El Arsenal The Rum Box

4.6 (65)

$30 and under

International

8b-19 Calle Arsenal, Cartagena de Indias, Bolivar 130001

Make a reservation

El Arsenal The Rum Box

4.6

$30 and under

International

Getsemani

Make a reservation

2 people

Jun 4, 2026

7:00 PM

Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

Great for creative cocktails
Good for special occasions
Charming

Welcome to El Arsenal: The Rum Box — your happy place in Cartagena, a home-away from-home on vacation, where you can taste the rich and golden fruits of Colombia’s local liquors and rich, culinary traditions. An evening in The Arsenal: The Rum Box is as memorable for the smiling staff as the taste sensations on the table. There’s no more welcoming way to slide into a Caribbean groove. Tucked away in hip and happening Getsemaní, Colombia’s coolest neighborhood, this friendly drinking den has two nearby venues working in tandem to create superior culinary experiences and exceptional cocktails Send your with palate to heaven with the winning combination of a soothing shot of one of Colombia’s bevy of prize-winning rums paired with a cheeky side of award-wining organic chocolate. Don’t worry we won’t tell Chocoholics Anonymous!

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
International, Dining Bar, Caribbean
Hours of operation
Daily 12:00 pm–1:00 am
Contact
300 8110700
Website
https://elarsenaltherumbox.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Private party facilities
You can ask about our Rum and Chocolate Tasting. We try a minimum of 8 quality aged rums ranging from a few weeks old to 27 years. All of the rums have their own special qualities, some are shots, some are sippers and a few cocktails along the way throughout the experience we will be pairing said rums with Colombian chocolate and some local snacks

Location
8b-19 Calle Arsenal, Cartagena de Indias, Bolivar 130001
Neighborhood
Getsemani
Parking details
Public Lot
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Vegan, Wine

Experiences

Private Rum and chocolate Tasting
$103.43 per person
2 - 20 people
Multiple dates available
Our rum tastings take around two hours. We try a minimum of 8 quality aged rums ranging from a few weeks old to 27 years. All of the rums have their own special qualities so some are shots, some are sippers and we have a few cocktails along the way throughout the experience we will be pairing said rums with Colombian chocolate and some local snacks. Please keep in mind that this is meant to be a private and intimate experience and no one other than you and your guests will be added to it. Other than that we tell a few pirate tales, have some rums and some laughs. It’s very important to keep in mind that this is not a class, it’s just us having some drinks but you will learn quite a bit along the way. Durartion 1 hour and 45 min. It Costs COP325.000 Per person
Cartagena Corner: Hot sauces and Empanadas tasting
$68.96 per person
2 - 20 people
Multiple dates available
Inspired by the essence of an authentic Cartagena street corner and the warmth of a fried food table, it will transport you to the vibrant streets of the walled city, while enjoying some mini empanadas with costeñitas and agua de panela. In this exclusive activity, we invite you to discover the intensity and authenticity of Cartagena's cuisine through 10 artisanal hot sauces, carefully crafted with a blend of chilli peppers, fruits, and traditional regional recipes. From the mild and subtle to the bold and intense, each sauce increases in intensity, creating an opportunity to test your limits and embrace the challenge. Duration: 1 hour and 15 min. It costs COP $210.000
Cooking Class
$157.80 per person
1 - 20 people
Multiple dates available
An opportunity to discover various preparations that reflect the rich history of our local culture. Here, you will be able to experience the authentic flavors that are part of our daily life, that represent us and that have been passed down from generation to generation, accompanying us at every moment and place. In this class, you will not only learn to create these dishes with your own hands, but you will also take with you a little piece of Cartagena's history. We invite you to immerse yourself in this unique experience and enjoy each of these flavors, living the tradition and essence of our culinary culture to connect with the past and take with you an indelible memory of our beloved Cartagena. Duration: 3h

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

Plantain BasketsCOP 42,000.00
Plantain baskets filled with pork belly, hogao, sour cream and grated local cheese
Seared Tuna SteakCOP 55,000.00
Tuna steak encrusted in white and black sesame accompanied with an Asian mix and cherry tomatoes
Sauteed tenderloinCOP 51,000.00
Tenderloin with vegetables in a sauce of roasted paprika and sesame oil with crispy topping
MeatballsCOP 38,000.00
Made with beef and pork, bathed in Neapolitan sauce and parmesan cheese, served with a French bague􀆩e.
Carimañolas de QuesoCOP 31,000.00
Fried yuca infused with herbs stuffed with costeño cheese, served with a spicy costeño sour cream, onions and coriander. A local delicacy
Carimañolas de Chorizo COP 32,000.00
Fried yuca fri􀆩ers stuffed with chorizo served with spicy costeño sour cream, onions and coriander
Orzo al PestoCOP 38,000.00
Orzo pasta with pesto and bu􀆟farra -a local spicy sausage
Spicy OrzoCOP 35,000.00
Orzo pasta with Italian Neapolitan sauce and spicy pepper flakes crowned with roasted chorizos
Passion CevicheCOP 57,000.00
Corvina and shrimp ceviche, passion fruit, citrus, onions and farm herbs, with plantain crispy topping.
Fish CevicheCOP 49,000.00
Sea bass steak in cubes seasoned with salt, pepper and lime juice. White and red onions, sweet corn and coriander
Coconut cevicheCOP 55,000.00
Tuna ceviche with mild chili peppers, roasted coconut,citric fruits, onions and coconut milk.
Fried Green Tomatoes COP 28,000.00
Sliced green tomatoes with Emmental cheese, tarragon, and bread crumbs served with a local honey mustard
Fried Fish Ball COP 31,000.00
Deep fried meatballs made from fish mince served with asian mix and peanut sauce
Beef CarpaccioCOP 44,000.00
Beef tenderloin carpaccio bathed in spicy 􀆟toté sauce with hard Costeño cheese, accompanied by plantain chips and le􀆩uce "granitos de paz"

MAIN COURSES

BBQ Pork ChopsCOP 79,000.00
Pork chops prepared in a homemade chipotle BBQ bocadillo sauce and served with creole mashed potatoes and sauteed vegetables
Caribbean Filette COP 83,000.00
Beef filet bathed in chimichurri with french fries and garden salad.
Encrusted SalmonCOP 79,000.00
Salmon encrusted in nuts, topped with fermented honey bu􀆩er and basil, accompanied with creole mashed potatoes and sauteed vegetables
Sea Bass in Passion Fruit SauceCOP 71,000.00
Grilled sea bass bathed in a passion fruit reduction served with creole mashed potatoes and house salad
Fish Filet in a Mushroom and Prawn SauceCOP 82,000.00
Local Caribbean fish steak topped with shrimps and mushrooms accompanied with sauteed vegetables and mashed potatoes
Filets in Creole Sauce and Coconut JuiceCOP 82,000.00
Atlan􀆟c corvina bathed in Creole sauce of onion, tomatoes and coconut milk, French fries and fresh salad
Grilled Chicken El ArsenalCOP 54,000.00
Chicken breast served with Uchuva and Passion Fruit sauce and served with fries and sauteed vegetables
Grilled Chicken in Mushroom SauceCOP 58,000.00
Chicken breast topped with mushrooms sauce accompanied with sauteed vegetables and french fries
Salad "Granitos de paz"COP 51,000.00
With blue cheese covered grapes and almond crust, on fresh le􀆩uce, poached cherry tomato vinaigre􀆩e, topped with crispy leek.
Addi􀆟on of SalmonCOP 36,000.00
Addi􀆟on of Sauteed tenderloinCOP 32,000.00

COCTELES DE LA CASA

SummerangoCOP 46,000.00
Ron Blanco, Limón, Angostura bi􀆩er, Almíbar de mango y Salsa de mango picante
Sweet Chilli JulepCOP 55,000.00
Vodka, Limón, Ají dulce, albahaca y tónica
Coconut Cream DreamCOP 57,000.00
Ron añejo, crema de coco hecho en casa y espresso
Rum RougeCOP 47,000.00
Ron añejo, Vermut Rojo, almíbar de canela y canela ahumada.
Black PudinCOP 53,000.00
Infusión de chorizo en whisky escocés con syrup de tomillo, clara de huevo y limón
GaleraCOP 51,000.00
Tequila, almíbar de lulo picante y escarchado con sal de vino.
Gringo FlamingoCOP 45,000.00
Tequila blanco con pimienta rosada macerada,citricos macerados y notas herbales.
Patilla PinkCOP 45,000.00
Ginebra, pa􀆟lla, albahaca y zumo de limón
Té KillerCOP 47,000.00
Tiki Tequilla, Ron, Reducción de té frutos rojos y gotas amargas
VictoriaCOP 45,000.00
Ginebra Premium, guanabana, limoncello y agua de rosas
Yellow MellowCOP 49,000.00
Ron blanco, piña, maracuyá y hierba buena.
Mojito de LuloCOP 45,000.00
El clásico con un toque de lulo y gengibre
CalipsoCOP 40,000.00
Ron blanco, aguardiente, panela, gotas amargas de menta.
En FOURCOP 42,000.00
Ginebra, mora, anís, canela, limón.
Negroni Di JuanCOP 51,000.00
Ron Juan Valdez 8 años, campari, vermouth Rosso.
Tamarindo StarCOP 41,000.00
Ron oscuro, licor de menta, zumo de tamarindo y almíbar de canela
Passion RumCOP 46,000.00
Ron añejo infusionado con banana , maracuyá, almíbar de canela, vino tinto y hierbabuena.
Jalisco PinkCOP 46,000.00
Tequila, limón, sandía, sal de vino y albahaca.
CÓCTEL SIN ALCOHOL COP 35,000.00
SORPRÉNDEMECOP 66,000.00

What 65 people are saying

El Arsenal The Rum Box reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on all time ratings

4.5Food
4.7Service
4.4Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

65 Reviews

N
Nick
Unspecified1 review
5.0
Dined on March 10, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Just came here again and honestly, this place is still amazing. The customer service was great from the start. They were kind enough to accommodate my wife and me earlier than our original seating time, which we really appreciated. We were also welcomed so warmly with a shot of rum and some chocolate, which was such a nice touch. The drinks were just as good as we remembered from years ago, seriously delicious, and the food was just as great. If you get the chance to come here, definitely try the fried green tomatoes. I loved them. The orzo and the fish fillet w/ passion fruit sauce was also super good. I really can’t say enough good things about this place. What stood out to me most is that the service is still just as awesome as the first few times we came here. That kind of consistency really says a lot. They clearly know what they’re doing.
El Arsenal The Rum BoxResponded on March 12, 2026
Dear Nick, thank you so much for taking the time to share such a thoughtful review. It truly means a lot to us that after several years you decided to visit again and that your experience was just as memorable as you remembered. We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the warm welcome with rum and chocolate, as well as the cocktails and the dishes you mentioned. The fried green tomatoes, the orzo, and the fish fillet with passion fruit sauce are favorites for many guests, so it’s wonderful to know you enjoyed them too. Your words about the consistency of our service over the years mean a great deal to us, as it’s something we work hard to maintain every day. We look forward to welcoming you and your wife again on your next visit to Cartagena.
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O
Olivia Gold
Miami60 reviews
3.0
Dined on January 30, 2026
1. Overall 3
2. Food 1
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Service was great! They offered a free rum shot and chocolate with my food. I don’t really drink but it was still a nice experience. They also had a sign with my name on it for the table. I enjoyed the atmosphere & even the paper tablecloth and crayons to draw with. The food, however, was disgusting. I ordered fish balls which were served with some Asian themed peanut type sauce that tasted expired. I asked for a different sauce cause the fish balls themselves had literally no flavor. No seasoning, nopeppers, no onions, not even cilantro… just fish and balls. The main dish I ordered was fish fillet with creole sauce and coconut milk. It sounds good in theory but tasted like slop. The fries served with it were under cooked and no salt was added. The salad served with it would’ve been good, but they put too much salt in it. There was not a single food item that I ordered that was enjoyable ! It seems this is a great place for cocktails & rum tasting. I had a tamarind juice that was good. That’s it.
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F
Frances
London5 reviews
2.0
Dined on December 24, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 1
Ignore the photos. We were the only two people in the restaurant - I thought at first we must be in the wrong place but no. Our waiter was pleasant but that couldn’t change the atmosphere. Food was ok. Waiters were outside chatting. Generally Trip Advisor is a reasonable guide but on this occasion it was way way off the mark.
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V
Veruzca
Colombia1 review
5.0
Dined on December 12, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Tuve la oportunidad de disfrutar una experiencia verdaderamente excepcional en este restaurante, donde cada detalle está pensado para elevar la gastronomía colombiana a otro nivel. Desde el primer momento, el servicio se destacó por su calidez, precisión y excelencia, haciendo que toda la visita se sintiera especial. La propuesta gastronómica es impecable: platos cuidadosamente elaborados, equilibrados y llenos de sabor, que evidencian técnica, creatividad y profundo respeto por los ingredientes locales. Sin embargo, uno de los aspectos más memorables fue la cata de ron colombiano tipo exportación, maridado con chocolates artesanales elaborados por el propio restaurante. Estos chocolates, libres de conservantes y hechos con cacao de los Montes de María, llevan consigo una historia poderosa. Son producto de una región que alguna vez fue marcada por el conflicto, pero que hoy se transforma en un referente de calidad y orgullo, exportando uno de los mejores cacaos del país. Cada bocado no solo deleita, sino que también conecta con un viaje cultural y humano que realza la experiencia. En conjunto, el restaurante ofrece mucho más que una comida: brinda un recorrido sensorial cargado de identidad, tradición y maestría. Sin duda, un lugar que recomendaría a cualquier amante de la gastronomía que busque una experiencia única y memorable.
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A
Ana Gold
Mexico City25 reviews
5.0
Dined on December 12, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Nos atendieron muy bien, nos dieron varias cortesías. La comida es deliciosa y los tragos excelentes. Nos encantó el lugar
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I
Indira
Colombia2 reviews
5.0
Dined on December 11, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Nuestra experiencia en El Arsenal The Rum Box fue fantástica, llegué con parte de mi familia a celebrar el inicio de año y nos recibieron de la forma más cálida que puede existir… UN ABRAZO, tanta fue la energía que nos abrazamos entre todos, luego nos ubicaron en nuestra mesa la cual claramente estaba preparada para nosotros ya que tenía un cartel con mi nombre (me encantó este detalle), luego nos sorprenden con un maridaje de ron colombiano y una moneda de chocolate fabricado por ellos lo cual nos sorprendió ya que nunca había imaginado una mezcla similar… esto fue por parte de la casa y créeme nos motivó a probar otros rones!. de verdad 10/10, los cocteles de la casa, entradas y platos fuertes magníficos, toda una mezcla de sabores, los meseros que estuvieron durante mi reserva muy amables, amigables y sobre todo muy atentos a cada detalle, de todos los sitios que he visitado este nos hizo sentir como en casa, definitivamente súper recomendado. Volveremos!!!
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B
Bruquinildo
Colombia1 review
5.0
Dined on December 10, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Me encanto, muy rico todo los meseros dieron una excelente atención y la comida deliciosa recomiendo el pollo arsenal
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M
Michael
London5 reviews
1.0
Dined on November 12, 2025
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
Took reservation but wasn’t open. Closed when we arrived.
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M
Max
Naples7 reviews
1.0
Dined on November 6, 2025
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
The restaurant was closed, nobody told me, i could make the reservation
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P
Paul
Cumbria1 review
1.0
Dined on October 19, 2025
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
Opentable took the booking but the restaurant was closed!!!!!
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Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
International, Dining Bar, Caribbean
Hours of operation
Daily 12:00 pm–1:00 am
Contact
300 8110700
Website
https://elarsenaltherumbox.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Private party facilities
You can ask about our Rum and Chocolate Tasting. We try a minimum of 8 quality aged rums ranging from a few weeks old to 27 years. All of the rums have their own special qualities, some are shots, some are sippers and a few cocktails along the way throughout the experience we will be pairing said rums with Colombian chocolate and some local snacks

Location
8b-19 Calle Arsenal, Cartagena de Indias, Bolivar 130001
Neighborhood
Getsemani
Parking details
Public Lot
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Vegan, Wine

Make a reservation

El Arsenal The Rum Box

4.6

$30 and under

International

Getsemani

Make a reservation

2 people

Jun 4, 2026

7:00 PM

Experiences are available.

El Arsenal The Rum Box

Make a reservation

El Arsenal The Rum Box

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Dining areas

Additional information

Private Rum and chocolate Tasting

Cartagena Corner: Hot sauces and Empanadas tasting

Cooking Class

STARTERS

Plantain BasketsCOP 42,000.00

Seared Tuna SteakCOP 55,000.00

Sauteed tenderloinCOP 51,000.00

MeatballsCOP 38,000.00

Carimañolas de QuesoCOP 31,000.00

Carimañolas de Chorizo COP 32,000.00

Orzo al PestoCOP 38,000.00

Spicy OrzoCOP 35,000.00

Passion CevicheCOP 57,000.00

Fish CevicheCOP 49,000.00

Coconut cevicheCOP 55,000.00

Fried Green Tomatoes COP 28,000.00

Fried Fish Ball COP 31,000.00

Beef CarpaccioCOP 44,000.00

MAIN COURSES

BBQ Pork ChopsCOP 79,000.00

Caribbean Filette COP 83,000.00

Encrusted SalmonCOP 79,000.00

Sea Bass in Passion Fruit SauceCOP 71,000.00

Fish Filet in a Mushroom and Prawn SauceCOP 82,000.00

Filets in Creole Sauce and Coconut JuiceCOP 82,000.00

Grilled Chicken El ArsenalCOP 54,000.00

Grilled Chicken in Mushroom SauceCOP 58,000.00

Salad "Granitos de paz"COP 51,000.00

Addi􀆟on of SalmonCOP 36,000.00

Addi􀆟on of Sauteed tenderloinCOP 32,000.00

COCTELES DE LA CASA

SummerangoCOP 46,000.00

Sweet Chilli JulepCOP 55,000.00

Coconut Cream DreamCOP 57,000.00

Rum RougeCOP 47,000.00

Black PudinCOP 53,000.00

GaleraCOP 51,000.00

Gringo FlamingoCOP 45,000.00

Patilla PinkCOP 45,000.00

Té KillerCOP 47,000.00

VictoriaCOP 45,000.00

Yellow MellowCOP 49,000.00

Mojito de LuloCOP 45,000.00

CalipsoCOP 40,000.00

En FOURCOP 42,000.00

Negroni Di JuanCOP 51,000.00

Tamarindo StarCOP 41,000.00

Passion RumCOP 46,000.00

Jalisco PinkCOP 46,000.00

CÓCTEL SIN ALCOHOL COP 35,000.00

SORPRÉNDEMECOP 66,000.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Dining areas

Additional information

Make a reservation

El Arsenal The Rum Box

Make a reservation