News Summary
La Jefa Cafe, a new establishment in Philadelphia, opens in tribute to Guadalajara’s culinary heritage. Located at 1605 Latimer Street, it offers brunch and dinner menus featuring authentic Mexican dishes, honoring the legacy of the Suro family and the beloved Tequilas restaurant.
Philadelphia Welcomes La Jefa Cafe, A Tribute to Guadalajara
Philadelphia’s vibrant culinary scene expands as La Jefa, a new cafe and bar-restaurant celebrating Guadalajara’s culinary heritage, opens its doors on Friday at 1605 Latimer Street, located at the rear of the renowned Tequilas. This venture, spearheaded by the Suro family, marks a significant step in honoring their father’s legacy following the devastating fire that forced Tequilas to close temporarily.
Founded by David Suro over 40 years ago, Tequilas has been a pioneer of high-end Mexican cuisine in Philadelphia. The restaurant suffered a catastrophic fire on February 9, 2023, leading to its closure for more than two years. Tequilas has recently reopened on March 18, 2025, boasting stylish renovations that maintain its original heritage while providing a more intimate dining experience with reduced seating capacity, enhancing overall service and enjoyment.
Unique Offerings at La Jefa
La Jefa features two distinct spaces, providing patrons with the opportunity to enjoy a full-service brunch in a café setting or savor dinner and late-night fare in an intimate bar-lounge. The cafe currently opens daily at 8 a.m. for coffee and pastries and serves brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. The brunch menu boasts an array of flavorful dishes such as huevos verdes, enmoladas, chilaquiles, and sandwiches, all priced between $14 to $17.
As the Suro family continues to evolve their culinary offerings, dinner service will commence later in May, featuring fresh and innovative dishes like aguachiles, ceviche blanco, and a squash quesadilla. The Suro family describes their culinary style as “Guadaladelphian,” beautifully blending elements from both Guadalajara and Philadelphia.
A Focus on Authentic Ingredients
La Jefa pays homage to its roots by incorporating high-quality ingredients into its beverages and food. The cafe features 100% Mexican coffee sourced from Cafe Estelar and an impressive selection of agave cocktails, natural wines, and traditional ferments, crafted in collaboration with acclaimed James Beard-awarded mixologist Danny Childs. This attention to detail reflects the family’s commitment to honoring their Mexican heritage.
Honoring Family Legacy
At the helm of La Jefa is Dan Cipolloni-Suro, the youngest of David’s children. He has collaborated with a dedicated team of Tapatíos, or individuals from Guadalajara, to cultivate the café’s concept. The establishment also serves as a heartfelt tribute to the family’s late matriarch, Annette Cipolloni, who passed away from cancer in January 2021. The name “La Jefa,” which means “the boss” in Spanish, embodies her influential role in the family’s culinary journey.
Tequilas’ Revival
After the fire, the family faced the daunting task of revitalizing Tequilas. The renovations brought stylish upgrades while preserving the restaurant’s original charm. Enhancements include a menu that highlights elegant regional Mexican dishes, with modern twists such as shrimp cooked in tequila and a variety of pork dishes. A special barrel of Siembra Azul tequila, affectionately named “El Pocho,” was aged during Tequilas’ closure, further underlining the family’s commitment to quality and tradition.
As La Jefa joins the roster of Philadelphia’s dining establishments, the Suro family’s endeavors showcase the evolving nature of Mexican cuisine in the city. With an inviting atmosphere and diverse menu offerings, La Jefa promises to be a beacon of cultural celebration and culinary excellence in the heart of Philadelphia.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New Cultural Café La Jefa Opens in Philadelphia
Additional Resources
- The Philadelphia Inquirer: La Jefa Cafe
- Philly Eater: Tequilas Restaurant Openings
- Philadelphia Magazine: La Jefa Cafe Overview
- The Philadelphia Inquirer: Tequilas Reopens
- Philadelphia Magazine: Tequilas Rittenhouse Reopens
- Wikipedia: Mexican Cuisine
- Google Search: Mexican cuisine Philadelphia
- Google Scholar: Mexican cuisine
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mexican cuisine
- Google News: Philadelphia restaurants
Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
