Caliente
1123 E State Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN, 46805
Caliente Menu
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Address :
1123 E State Blvd
Fort Wayne, IN, 46805 - Phone (260) 471-0700
- Website https://www.calientefw.com/index.html
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
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Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Quiet
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
Caters : No
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Bob H.
CLIFF NOTE SUMMARY: ES MUY BUENO !!! Don't drive past this place !!! - it's easy to do and you might be tempted because it's small and non-descript... It would be a major miss if you do. I certainly can't lay claim to 'discovering' this place. Found on a trip to the local library for an author speak. Author: David Hoppe Book: Food for Thought - an Indiana Harvest. During the slide presentation by the photographer - I spotted a ballcap worn by a chap - and that cap had the island nation of Cuba emblazened upon it. I inquired and discovered the family story of 1st Gen emigres from the island and that of Caliente . Well it's a great story and a FANTASTIC eaterie!! If you're a major fan of Cuban food - you're in luck! If you've never had Cuban food before - and I feel sorrow for your very soul if such is the case - you will not walk away dissatisfied having lost that virginity at Caliente. (but don't go on Sunday) Our party of 3 - all Caliente virgins, but only 1 Cuban cuisine newbie made the 100+ mile trek to near east side Ft. Wayne. (worth it, mean it) We were warmly greeted with smiles and volunteered that we had not been there before but 2 of us had experienced Cuban food. Cubanos (cuban sandwiches) all the way around - one large, 2 half sizes - combo meals - we chose black beans, salty platanos (plantains) and sweet platanos. And 2 cuban coffees - a shot and a colada. Our cook/owner suggested having jalapenos on our sammies but we all chose to order standard renditions. While we waited, a neighborhood customer in the next booth volunteered that he'd never had cuban food until 4 years ago - and he was addicted. i UNDERSTAND WHY! Let me start with the bread - NEAR ethereal sweet cuban bread - muy authentico! Pressed and toasted to perfection. The only surprise was the standard sammie comes with chopped onions in addition to the house roasted pork, ham, swiss, dill pickle and mustard. (Personally, I'll get w/o the onion next go around) My large was not large - it was freaking huge. Gigante!! Must have weighed 1.5-1.75 lbs!! I amazed myself by polishing it off entirely, and the beans and platanos! The black beans were not the best I've ever had but they were in the top 5 and very good. And how can you go wrong w/ plantains?! A solid entrant here. And, I know you're wondering, the cuban coffee? Best cuban coffee I've had in the Hoosier state. And that's not fair either - it was excellent! I'm used to cuban shots - but they seemed a bit smaller than normal. Take my advice: if you're a craver, man up and order 2 Colada size from the get go per person. Holy crap - our check came to $23. I can't wait to return !!!! A great experience !! AND our cuban cuisine virgin is a solid convert and major fan !
(5)Lisa W.
We stopped in this tiny unassuming place on our recent trip to Fort Wayne, and we found out that they serve some of the best Cuban food we have eaten ANYWHERE in the country! The traditional Cuban sandwich was large and very moist, and the black bean soup is rich and flavorful . We ordered two sandwiches, and we could have probably filled up with just one ( but that didn't stop us from eating both!) Order the sweet plantains for desert- a very sweet ending to a very inexpensive but high quality meal!
(5)Nancy B.
Been wanting to try this place for a long time. It's tiny and could be kept cleaner. Small family operation. The young man who took our order translated it to his mom (the cook) who perhaps didn't have a good grasp of English. So the food should be authentic. The Cuban was okay, but I had hoped for better. I will say, though, that the bread was outstanding. Seeing fried plantain on the menu, I opted to add it on the side. Although I have made it many times at home and had it in Jamaica, I don't know what it was that I was served. It appeared to have been mashed maybe before frying. It was fried hard and it was greasy. Not edible in my book. There was plenty of business as the lunch hour progressed, but it won't see further from me.
(3)Jonathan P.
They specialize in sandwiches. We had the Tuna sandwich, ham and cheese, and ropa vieja. They screw up our order but the sandwiches were good. The ropa vieja was a lil bit too oily. It was a good spot to hang out with some friends and our dog. I'm not sure if I would come back, but for what it's worth it was good.
(3)Taylor T.
Hands down one of the best places to eat inFort wayne. This place shows that things dont have to be expensive or extravagant to be amazing. Its a small little place but the food and the people are outstanding . If i could eat it everyday i would. I love going during the summer and i always get one tamale and a cuban to split with my girlfriend. Whenever i mention this place to anyone its a for sure have to go
(5)Stephanie V.
Had a great experience when I came to this little restaurant. It's definitely one of the best Cuban restaurants I've ever been to! Highly recommend it. It's very very small and can look a bit deceiving but the food is fantastic and the owner is so friendly!
(5)Binnan O.
Ambiance: Very hole-in-the-wall vibe with cheap furniture, formica, etc but clean enough and plenty of colorful paint on the walls. Pretty traditional Mexican fast food restaurant in the sense you order at the counter and pay after you finish eating. Food: The Cuban was delicious. You'll probably want the larger size as the sandwich is pretty thin but with a good ratio of ingredients and a wonderfully crunchy bread. The Mexican had a little more muddled flavor with the black beans and guac relatively overpowering the meat but it wasn't bad by any means. The tamale, unfortunately, was fairly boring; the masa was moist but the filling lacked punch and depth. Overall the Cuban sandwich was one of the best I've had and I would gladly stop by for another one whenever I pass through.
(5)BenjamÃn S.
I really wanted to like this restaurant; it's a cute hole-in-the-wall and staffed by the very friendly owners. However, the food, while generous in portion, is only mediocre in flavor. The croquetas were bland. The Cuban sandwich was made with love, well presented, and filling.. but ultimately unexciting. This might be gourmet for Ft. Wayne, but I don't grade on a curve. My experience at Caliente would typically warrant a 3-star rating, but I'm docking it a star because I sat with a view of the kitchen and I had some reservations about the cleanliness of the cooking area.
(2)Daniel M.
I don't understand the rave reviews. Just doesn't make sense. I got another Cuban sandwich, when I eventually found the thin sliver of pork hidden in there, it was dry and unseasoned. Deli ham and processed "swiss" cheese, neon yellow mustard and a handful of pickles and jalapenos made up the rest - the majority - of the filling. The bread was good this time. I've had better sandwiches at Subway. A good Cuban sandwich should be packed with more (juicy and flavourful) pork. I've had them in Florida, and they really are much better. I also ordered the Mofongo, it was pretty good. Quite a small portion, but it made up a little for the sandwich.
(2)Kyle G.
Do you desire delicious fare you won't find elsewhere in the Fort? Look no further as this place is unique in many ways. The menu is well priced with large portions and tasty offerings. The original Cuban sandwich is large enough to satisfy it's anyone. Made with a wonderful bread that is crisp on the outside with a bit of chewiness on the inside. Marinated pork loin with an onion relish highlight, whilst the ham, cheese and jalapeños and mustard compliment awesomely. The tamales are terrific and so are the other sides. Top notch food in a humble atmosphere with no real downside to speak of. This place comes at a high recommendation from yours truly.
(4)Scott F.
Let's keep it simple: Lived in Florida, had Cuban sandwiches from a lot of Cuban restaurants - THIS IS WAY BETTER. The End.
(5)Ethan F.
Grest hole in the wall vibe and awesome cuban sandwich the plantains were also very good I will definitely be coming back
(4)Vince R.
This place had a great Cuban sandwich the pork was outstanding it's pressed to perfection. If your looking for this type of sandwich you must stop inn end try one.
(4)Adam J.
This place is such a great sandwich shop. The people that work there are so nice, and all of the bread is made fresh.
(5)Ashley Marie P.
I moved here from south Florida, so as you can imagine, my standards for Cuban food are very high. I LOVE that the owners are Cuban and are running this place like some of the Cuban eateries on Miami Beach run them. I practically grew up on Cuban sandwiches, croquettas, mariquitas (which sadly, Caliente does not make), chicken steak with rice and beans... so this place is a DREAM for me. I stumbled across them late last year after having a rough morning and they had cafe con leche - REAL cafe con leche, and I've been hooked ever since. Just today I took my boyfriend and we split a large cuban sandwich and an order of croquettas. Everyone needs to go to this place. It's delicious and fresh - you watch her make the sandwiches right there. I honestly need to start trying more dishes, the Cuban sandwiches are just so good!
(5)Christina H.
I love both the employees and clientele of this small local sandwich shop; there is a friendly vibe, it's sunny and cool, and of course the food rocks. I enjoyed a half Cuban sandwich with tamale and drink for $5. Service is straight forward and no frills- my tamale came in its husk straight on the cafeteria tray, complete with white onion pickle that added a great spicy zing. My sandwich was gloriously crunchy, hot and spiked with jalapenos. I rolled from the joint content and full and smug that I'd gotten such a great meal for such a great price.
(4)AKa H.
Best Cuban sandwich ever! The owner is super sweet and prices are awesome. You can order a 1/2 or full sandwich, but I suggest the full and save the second half for later unless you have a mean appetite. I think their business would make a killing if they were located right near the IPFW campus or any other college.
(5)Mark G.
I've had Cuban sandwiches at other restaurants but they're just cheap knockoffs. Here at Caliente, they make a CUBAN SANDWICH! Heaven to Betsy do they make a Cuban sandwich. They are from Cuba, so case closed! They opened this shop and started making sandwiches and excellent sides. The rice is great, when they have black bean soup, you must get it. Don't ask any questions, just get it! You will be in bean heaven. The tamales are either bean or pork, and have a good portion of masa packed on it. Excellent. If you find yourself driving on State, just pull into the ACME bar parking lot to get to the alley behind it or go to the alley behind the ACME off the road and just past it, you'll find a small parking lot behind Caliente's. Park, go in, order a Cuban, eat, enjoy. Repeat. They have been there for a few years now and if I recall, there were at least 3 or 4 other food shops there, but they couldn't stand on their feet like what is there now. It's a small shop so seating is limited, and it does take about 10 minutes for your order to served. It's a no frills no thrills environment, but the food itself is all frills and all thrills which is what you're there for in the first place!!!
(5)Larry M.
Good size Cuban Sandwich, interior was still cold after the press. Overall good experience with nice attentive people.
(3)Becky G.
The service at the store is alway friendly. I've never had a problem with my food it's always been good. We love the Cubans and plantains. My youngest son gets the grilled cheese, can't find a better one anywhere because the bread is awesome! You can't beat it for the price!
(4)Timothy K.
I love the food, everything is made in house from scratch and is as authentic as possible without flying to Miami or Havana itself. Gus and his wife are wonderful hosts and give A -1 service every time visit. Try to get there early because they don't stay open very late since it is just them. AWESOME!!!
(5)Michelle D.
All I can say is YUM! Friendly staff and awesome food! The owner was there and accessible. He even came to my table and sat awhile and we chatted about food and food trucks!
(5)A W.
Es muy bueno! Owner serves at the counter and makes all his own stuff, including the bread. So awesome it's off the charts. He explained all the menu for us and made recommendations. Love love love.
(5)H R.
Wow! What a treat!!! I have frequently eaten in Fort Wayne but this was my first time at Caliente, thanks to Yelp. My fiance and I were looking for a quick lunch and to split a sandwich. But when we got to Caliente, the choices were so intriguing that we got one each. He got the Cuban and I got Elena Ruz. We also chose to get one as a meal and we were surprised that we were offered an array of choices as a meal side. We chose the tamale. The tamale was the best one that I have had in a really long time, probably since I left Texas. It was very flavorful and moist. The sandwiches were also amazing. Crispy perfectly grilled bread, full of flavor and plentiful. The Elena Ruz was a unique combination of turkey, guava jam, cream cheese and jalapenos! Genius! Let's just say that there were no leftovers and we left the restaurant very satisfied. I would highly recommend this small, family-owned, gem of a restaurant in Fort Wayne, where food choices can be slim.
(5)Davoud Z.
Cuban cuisine in Fort Wayne? No way, you say? You're wrong! whuuut? And not just Cuban, but really good Cuban. Mind you, you're pretty much limited to various sandwiches and some sides like croquettas, but the super-friendly and very fun family running Caliente' lay claim to the best Cubano sandwich I've ever had (including from any place in South Florida). Caliente is a brightly-colored, very small restaurant that you could easily miss if it wasn't bright yellow on the outside. We thought it was Mexican at first, but Yelp corrected our misguided selves and the next thing you know: stuffed with the biggest and tastiest sandwiches I've had in a long time. A half-sandwich is more than enough for any adult. At $4.75 - $6.75ish for that size, it's a killer deal. Ropa Vieja: wonderfully seasoned beef Cubano: outstanding Cuban BBQ: excellent bbq sandwich. You won't find a tastier pulled pork sandwich in Indiana. No, there's no way I could know that for sure, but isn't holding an extreme opinion based on a position of ignorance what the internet is all about? Croquettas: good, but a litle strange. They seemed to have mustard in them; never had that before. Did I mention the restaurant is small? About 5 tables or booths inside, with outdoor seating for the nice days. Eat there, take it to go, or whatever. But go.
(5)JayChan H.
My Cuban friends say there are two key components to making the perfect Cuban sandwich, the bread. Yes I said two things, the top and bottom are both bread and seeing how that's almost two thirds (by volume) of a sandwich it only stands to reason the correct execution of this component can make or brake the end product. I've been lucky enough to sample Cuban sandwiches on both coasts, points north and south. Strangely enough Miami seems to finish almost last place behind NYC for the least impressive in the bread department. Porto's in Los Angeles is a Cuban bakery first and foremost so it goes without saying they make an impressive sandwich. I've also had an amazing sandwich in Tampa. Fairly new to the Ft. Wayne area is a colorful little shop on State Street. Inside you'll find husband and wife team Gus and Yalili baking their own bread and crafting authentic island sandwiches. The bread is as perfectly Cuban as you can get. Yalili assembled the sandwich, lightly brushed the top with butter and placed the the whole thing in a large press until the crust was a golden brown with just the right amount of crunch. Inside, the roast pork, ham, cheese and pickles melted together perfectly. I posted a close up picture to entice you! Before I finished my lunch I placed a call to one of my best Cubano friends back in LA and told him I found the real deal in the middle of farm country USA. I explained how I may have found, quite possibly the most "correct" version of this sandwich I've ever eaten. He immediately asked me to turn the phone over to the owner. After a brief conversation is Spanish they informed me that I would be required to return a pair of sandwiches to Los Angeles for final judging. GOOD FRICKKEN LUCK! I'd eat them before I even get through TSA checkpoints. One of the only alterations Caliente has made to accommodate local taste is the addition of jalapeno peppers. I highly recommend you skip that and ask for the traditional style. I wish Gus and Yalili all the best and hope the good citizens of Ft Wayne discover and enjoy this fantastic little sandwich shop that is so good that it makes the big city foodies jealous.
(5)Randy O.
and dont forget the tamales! Keep in mind a Cuban Sandwich is not the saucy pulled pork of a southern bbq sandwich. If you are looking for big smokey saucy bbq flavor, this is not your sandwich.. It is a much milder combination of pork meats and cheese that are more comfort food than "movie star". Kind of like the establishment itself... Rather timid inside once you get past the vibrant outside colors of the place.. If you can appreciate a fantastic "ham and cheese", this is for you While a single Cuban sandwich can feed a pair of appetites, you just gotta try one of the tamales.. Top it off with a Cuban coffee and you have a place you will most certainly return too when that "urge" hits
(5)Kyle Geiger R.
I know five stars should be given with caution, but let me validate myself a little by saying I've had many many Cuban sandwiches (partly due to the enthusiasm this restaurant sparked in me), and have never found a Cuban sandwich that pops like these do. I've been to Miami 5-6 times, and had a Cuban sandwich every time I've ventured that way. Never once have I had something that compares to this. They also serve amazing Cuban coffee as well as tamales. The bread is all made from scratch every morning, and the tamales are as well. Food quality always comes first when reviewing a restaurant, but there are other things that can influence and impact your experience of course. The owners have a way of treating all customers like family. While these are not the people who boast of their accomplishments, I feel like I should. I was temporarily teaching a high school English class and as we were finishing up reading the book Fahrenheit 451, the owner of Caliente agreed to come in and speak to the kids about his experience as a journalist in Cuba. He basically rearranged his entire schedule that day as a restaurant owner to play a part in serving his community. He didn't do it for press or media attention, he did it because he likes helping out and serving others...the experience I promise you to have at this restaurant will be no different. Is there a downside to the restaurant you ask? The only thing I could think of is that you will smell like the (amazing) restaurant when you leave, but they have recently reworked their ventilation system and it has greatly reduced the intensity of that. That said, it is well, well worth it.
(5)Dave B.
The place doesn't look like much, and the parking is slightly difficult to find, but good lord can they make a Cuban sandwich. I couldn't be happier with this experience. I had a Cuban sandwich (which was HUGE) and a tamale, which was also amazing. If I had not had a mean hunger going on when I walked in I don't think I would have been able to finish everything. There really isn't much more I can say that hasn't already been said by other Yelpers. The owners are very sweet and we had a good conversation while I ate. I am a big fan of this sandwich and try it anywhere that offers it. I don't want to jump the gun here, but I dare say this is the best Cuban sandwich in Indiana. If you go to Ivy Tech or IPFW, it isn't too far away to go get a great lunch for reasonable prices.
(5)Jillian H.
Crunchy Cuban goodness!! The Cuban sandwich is perfect. Fresh bread, pork, ham, cheese, yellow mustard and pickles. The black bean soup is also really good. Very good place to grab a quick, affordable lunch. It's a very small family run restaurant that makes really good food.
(5)Mike H.
This place is a diamond in the rough...just on the outskirts of downtown. I came into this small town via Dallas, Texas famished and parched. Looking for a good clean hunger busting place I just happen to cross paths with this fine establishment of authentic Cuban cuisine. I happen to be with two other people, and we indulged in what we call a food orgy...we tried the Cuban Sanwich which was the best Cuban sandwich we have had in the whole US of A, everything about it was done perfectly. We also fed our craving for their Ropa Vieja which the meat was so tender and succulent that it melted in our mouths. The tamales, croquettes, toastones, and potato balls were hands down made so perfectly that they could only have been made for one reason...to free CUBA! All this exquisite Cuban food was washed down with their red bean soup and Cuban coffee which was heaven on earth as well. Caliente is a family owned and run Cuba Restaurant that deserves a five star rating for there outstanding service of home cooked food in a world that is plagued by fast food and cookie cutter establishments that fall short of tantalizing our taste buds. Everything about Caliente screams unchain me, and take me on a culinary journey to Cuba,Well done Caliente!
(5)Leslee H.
Fantastic! Completely authentic. Owner's story is unbelievable. Makes you want to eat there just as much as the delicious food does.
(4)Sam S.
I had never had a Cuban sandwich before, but I was not disappointed by Caliente.
(5)Catherine W.
Good place to try a Cuban sandwich if you want something different than a boring and typical fast food lunch. It is a mom and pop restaurant, where you order at the counter and you can see the sandwich being made right in front of you. It is $6 for a very generously sized "full" Cuban sandwich, I would probably be fine with a half portion next time. It is a small place with a few tables, and parking in the lots behind and next to the restaurant. I would recommend stopping by if you're in the area and want a quick lunch.
(3)Rho M.
Two words: Eat.Here. Three words: Get.Me.Some. This place is fantastic. The perfect Saturday afternoon lunch spot. (Do yourself a favor and hit your favorite adult beverage vendor beforehand and get your preferred bottle of cold brew before you place your carry-out order ... it will be ready in no time!) I will not claim that I know anything about an authentic Cuban sandwich. The most interaction I've had with them include a story in 'Bon Appetite', a segment on Martha Stewart a few years ago, and a tasty rendiction from the Munchie Emporium (very good, but I don't know how authentic). What I can tell is that for an insanely cheap price (say, under $6) you get the "half" sandwich (my stomach fears what the whole might look like, as the half is enough for two for a nice lunch -- or for one if your only plans after lunch are a nap), and 2 sides of your chosing, including black beans, a tamale, a cheese puff pasty, a fruit turnover ... I had a traditional one and it was good, but I really like the portabella version! I have no idea what they do to those onions (are they lightly cooked in butter and vinegar?) but I can't get enough of them! Anyway, do your stomach a friendly and eat here.
(4)Barbara M.
I live in Lakeside Park and and love to support local businesses. I also have a love for authentic, ethnic food and therefore I eat here often. My husband and I's favorite is the Wey sandwich; it has roasted pork loin, roasted ham with a layer of black beans, guacamole, and a mildly spicy chipotle style sauce. Their bread they use is very unique and you will not find a better sandwich in all of Fort Wayne. They even have a sandwich made with portabella mushrooms which provides vegetarian options as well. We normally always order sweet fried plantains which are amazing, but the amount we receive per order is very inconsistent. On some occasions we get 3, sometimes 4, one night we were missing an order all together. Tonight I ordered 3 orders (since 5 of us were eating) and I was given only 7. The owner (female) packed them all in one bag after I arrived to pick up my carry out and reassured me that the correct amount for three orders was there. I beg to differ, the math just didn't make sense to me. Plantains are cheap so this is an odd thing to be stingy about. I just don't get it.
(4)