Is Efrain’s of Boulder affiliated with Efrain’s in Lafayette?

No. Although the restaurants share the Efrain’s name and family history, they are independently operated. Efrain’s of Boulder is operated by Efrain and his nephew, Cristian. The Lafayette restaurant is operated separately by members of Efrain’s extended family. Each restaurant has its own recipes, prices, staff, policies, and operations.

Do you accept reservations?

No. Efrain’s of Boulder is first-come, first-served. During busy periods, we recommend arriving early. Please contact us in advance regarding private events or especially large groups.

Where was the original Efrain’s of Boulder located?

Efrain’s of Boulder opened at 1630 63rd Street in 1998. In May 2022, we relocated to our current home at 2480 Canyon Boulevard, Unit M1.

Is Efrain’s still family-run?

Yes. Efrain’s remains proudly family-run by Efrain and his nephew, Cristian. Cristian has worked alongside Efrain for more than a decade and is committed to preserving the restaurant’s family recipes, scratch-made cooking, and welcoming hospitality.

Do you cook with lard?

No. We do not use lard in our cooking.

Why are olives placed on certain dishes?

Olives help our kitchen and service team distinguish between certain dishes. They are not simply used as garnish.

What is chile verde?

Our chile verde is a brothy meat dish made with lean, tender pieces of pork, several varieties of green chiles, tomatoes, and seasonings. It is hot, and its intensity can vary naturally depending on the chiles available during the growing season.

What is mondongo?

Our mondongo is a mild, hearty beef stew made with tender pieces of beef, mushrooms, mild chiles, onions, tomatoes, spices, and wine.

What is green salsa?

Our green salsa is a vegetarian sauce made with fresh jalapeños, tomatoes, green onions, garlic, and seasonings. It is hot, and the heat can vary depending on the jalapeños.

What is red salsa?

Our red salsa is a vegetarian sauce made with tomatoes, fresh vegetables, and seasonings. It has a medium level of heat.

How are the refried beans prepared?

Our refried beans are cooked and mashed without lard.

How is the Mexican rice prepared?

Our Mexican rice is made with white rice, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and seasonings. We do not use chicken bouillon in its preparation.

Please tell your server about any allergies before ordering. Although we can identify ingredients and make reasonable accommodations, our kitchen uses shared preparation areas, cooking surfaces, utensils, and fryers. We cannot guarantee that any item is completely free from allergens or cross-contact.

Do you offer gluten-free food?

We offer several dishes made without gluten-containing ingredients. However, Efrain’s is not a gluten-free kitchen, and cross-contact may occur through shared preparation areas, cooking surfaces, utensils, and fryers. Our staff cannot determine whether a menu item is medically appropriate for someone with celiac disease or a severe gluten allergy. Please tell your server about your dietary needs before ordering and ask for corn tortillas when appropriate.

Do you offer dairy-free or egg-free food?

Some dishes can be prepared without dairy or eggs. However, our kitchen is not dairy-free or egg-free, and cross-contact may occur. Please tell your server about any allergies before ordering.

Which items contain soy?

Our costillas, horchata, churros, and the cooking spray used on grilled items contain soy. Grilled items include tacos, fajitas, burgers, and steaks. Other products supplied to us may also contain soy, so please speak with your server before ordering if you have a soy allergy.

Are peanuts, tree nuts, fish or shellfish used in the kitchen?

We do not intentionally use peanuts, tree nuts, fish, crustacean shellfish, celery, or lupin in our recipes. However, ingredients are supplied by outside manufacturers, and we cannot guarantee the absence of cross-contact. Please inform your server of any allergy before ordering.

Which foods are prepared with canola or vegetable oil?

Our beans, rice, enchilada sauce, chile con queso, and costillas are prepared with canola and/or vegetable oil. Fried items are also cooked in canola oil, including fries, chimichangas, sopapillas, churros, flautas, tostadas, enchilada tortillas, taco shells, and taco salad bowls.

What other common ingredients are used in your kitchen?

Common ingredients include fresh and powdered garlic, black pepper, cilantro, cumin, oregano, crushed red chile, several varieties of fresh chiles, tomatoes, onions, canola oil, and avocado.