1. In Situ: Kalimocho
The Colonial Zone has yet another reason to prove why it’s a
cultural gem, with the opening of the unique “Kalimocho”, a
musical bar that has everything. The idea originated in November
2010, when six brotherly friends had the common dream to open a
spacious place with unforgettable pop décor and a first class
service, which would become a wonderful compliment to the
artistic mysticism of the old city.
By: José Manuel Taveras
Photography: Jeffrey Rodríguez
Coordinates
Address: Mercedes 321, Zona Colonial
Phone Numbers: 809-685-5831 and 1-809-657-4030 for
reservation
Opening Hours and days: From 7PM, Tuesdays to Sundays
Targeted towards a contemporary adult audience, which didn’t
exist at that moment in the colonial zone, “Kalimocho” was born
with the necessity of having the first place, in this part of town, that
would exclusively serve Tapas. The brief, but nonetheless,
exquisite gastronomical menu includes delicious risotto spheres,
unforgettable Serrano ham and Manchego cheese croquettes,
small conch empanadas, crab and goat mini “baskets”, cured
sausages, and of course, the classic and homely Spanish tortilla,
which couldn’t be left out, due to the fact that the name
“Kalimocho” comes from a traditional Spanish drink.
The famous motherland potion, made up of wine and coca cola, is
obviously the house drink, which is also sold in a liter jar. The bar
itself and its design, inspired by the legendary and influential pop
art master Andy Warhol, was a group idea thought up by Tomás
Báez and Hiram Maltés. Besides including images of the great
visionary, the place also has a big photography entitled: “El
Kalimocho”, by the artist Alejandro Nuñez. Other sensational
elements, like mirrors, antiques and a frame of music albums with
images of the owners’ favorite musicians, surrounded by an LCD
screen that plays music videos and concerts, are sure to please
the customer into having a very good time.
The minute one walks in, tall tables with modern red chairs and a
green couch stand out. Located on the right hand is the bar, which

2. has a very elegant illumination that brings out such details, like an
old wooden logo of “Kalimocho”; but the experience does not stop
there, because by going into the back, we notice how much
diversity this bar has to offer. When stepping out into this area,
some ironic and original swings can be seen by a red hall, which
suits the tone of “Kalimocho” perfectly. The space is ideal for the
type of people that want to feel relaxed and having a conversation
while savoring Tapas.
Keeping up the tradition of reminding their customers about their
passion for the arts and popular culture, the exterior walls are
defined with diverse murals created by the Ramona collective; In
between the works of art, people can appreciate an anime style
rocker, which reminds us of certain eighties cartoons that
described the future from the perspective of the past; an attitude
that goes like bread and butter with Kalimocho’s intentions and the
owners’ personalities, who by the way, have also been sketched in
one of the murals to reflect their eternal brotherhood. The purpose
of dividing the place in two environments, lounge in the backyard
and bar in the front part, is to please all possible tastes.
The music playlist does not disappoint in a place that highly
celebrates the art form with their décor. “Kalimocho” is superior in
its great taste and love for melodies that have defined generations.
This trait comes from the very same founders, who have always
been dedicated musicologists of diverse genres, such as Britpop,
heavy rock, old skool hip hop, ska, acid jazz, pure jazz, and indie
rock. As part of its repertoire and tongue in cheek attitude, every
night, the journey is closed with the José José cover version of
“New York, New York”.
The bar is actually, the perfect place to celebrate birthdays and in
the future, it hopes to attract audiences with live concerts, which
will make “Kalimocho” a very complete proposition. It is the
essential synonym to describe a memorable evening in a warm,
friendly and cultured spot. That’s what “Kalimocho” is.