The Cheesecake Factory’s menu is massive, but there’s one dish you won’t find printed anywhere. It’s called the El Jefe, and according to former employees on Reddit, the burger is reserved strictly for staff. Most diners will never see it, let alone taste it.
Former employees describe the El Jefe as more of an occasional perk than a regular option. A few recalled seeing it made only once or twice, and one said the kitchen even had to look up the recipe before cooking it. That’s how under-the-radar it is.
What Is the El Jefe Burger?
The El Jefe is no ordinary Cheesecake Factory burger. Former employees describe it as seasoned with salt, pepper, and a proprietary spice blend, then basted with a thicker salsa for extra kick. The patty is topped with melted jack-and-cheddar cheese, two grilled serrano peppers, pico de gallo, sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Add red onions and chipotle mayo on a brioche bun, and you’ve got a fiery creation that’s been described as “delicious” and “the only food on earth that gives me heartburn.”
While the El Jefe burger sounds like it belongs in the sprawling Cheesecake Factory menu, employees say it isn’t practical to make during a rush. Some have been told not to order it unless the kitchen is slow, since preparing one pulls cooks away from the flood of regular tickets.
Related: Everything at The Cheesecake Factory Is Made From Scratch—Except This
How to Go Beyond the Menu
So if you can’t order the El Jefe, are there any secret-menu items regular diners can order? While there’s no official hidden menu for guests, fans have found workarounds. Some swear by customizing existing dishes—like asking for their favorite pasta with a different sauce, or swapping proteins to create mashups you won’t see printed on the menu.
Burgers and sandwiches are particularly easy to hack. Extra jalapeños, chipotle mayo subbed in for standard mayo, or stacking on more cheese can elevate a regular Factory Burger. Desserts are wide open, too. Fans often customize cheesecakes with extra toppings like fruit, caramel, or hot fudge to create their own off-menu combos.
While you’ll probably never get your hands on an El Jefe burger unless you clock in with the staff, The Cheesecake Factory’s menu is so extensive and customizable that secret-menu customizations are already baked in. It just takes a little creativity to make your own.
