Gastronomic Experience at El Arsenal: The Rum Box

The Best Restaurant in Cartagena.

There are 793 restaurants in Cartagena on TripAdvisor and El Arsenal: The Rum Box is #1.

Looking for a different experience in Cartagena?

At El Arsenal: La Caja del Ron, we offer you a unique sensory experience with rum tastings, artisanal chocolate and typical Caribbean cuisine. Located in the heart of Getsemaní, we are the ideal place to dine, toast and celebrate.

Experience the Best of Cartagena: Flavors and Unforgettable Moments in Getsemaní

Looking for unique things to do in Cartagena? Dive into a sensory experience in the heart of Getsemaní, the city’s most vibrant and authentic neighborhood. Our restaurant is more than just a place to eat, it's a space where flavors, culture, and meaningful encounters come together.

From toasting with handcrafted rums to enjoying warm, colorful surroundings full of history, here you'll discover the very best of Cartagena in every detail. This is one of those must-do experiences in Cartagena: the perfect blend of cuisine, cozy atmosphere, and the living essence of the Caribbean.

Perfect for those looking for special things to do in Cartagena, this space is ideal for sharing, enjoying, and letting yourself be carried away by the flavors of the Caribbean. Each visit is a journey filled with taste, history, and emotion simply the best of Cartagena.

What People Are Saying About us

About Us

Who We Are

Welcome to The Arsenal: The Rum Box, your happy place in Cartagena. Here, you’ll feel at home while discovering the authentic flavors of Colombia: handcrafted spirits and rich culinary traditions.

An evening at The Rum Box is unforgettable not just for the bold, vibrant flavors, but for the warm smiles and energy of our team. There’s no better way to slip into the Caribbean rhythm.

Feel the Caribbean Spirit

As comforting as a sip of Ron Parce the world’s finest rum, The Arsenal: The Rum Box is more than a restaurant: it’s Cartagena’s number one gastrobar.

Founded in 2015 by Abraham Dau, our mission is to revolutionize local hospitality and showcase the spectacular rum culture of Colombia.

Tucked away in the heart of Getsemaní Cartagena’s coolest and most colorful neighborhood our cozy rum bar is a true gem. We operate two sister venues, located just steps from each other, working together to serve top-tier culinary experiences and exceptional cocktails.

Join us for a sensory journey of flavor, culture, and Caribbean joy.

Free Hugs at the Door

Even in times of social distancing, everyone gets a (metaphorical) hug the moment they arrive at The Arsenal: The Rum Box. From the very first moment, we’ll wrap you in a warm, delicious, and joyful sensory experience that feels just like home.

Feel the Caribbean hospitality from our Rum Box family, sip on refreshing cocktails, and indulge in some of the finest culinary creations in Cartagena.

Local Flavors, Elevated

Chef Abraham Dau and his talented team set out to exceed expectations, crafting a menu inspired by Colombia’s most traditional dishes all reimagined with a gourmet twist that delights the palate.

Paired with our signature cocktails, every bite and every sip is designed to make your night unforgettable.

A Paradise for Cocktail Lovers

For cocktail connoisseurs, this is your spot. The Rum Box is the mecca of rum in Cartagena, home to the world’s largest collection of Colombian rums.

Treat your taste buds to a heavenly pairing: a smooth, award-winning Colombian rum and an exquisite piece of organic, prize-winning chocolate.

Don’t worry, we won’t tell Chocolate Addicts Anonymous.

Things to Do in Cartagena: Live a Truly Local Experience

Looking for the best things to do in Cartagena? Discover unforgettable moments with El Arsenal: The Rum Box. From sensory tastings to authentic local flavors, this is more than just a visit it's a deep dive into Cartagena’s soul.

Book your experience and feel the real Cartagena.

Treat Yourself —Try Our Rum Tasting.

Sip on the nectar of the Gods with a premium rum tasting that walks you through the history and brewing processes of Colombia’s most prized alcoholic exports.

Visit Us

El Arsenal: The Rum Box Calle Arsenal #8b-19, Cartagena de Indias, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia

Hours
Mon to Sat: 12:00 - 1:00
Sun & Holidays: 12:00 - 1:00

Phone
+57 300 811 0700

 

GET TO KNOW OUR MENU

—  STARTERS —

Food designed for sharing. The best evenings in Cartagena start here.

— Plantain Baskets —

Plantain baskets filled with pork belly, hogao, sour cream and grated local cheese

COP 42,000

— Seared Tuna Steak —

Tuna steak encrusted in white and black sesame accompanied with an Asian mix and cherry tomatoes

COP 55,000

— Sauteed tenderloin —

Tenderloin with vegetables in a sauce of roasted paprika and sesame oil with crispy topping

COP 51,000

— Meatballs —

Made with beef and pork, bathed in Neapolitan sauce and parmesan cheese, served with a French baguette.

COP $38,000

— Beef Carpaccio—

Beef tenderloin carpaccio bathed in spicy titoté sauce with hard Costeño cheese, accompanied by plantain chips and lettuce "granitos de paz"

COP $44,000

— Carimañolas de Queso —

Fried yuca infused with herbs stuffed with costeño cheese, served with a spicy costeño sour cream, onions and coriander. A local delicacy

COP $31,000

— Carimañolas de Chorizo —

Fried yuca fritters stuffed with chorizo served with spicy costeño sour cream, onions and coriander

COP $32,000

— Orzo al Pesto —

Orzo pasta with pesto and butifarra -a local spicy sausage

COP $38,000

— Spicy Orzo —

Orzo pasta with Italian Neapolitan sauce and spicy pepper flakes crowned with roasted chorizos

COP $39,000

— Passion Ceviche —

Corvina and shrimp ceviche, passion fruit, citrus, onions and farm herbs, with plantain crispy topping.

COP $57,000

— Fish Ceviche —

Sea bass steak in cubes seasoned with salt, pepper and lime juice. White and red onions, sweet corn and coriander

COP $49,000

— Coconut ceviche —

Tuna ceviche with mild chili peppers, roasted coconut,citric fruits, onions and coconut milk.

COP $55,000

— Fried Fish Ball—

Deep fried meatballs made from fish mince served with asian mix and peanut sauce

COP $31,000

— Fried Green Tomatoes —

Sliced green tomatoes with Emmental cheese, tarragon, and bread crumbs served with a local honey mustard

COP $28,000

MAIN COURSES

— BBQ Pork Chops —

Pork chops prepared in a homemade chipotle BBQ bocadillo sauce and served with creole mashed potatoes and sauteed vegetables

COP $79,000

— Caribbean Filette —

Beef filet bathed in chimichurri with french fries and garden salad.

COP $83,000

— Encrusted Salmon —

Salmon encrusted in nuts, topped with fermented honey butter and basil, accompanied with creole mashed potatoes and sauteed vegetables

COP $79,000

— Sea Bass in Passion Fruit Sauce —

Grilled sea bass bathed in a passion fruit reduction served with creole mashed potatoes and house salad

COP $71,000

— Fish Filet in a Mushroom and Prawn Sauce —

Local Caribbean fish steak topped with shrimps and mushrooms accompanied with sauteed vegetables and mashed potatoes

COP $82,000

— Filets in Creole Sauce and Coconut Juice —

Atlantic corvina bathed in Creole sauce of onion, tomatoes and coconut milk, French fries and fresh salad

COP $82,000

— Grilled Chicken El Arsenal —

Chicken breast served with Uchuva and Passion Fruit sauce and served with fries and sauteed vegetables

COP $54,000

— Grilled Chicken in Mushroom Sauce —

Chicken breast topped with mushrooms sauce accompanied with sauteed vegetables and french fries

COP $58,000

— Salad "Granitos de paz" —

With blue cheese covered grapes and almond crust, on fresh lettuce, poached cherry tomato vinaigrette, topped with crispy leek.

COP $51.000

Addition of Salmon

COP $36.000

Addition of Sauteed tenderloin

COP $32.000

ASK ABOUT OUR LEGENDARY COLOMBIAN RUM & CHOC TASTING

GET TO KNOW OUR DRINKS

—  COCKTAILS —

SIGNATURE COCKTAILS

- Summerango -

White Rum, Lemon, Angostura bitter, Mango syrup and Spicy Mango Sauce

COP $46,000

- Vicherizo -

Viche, passion fruit, ginger, rosemary, amaretto and corozo

COP $45,000

— Sweet Chilli Julep —

Vodka, lime, sweet chilli, basil and tonic

COP $55,000

— Coconut Cream Dream —

Rum, homemade coconut cream, espresso

COP $57,000

— Rum Rouge —

Dark rum, red vermouth, cinnamon and smoked cinnamon

COP $47,000

— Black Pudding —

Sausage infused scotch whisky, thyme syrup, egg white and lime

COP $53,000

— Galera —

Tequila, spicy lulo syrup frosted with red wine salt.

COP $51,000

— Gringo Flamingo —

white tequila,pink peppercorn,citrics fruit and herbal notes.

COP $45,000

— Patilla Pink —

Gin, watermelon, lime, and basil

COP $49,000

— Té Killer —

Tiki tequila, rum, red fruit tea reduction, and bitters.

COP $47,000

— Yellow Mellow —

Rum, pineapple, orange, passion fruit, and peppermint.

COP $49,000

— Lulo Mojito —

The classic mint mojito with a touch of lulo and ginger.

COP $45,000

— Calipso —

White rum, aguardiente, sugar cane, mint bitters, anise and absinthe spritz.

COP $42,000

— En FOUR —

Gin, blackberry, anise, cinnamon, lemon.

COP $45,000

— Negroni Di Juan —

(8 years Juan Valdez Rum, Campari, and Vermouth)

COP $51,000

— Tamarindo Star —

Dark rum, mint liqueur, tamarind and cinnamon

COP $41,000

— Passion Rum —

Banana infused aged rum, passion fruit, cinnamon syrop, red wine spritz and peppermint.

COP $46,000

— Jalisco Pink —

Tequila, lemon juice, watermelon, wine salt and basil.

COP $46,000

— MOCKTAIL —

COP $35,000

— BARTENDER CHOICE —

COP $66,000

HOUSE SHOTS

— Chocolate Cake —

Coconut cream blend infused with rum and whisky served with Club Colombia stout beer

COP $37,000

— Trapiche Reserva —

Pinot noir (Argentina).

COP $269.000

— Joel Gott —

Pinot noir (California).

COP $410.000

— Santa Helena —

Carmenere (Chile).

COP $330.000

— Santa Carolina Reservado Chile —

Merlot.

COP $170.000

— Wines —

RED WINE

"These wines are not sold by the glass."

— Los Intocables (Barricas de Bourbon) —

Malbec (Argentina).

COP $340.000

— Alma Mora —

Malbec (Argentina).

COP $258.000

— La Celia Reserva —

Malbec (Argentina).

COP $258.000

— Finca Las Moras —

Malbec (Argentina).

COP $180.000

— Yellow Tail —

Shiraz (Australia).

COP $196.000

— La Celia Reserva —

Cabernet Sauvignon (Argentina).

COP $380.000

— Finca Las Moras —

Cabernet Sauvignon (Argentina).

COP $180.000

— Los Intocables (Barricas de Bourbon) —

Cabernet Sauvignon (Argentina).

COP $326.000

— La Celia Pioner —

Cabernet Sauvignon (Argentina).

COP $395.000

— Leyda Reserva —

Savignon Blanc (Chile).

COP $410.000

— Navarro Correa —

Sauvignon Blanc (España).

COP $258.000

— Cousiño Macul Don Luis —

Chardonnay (Chile).

COP $340.000

WHITE WINE

"These wines are not sold by the glass."

— Finca Las Moras —

Chardonnay (Argentina).

COP $326.000

— Alma Mora —

Chardonnay (Argentina).

COP $335.000

— Michael Torino —

Torrentes (Argentina).

COP $170.000

— Muga Rioja —

Viura, Garnacha blanca y malvasía de Rioja (España).

COP $420.000

— Ramón Bilbao —

Verdejo (España).

COP $258.000

ROSÉ WINE

"These wines are not sold by the glass."

— Cousiño Gris Macul —

Cabernet Sauvignon (Chile).

COP $238.000

— Finca Las Moras —

Syrah Rose (Argentina).

COP $180.000

— La Celia —

Rose (Argentina).

COP $190.000

CUPS

- Rosaleda -

Merlot

COP 25,000

- Rosaleda -

Sauvignon Blanc

COP 25,000

BEER

—  BBC CAJICA MIEL  —

COP $17,000

THE BEST RUM AND CHOCOLATE TASTING IN THE WORLD

RUM & CHOCOLATE

Enjoy a gastronomic tour of the country's diverse regions on a fun-filled journey through Colombia.

Savor the rich, golden fruits of Colombia's finest spirits with an extra special masterclass that fits perfectly into your evening vacation schedule.

This comprehensive workshop will transport you from your bar stool to the coast and mountains of Colombia with a delicious selection of national rums and chocolates.

A deep dive into the rum culture of the Caribbean, replete with historical knowledge and culinary traditions of Cartagena and the Caribbean.

What’s Included?

  • Tastings last around 1 hour and 45 minutes.

  • The tasting includes the chance to savor 8 rums paired with some sweet and savory treats.

  • On this informative and fun experience you not only get to taste the difference between Colombia’s top rums and savor the country’s organic chocolate treats you will also learn about the origin and the process of making each rum.

Rum & Chocolate: A Journey of Irresistible Flavors

Imagine exploring Colombia through its most refined and bold flavors. This one-of-a-kind experience blends craft rum and local chocolate in a tasting that awakens all your senses.

Discover what to do in Cartagena while enjoying an experience that blends tradition, taste, and culture in every sip and bite.

Book a Rum Tasting

To book a rum tasting, please make your reservation at least 24 hours in advance.
Send us an email at elarsenalctg@gmail.com with the following information:

  • Number of guests (minimum of two)

  • Preferred date and time

  • Preferred language

We will send you a confirmation email if your requested time slot is available.

You can also call or send us a message on WhatsApp at: +57 300 811 0700

Reserve Your Experience at El Arsenal

Enjoy an unforgettable dinner in the heart of Getsemaní

Select the date, time, and number of guests to book your table.

  • Savor a night full of flavor, music, and unforgettable moments.

  • Large group? We’ve got special options just for you