Caliente Mexican Grill — Restaurant in Scottsdale

The owner has a mask problem. I thought I was the only one but I saw this yelp reviewer stating it. Unbelievable he acts this way! My 6 year old daughter had more common sense than this guy! People in Miami have better mask protocols than Arizona

Ramona B. Paradise Valley Village, Phoenix, AZ 0 friends 11 reviews 40 photos 1.0 star rating2/25/2021 Updated review If there was a negative star that would be more appropriate. I used to go frequently and tried to support a local restaurant but quickly found out it's not as great as I originally thought. The owners are previous employees of Habaneros and tried to open up their own place after a total disastrous situation at their previous employers. Unfortunately, this place does NOT play by the rule book when it comes to public safety and following CDC and state guidelines for COVID-19. They allow customers to roam around and enter inside the restaurant without masks on. I have been there the last 3 times and have brought this to their attention. The last time I was literally approached by the male owner that told me he'll decide who wears masks or not. If you want "mediocre" knock off fast food "Mexican" with a high risk of getting COVID, this is your spot. It's concerning that "owners" don't follow rules that are in place for a reason. They even got a citation and warning for serving alcohol outside their restaurant where it isn't even permitted. Definitely a start up that won't last very long. Pricey menu, low quality ingredients and extremely high risk in this pandemic. It's so concerning that there has been multiple complaints filed directly to ADHS. Advice - recommendation - pass...

Great Flavors, But a Service Misstep That Shouldn't Happen

As a regional manager for a growing company in the area, I travel often and dine out regularly. I hold myself—and the establishments I visit—to a minimum standard when it comes to service. My visit to Caliente Mexican Grill started off well. I ordered the Mahi Mahi tacos, which were fantastic—fresh, flavorful, and well-executed. Even during a busy rush, my server was fast, friendly, and on point, which I respect.

Unfortunately, the experience took a disappointing turn. I placed an order for an additional Mahi Mahi taco and a drink before stepping into the restroom. The drink arrived while I was away, and I had placed a coaster on top to indicate it was still in use. When I returned just a few minutes later, someone else had been sat at my table—and my drink was gone. The new guest had only been seated for two minutes, and I was clearly still mid-meal.

I brought this to the attention of the front-of-house manager, who comped half my meal, which I appreciated. But the fact remains: I lost my seat and part of my order due to a preventable lapse in communication. In any well-run dining environment, especially one with this level of food quality, that kind of oversight simply shouldn’t occur.

Caliente has the kitchen dialed in—the food is excellent. But to truly operate at a high level, the front-of-house service must meet the same standard. I look forward to returning and seeing a more cohesive dining...

I read the rave reviews(five star overall average is extremely rare so I was very curious) and was at Starbucks across the street; so I checked them out(literally across the street).

I had a ground beef taco and blackened fish taco cost $8.41 including tax. The tacos were great(very fresh, quality meat and toppings) but not as yummy as Senor Taco(nearby) that I also rated best breakfast burrito. I was also disappointed there was no condiments bar like Senor Taco. Service was off with no smiles and no "Thank you sir" when I left with my purchase(especially important with a new customer).

Note: On a positive, the server did give me a menu to look at even though I ordered takeout and it was hard to read the overhead menu.

The other negative is the dining area is very small and I dont like sitting right next to strangers with bad table manners. I ate at the new Starbucks just across the street with great seating and space.

Also, I like that most upscale Mexican restaurants throw in some chips on the side which were absent from my 2 lonely tacos.

My assessment is their 5 star overall average(which is very rare)is a fluke and overrated considering I've been to top Michelin starred restaurants in LA that don't have 5 star overall averages.

Rating breakdown:

Food quality: A+ Service: B- Dining area: C- Repeat visit: NO*

The tacos were great but my go to Senor Taco is across the way and their tacos and service are better with...