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Caliente Cab Co.
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Caliente Cab Co.
7.7
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Girls Night Out Approved
Caliente Cab Co. is a decades-old Tex-Mex landmark known for giant frozen margaritas, sizzling platters, and a party-first patio just off Bleecker. Food runs familiar—fajitas, nachos, combo plates—but late hours and big tables keep it relevant for birthday groups and post-parade nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fajita platters, Loaded nachos, Mahi mahi tacos
Scores:
Value: 6.4
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.2
Food Quality: 7.3
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: A long-running, margarita-fueled Tex-Mex institution built for loud, late West Village nights.
Who should go: Big groups prioritizing drinks, music, and easy Tex-Mex
When to visit: Weekend nights after 9pm when the patio and bar fill up
What to order: Frozen margaritas, loaded nachos, sizzling fajitas
Insider tip: Expect a wait on peak weekends—put your name in and grab a stroll along Bleecker while your table opens up.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce after 6pm; rely on nearby paid garages on Leroy or Morton if driving.
Dress code: Casual to party-casual—jeans, bright tops, and going-out attire all fit the scene.
Noise level: Loud, especially on weekends; conversations require raised voices indoors and on the patio.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes for larger groups without a reservation, especially after 8:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; tables turn quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—quesadillas, salads, veggie fajitas, and several Tex-Mex classics can be made meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited—some items can be modified, but expect only a few true vegan-friendly choices.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—corn-based dishes help, but cross-contamination is likely; ask staff for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal unless you want a loud, festive environment; the energy and oversized drinks suit casual hangs more than intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially for small groups, but expect a wait on weekend nights. Larger parties should call ahead or arrive early.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier in the day, yes—kids can enjoy familiar Tex-Mex standards. After 7–8pm on weekends, the vibe skews too loud and party-heavy for most families.
Best For
Better for: Large, celebratory groups wanting strong margaritas, big platters, and a lively patio scene.
Skip if: You want quiet conversation, refined regional Mexican cooking, or dietary accommodations beyond basic modifications.
Caliente Cab Co.
8.6
Vibes:
Happy Hour Hotspots
Girls Night Out Approved
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Open since 1984 on 7th Avenue South, Caliente Cab Co. is a high-volume Tex-Mex standby where giant frozen margaritas, sizzling platters, and rowdy happy hour energy define the experience. With thousands of reviews and decades of parade-night crowds, it’s the most established Mexican-leaning party stop for discounted drinks and shareable plates in the zip code.
Must-Try Dishes:
Frozen house margarita (multiple flavors, jumbo sizes), Chicken fajitas with warm tortillas and fixings, Loaded nachos with chorizo and melted cheese
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: A 40-year Tex-Mex institution where massive margaritas and a rowdy happy hour still pack the house.
Who should go: Groups wanting loud margaritas, snacks, and celebration energy.
When to visit: Weekday happy hour before peak crowds or late-night weekends.
What to order: Frozen house margarita, chicken fajitas, loaded nachos.
Insider tip: Sit near the wraparound bar for the quickest attention and strongest sense of the room’s party energy.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 7th Avenue South is limited, especially after 5pm; nearby paid garages on Grove St. and W. 4th St. are the most reliable options.
Dress code: Casual to festive; jeans are standard, but many groups lean dressy for celebrations.
Noise level: Loud—conversation requires raising your voice during happy hour and weekends.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; tables turn quickly before the afternoon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good—plenty of veggie enchiladas, fajitas, and salads; easy to customize.
Vegan options: Limited—some salads and customizable bowls, but most dishes rely on cheese or sour cream.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—corn tortillas are available and several Tex-Mex staples can be adapted, but the kitchen does not operate as a dedicated GF facility.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want high-energy fun rather than intimacy—the volume, margarita towers, and group celebrations make it better for casual or playful outings.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common, but expect a wait during peak happy hours and weekend evenings. Smaller parties are seated faster at the bar or high-tops.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably—kids are welcome earlier in the day, but the crowd gets noisy and alcohol-heavy at night; best for families before 6pm.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, margarita-centric celebrations, and upbeat Tex-Mex happy hour energy unmatched by smaller Village spots.
Skip if: You want quiet dining, refined Mexican cooking, or a date-night ambiance—several nearby cantinas and modern Mexican restaurants fit those needs better.
Caliente Cab Co.
8.3
Vibes:
Happy Hour Hotspots
Girls Night Out Approved
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
A Greenwich Village fixture since 1984, Caliente Cab Co. leans into big frozen margaritas, a huge patio, and happy hour tacos that price like the party never stopped. Food can be straightforward, but decades of volume, nightly crowds, and current $5 taco and drink specials keep it the loudest, most casual taco happy hour in the zip code.
Must-Try Dishes:
Happy hour tacos (pollo asado or carne asada), Birria or beef tacos, Loaded nachos
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 6.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: A four-decade Tex-Mex institution where rowdy happy hour tacos, massive margaritas, and a 7th Avenue patio define the experience.
Who should go: Groups wanting loud, cheap tacos and strong drinks.
When to visit: Monday–Thursday 4–8pm for $5 tacos and drink deals.
What to order: Happy hour tacos, birria or beef tacos, nachos.
Insider tip: On busy nights, ask for patio seating facing 7th Avenue—service can be hectic inside, but the people-watching outside is unbeatable.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on 7th Avenue South; expect meter spots to open late at night. No valet. Easiest option is nearby paid garages on Barrow or Grove Street.
Dress code: Casual and festive—jeans, tees, and relaxed outfits are standard. Groups often dress up slightly for birthdays and nights out, but it’s not required.
Noise level: Loud during happy hour and evenings; expect shouting-level conversation indoors and moderate–loud chatter on the patio.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes depending on weather, especially if the patio is full.
Weekday lunch: Almost always no wait; service is quick and turnover is high.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several options including veggie tacos, quesadillas, salads, and sides.
Vegan options: Limited—customizable tacos and salads can be made vegan, but choices are fewer.
Gluten-free options: Some tacos and mains can be made gluten-free; corn tortillas are available, but cross-contact is possible in a busy kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for something loud, casual, and playful. The energy is more party-forward than intimate, so it’s better for fun, low-pressure meetups than romantic first impressions.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm. During happy hour or warm evenings, expect a wait for patio seats; indoor tables usually turn over quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during earlier hours—families come for tacos and oversized drinks (for adults). After 7pm, the volume and bar crowd make it better suited for older kids or groups without strollers.
Best For
Better for: Large, boisterous groups wanting cheap tacos, strong frozen margaritas, and a patio with nonstop energy.
Skip if: You want quiet conversation, chef-driven tacos, or refined Mexican cuisine—opt for Ofrenda or Empellón instead.