Cuban Caliente Cafe - Review

As I took off work a little early I had decided to try a late lunch a the Cuban Caliente Cafe downtown as co-workers said the food was good, albeit a bit on the pricey side and I had read rave reviews for their authentic Cuban food other location.  

I did not get a picture of the inside, but there was lots of black painted wood and they have a counter were you can walk in to pick up orders or the server can seat you in the dining room which was the same black wood theme and barren of much decorations but begging for some colorful Cuban culture painting, maps or other decorations on the wall as it is rather dismal  As such, I requested to dine on the patio.

The patio is on the sidewalk and twice there were bike riders on the sidewalk (they are not supposed to be) that had to quickly maneuver around the bikes chained to the parking meter nearby and I was concerned they were not going to make it and end up hitting the fencing, so it you go and sit on the patio would recommend sitting closer to the windows instead of toward the street.  

They carry Coke products for the soft drinks currently for $2.50 a glass with free refills.   

I ordered the Balsero Sandwich for $8.50, which is seasoned ground beef with an egg on top a tomato, pickles and a special sauce.   The sandwich was very large and would be better if they offered 1/2 sandwich for lunch or you might want to split one with a friend.

I had expected the sandwich to have more of a kick and spice; it was sort of like a sloppy joe without the spicy tomato sauce and a little bland for my taste.. Salt and pepper helped a little but the waiter did not offer up hot sauce until I was almost done.  Also would be better if it were served with a side of potato chips.  

Overall the server was attentive as he was juggling the counter, a few tables inside and me outside.

They do have a selection of sides, but none are in English on the menu and none have an explanation of what they are.  I did search afterward and found their menu on Waiter on the Way and it does explain what the side are.

The story behind this place is interesting as it was started by a couple that was exiled from Cuba by Castro and became an American success story, now with their second location downtown - for more information on that visit Caliente's website.

Currently lunch is from 11am to 5pm, I did see a notice in their window they are applying for an alcohol permit so they might be expanding their hours in the future.

The sandwich everyone says is the best is "The Cubano", which is roasted pork, ham and Swiss cheese, with pickles onion and mustard so I do plan on trying that some time.

Location:  

120 W Wayne St
Fort Wayne, IN 46802

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• Phone number

• (260) 471-0900