Patio dining at Cafe Caliente

 United States > California > Los Angeles

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Cafe Caliente is painted over the arched entrance to this restaurant in Olvera Street, and a striped awning covers the patio dining. Tuxedoed waiters mix with musicians, while a man in an embroidered shirt watches. Signage behind the musicians announces the featured players at the Cafe Caliente floorshow. White linens cover empty table set for service. Three women sit on a stone bench with the rooster shaped cocktail sign behind them.Cafe Caliente, opened in 1936 and designed by architect Wayne McAllister, was named after his earlier resort in Tijuana, Mexico called Agua Caliente. The restaurant was located in Olvera Street adjoining the Avilla Adobe and was rebuilt from the walls of Los Angeles' first bonded winery warehouse. The dining room accommodated 120 guests, not including temporary sidewalk seating and an outdoor patio that was used for summer parties.