Caliente Cab Co. — Restaurant in New York

I have been to this place a couple times back in the 90’s, when it was pretty good. But I recently visited this location and thought to myself, was this place always this bad? Or was I too young before to know what good food and drinks were? I went here with a few girlfriends for a celebration. There were 10 of us. We did have a reservation and were seated quickly. This is a place the is a party vibe, so they sing and dance, light sparklers, and its loud! Not exactly the place I’d go to on a date to talk and get to know someone but great for a celebration, as far as atmosphere goes. They offer their drinks in a small and a large size. I ordered a large size. I was full from the volume of the drink way before I was buzzed. Now that I think of it, I can’t even say I was buzzed. So I feel like they were a little light on the alcohol and banked on the fact that the drink was so large you would “think” you were drunk. Like when you give your grandma a “rum & coke”, but it’s 24 cubes of ice, then fill the cup 9/10th full of coke and add two drops of rum. Our waiter came relatively quickly, considering how busy it was. I ordered a chicken chimichanga. When the food came out, it was lukewarm at best. It wasn’t flavorful AT ALL! It was VERY salty, and I like salt! I only made it through half! Ok not even half…I just moved the food around the plate. The rice was hard (I’m Hispanic so yes I’m an authority on rice and this wasn’t it!). And the refried beans would have been better if they came from a can! Yuck! We had chips and guacamole too and I’ve had better guac from a food truck (no offense food trucks! Some of you guys have amazing food…but a brick and mortar should have more resources than a food truck does). Our waiter did the best he could, considering the amount of tables he had to cover….poor guy. We split the bill evenly and we each spent $67. I was still hungry and had to make a stop on my way home for a small bite. I would NOT recommend the food or the drinks here. There are other places all around the city (and yes even food trucks) that are so much better. Skip...

Armando Sets the Bar HighI recently had the pleasure of dining at Caliente Cab Co an outstanding Mexican restaurant that exceeded all expectations.

From the moment my friends and I stepped through the door, we were greeted with warmth and hospitality.Our waiter, Armando, deserves special recognition for his impeccable service. Not only did he attend to our every need with a smile, but he also went above and beyond to ensure that our dining experience was nothing short of extraordinary. Armando's attention to detail and genuine enthusiasm elevated our evening to new heights.

To end the celebration, Armando surprised us with a birthday sparkler and a complimentary dessert, which was a delightful gesture that added an extra touch of magic to the occasion.

His recommendation of the discounted massive margarita was spot on, and it certainly didn't disappoint. Each sip was a burst of flavor that perfectly complemented our meal.Speaking of the meal, every dish we ordered was a masterpiece. From the crisp perfection of the quesadillas to the flavorful margaritas, each bite and sip left us craving more.

The atmosphere of the restaurant was vibrant and inviting, with lively music and a relaxed ambiance that made us feel right at home.However, what truly set this dining experience apart was Armando's exceptional service. His professionalism, knowledge, and genuine passion for hospitality were evident in every interaction, making him the standout star of the evening.

If you're planning to dine at Caliente Cab Co, I highly recommend requesting Armando as your waiter – trust me, you won't be disappointed.

In summary, my experience was nothing short of exceptional, thanks in large part to Armando's stellar service. From the moment we arrived to the moment we left, we were treated to an unforgettable dining experience that I will cherish for years to come. If you're in search of incredible Mexican cuisine paired with impeccable service, look no further than Caliente Cab Co– and be sure to ask...

Hit up Caliente Cab via me and bestie we’re in the mood for some Mexican and ended being transported there. The food and taste itself were super authentic, refreshing and filling! Just wanted to add for my drinkers that you’re better off getting the large version of any drink rather than the small, the large is like getting 4 smalls and it’s just a better value overall. My best friend got the Watermelon 🍉 Mezcalita (she’s a huge Mezcal fan), the Piña Colada, the Quesabirria (I didn’t get to ask her to describe it for me but TRUST that plate was clean, not a crumb left!) and street corn. I got their sparkling wine and the taco special (with duck!) while we split the guacamole (we only got a single which honestly was more than enough with all the other food we had) 🥑 Enjoy my tipsy notes below lol 😂

Watermelon Mezcalita 🍉 -super fresh watermelon -nice smoke level -tasted like real watermelon -recommend getting the large

Piña Colada 🍍🥥 -real coconut -nice cream consistency -more coconutty than expected but in a good way -FRESH

Sparkling Wine 🥂 -wonderfully balanced -very fresh and uplifting flavors

Guacamole 🥑 -chips were crispy and beautifully salted -the guac was so fresh, the lime was present in a beautiful way and the medium spice level was perfect not overly spice but still with a good kick

Salsa 💃🏾 -so good, perfect balance of tomato and chile flavors -addictive! -the way the spice lingers on the tongue is delectable

Taco Special 🦆 -came with two different sauces and they were SO good, the red salsa was smoky and tangy at the same time -the duck MELTS IN your mouth, so well seasoned! -the brown sauce was nice, sweet and a perfect way to cut that spice

Street Corn 🌽 -comes with spicy mayo -Bestie loves that it was on a stick and corn on the cob -got 2, so good value! -fresh and right off the grill -perfect amount of cheese

All in all, a perfect way to end our night with stuffed bellies and...