Fishbowl margaritas at Bleecker and Seventh
Caliente Cab has held down the corner of Seventh Avenue South and Bleecker Street, near Sheridan Square, for more than 40 years, and it remains open and busy. It is a festive, colorful West Village Mexican cafe built around one very specific idea: enormous, shareable margaritas. Eater profiled it as a local legend in 2025, and it still pulls a crowd of neighbors, students, and out-of-towners.
The kitchen turns out a broad Tex-Mex and regional Mexican menu, but the calling card is the drinks, especially the oversized ‘Gigante’ fishbowl margaritas that arrive looking like a group project. It is loud, colorful, and unpretentious, the kind of place you come to with friends rather than for a quiet dinner. Reservations are available through OpenTable, and it delivers as well.
The Happy Hour
The most reliable deal here is the weekly one: every Thursday, the signature Gigante margaritas are half off, which is a serious discount given their size. That deal is confirmed through the venue’s own posts and recent listings. Beyond Thursday, the bar is often described as running happy-hour specials, but exact daily times are not published consistently, so it is worth confirming the current weekday window with the restaurant before you go. Either way, Thursday is the night built for the margaritas.
The Room
Expect a big, colorful, high-energy room done up in bright Mexican decor, with a lively bar scene and plenty of tables for groups. It runs boisterous, especially on weekends and Thursday nights, so it is better suited to a fun night out than an intimate meal. Sidewalk and window seating add to the see-and-be-seen corner feel.
Who Caliente Cab Is For
| Occasion | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Margarita night with friends | Half-off Gigante fishbowl margaritas every Thursday make it a natural group outing. |
| Casual Tex-Mex dinner | A broad, crowd-pleasing menu and a festive room for an easy weeknight meal. |
| Birthday or celebration | The oversized shared margaritas and loud, colorful setting are built for a party. |
| West Village people-watching | A busy corner near Sheridan Square with window and sidewalk seats. |
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Caliente Cab FAQ
Does Caliente Cab have a happy hour?
Yes. The confirmed weekly deal is half-off ‘Gigante’ margaritas every Thursday. Additional daily specials are sometimes advertised, but exact weekday times are best confirmed with the venue.
Is Caliente Cab still open?
Yes. The West Village location at 61 Seventh Avenue South, at Bleecker Street near Sheridan Square, is open as of 2026. Former Murray Hill and Waverly Place locations have closed.
What is it known for?
Oversized fishbowl ‘Gigante’ margaritas and a festive, colorful Tex-Mex and regional Mexican menu. It has been a West Village fixture for over 40 years.
Can you make a reservation?
Yes. Reservations are available through OpenTable, and the restaurant also offers delivery for its menu.
Happy hour times and deals last verified June 2026. Details can change — confirm with Caliente Cab before visiting for a specific deal.