The Bartolotta Restaurant Group has announced that Taqueria El Jefe, a fast casual chef-driven taco concept, will open at 11200 W. Burleigh St. in the Mayfair Collection on Monday, June 21.
When it comes to tacos, El Jefe aims to offer up spectacular, chef-inspired tacos with creative fillings that can't be found anywhere else in the city. There will also be housemade tortillas that are grilled to order. And Joe Bartolotta says there will be traditional el pastor tacos, made with a classic vertical rotisserie.
The concept, which is now found all over Mexico, is a legacy left by Lebanese natives who brought the vertical broilers to Mexico to cook lamb during a wave of immigration in the mid-20th century. In turn, Mexican taco purveyors adapted the equipment to fit their cuisine.
"There may be a grilled octopus taco," says Bartolotta. "And we're looking at putting mushrooms, brussels sprouts and kale in a taco."
Margaritas – batched and served from a machine – will be available for order either blended or on the rocks. There will be tequila shots. And agua fresca. And plenty of Mexican Coca-Cola.
The concept is the third of four restaurants planned for the Mayfair Collection, which includes Osgood’s, ABV Social and the final concept Cafe Grace, a French cafe which is slated to open on July 19.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
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