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Truth be told, when it comes to international fare, Chicagoist often chows down on a Patio burrito. So, when we headed over to Caliente (3910 N. Sheridan) for some Latin fare, we were excited to break out of the microwave-meal rut. 
True to its name, Caliente was hot. As in stuffy. On the warm Friday night we dropped in, the restaurant’s air was thick and humid. The front door was open, but it proved to do little for circulation. And, although usually accepting credit cards, on the night Chicagoist dined, Caliente was cash only - which forced us to make an annoying trip to the ATM down the street.
The décor at Caliente is bright and festive. Yellow, orange, red and muraled walls covered in masks, metal mirrors and sunburst sculptures create a lively, but cozy atmosphere. Several dark wooden tables were scattered over the grey tiled floor. For secular Chicaogist, we couldn’t help but notice the religious candles (veladoras) on the tables and ornate crosses along the far back wall.
In its favor, the food at Caliente delivers. It’s authentic (tacos and enchiladas), but with a sophisticated flare. To start, Chicagoist ordered queso flameado, tequila-fired panela cheese and portabello mushroom served in a tortilla. The cheese was a rich and wonderful complement to the tender mushrooms. We played it safe with the tacos de pollo asado (grilled chicken breast tacos with lime), but were pleasantly surprised with the slightly spicy and citrus flavor, as well as the generous portions. And, although filling, our plate of goat cheese- and poblano-stuffed chicken breast, as recommended by our waitress, was licked clean. Our waitress was helpful and friendly, but between the spicy food and tropical climate, she had trouble keeping our water glasses full. 
We were tempted by the Mexican hot chocolate and flourless chocolate cake, but even our dessert-loving appetites were satiated. Entrees range from about $15 to $20. With a BYOB policy and no corkage fee, Caliente makes for a cost-conscious, but lovely meal.
Although we’re lukewarm on certain aspects of Caliente, it had enough in its favor that we’d stop by again. Maybe then, the thermostat will be fixed.
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I had a good first experience at Caliente back in the fall, but it is maddening to try to eat there on a regular basis. The restaurant is rarely open on time, and no one has answered the phone on the several occasions I've tried to order carryout. It's a shame because Lakeview needs more "non-burrito shack" latin dining.
The "sorry, no credit cards" sign has been up for at least three or four months now.
Yes, I second "Jeff"s disappointment. My wife and I have dined there twice and gotten carryout on a couple other occasions. At this point, I don't know if we'll go back.
We sweltered on one visit last year, and have also had trouble getting their staff to pick up the phone for carry out orders. One of the times we ordered carryout, I gave them five extra minutes before heading over and still wound up waiting at the door for more than twenty minutes. The food, while fine, is far from being a home run, even when factoring in the reasonable prices. I sort of think of it as "Platiyo East" at this point.
Caliente could be a great addition to the neighborhood, but unfortunately, it's as half baked as other recent new comers like the Italian and sushi places across the street.
What really sucks about this area is that almost all of the restaurants are underachievers. Right now, Rick's is the only place in the neighborhood that consistently delivers the goods.
Fornello's carry out is mistake prone, never timely and the food is mediocre at best.
Even the cheap burrito places aren't reliable. El Palmar is OK for the most part, although the last time we ordered guacamole, it was riddled with lettuce and was turning brown to boot.
We've given up on Michoachan because, besides the shitty food, they could NEVER get an order right or done on time. I once waited for 30 minutes for a burrito plate and two tostadas.
Pizza Rustica turns out solid pasta and the staff seems nice enough, but the pizza is terrible. It confounds me why it's received praise from some folks. Overall, it stands out for the neighborhood, which unfortunately isn't really saying much.
Katachi is likewise OK but even though they have been fairly competent the few times I've stopped in, they don't really excel either, at least compared to other sushi shops I could name.
TAC Quick is usually good for carry out. However, while the flavor and freshness of their food is generally very good, it seems like one trip in three finds one of us receiving a bad meal. Chicken with strange blue splotches marred my wife's last order.
Lastly, is it too much to ask to get a decent coffee and/or breakfast place in the vicinity? I want to support Emerald Cafe, but their coffee is, appropriately it seems, barely adequate and their baked goods need serious work. As for breakfast, there's nothing except for Holiday Club, for whom serving food that's actually hot is an impossible burden. Their coffee is also weaker than Bush's case for war in Iraq.
Although the "no credit cards" sign might have been up for three months, I too was also surprised when the waitress turned down my credit card. The measly hand written sign was barely visible on the door, especially when the door was being propped open to cool down the hot restaurant. Not to mention that if the sign has been up for three months now, isn't that reasonable time for the machine to be fixed?
I also want to complain about the choice of restaurants in that section of town. For what appears to be a nice, bustling neighborhood the choices of restaurants seem both bland and sometimes expensive. A good restaurant could really find an opportunity here!
However, Bar on Buena is pretty good. They also have a decent beer selection. The open summer atmosphere gives it even more of an appeal.