“Always fantastic! I work at the high school around the corner from here. Exceptional food! I eat here at least once a week. Usually get a breakfast sandwich. Let me tell you, they make the best bacon, egg, and cheese I've ever had. Toasted perfectly, bacon cooked perfectly, and hot. They are very friendly and fun to talk to. Let me say to the locals that this nicely fills the void between Nico's and the market on Whalley.“
“Came here for some drinks which were excellent! Happened to be happy hour so that was also a bonus. Ambiance of the whole place is super chill and cozy and not too loud for how busy it was which was great, didn't have to tell for the person sitting next to me to hear me. Didn't order any food but I watched a bunch of food come out and it looked amazing so I will definitely be back!“
“Back in the 80s Viva Zapata was a favorite haunt of mine. I loved the drinks the food, the atmosphere. I got back to VZ once about 10 years ago and it was disappointing…Went again last night, it was excellent.!! I thank the new owners for revitalizing a staple restaurant in New Haven. I will be back!“
“Exceptional! Seriously, the owners and the staff wonderful and very kind. The food was surprisingly good, and I would have to say the best fried dough in an empanada I ever had. I tried the sugar emapanada and it was wonderful! All the food is home made, it is absolutely delicious! The best emapanada anywhere! And the prices are unbelievable, usually I pay $5 per empanada, but here it's only $3, wow, Plus their combos are amazing, and amazingly priced. 5 stars. Well deserved.“
“Fresh delicious food served with care. I've been several times and will continue to go. Amazing fresh salsa and chips, and the tacos Ann burritos are amazing. A fresh change of pace. Well stocked bar and a nice atmosphere. Will Absolutely be back.“
“The atmosphere is intimate, the empanada's are so amazing, with a very creative variety!! It is clear that this is a labor of love, and your palette will benefit in a big way. I also, happen to catch a couple of event nights there that were really enjoyable. One, displayed a artists paintings, and the other was an open mic night, anyone was welcome. That was most enjoyable.. Put this on your "must" list!!“
“Ambiance: Fun - casual Service: great Food: breakfast is always a hit omelettes, waffles, etc.I had a great dinner of salmon and couscous I've been coming here for years , I had my children's parties here I'm glad they made it through Covid“
“Great vibe and environment. Off street parking, indoors or out doirs eatting. They host special occasion parties they were catering an event when we got there . The set up was beautiful. Posting video n planners info. I highly recomend fit Date night, just sit eat and drink, fir relaxation. Great place to have a party. The food is delicious. There is a bar you can also eat at the bar. I recommend try everything on the menue its all great eatting . What ever you choose you wont go wrong.“
“I love preparing breakfast for my family from here. It is very convenient. They have a delicious variety of food from a traditional Hispanic breakfast to simple bread or sandwiches with a variety of lunches like rice and beans with any type of meat like chicken, pork, steak and seafood. But what I love about this place is their delicious variety of soups. It's worth a try. Special for this winter weather. The recommendation will be “green banana ball soup.” “Encebollado de Pescado” “noodle soup with potatoes and cheese” and the delicious chicken soupEnjoy it!“
“Service was slow while the ambiance was quite nice. There were many open tables but they placed us next to a louder table than ours? I enjoyed my entree while my partner did not, looking for some vegetarian options beyond salad. The other couple enjoyed their meals.“
“Always a great place for an easy satisfying meal. The chicken and pork are especially delicious paired with rice and beans! Save room for their wonderful pastries especially the guava filled, as they are delectable and freshly made! Food is prepared in advance and dished out at counter by gloved staff behind glass dividers. Eat inside or outside or take away. Also a great place to practice your Spanish.“
“This place now is my favorite Spanish food spot in East Haven. I know me some tacos and they got the whole situation correct. 4 was too many. THE SAUCES my goodness.... I felt refreshed and clean after eating 4 chicken tacos and my chocolate milkshake (highly recommended) I also get the spinach empanadas which are phenomenal.You will be greeted by lovely ladies that make you feel welcomed. Your food is ready quickly (I will only come here for my lunch bc they don't make you wait after you call in, plus the sweetness and respect from the employees go a long way for me)They deserve recognition and I wish I had something close to this in my town.Thank you ladies :):“
“This is my first time trying Columbian food and I am hooked!!!!! The AL Pastor Columbian style Arepas is by far one of the most delicious things I have had in a long time. The cornbread base was sweet without being cloying and mixed with the pork and pineapple, OH MY GOD! My dish came with a side of some of the most flavorful rice I have ever had and it was topped with some sweet plantains. The serving is more than generous. I'm a big girl and I am easily getting 2 meals out of my order. The prices are very reasonable! Do yourself a favor and find this hidden gem while you are in town. You will not be disappointed!“
“I’ve been going to this place since I was a kid in 1987 whenever they operated only on the left side of the building and it was a to go spot. I knew the owner JJ & wife. The new owners seem to have kept the authenticity going that keeps me coming back. Service is just as friendly. And I’ll patron as I did today. As I did 37 years ago as 11 year old kid with an appetite for a variety of good cuisine that has inspired me to cook and create my own dishes.“
“Visiting home and stopped by Caliente Deli on a whim! I'm from New Haven and didn't know this spot existed. My next visit will be intentional! Food was awesome and flavorful!! Pork chunks, stewed chicken, rice &beans, plaintains.... wonderful! Customer service made food even better! A must visit spot when I come back home.“
“I've been meaning to check this place out as it's right down the street from our house. I didn't have high expectations but I was pleasantly surprised! We tried a few cocktails, a couple of the specials and 2 apps off their regular menu. Generous portions, fresh ingredients, layered flavors... honestly so impressed. And friendly service. We will be back!“