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Kalin’s feels like the kind of restaurant that is impossible to ignore. Perched on a prime corner of the Renaissance Marketplace, it practically waves at you as you pass by, whether you are walking, driving, or just wandering through the mall. Kalin’s has been part of Aruba’s dining landscape for years, first as a Palm Beach staple, and for the last three in its current home. For some reason, it took me far too long to finally sit down here, but timing is everything. When I did, I realized what I had been missing.
Kalin’s is more than a restaurant; it is a vibe. The corner location at the Renaissance Marketplace gives it visibility from every angle, but once you step in, the atmosphere does the heavy lifting. The space is lively but welcoming, with music and the kind of energy that makes a casual dinner feel like an event. Locals get a 15% discount on the bill, which is a nice bonus, but honestly, the real perk is the scene itself. Most nights there is live Latin music, and Fridays are dedicated to a full-on Mexican night.
Soon, they are turning things up a notch with a Despecho Bar, a concept straight from TikTok that has nothing to do with heartbreak. Picture loud music, rowdy sing-alongs, drinks in hand, and a room full of people leaning all the way in. To make it happen, Kalin’s is enclosing their indoor section, fully air-conditioning it, and shaping it into a late-night hub for music and fun. It is going to be a whole thing, and it is coming very soon.
The night started the way any good Mexican dinner should, with a margarita. Mine was the Jalapeño Margarita, a mix of tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, fresh jalapeño, and a tajín rim, garnished with rosemary. At $18, it set the tone with its balance of sweet, tart, and heat. The rosemary added a subtle aromatic layer. It was a drink that kept its promise: bright, refreshing, and just spicy enough to make me ask for a second round.
The first bite of the evening was the Pork Belly Ceviche. This dish deserves its own spotlight. The pork belly was crisp, almost chicharrón-like, and layered against a fresh mix of tomato, onion, cilantro, lime juice, and avocado. Every element tasted just-cut, with vegetables that snapped and citrus that tasted alive. The richness of the pork belly met the sharpness of the lime in a way that felt both indulgent and refreshing. It was one of those dishes you know you will order again before you have even finished the first round of chips.
Next came the Tortilla Soup, priced at $11. The tomato and onion broth, thickened by the tortillas themselves, had a body and warmth that surprised me. In the center was a tower of garnishes: more tortillas for crunch, sour cream, paisa cheese, avocado, and chile guajillo. On the side, a house-made habanero sauce arrived: smoky, citrusy, and fiery. It comes free with every dish, and I found myself adding it to almost everything. A sauce like that becomes part of the memory of the meal.
Then came the headliner: The Molcajete. To describe this dish as generous would be an understatement. It arrived in a hot stone bowl, the size and weight of which immediately set the table buzzing. Inside was a ranchera sauce made from tomato, garlic, and onion, bubbling around a combination of teak strips, chicken breast, chorizo, shrimp, and hunks of paisa cheese. Green onions, avocado, pico de gallo, guacamole, and refried beans rounded out the mix, with ten tortillas on the side. It is meant for two, but even then, it is a mountain. The staff told me only one person in the restaurant’s history has finished it solo. At $64, it feels like an event.
The other main I tried was the Spicy Crispy Octopus. Octopus has become a staple on many menus lately, but this one stood out for its seasoning. Fried in garlic, paprika, and chile de árbol butter, it had a crisp exterior that gave way to tender meat, with just enough spice to remind you of its Mexican roots. The plate came with mashed potatoes that tasted properly homemade and grilled vegetables sautéed in garlic and thyme butter. Simple, but no shortcuts.
$30
Dessert sealed the deal. Of course, I could not say no to Churros. These were thick, golden, and rolled in cinnamon, served with chocolate, caramel, and berry sauces for dipping. It is a simple, familiar dessert, but one that speaks to Kalins’ philosophy. Take something rooted in Mexican tradition and serve it with care, without shortcuts.
$11
To round things off, the owner himself, yes, the Kalín behind the name, was in the restaurant that night. Warm and attentive, he suggested I try something I had never even heard of: Nixta, a Mexican Licor de Elote. The bottle alone is a showstopper, shaped like an amber corn cob, but the flavor is what stays with you. The label describes it as roasted corn on the nose, with the sweet creaminess of atole and a finish of roasted nuts and dried fruit, and that is exactly what comes through. Neat, it is velvety, slightly sweet, and unlike anything I had ever tasted before. Over ice, it transforms, shifting into something closer to an amaretto, nutty and almond-like, with a clean finish. It was a fascinating, memorable pour and the ideal way to close the night.
Kalin’s is lively, generous, and deeply flavorful, just like the cuisine it celebrates. Come with friends, order big, split the molcajete, and leave room for churros. If you are a local, that 15% discount is the cherry on top of a very full plate, and if you are lucky, you may get a recommendation from Kalín himself to end the night with something unforgettable.
