
El Arsenal: The Rum Box
Experience Cartagena's finest rum and chocolate pairings at El Arsenal, home to the world's largest Colombian rum collection and exceptional cocktails...

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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El Arsenal: The Rum Box

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience Cartagena's finest rum and chocolate pairings at El Arsenal, home to the world's largest Colombian rum collection and exceptional cocktails.
"The cocktails were hands down the best cocktails I've ever had in my life. The meals were incredible."
Book a Private Tasting
Consider booking a private rum tasting session tailored to your tastes for a personalized experience.
Try the Cartagenera de Pescado
Don't miss trying this local favorite dish featuring fresh fish with Caribbean flavors.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
International/Colombian Fusion
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+57 300 8110700
Address
El Arsenal: The Rum Box 24, Calle Arsenal #8b-19, Cartagena de Indias, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
Website
elarsenaltherumbox.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Rum and Chocolate Pairing
Experience a unique rum and chocolate pairing that is both educational and delightful.

Exceptional Service
Enjoy exceptional service from friendly and knowledgeable staff members who enhance the dining experience.

Colombian Rum Collection
Home to the largest collection of Colombian rums globally, offering a taste of local liquors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book a Private Tasting
Consider booking a private rum tasting session tailored to your tastes for a personalized experience.
Try the Cartagenera de Pescado
Don't miss trying this local favorite dish featuring fresh fish with Caribbean flavors.
Visit on Weekdays
Visit during weekdays for potentially quieter evenings compared to weekends when it might get busier.
Ask for Wes or Alejandra
Request Wes or Alejandra as your guide for an enjoyable, funny, and knowledgeable rum tasting experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book a Private Tasting
Consider booking a private rum tasting session tailored to your tastes for a personalized experience.
Try the Cartagenera de Pescado
Don't miss trying this local favorite dish featuring fresh fish with Caribbean flavors.
Visit on Weekdays
Visit during weekdays for potentially quieter evenings compared to weekends when it might get busier.
Ask for Wes or Alejandra
Request Wes or Alejandra as your guide for an enjoyable, funny, and knowledgeable rum tasting experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
El Arsenal: The Rum Box is highly praised for its exceptional rum and chocolate pairings, unique cocktails, and delicious food. The staff consistently receives accolades for their friendliness, knowledge, and excellent service, even with language barriers. While the kitchen experienced an issue one night, the overall dining experience is described as magical and a must-visit in Cartagena.
"What a fantastic experience at The Rum Box!
We were warmly welcomed with a mini rum and chocolate pairing—a perfect start to the evening. The sharing platters were packed with flavor, each dish better than the last. After dinner, we were treated to a handcrafted rum chocolate made right in their own factory—a delicious touch! Sky, our waitress, was outstanding—knowledgeable, friendly, and happy to answer all our questions. This charming little gem in Cartagena is an absolute must-visit!"
Netty Yen
"If I’m ever back in Cartagena I would def visit this place again. The atmosphere and vibe is really nice. The drinks we ordered were great. We didn’t get to order much food as there was an issue in the kitchen that night but the sweet peppers were good. The rum and chocolate pairing was nice and informational as well.
This place is kid friendly as well, the bartender took my daughter and let her make her own n/a drink which I thought was really cute"
Giovanna Garcia
"We booked this rum tasting experience and it far exceeded our expectations. WES was our guide, and he was absolutely incredible funny, engaging, and extremely knowledgeable. He made the entire experience enjoyable from start to finish. If you’re considering booking, we highly recommend requesting WES . We’ll definitely be back and will be asking for him again! Also the chocolate and food there AMAZING!!!"
roisveli matos
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
It boasts the largest collection of Colombian rums globally and offers a unique rum and chocolate pairing experience.
Yes, many staff members speak excellent English, making communication easy for international visitors.
The 'Cartagenera de Pescado' is a local favorite, and shared platters are highly recommended.
Yes, private rum tasting sessions can be booked for a personalized experience.
Yes, the restaurant is kid-friendly, and staff are accommodating to younger guests.
Mentioned in
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If you’re looking for the best restaurant in Cartagena home from home on your Colombian vacation then El Arsenal : The Rum box is the one to visit. 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.Home to the biggest collection of Colombian rums in the world. Here you can taste the rich and golden fruits of Colombia’s local liquors and rich, culinary traditions.
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A special and romantic activity for the two of you to share is a tasting some rum and savoring on some Colombian chocolate. Hi Cartagena will book this unique experience for you and you will spend 2 hours with the rum master, Abraham at El Arsenal, The Rum Box. Here you will taste endless unique and special rums as shooters and sippers, get a true education on the history of rum and leave feeling tipsy, satiated and ready for another romantic evening in Carta.
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Ubicado en el barrio Getsemaní, El Arsenal es un restaurante que ofrece una fusión de cocina internacional y colombiana. Sencillamente espectacular, su entretenido ambiente y menú son apreciados por locales y turistas por igual. No puedes visitarlo sin probar su plato estrella, la «Cartagenera de Pescado», una preparación de pescado fresco con una mezcla de sabores caribeños que incluyen coco, plátano maduro y salsa de ají.
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Sanghrajka recommends rum tastings at El Arsenal with Abe, the owner. Meals, by the way, should be balanced out with plenty of dancing, and the travel expert advises newbies to follow the “Salsa Trail” during their honeymoon—it’s a fun way to interact with locals and travelers alike while learning the steamy dance in community centers around town. After all, a honeymoon in Cartagena is sure to produce great things.
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This little spot across from Cartagena’s Convention Center at the start of Calle El Arsenal in Getsemaní also offers up some unique cocktails. It’s a good place to do a rum tasting as well, as they have a number of lesser-known, hard to find Colombian rums. But even if you’re not a rum fan, there are other good mixes here as well, including some unique martinis.
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This best places to eat in Cartagena post would not be complete without including the number 1 restaurant and bar in Cartagena. The small, unassuming entrance leads you to simply delicious food and drinks. I got the sea bass in passion fruit sauce with creole mashed potatoes and a house salad and trust me, I had to exert full self-control not to lick the plate.
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Rum seems to be the most popular liquor in Cartagena (this is the Caribbean after all!), and El Arsenal: The Rum Box has a great selection of rums. Best of all, by the time you’re being seated you’re already being served a small tasting of rum and chocolate. Michael and I stayed for just one drink, but this would be a great place to hole up for the evening.
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El Arsenal: The Rum Box is an absolute standout among cocktail lounges in Cartagena for those who love rum. It is renowned for its large Rum selection The bar is a celebration of local and Caribbean flavor. As one of the top mixology bars in Cartagena, El Arsenal provides a carefully selected selection of rums, ideal for sampling and exploring.
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New to Cartagena’s bar scene, El Arsenal serves excellent cocktails and high-end rum in a super laid back, friendly atmosphere. Board games, great conversation and an awesome soundtrack are the perfect combination for an unforgettable night out at one of the most highly talked about bars in the city.
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El Arsenal: The Rum Box is a top bar in Cartagena, known for its sophisticated cocktails, with a focus on rum of course. Their Kennedy Martini is highly recommended, as is their drink with rum and cinnamon. They also have excellent food, be sure to try the grilled chicken and roasted peppers!
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The promising name of this bar hints at the tasty rums you can get here—aside from signature cocktails and other irresistible concoctions. The bearded, super-friendly owner Abe, regularly comes up with new recipes. So put your drink in his hands and ask him to surprise you.
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Without a doubt our favorite meal in Cartagena was at El Arsenal, The Rum Box. Make a reservation online to ensure you get in. You are treated to a free sample of rum when you sit down and they conclude the meal with chocolate samples, which are made in house.
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Ciudad: Callejón de los Chivos (cerca de Cartagena), Carrera 24 # 8B-19 | Calle Del Arsenal, Cartagena 130003, Colombia, Callejón de los Chivos. Carta es la plataforma popular para restaurantes y sus menús con fotos, precios, opiniones y mucho más!
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Where: Carrera 24 # 8B-19 Calle Del Arsenal, Cartagena 130003 Colombia. El Arsenal: The Rum Box occupies the top spot on Trip Advisor’s round-up of Cartagena’s best restaurants. Looking at some of the reviews, it’s not hard to see the attraction.
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El Arsenal: The Rum Box is a bar and grill in the Getsemani area. It has great prices and excellent food and drinks. Book a private rum tasting or show up on a weeknight for a relaxing evening.
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There’s also El Arsenal: The Rum Box and El Baron, two ground-level cocktail bars with drinks on par with anything in New York. And you can dance salsa until sunrise at Café Havana.
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El Arsenal is known for its charming location, great service, and delicious food. It has quickly made its place among the best restaurants in Cartagena.
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