Darrell P.
Yelp
AR & I arrived at 5pm on a Friday. I thought we'd beat the evening dinner rush - but to my surprise, the restaurant was already packed. When I mentioned how surprised I was by how busy the restaurant already was, the hostess shrugged and said matter-of-factly, "It's Friday." LOL (True.) Let's just say, Caló Kitchen + Tequila is clearly a popular spot! Lucky for the both of us, we were seated right away at a small corner table, just enough out of the way to people-watch and enjoy the view. It was a perfect spot: close enough to the bar to feel the energy, but not so close that we had to shout over it.
We were served complimentary chips, black bean dip, and salsa - all very tasty. When our chips ran low, our server Noah promptly brought us a fresh batch.
Photo - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ&select=htwHig9wXh_rt3ac2d34NA
Our order:
Guacamole ($16) Classic table-stakes guac done right - chunky avocado, lime, cilantro, onion, tomato and serrano pepper. The guacamole was well-seasoned, and served with fresh, warm chips. But at $16, it's competing with full entrées. No frills, no twists - just good guac at Beverly Hills prices.
Photo - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ&select=tvx4IinsQa_LjY1bY5dINA
Pork & Pineapple Tacos ($23.00) Three home-made corn tortillas, red rice, refried beans, cilantro, onions, and guacamole. A real highlight of the meal. The pork was juicy and deeply flavorful, contrasted nicely with bright, sweet chunks of pineapple. The tortillas were fresh and didn't fall apart, which is more than you can say for most tacos this dressed up. (Thumbs up)
Photo - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ&select=r-P_qNw_AWvRciqEfJaWmA
Calo' Combination - Three Item Combo ($27)
Carnitas Chile Relleno: Rich, perfectly crisped edges, with a melt-in-your-mouth interior.
Chicken Enchilada: Well-sauced, with a tangy verde that had just enough heat and a generous cheese pull.
Pork Tamale: Hearty, slightly dense, but well-seasoned and satisfying.
Altogether, the combo is a solid value if you want to try a little of everything.
Photo - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ&select=acNJE70M0OcjBOVpfIv0Cg
Tres Leches ($13) Moist, delicately sweet, and soaked just right - without turning into milk soup. It's a refined version of a comforting dessert, and the whipped cream topping added freshness. Still, $13 could get you half a birthday cake elsewhere.
Photo - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ&select=eX03hKsT-QK61Zq9G9XIZQ
Churros ($13) Crispy outside, soft on the inside - exactly what you want. Came with both vanilla ice cream, caramel, and whip cream (bonus!), and felt indulgent without being too greasy. Not destination-worthy on their own, but a great way to end the meal.
Photo - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ&select=tKsFw4mYSYR9nCU2ArGzqQ
Total: $100 (+tip)
The food was great but what really elevated the experience was the exceptional service from Noah. Attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable, he made sure everything ran smoothly without ever hovering. I would also like to note that there was never a moment where we sat with empty water cups - Noah made sure both of our glasses were always full. His recommendations and service made the evening even more enjoyable. Mahalo!
Calo Kitchen + Tequila delivers on bold flavors and clean execution, especially with pork and dessert dishes. It leans upscale in pricing - sometimes to eyebrow-raising levels, but you're rewarded with a polished atmosphere and consistent quality. Go for a splurge, special occasion, or when your avocado budget is unusually high. HA!
- Big Aloha!
Overall rating: 4 1/2 Stars (Rounding up)
Food: 5
Ambiance: 4
Service: 5
Value: 4