If You Can’t Stand the Heat, Stay Out of Caliente Kitchen!

Like a lone bandit, Caliente Kitchen rules the Ave with attitude, edge and a flavor all its own. Industry veteran Taylor Smith brings some much-needed spice to Delray with a concept that’s part grungy-yet-cool Mexican garage, part sleek and sexy bar/lounge, and part authentic restaurante Mexicano.

A thousand guests lined up along Atlantic Avenue for Caliente Kitchen’s anticipated VIP Preview, organized by yours truly, where eager guests got a feel for the renovated space that formerly housed Taverna Eros. A hot DJ, hotter hors d’oeuvres, mini bottles of Patron and massive margaritas made for a night on the town done right.

With Caliente Kitchen, Smith knows what he’s doing. The former Taverna Eros is unrecognizable, with an added outdoor bar and patio where you can watch the sun set, an indoor bar that spans the length of the restaurant, and double the seating capacity for double the party. Above the bar, Caliente Kitchen houses a prized collection of the world's finest tequilas, cognacs and scotches – which can put you back anywhere from $600 a bottle to more than $7,500 – stacked all the way to the ceiling. Or, big spenders can request a premium shot ranging from $50 to $400 each. Diners can sink into red leather banquet seating along the walls, or at tables that have been hand-painted to mimic Mexican doors.

For those looking to put a little extra hair on their chest, Caliente Kitchen has a tequila club for true tequila lovers only. Work your way through each of Caliente’s 300 different types of tequilas, and your legacy will live on with your name hand-carved on Caliente’s vintage wooden walls.

Come for the fresh Mexican cuisine, including some novelty items like a mini piñata dessert for the kids (or smash it yourself with the provided mini hammer after a long day at the office). Happy Hour is daily from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., allowing customers to wash down $2 tacos with their choice of libation, but Caliente Wednesdays remain the night to see and be seen.

Bonus: If you’re on the Ave and need a quick bite, or are on the way to your car after an evening of drinks with friends, Caliente Kitchen has a late-night taco window open until 3 a.m.!



Caliente Kitchen - Open 365 days a year
11 a.m. - 2 a.m.
8 East Atlantic Ave
Delray Beach, Fl 33444
http://www.calientekitchen.net/