if they accepted Apple Pay—they didn’t—so we asked about an ATM. When we came back down, security was waiting for us like we were trying to skip a $50 tab. We were embarrassed and confused.
Then came the most bizarre part: the manager refused Apple Pay and Zelle and said there were no electronic options. Who doesn’t accept Apple Pay in 2025 they need to update their card terminals. But after a kind man saw what was happening and paid $70 in cash for our tab, the story suddenly changed. Our server told us we were all set—but as we were leaving, the manager stopped us and insisted we now Zelle him personally, even though the bill had already been paid. So first Zelle wasn’t allowed—and then suddenly he wanted it sent directly to his own Zelle account? Completely unprofessional and shady. We sent it just to not cause any more problems.
This place is a mess. The staff was rude, the management was sketchy, and the whole interaction was uncomfortable. I wouldn’t recommend this place to anyone.
Tiye S.
My first and last visit here. Bad customer service on behalf of the hostess and bartenders. Myself and a friend came in on a Thursday night that wasn’t too busy. We were told we could only sit at the bar. I asked the hostess a few times if we could sit at a table (which there were plenty) and order food, but she said we had to sit at the bar. We waited for 15 minutes as we watched the bartenders socialize amongst themselves and serve other customers. One bartender made a hand gesture to us as if saying “one moment” but she still didn’t come over and take our order. Meanwhile, we noticed the same hostess seat two women at the table behind us….
I hate to even think this, but it felt racially motivated. The only other black customers were at the corner of the bar and they hadn’t been served either. We decided to leave. In this economy, we work too hard to even attempt to spend money at a place that clearly didn’t want our business. Especially in Dyckman, that has many other options for drinks/food/music.
I suggest that anyone of a darker complexion (even if you speak Spanish…) avoid this place entirely. We went down the block to Room 151 and were treated with the respect we deserve.
Adrian Sanchez
Ehh... would be nice to be notified about a mandatory gratuity. The food wasn't all that either. And the bartenders need to brush up on their drinks!
Teacher Moncion
Great sports bar!
Foodie Girl
Terrible customer service. Absolutely do not waste your time or money here. I came in specifically because of a promotion they advertised all over their website — a happy hour $6 margarita special. Sounds great, right? Well, apparently not to the staff. When I asked about it, they looked at me like I was speaking another language and flat out refused to honor it. No explanation, no apology, just a smug that’s not available as if I had made it up.
I even pulled up the ad on my phone, showed them their own website, and was told, “We don’t control that.” Excuse me? How do you not control your own website? That’s either blatant false advertising or sheer incompetence maybe both.
To top it off, only the security guard was nice. The bartender and manager were rude.
If I could give zero stars, I would. Never coming back.
False advertisements.
Richad Taveraz
Good atmosphere good food good service 👍
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Shawn C.
Wow this place has a lot of bad reviews - so here’s another one! With all these complaints I can see why they automatically charge a 20% gratuity to the bill, which is so slimy. This restaurant was nearly empty during prime dinner hour - except a silly D.J. blasting painfully loud ghetto music to an audience of nobody. The tacos are insultingly small. For the price I was expecting a satisfying portion, but these should be street tacos at $1 each. The Taco Bell across the street has been more satisfying.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Shaquan Nelson
If you're a single Black man who literally just wants to spend money for sport, your dollars will probably be spent better somewhere else. Just go to Tryon Public House to be honest.
I've gone here for over a year and I'm not coming back after how I was treated last night. Whenever any major sporting event happens, I'm treated as if I am not a man and that's genuinely disrespectful. How is this a sports cantina?
The bartenders and security really save this place because the table workers are horrible.
I recently visited El Jefe Cantina Sports and while there were some highlights, my experience was marred by significant service issues. Upon arrival, the hostess promptly seated us, but unfortunately, that was the last moment of attentive service we received.
We waited over 30 minutes without anyone acknowledging our presence or taking our order. It became clear that the hostess had not informed the staff about our seating, which left us feeling overlooked and frustrated.
On a positive note, the restaurant was clean, and the DJ curated an excellent variety of music that created a vibrant atmosphere. The place had a lot of potential, but it was overshadowed by the lack of a welcoming experience from the staff.
Overall, while El Jefe has the makings of a great spot, they need to improve their communication and attentiveness. I hope they can address these issues, as I would love to return for a better experience.
Atmosphere: 3
Service: 1
Ardo Sow
Don’t ever go to this place !!! I went there in July 8 had 3 drinks bill was 52$ , next day I checked my account they charged me 152$! They stole 100$ from my account . Do not go there !
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Stephanie Flores
Was there before 1 am and got charged almost 700 for two bottles. Will not be returning again!
Atmosphere: 2
Service: 1
Charles Castro
My review is from a 53 year old male solo traveler perspective. The Tacos ? ? are delicious, the hip young ambiance was excellent. Service was perfect up until I ordered a hookah. Apparently the person in charge of distributing the hookah was too busy to honor an order that was placed well over an hour ago. I can only conclude that he was not entertaining a mature person because everyone else received their hookah. Mind you this was on a Monday night (Memorial Day) so It was not that busy. Like I said everything else was great. TV and bar was really impressive. Left without my hookah but that's their loss.
Él jefe sports cantina may be the name of the sports bar a few doors down, this is a nail salon. Prices are reasonable, service is quick, good massage chairs.
If I were to give El Jefe a rating on drinks only, it would be a five out of five. This place has the vibe, the service, and the goods that transport you right off of Dyckman to a chill Latino and R&B spot to soothe the soul.
We arrived around 3PM and Happy Hour was in full effect. There weren’t many people there—us and an interesting man with a slick back do. This is significant because the guy, usually someone that most would have ignored, received exceptional attention from the bartender. When you show up and chill at the bar, let’s face it, the bartender is more than a sever, this is an underpaid therapist. Let it be noted, she served in this capacity for at least an hour with him and others for the evening. There—the culture is right.
The drinks are a treat in this little corner on the block. I would have never guessed, but they were delicious and beautiful.
I’m glad I wandered in this time but I will be intentional and see this spot next around!
This experience left a terrible impression. We paid $20 each to get in. We sat at an open table up front and were told we had to order food to sit there. We ordered wings and drinks to start, planning to order more. Moments later, the hostess questioned our server right in front of us, then came over and said, “No, no! One app and one drink isn’t enough to sit here!” It felt rude and unnecessary.
Trying to smooth things over, we ordered more— another appetizer and additional drinks. But things only got worse. While using the restroom upstairs, our server followed us and asked how we planned to pay. We asked if they accepted Apple Pay—they didn’t—so we asked about an ATM. When we came back down, security was waiting for us like we were trying to skip a $50 tab. We were embarrassed and confused.
Then came the most bizarre part: the manager refused Apple Pay and Zelle and said there were no electronic options. Who doesn’t accept Apple Pay in 2025 they need to update their card terminals. But after a kind man saw what was happening and paid $70 in cash for our tab, the story suddenly changed. Our server told us we were all set—but as we were leaving, the manager stopped us and insisted we now Zelle him personally, even though the bill had already been paid. So first Zelle wasn’t allowed—and then suddenly he wanted it sent directly to his own Zelle account? Completely unprofessional and shady. We sent it just to not cause any more problems.
This place is a mess. The staff was rude, the management was sketchy, and the whole interaction was uncomfortable. I wouldn’t recommend this place to anyone.
My first and last visit here. Bad customer service on behalf of the hostess and bartenders. Myself and a friend came in on a Thursday night that wasn’t too busy. We were told we could only sit at the bar. I asked the hostess a few times if we could sit at a table (which there were plenty) and order food, but she said we had to sit at the bar. We waited for 15 minutes as we watched the bartenders socialize amongst themselves and serve other customers. One bartender made a hand gesture to us as if saying “one moment” but she still didn’t come over and take our order. Meanwhile, we noticed the same hostess seat two women at the table behind us….
I hate to even think this, but it felt racially motivated. The only other black customers were at the corner of the bar and they hadn’t been served either. We decided to leave. In this economy, we work too hard to even attempt to spend money at a place that clearly didn’t want our business. Especially in Dyckman, that has many other options for drinks/food/music.
I suggest that anyone of a darker complexion (even if you speak Spanish…) avoid this place entirely. We went down the block to Room 151 and were treated with the respect we deserve.
Ehh... would be nice to be notified about a mandatory gratuity. The food wasn't all that either. And the bartenders need to brush up on their drinks!
Great sports bar!
Terrible customer service. Absolutely do not waste your time or money here. I came in specifically because of a promotion they advertised all over their website — a happy hour $6 margarita special. Sounds great, right? Well, apparently not to the staff. When I asked about it, they looked at me like I was speaking another language and flat out refused to honor it. No explanation, no apology, just a smug that’s not available as if I had made it up.
I even pulled up the ad on my phone, showed them their own website, and was told, “We don’t control that.” Excuse me? How do you not control your own website? That’s either blatant false advertising or sheer incompetence maybe both.
To top it off, only the security guard was nice. The bartender and manager were rude.
If I could give zero stars, I would. Never coming back.
False advertisements.
Good atmosphere good food good service 👍
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Wow this place has a lot of bad reviews - so here’s another one! With all these complaints I can see why they automatically charge a 20% gratuity to the bill, which is so slimy. This restaurant was nearly empty during prime dinner hour - except a silly D.J. blasting painfully loud ghetto music to an audience of nobody. The tacos are insultingly small. For the price I was expecting a satisfying portion, but these should be street tacos at $1 each. The Taco Bell across the street has been more satisfying.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
If you're a single Black man who literally just wants to spend money for sport, your dollars will probably be spent better somewhere else. Just go to Tryon Public House to be honest.
I've gone here for over a year and I'm not coming back after how I was treated last night. Whenever any major sporting event happens, I'm treated as if I am not a man and that's genuinely disrespectful. How is this a sports cantina?
The bartenders and security really save this place because the table workers are horrible.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 2
Restaurantji Recommends
Bartenders are very friendly especially lulu
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I recently visited El Jefe Cantina Sports and while there were some highlights, my experience was marred by significant service issues. Upon arrival, the hostess promptly seated us, but unfortunately, that was the last moment of attentive service we received.
We waited over 30 minutes without anyone acknowledging our presence or taking our order. It became clear that the hostess had not informed the staff about our seating, which left us feeling overlooked and frustrated.
On a positive note, the restaurant was clean, and the DJ curated an excellent variety of music that created a vibrant atmosphere. The place had a lot of potential, but it was overshadowed by the lack of a welcoming experience from the staff.
Overall, while El Jefe has the makings of a great spot, they need to improve their communication and attentiveness. I hope they can address these issues, as I would love to return for a better experience.
Atmosphere: 3
Service: 1
Don’t ever go to this place !!! I went there in July 8 had 3 drinks bill was 52$ , next day I checked my account they charged me 152$! They stole 100$ from my account . Do not go there !
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Was there before 1 am and got charged almost 700 for two bottles. Will not be returning again!
Atmosphere: 2
Service: 1
My review is from a 53 year old male solo traveler perspective. The Tacos ? ? are delicious, the hip young ambiance was excellent. Service was perfect up until I ordered a hookah. Apparently the person in charge of distributing the hookah was too busy to honor an order that was placed well over an hour ago. I can only conclude that he was not entertaining a mature person because everyone else received their hookah. Mind you this was on a Monday night (Memorial Day) so It was not that busy. Like I said everything else was great. TV and bar was really impressive. Left without my hookah but that's their loss.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Chicken Tacos
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